What do you think?
Rate this book
Crafting a Better World: Inspiration and DIY Projects for Craftivists: A Dynamic Craft Book with Hands-On Projects, Learn to Make Art that Makes a Difference
184 pages, Hardcover
Published September 10, 2024
49 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 22, 2024
I was scrolling through Instagram when a post caught my eye. Words had been embroidered on a vintage handkerchief.
I have a massive handkerchief collection. I love quotes and words on textiles and quilts. And what cinched my interest was the political message on the handkerchief. I had to know more.
I discovered that the crafter had a book coming out and it was on NetGalley, and I requested it. I waited on pins and needles for approval. Did they check my bio? Did they know I was a quilter?
I got the egalley and sped through the pages, excited by the possibilities.
I have included subtle political messages in my quilts for decades. The last block on my embroidered President’s quilt is “Hanging Chad.”
Diana Weymar’s first project was a needlepoint seat cover which she embroidered with “I am a stable genius.” “I knew immediately that it was great material: garish, ridiculous, delusional, horrifying, and hilarious,” she writes in her Introduction.
That piece became the first Tiny Pricks Project which over six years and thousands of social media followers turned into a five thousand collection of activist textile art.
Many of the projects are acts of resistance to Trump’s presidency. But other causes are also addressed. Activists are quoted in the projects, and activists, artists, and people from all walks of life are interviewed in the book.
Embroidered on a vintage hanky is “In my life, activism is a verb, so is love,” quoting Jamie Lee Curtis who wrote the introduction to the book.
The book is a handbook that will lead you to make your own ‘craftavist’ textile works demanding a more just world. But even if you are not a crafter, the interviews and thoughts in the text and the photographs of the art will inspire.
My favorite is a tatted edged white handkerchief embroidered with “Reading is resistance.” Amen to that!
Thanks to the publisher for a free egalley through NetGalley.
I have a massive handkerchief collection. I love quotes and words on textiles and quilts. And what cinched my interest was the political message on the handkerchief. I had to know more.
I discovered that the crafter had a book coming out and it was on NetGalley, and I requested it. I waited on pins and needles for approval. Did they check my bio? Did they know I was a quilter?
I got the egalley and sped through the pages, excited by the possibilities.
I have included subtle political messages in my quilts for decades. The last block on my embroidered President’s quilt is “Hanging Chad.”
Diana Weymar’s first project was a needlepoint seat cover which she embroidered with “I am a stable genius.” “I knew immediately that it was great material: garish, ridiculous, delusional, horrifying, and hilarious,” she writes in her Introduction.
That piece became the first Tiny Pricks Project which over six years and thousands of social media followers turned into a five thousand collection of activist textile art.
Many of the projects are acts of resistance to Trump’s presidency. But other causes are also addressed. Activists are quoted in the projects, and activists, artists, and people from all walks of life are interviewed in the book.
Embroidered on a vintage hanky is “In my life, activism is a verb, so is love,” quoting Jamie Lee Curtis who wrote the introduction to the book.
The book is a handbook that will lead you to make your own ‘craftavist’ textile works demanding a more just world. But even if you are not a crafter, the interviews and thoughts in the text and the photographs of the art will inspire.
My favorite is a tatted edged white handkerchief embroidered with “Reading is resistance.” Amen to that!
Thanks to the publisher for a free egalley through NetGalley.
July 29, 2024
This isn't really what I was expecting. It's a collection of profiles of various crafters, artists, and activists that the author finds inspiring. Based on the description I was expecting way more craft projects but less than half of the profiles included a project. Some of the profiles had a short essay by the subject, some a short interview, and in one case, nothing at all. I think this would have been more effective with fewer profiles and greater depth. I would rather have had a dozen profiles that each had an essay, an interview, AND a project, rather than two dozen with sporadic participation from the profilees.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
November 22, 2024
Being a fan of the tiny pricks project, I immediately put this on a library hold but "ethically sourced chocolate molded vulvas" are not what I need right now.
The book itself is physically hard to read because of its small size and hard back version.
The book itself is physically hard to read because of its small size and hard back version.
