Category: Earth
The Craftivists are a unique collective combining craft and activism (we've written about them before) and they want you to use Valentines this year to show some love for the planet and your global neighbours, no less. So far, craftivists in Cornwall, Coventry, Newcastle, Leeds, Bangor and Canada are taking part in the project, and they are inviting you to join them!
Here’s the deal…
1) Write or type some alternative valentines letters (suggested wording below). You could do this alone or even better, get some friends together to write letters in bulk. This will probably be aided by large quantities of tea, cake and/or wine. Just sayin.
2) Make some specially designed Tatty Devine keyrings out of shrink wrap; Josie Long shows you how in this video. If this looks a little challenging, or you don’t have time or resources, any little gift will do. Maybe some mini packets of love hearts?
3) On the night of the 13th or the morning of the 14th, channel your inner ninja (balaclava optional) and plant your Valentines letters where unsuspecting strangers will see them. In the last 2 years the Craftivists have hand delivered 100 letters to gaps in walls, cash machine slots, shop shelves etc. You don’t have to be in a relationship to have one of these!
To my Valentine
Every year February 14th comes around and provides us with a beautiful opportunity to show someone we care about them: most of the time we direct that love at just one person. This year I want to encourage you not to limit that extraordinary capacity we have to just one person, but to love the world. Join us in hijacking Valentines Day and show that the world is your valentine.
I don’t want your box of chocolates, card or flowers. Actions speak louder than those. In return for my love letter and gift to you please show your love by taking action:
In the name of love, brighten up someone’s day and remind them of our global community and inspire them to get stirred up to think about how the poorest people in the world are being affected by climate change, despite having contributed the least to the problem.
Make the planet your valentine!
With Love….
If you decide to take part, don’t forget to let Sarah, the founder of the craftivist collective know about it by emailing her here: craftivist-collective[at]hotmail dot com.
Find the letter template, instructions video, images, press release and the design for the keyring on www.craftivist-collective.com