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Crafting Change: Handmade Activism, Past and Present
An informative and inspiring exploration of craftivism ― the intersection of handicraft and activism ― designed to encourage young creators while providing meaningful historical context.
You don’t have to be old enough to vote to drive political change.
In Crafting Change, author, TV producer, and craftivist Jessica Vitkus explores the rich lineage of craftivism, with profiles of craftivisit icons, many of whom are women and people of color. This YA non-fiction book shines a light on artist-driven projects like This Is Not a Gun – workshops where people sculpt objects the police have mistaken for a gun in fatal shootings -- alongside creative movements that mobilized entire communities, like the AIDS Memorial Quilt and the Pussyhat project for the 2017 Women’s March. This engaging narrative combines compelling artist interviews with full-color photos of creators and crafts alike.
A perfect book for teens who want to channel their creativity into political action, with ideas for simple projects sure to appeal to budding craftivists.
You don’t have to be old enough to vote to drive political change.
In Crafting Change, author, TV producer, and craftivist Jessica Vitkus explores the rich lineage of craftivism, with profiles of craftivisit icons, many of whom are women and people of color. This YA non-fiction book shines a light on artist-driven projects like This Is Not a Gun – workshops where people sculpt objects the police have mistaken for a gun in fatal shootings -- alongside creative movements that mobilized entire communities, like the AIDS Memorial Quilt and the Pussyhat project for the 2017 Women’s March. This engaging narrative combines compelling artist interviews with full-color photos of creators and crafts alike.
A perfect book for teens who want to channel their creativity into political action, with ideas for simple projects sure to appeal to budding craftivists.
208 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2022
5 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 20, 2025
so good! i recommend this for anyone who loves crafts, activism, and especially both! I learned so much history and I was really inspired by this book!
July 8, 2022
I never, ever read nonfiction but I have to say…this book is FABULOUS! As a huge crafter and as a person with a minor in gender studies, I was intrigued to see how I could use my hobby for political protest and encouraging change. Color me inspired. Vitkus dives into crafts and more in this teen-friendly (but really, teen and above, friendly) how-to. I started reading shortly before Roe v Wade was overturned here in the U.S. and I’ve never been more angry, but thanks to Vitkus’ encouragement and words of wisdom, I took my frustration out on a cross stitch design that I fully intend to create and post online. Nothing more lethargic than staying up until 4 in the morning to create a pattern to protest unconstitutional change.
Not only did this read inspire me to use what I already knew, I also got started on some new crafts so I can protest with those too. I believe a Pussyhat is in my future, and maybe some Jean jacket billboards and Spell-It-Out Bracelets. So many ideas!
Thank you, Jessica, for taking the time to write this, interview others, provide detailed craft how-tos, etc. I think this is my new anthem for craftivism. And I’m proud to call myself a new craftivist.
**Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me a free e-copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Not only did this read inspire me to use what I already knew, I also got started on some new crafts so I can protest with those too. I believe a Pussyhat is in my future, and maybe some Jean jacket billboards and Spell-It-Out Bracelets. So many ideas!
Thank you, Jessica, for taking the time to write this, interview others, provide detailed craft how-tos, etc. I think this is my new anthem for craftivism. And I’m proud to call myself a new craftivist.
**Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me a free e-copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2023
Summary:
Crafting Change answers the question, “How can you bring about change or have a voice when you are too young to vote?” (xii). Through craftivism! From embroidery to street art, crafting can play a large part in activism. Projects and artists are showcased along with their passions, causes and outcomes. The Aids Quilt, Breonna Taylor Postcards, and Pussyhat project are among the many featured projects. Three how-to projects are detailed at the end of the book.
Evaluation:
Crafting Change serves as a how-to guide for making a difference through simple crafting. It empowers youth to get involved with social activism. Some coarse language, while relevant to the theme and movements of the book, could be offensive and consequently questioned. Regardless, this book has a place on the shelves of middle and high school libraries.
Memorable Literary Elements/Devices:
The format of this book feels like a magazine with columns of text and captioned images. This book is browsable with its chapters highlighting different crafts.
Crafting Change answers the question, “How can you bring about change or have a voice when you are too young to vote?” (xii). Through craftivism! From embroidery to street art, crafting can play a large part in activism. Projects and artists are showcased along with their passions, causes and outcomes. The Aids Quilt, Breonna Taylor Postcards, and Pussyhat project are among the many featured projects. Three how-to projects are detailed at the end of the book.
Evaluation:
Crafting Change serves as a how-to guide for making a difference through simple crafting. It empowers youth to get involved with social activism. Some coarse language, while relevant to the theme and movements of the book, could be offensive and consequently questioned. Regardless, this book has a place on the shelves of middle and high school libraries.
Memorable Literary Elements/Devices:
The format of this book feels like a magazine with columns of text and captioned images. This book is browsable with its chapters highlighting different crafts.