July 31, 2024
This book was just okay for me. I think along the lines of several other reviews - this book isn't what I thought it was going to be unfortunately.
This was a collection of voices talking about different crafts and how that person incorporates their craft with a form of activism. I loved this concept! However, the description made it seem like there would be more craft inspiration than there really was.
Most of the sections were short - a couple of pages each, with an intro from the author and a short essay from the crafter. I found it hard to connect with the crafter because of the length. There were very few actual projects mentioned which didn't get my inspiration juices flowing. There were also a couple of collections that were in interview format - which were my least favorite. One section was even an intro and then some random quotes or lines from the person and that was it.
I liked the concept of this, but felt the execution was a bit lacking. This is a short read and I definitely recommend still - but don't expect a ton of actual crafting inspo.
Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for an e-arc of this book.
This was a collection of voices talking about different crafts and how that person incorporates their craft with a form of activism. I loved this concept! However, the description made it seem like there would be more craft inspiration than there really was.
Most of the sections were short - a couple of pages each, with an intro from the author and a short essay from the crafter. I found it hard to connect with the crafter because of the length. There were very few actual projects mentioned which didn't get my inspiration juices flowing. There were also a couple of collections that were in interview format - which were my least favorite. One section was even an intro and then some random quotes or lines from the person and that was it.
I liked the concept of this, but felt the execution was a bit lacking. This is a short read and I definitely recommend still - but don't expect a ton of actual crafting inspo.
Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for an e-arc of this book.
Read
December 14, 2024Not very compelling but I'm behind on my yearly goal and it was short.
May 28, 2025
No quotes for this book. If you want the thesis it's the first and last chapter.
This book can't seem to decide if it's to spotlight multiple artists or the author. Weymar has 134 pages for 30 artists with an average of 4.47 for each and one of those pages is a photo. However, the photo of art is usually Weymar's and not the artist in questions (who may have a photo or piece in their 4 pages).
Weymar spent 42/176 pages on her art plus additional pages and at that point just make a novella or write more details to accompany the pieces to get the book to novel length. Her art project has thousands of pieces and that's certainly enough for a book. The formatting really lets the book down. It should either be all about Weymar, or other artists, or one group then the other. Having Weymar as the first and last chapter with her work interspersed doesn't work at all.
I'm glad that Weymar and her friends are famous and successful. This book isn't at all useful for how to participate in craftivism which is a core aim identified in the summary.
TLDR; a fast read but I'd rather have used that time crafting
This book can't seem to decide if it's to spotlight multiple artists or the author. Weymar has 134 pages for 30 artists with an average of 4.47 for each and one of those pages is a photo. However, the photo of art is usually Weymar's and not the artist in questions (who may have a photo or piece in their 4 pages).
Weymar spent 42/176 pages on her art plus additional pages and at that point just make a novella or write more details to accompany the pieces to get the book to novel length. Her art project has thousands of pieces and that's certainly enough for a book. The formatting really lets the book down. It should either be all about Weymar, or other artists, or one group then the other. Having Weymar as the first and last chapter with her work interspersed doesn't work at all.
I'm glad that Weymar and her friends are famous and successful. This book isn't at all useful for how to participate in craftivism which is a core aim identified in the summary.
TLDR; a fast read but I'd rather have used that time crafting
September 17, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley for the DRC of this book!
This little volume packs a big impact. I was fortunate enough to be able to view Diana Weymar's Tiny Pricks Project when it was being displayed in a little studio in Portland, Maine. It was really impressive and inspired me to do some activist stitching of my own. In this collection of essays Diana invites voices from all across the world of Craftivism to share their motivations, passions, and advice on crafting a better world.
You'll hear from voices like Jayna Zweiman, co-founder of the PussyHat Project, Sara Trail of the Social Justice Sewing Academy, Nadya Tolokonnikova - a member of Pussy Riot and a performance artist, as well as so many other voices. I was delighted to see a a diverse collection of voices including bipoc creators and queer folks included in this volume.
This book made me want to head out to my local thrift stores to search for hankies to embroider. And, as a public librarian, it also gave me some great idea for programming I could offer in the coming election year at the library.
