Corbett - How to be a craftivist: the art of gentle protest

Advance Praise for How to Be a Craftivist

Craft is often thought of as domestic, belonging to a private world. Corbett brings it into the public sphere and shows us its transformational potential. Craftivism isnt a gimmick. From politicians to CEOs, Corbetts campaigns have changed the hardest of hearts and minds. This book doesnt tell you what to care about, it shows you a different way to care. Here is an irresistible invitation to a kinder, more beautiful world, where the gentle are heroes and thoughtful creativity reigns.

Lily Caprani, Deputy Executive Director, Unicef UK

Sarahs approach to craftivism makes us more imaginative, rebuilds our attention spans, enables conversation, recovers dexterity, connects us to our ancestors, makes us smile, enables us to feel change is possible. We owe Sarah Corbett a deep debt of gratitude for showing us how its done. A vital piece of the world-changers jigsaw.

Rob Hopkins, Founder of the Transition movement

This book is an antidote to the dire state the world is in, teaching us how to create a more beautiful, gentle, loving world with activism that matches.

Charlie Craggs, Founder of Nails Transphobia

Who wants to be a whining, complaining activist? This book offers a better way, with creativity and a sense of collaboration to some of the most pressing issues humanity faces. Give it a read.

Jolyon Rubinstein, actor, writer, producer and director including The Revolution Will Be Televised (BBC 3)

At a time when activism is no longer seen as a fringe activity, and more and more people are seeking ways to speak out, Sarah Corbetts methods of Craftivism are especially relevant. Sarah proves that the effectiveness of a message doesnt have to rely solely on loud volume and displays of power. Craftivisms strength comes through unwavering kindness and gentleness when spoken in the unexpected, but familiar, language of craft.

Jenny Hart, Founder of Sublime Stitching

Sarahs creative and original activism has been a huge inspiration. Totally in line both with Fashion Revolutions ethos and my personal passions, it has been a pleasure to walk alongside her on this journey. This book is essential reading for all those who want to join the collective walk towards a more intelligent fashion consumption, which will lead to a better, safer, cleaner and more transparent fashion industry.

Orsola de Castro, Founder and Creative Director of Fashion Revolution

This book is for every quiet soul who wants to bring positive change into the world but doesnt feel well-suited to traditional forms of activism. Corbett shows us what is possible through the art of gentle protest, and how messages for change can be communicated through beautiful, lovingly-made craft objects. Smart, compassionate and engaging, Corbetts book is filled with practical advice and inspirational ideas the perfect introduction for all budding craftivists.

Sarah Campbell, Head of Learning Programmes, Victoria and Albert Museum

Sarahs gentle and powerful approach to activism is relevant more than ever in the world we are living in: why not follow Sarahs lead with this book and help to change the world too.

Harriet Vine, Co-founder of Tatty Devine

We know craft can fuel almost magical results whether as a restorative hobby, a fulfilling career or as the innovative spark to industry or technological break-through. Now, Sarah Corbetts wonderful book shows us how craft and making can be the perfect tool for those who want to make a difference to our world in a gentle way. She combines tools with encouragement that will inspire even the most circumspect of us to find our voice and be part of creating a better world.

Nicky Dewar, Head of Learning and Talent Development, Crafts Council

Move over William Morris here comes Sarah Corbett with an inspiring twenty-first century manifesto for transforming craft into a tool for social change. How To Be a Craftivist manages that rare feat of stitching together the personal and the political in a way that is both convincing and empowering.

Roman Krznaric, author of Carpe Diem Regained and Empathy

A compelling and intimate portrait that expands our understanding of activism at a time when new forms of protest are more needed than ever.

Micah White, Co-founder of Occupy Wall Street and author of The End of Protest: A New Playbook for Revolution

This is a wonderful book which will cheer your spirits and lift your soul at a time of austerity and global anxiety over peace and social injustice. It is strategic and significant in terms of its international reach and its intelligent summaries of how slow and mindful craftivism can be open-hearted, modest, peaceful, good-natured and loving.

Janis Jefferies, Professor of Visual Arts, Goldsmiths University

I defy you not to be both charmed and inspired by one of the most creative how to guides youre likely to come across, jam-packed as it is with practical advice, telling insights, and informed in every line by compassion and a refreshingly different transformational energy.

Jonathon Porritt CBE, Founder Director, Forum for the Future

An empowering book, Sarah Corbett brilliantly elucidates ways of making a difference in our world today through the strategic use of craft, making and design as embodied and mindful approaches to activism and long-term transformation.

Jane Pirone, Dean, School of Design Strategies, Parsons School of Design

Sarah Corbett shows us the extraordinary relationship between doing and being.

Milton Glaser, celebrated graphic designer and creator of the I [heart] NY logo.

I loved this book. First, it made me sit up and wonder why I wasnt doing more. Then it showed me that protest can be clever, artful, gentle, AND persuasive. Now Im telling everyone I know about the art of gentle protest and making it part of my positive psychology curriculum to help transform the world we live in. Sarah Corbett has shown us how to use our talents and strengths in a new way to make a difference.

Professor Stephen Joseph, editor of Positive Psychology in Practice: Promoting Human Flourishing in work, Health, Education and Everyday Life

Equal parts inspiration and provocation, this book is for anyone struggling with fury and frustration at the state of the world. The brilliant Sarah Corbett shows how to make a creative, articulate stand in support of all we hold dear.

Margaret Heffernan, CEO and author of Willful Blindness and A Bigger Prize

Sarah Corbett shows how the craft and gentleness of making can be united with world-changing political action. She demonstrates that small, thoughtful shifts in how we do things in our lives can lead to vital transformations. She has powerful ideas about grace, kindness and giving gifts. This is an inspiring and brilliant book.

David Gauntlett, Professor of Creativity and Design and author of Making is Connecting

In a troubling and troubled world, Sarah Corbett makes the case for a gentle and humane form of activism with force and feeling.

Douglas Alexander, former UK Member of Parliament & Secretary of State for International Development 200710

Sarah makes social protest appealing and accessible to quiet crafters, helping us to speak out about issues by using creativity and kindness.

Tilly Walnes, Director, Tilly and the Buttons

Sarah Corbetts Craftivism is inspiring proof that small quiet actions can foster the transformational change we have all been hoping for.

John Thackara, Senior Fellow at the Royal College of Art and author of How to Thrive in the Next Economy: Designing Tomorrows World Today