Project: “Don’t Blow It” through the power of hand embroidered handkerchiefs!

06 Jun Project: “Don’t Blow It” through the power of hand embroidered handkerchiefs!

Photograph by Robin Prime

Your local MP probably gets dozens, if not hundreds of letters and emails urging them to consider all sorts of important issues. But how often do they get given a hand-stitched hanky? Probably not very often!

In this project, craftivists embroider personal and timeless messages on handkerchiefs for influential people – not just politicians but business people, religious leaders and so on – encouraging them to use their power and influence to make a positive difference. Plus it’s a great way to build up a relationship with them to keep encouraging them to be their best selves. 

Photograph by Robin Prime of the hanky Craftivist Sarah C gave to her MP

You could also stitch a hanky for a friend, family member or even a stranger, to encourage them to be the change they want to see in the world. Our kits have message suggestions for MPs, Teachers, Religious Leaders and even Bankers.

Don’t Blow It craftivism kit

We hope that they keep their handmade hanky to help motivate them to show their love for our global neighbours and the environment, and to act to help rather than harm them. 

You can buy a ‘Don’t blow it!’ hanky kit through our shop – all profits go to help sustain and grow the Craftivist Collectives activities to engage people in craftivism and support vulnerable people in the world – and we have an instruction video for you to follow too, if you should need it. 

We would love you to take a photo of your completed hanky (ideally with the person you give it to!)  and email us a short blog (we call My Craftivism with questions to fill in)  about the encouraging message you stitched, who you chose to give it to and why. That way we can share it with fellow craftivists and supporters, to encourage them to do the same.

Don’t Blow It craftivism kit contents

You might not think that this is project is going to have any impact but we asked Tristan Humphreys who is a Political Campaigner for Oxfam and he said about our project:

“Get your political campaigning right and you can be on the fast track to change. Its for this reason I’m delighted that ‘Don’t Blow it’ campaign is encouraging people to take a positive and creative approach to lobbying their local MPs. Not only does it offer an exciting and enjoyable way to get involved in political campaigning but it also provides an effective and sustainable model for engaging with politicians in the future.”

Sarah & her hanky

All images in this blog by photographer Robin Prime

Craftivist Collective is a social enterprise that relies on your support! If you enjoyed this blog post, please comment, share or repost. 

Do visit our shop too, where all profits support the work of Craftivist Collective. You can also donate via Paypal. 

If you would like to write a guest post for the Craftivist Collective blog, email us at hello@craftivist-collective.com