This little volume packs a big impact. I was fortunate enough to be able to view Diana Weymar's Tiny Pricks Project when it was being displayed in a little studio in Portland, Maine. It was really impressive and inspired me to do some activist stitching of my own. In this collection of essays Diana invites voices from all across the world of Craftivism to share their motivations, passions, and advice on crafting a better world.
You'll hear from voices like Jayna Zweiman, co-founder of the PussyHat Project, Sara Trail of the Social Justice Sewing Academy, Nadya Tolokonnikova - a member of Pussy Riot and a performance artist, as well as so many other voices. I was delighted to see a a diverse collection of voices including bipoc creators and queer folks included in this volume.
This book made me want to head out to my local thrift stores to search for hankies to embroider. And, as a public librarian, it also gave me some great idea for programming I could offer in the coming election year at the library.
February 25, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Crafting a Better World is an interesting monograph by Diana Weymar on the fertile intersection between activism and creativity. Released 10th Sept 2024 by HarperCollins on their William Morrow Harvest imprint, it's 184 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
The book includes artist profiles for a number of active creators across multiple disciplines: acting, writing, drawing, photography, fashion, cooking, music, fibre arts, and others, as well as hybrid/cross disciplinary expression. The profiles are interesting and inspiring, and in a few cases, moving and touching. The author has curated the subjects well, and most readers will probably benefit from reading all of it, not just the specific ones they recognize or are interested in. The profiles include interviews between the author/curator and the subjects, as well as a number (circa 50%) of small projects for reader inspiration and use. They range from embroidery, curating a small art installation, to making vulva shaped chocolates.
The book is unapologetically activist and passionate. The "vibe" tends toward inclusivity, positivity, productive anger, and deeply fed up feminine energy (as anyone who has been awake during any of the last 8 years can surely understand).
The author/publisher have also included an abbreviated links and resources list for further exploration and reading.
Four stars. It would be perfectly suited to public library acquisition, home use, gift giving to activist minded crafty folks, and artist collective studios.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Crafting a Better World is an interesting monograph by Diana Weymar on the fertile intersection between activism and creativity. Released 10th Sept 2024 by HarperCollins on their William Morrow Harvest imprint, it's 184 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
The book includes artist profiles for a number of active creators across multiple disciplines: acting, writing, drawing, photography, fashion, cooking, music, fibre arts, and others, as well as hybrid/cross disciplinary expression. The profiles are interesting and inspiring, and in a few cases, moving and touching. The author has curated the subjects well, and most readers will probably benefit from reading all of it, not just the specific ones they recognize or are interested in. The profiles include interviews between the author/curator and the subjects, as well as a number (circa 50%) of small projects for reader inspiration and use. They range from embroidery, curating a small art installation, to making vulva shaped chocolates.
The book is unapologetically activist and passionate. The "vibe" tends toward inclusivity, positivity, productive anger, and deeply fed up feminine energy (as anyone who has been awake during any of the last 8 years can surely understand).
The author/publisher have also included an abbreviated links and resources list for further exploration and reading.
Four stars. It would be perfectly suited to public library acquisition, home use, gift giving to activist minded crafty folks, and artist collective studios.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
July 13, 2024
If you're like me, turning on the news each day requires a deep breath and a certain amount of stubborn determination to stay informed despite the insanity. From wildfires to insurrections to racism to war....it just goes on and on. Fortunately, there's a way for each of us to make the world a better place and Diana Weymar has put together this book to guide us on how to take action.
Crafting A Better World is a collection of essays, actions, recipes and projects that are meant to guide us through divisive times. Crafting as activism isn't a new concept but this is a wonderful reminder from people like Jamie Lee Curtis, Jayna Zweiman, the Guerilla Girls, Tanya Selvaratnam and so many more on how being creative can guide us through grief and can form like-minded communities and can make the world a better place. This book is a reminder that activism is easier with allies and that we're surrounded by those allies if we just take a few moments to look for them. As a knitter, I love the idea of the Welcome Blanket Project and as an avid baker I adore the recipe for the love cookies. I look forward to sharing this book with my friends!
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book.