June 3, 2023
Craftivism, the intersection of handcrafts and activism, has been a way to fight for social change for decades, if not longer. In this book that is part social history and part project guide, Jessica Vitkus, who is herself a craftivist, explores the history of the practice and interviews changemakers in the field. From talking to the folks who kicked off the Pussyhat project at the 2017 Women's March to learning about eco-friendly housing and the creation of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, this book will inspire teens looking to make a difference. Whether or not you might want to try your hand at craftivism, this book has much to share.
August 1, 2022
I received and eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This will be a great nonfiction add to my classroom library! The book is divided up into sections depending on craft and highlights interviews with “craftivists”. I am definitely the target audience because I love crafting and activism. I found the chapters informative, the author doesn’t assume prior knowledge, and she does a good job of diversifying her crafts. I wish there had been more with the graffiti and zines chapters, but overall found this a light, informative read.
This will be a great nonfiction add to my classroom library! The book is divided up into sections depending on craft and highlights interviews with “craftivists”. I am definitely the target audience because I love crafting and activism. I found the chapters informative, the author doesn’t assume prior knowledge, and she does a good job of diversifying her crafts. I wish there had been more with the graffiti and zines chapters, but overall found this a light, informative read.
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October 14, 2022*thanks to the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review
This was so interesting! I’m not big on nonfiction, but this combines so many interesting concepts as far as crafting goes, in addition to history and current cultural issues that inspire others to create and speak up. I’d highly recommend this as a way to get informed of how even the smallest things make a huge difference, both in your life and in others!
This was so interesting! I’m not big on nonfiction, but this combines so many interesting concepts as far as crafting goes, in addition to history and current cultural issues that inspire others to create and speak up. I’d highly recommend this as a way to get informed of how even the smallest things make a huge difference, both in your life and in others!
March 16, 2023
A great introduction to craftivism, featuring amazing artists and offering several easy ways to incorporate craftivism into your crafting lifestyle. A great book for anyone interested in learning about craftivism or looking for an inspiring call to action.
May 2, 2023
Really interesting! There are a lot of great crafters profiled here, and I love that zines are put in this category. My favorite chapters were the historical ones, about knitting for the troops during the World Wars and handicrafts as abolitionist fundraisers.
June 14, 2024
I loved how this book seamlessly integrated the history of textile arts & activism with accounts of current-day craftivists. The stories inspire project ideas as much as the explicit how-to instructions at the end. I am now plotting what I might make and when.
November 12, 2022
This is a fantastic book that was much more in depth than I expected. It covers all kinds of crafting that has been done as activism for all different causes. It’s filled with photos, interviews and projects. It would be a perfect gift for young or old crafters with passions for social causes.
I read a temporary digital arc of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital arc of this book for review.
February 6, 2025
Picked up this gem in the local library in the Teens non-fiction section.
5 star for the unique book and idea. Got to know a lot about "Craftivism", yes that's a word and has a history.
While there are political undertones, I would say, today I did get some new ideas. And considering I like crafts, this has put a new perspective to my thoughts.
Recommended.
5 star for the unique book and idea. Got to know a lot about "Craftivism", yes that's a word and has a history.
While there are political undertones, I would say, today I did get some new ideas. And considering I like crafts, this has put a new perspective to my thoughts.
Recommended.
February 8, 2025
I loved reading the history of some crafting movements. I also loved reading about current craftivists and how they work and find their inspiration. Maybe I’ll go back to knitting
October 28, 2022
I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
This book contained a lot of interesting information. I do many of the different fiber arts and was first taught by my grandmother, then my mother. As I started to teach myself skills that my family didn't know, I had to rely on older, more traditional patterns due to the type of craft. This book gave me ideas on how to fuse the traditional with the nontraditional. It provides many outlets for participation and, if a person chooses not to uses them, inspiration for their own outlet.
This book introduced me to new artists and expanded on artists and makers that I already knew. It gave me ideas on how to be an activist from the smallest level to the biggest action. I am an introvert and live in a rural area, so participating in mass action is not within my ability. This is a perfect book for people who want to do something, but are not social or are unable to reach places with big actions.
This book contained a lot of interesting information. I do many of the different fiber arts and was first taught by my grandmother, then my mother. As I started to teach myself skills that my family didn't know, I had to rely on older, more traditional patterns due to the type of craft. This book gave me ideas on how to fuse the traditional with the nontraditional. It provides many outlets for participation and, if a person chooses not to uses them, inspiration for their own outlet.
This book introduced me to new artists and expanded on artists and makers that I already knew. It gave me ideas on how to be an activist from the smallest level to the biggest action. I am an introvert and live in a rural area, so participating in mass action is not within my ability. This is a perfect book for people who want to do something, but are not social or are unable to reach places with big actions.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews