Presenting our “Tools for Changemakers” collaboration

10 Dec Presenting our “Tools for Changemakers” collaboration

I’m very proud to finally share this new collaboration I’ve been working on for just over a year with the inspiring Sophie Howarth (pictured below with me playing Cat’s Cradle with our thread). Sophie, the co-founder of The School of Life has just launched her own business called Department Store for the Mind, selling products that are “thought provoking and soul stretching”. It was such an honour when she asked me to be one of the first collaborators in her new company and we came up with…. “Tools for Changemakers“. 

 

We both agree that physical objects can be such powerful tools to help us all strive to be the best versions of ourselves and good global citizens helping not harming our world. For example, our craftivism Footprint kits people stitch are for people to keep as a reminder of how every step we take has an impact so let’s live intentionally and ethically to leave a positive imprint on our world. And our Crafter-thought notebook  is hopefully a useful tool to remember that craftivism is much more than just making: it’s about the thought behind the action. I love hearing and seeing what people have written down whilst they are in the act of meditative stitching and reflecting on our ‘crafter-thought’ questions that are included in each kit.They’re seeds from which our learning and understanding of the world grows. Each one we jot down empowers us to be more effective in all that we do.
Sophie read my A Little Book of Craftivism over a year ago now and asked me to be her first collaborator. 

After months of brainstorming, critical thinking and tweaking colours, words, fonts and even paper stock and fabric, we are so happy with our products and hope you find them useful too. 

Sophie explains why she wanted to work with Craftivist Collective: 

“Sarah has such a gentle yet powerful approach to activism, and life. I love that her work joins the dots between awareness, gentleness and social change. You need self compassion to do anything positive in this world. I really wanted the collaboration to tap into Sarah’s strength and supportive nature. That’s how we came up with Tools for Changemakers – little physical talismans to remind people, ever so softly, to and keep on at their goals, lovingly, relentlessly.”

all three products on table
Craftivists receive 15% off all orders with the code ‘mindfulcraftivist’ at Department Store for the Mind

 

A thread you follow £5.00

A bobbin’s worth of guidance

my hand with red thread facebook banner web copy

All of us lose our thread from time to time. This bobbin of fine quality embroidery thread is designed to help you stay true to yourself, feeling your core amid the circus of other people’s expectations and demands. As the thread unravels, the following poem appears. 

There’s a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can’t get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt or die;
and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.
You don’t ever let go of the thread.

– William Stafford (1914-1993)

 

Scissors for shaping the future £10.00

Cut swiftly through red tape

scissor pack in hand web copy

Another world is possible – if we have courage, integrity and a decent pair of scissors. With these in your pocket, you’ll always have a little extra strength, perseverance and hope – to help you do what needs to be done, especially if it involved cutting through red tape. Buy here

 

Ten gentle nudges £10.00

Woven labels to keep your spirit strong

We’ve made these woven labels to keep your conscience sharp and your spirit strong. Sew one on your sleeve, pin one to your noticeboard, keep one in your diary, tie on to your keyring, and give one away. Let them give you a little extra strength, perseverance and hope, whatever your task.

SOLIDARITY NOT SYMPATHY
GOOD INTENTIONS ARE JUST THE START
TOUGH MIND, TENDER HEART
USE HEAD, HEART AND HANDS
LISTEN TO PEOPLE YOU DISAGREE WITH

 

Stitched Manifesto £20.00

A manifesto for holistic working

poster on table landscape web copy

297 x 420mm poster. Hand finished with a red embroidery stitch by Sarah Corbett, founder of the Craftivist Collective. 

Use your head to make good judgments. 
Use your heart to lead with passion. 
Use your hands to stay practical.

1Comment
  • Sue Lines
    Posted at 17:47h, 05 February Reply

    Hello Sarah,
    Thanks to your Forethought programme on Radio 4 a little group of us have been inspired to start a Craftivism group in North Herts. We have most of the materials we need. Do we need to do anything special to be part of the Craftivist Collective? We would like to ‘own’ our efforts but we can’t find the beautiful Craftivist Collective labels in the Craftivist shop. Is this because we need to sign up somewhere?
    We made beautiful Christmas tree baubles in crochet and appliqué for the councillors on the Climate Panel to start a conversation with them. We are now thinking hard about our next project!

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