Crafting A Better World is a collection of essays, actions, recipes and projects that are meant to guide us through divisive times. Crafting as activism isn't a new concept but this is a wonderful reminder from people like Jamie Lee Curtis, Jayna Zweiman, the Guerilla Girls, Tanya Selvaratnam and so many more on how being creative can guide us through grief and can form like-minded communities and can make the world a better place. This book is a reminder that activism is easier with allies and that we're surrounded by those allies if we just take a few moments to look for them. As a knitter, I love the idea of the Welcome Blanket Project and as an avid baker I adore the recipe for the love cookies. I look forward to sharing this book with my friends!
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book.
February 5, 2025
This book provides a nice overview of a good mix of textile artists, though I wished for more of a deep-dive on many of them and more examples of their art. Maxine Hong Kingston is quoted: "In a time of destruction, create something," and that sentiment underpins the book.
I loved Suleika Jaouad's story about her friendship with a death row inmate, who felt an affinity with her during the fear and isolation of her cancer treatment. And I love her idea that instead of living each day like it's your last, you should live it like it's your first, with curiosity and a sense of wonder. I like Charlotte Clymer's idea that "When you're on the wrong path, discomfort can guide you to the right one." That sense of discomfort she says "is remarkably accurate." Of the author's own Tiny Pricks embroidery project, she says, "Find language that makes you feel powerful." The section on Tiya Miles, author of "All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley's Sack, a Black Family Keepsake," provided the most powerful example of how textile arts can embody and enrich history.
I loved Suleika Jaouad's story about her friendship with a death row inmate, who felt an affinity with her during the fear and isolation of her cancer treatment. And I love her idea that instead of living each day like it's your last, you should live it like it's your first, with curiosity and a sense of wonder. I like Charlotte Clymer's idea that "When you're on the wrong path, discomfort can guide you to the right one." That sense of discomfort she says "is remarkably accurate." Of the author's own Tiny Pricks embroidery project, she says, "Find language that makes you feel powerful." The section on Tiya Miles, author of "All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley's Sack, a Black Family Keepsake," provided the most powerful example of how textile arts can embody and enrich history.
November 23, 2025
This book was a random pick from the New Books section at my local library, and I have to say, it was a real find. I hadn’t heard of the Tiny Pricks Project before and now I’m a fan, following them on social media and loving their form of feminine resistance that takes the traditionally female art of embroidery and turns it into a scathing form of protest. Also featured in this book are interviews with other female creators who are using their own particular mediums to add to the current resistance movement with grace, style and courage. There’s a lot to inspire our craftivist souls in this small book and remind us that art has always been a powerful tool for accountability and positive change.
September 4, 2024
This is a great read for crafters who love social justice. It’s a series of interviews with crafters and activists about crafting as a form of protest. There are some really cool people in here, from a member of Pussy Riot to Dolly Parton‘s sibkid (non-binary child of her sibling) who does drag burlesque and curates Dolly’s 60+ year costume collection. Each one features an example piece, often embroidered, and an in depth interview. I wish there were more crafts but I loved the profiles and interviews.
I read a temporary digital loan of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital loan of this book for review.
December 29, 2025
The brilliant Diane Weymar of The Tiny Pricks Project interviews her favourite 'craftivists' in this mini art/activism read. I chanced upon it while looking up 'embroidery/stitching' project books from the library.
Each chapter skims the surface of an artist that speaks out in unique ways, doing what artists do best-making points in a beautiful medium.
Not only is it full of ideas for art and references to reading, it's a read for those who struggle with the current social climate of our world, and wish it to a better place.
Each chapter skims the surface of an artist that speaks out in unique ways, doing what artists do best-making points in a beautiful medium.
Not only is it full of ideas for art and references to reading, it's a read for those who struggle with the current social climate of our world, and wish it to a better place.
August 12, 2024
As other reviewers have mentioned, I thought this book was going to have more craft projects included. Although it's not 100% what I expected, I still greatly enjoyed it; so many awesome voices speaking on important topics, and how they find solace, inspiration, release through their crafts. Worth your time to even just skim through and find some inspiration!
(Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.)
(Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.)
