Craft practiced as activism: yarn bombing, protest quilts, embroidered banners and knitted emblems that carry a message precisely because someone made them slowly by hand. The word joins craft and activism, and the practice draws on much older traditions of political needlework. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Facts
OriginThe term was coined in 2003 by the writer Betsy Greer 1 FAQs
Who coined the word craftivism?
The writer Betsy Greer, in 2003.
The word craftivism, joining craft and activism, was coined in 2003 by the writer Betsy Greer. The practice itself, using yarn bombing, protest quilts, embroidered banners and knitted emblems to carry a message, draws on much older traditions of political needlework that predate the word.
Connections
Associated With
Embroidery, Crafts Embroidery is named directly among the domestic-arts techniques craftivism draws on, and the article documents embroidered protest banners as a craftivist form.
Additional Source Craftivism (Wikipedia)Methods section, on domestic-arts techniques
Knitting, Crafts Knitted yarn-bombing is documented as one of craftivism's own named practices.
Additional Source Craftivism (Wikipedia)Methods section, on needlework forms and yarn-bombing
Quilting, Crafts Quilting is named directly among the domestic-arts techniques craftivism draws on.
Additional Source Craftivism (Wikipedia)Methods section, on domestic-arts techniques
A mended patch worn openly is its own small protest against disposable clothing.
Source Visible Mending (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Craftivism (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationBackground section, on Betsy Greer's coinage
The term craftivism was coined in 2003 by writer Betsy Greer in order to join the separate spheres of craft and activism.
Background section, on craftivism's meaning
craftivism is a way of looking at life where voicing opinions through creativity makes your voice stronger, your compassion deeper and your quest for justice more infinite
Associated With: Knitting, Methods section, on needlework forms and yarn-bombing
Craftivism includes, but is not limited to, various forms of needlework including yarn-bombing or cross-stitch.
Associated With: Quilting, Methods section, on domestic-arts techniques
Much of the practice draws on techniques historically classified as the domestic arts, inclusive of sewing, quilting, embroidery, and other forms of handwork.
Associated With: Embroidery, Methods section, on domestic-arts techniques
Much of the practice draws on techniques historically classified as the domestic arts, inclusive of sewing, quilting, embroidery, and other forms of handwork.
View the Source The Rise of Craftivism (The Globe and Mail)
The Globe and MailFeature article, paragraph naming Betsy Greer's 2003 coinage during a shared book tourQuote, Feature article, paragraph naming Betsy Greer's 2003 coinage during a shared book tour
It was Greer who coined the term "craftivism" in 2003 and her new book shares a title with the portmanteau.
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