March 11, 2025
A collection of essays about using crafting as an activist. Diana Weymar stared Tiny Pricks Projects after Trump was elected the first time. In this book she conducts interviews like with writer Gabrielle Blair, and brings together essays by others (Jamie Lee Curtis!). Included is an essay about joining the Tiny Pricks Project (TPP) and how to create your own. Another good book to help crafters get involved.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the advanced copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the advanced copy.
May 14, 2025
I found Tiny Pricks Project on Instagram. I love it! With all that is going on right now, and the incredibly bizarre things that are being said, Diana’s posts make me smile. I am grateful for that.
I ordered her book when I read about it. I so enjoyed reading it and reading about a variety of artists whose works are works of resistance. It’s good to know, and to be reminded, that big or small, acts of resistance are good for the soul or for the souls of a people.
I ordered her book when I read about it. I so enjoyed reading it and reading about a variety of artists whose works are works of resistance. It’s good to know, and to be reminded, that big or small, acts of resistance are good for the soul or for the souls of a people.
September 11, 2024
I had imagined this would be a book of projects, but it is more about creating an incentive to craft something. I found it interesting and I think it is a good reference book for those of us who would like to craft with more intention.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. It's a thoughtful and informative read.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. It's a thoughtful and informative read.
September 22, 2024
This was a collection of voices discussing different crafts and how that person incorporates their craft/art with activism. I loved this concept! However, the description made it seem like there would be more craft inspiration. However, I saw some beautiful things in this book that reminded me of people I know and myself along the way.
October 14, 2024
This was an inspiring collection of essays that celebrate the power of creativity to spark positive change. While I really liked the essays, like other reviewers, I also thought there were going to be more projects in here to try out.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
October 14, 2024
I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.
I liked the concept of this book but the articles or chapters in this book weren't always interesting or enlightened my creative ideas. There we're as many crafting ideas in this book as I expected either. In a different mood I made get more from this book.
I liked the concept of this book but the articles or chapters in this book weren't always interesting or enlightened my creative ideas. There we're as many crafting ideas in this book as I expected either. In a different mood I made get more from this book.
December 3, 2024
For a couple of years I've followed Tiny Pricks Project and also started getting into embroidery via visible mending. I went to see her at a bookstore event and I'm so glad I did and decided to buy the book. Weymar is inspiring in person and the book offers insights by all kinds of other artists. I loved it.
March 10, 2025
Art as activism isn’t new, but I liked this new to me concept of craftivists. Enjoyed the compilation of each person included, some I had heard of and others that opened my curiosity to learn more. Reference when you need some inspiration to keep going, object and fight back in the way that speaks to you.
March 14, 2025
An interesting little book about people using arts and crafts to express their political beliefs and, in doing so, making connections with others on a personal level.
Weymar features women who use photography, textile arts, painting and even fire to make statements to the public about what is important to them and how everyone can relate to it.
Weymar features women who use photography, textile arts, painting and even fire to make statements to the public about what is important to them and how everyone can relate to it.
March 13, 2025
This is an interesting little book. I enjoyed hearing from the individual participants, many of whom I did not know of before. The DIY projects, although some a bit outlandish for me, do offer creative inspiration. It's a quick read.
March 19, 2025
Very inspiring book about Craftivists in a wide variety of mediums. The author writes about her work and then has short essays / interviews with about 25 artists of life. Lots of pictures as well. Now off to do some crafting and you will want to also.
August 23, 2025
There are not many hands on projects. I enjoyed reading about some of the people that she highlighted. Wish there had been more pictures with good descriptions of some of the work of the people included. Interesting read but gad I borrowed it from the library instead of purchasing.
October 3, 2024
Not what I expected - and I wish there had been more depth to the interviews/commentaries.
2.5 rounded up to 3
2.5 rounded up to 3
November 19, 2024
#tinypricksprojects
December 8, 2024
Always interesting how people take care of themselves especially when they are anxious. Liked how she used things from her family history. I make bears and rabbits from chenille bedspread.
December 21, 2024
A small book but I still could not finish it. It focuses on different famous people's views on how to make a better world, and not crafting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews