MINI PROFILE
"I never planned to be a craftivist (craft + activism). It happened by accident. I’m self-taught in sewing. I love sewing bespoke gifts for loved ones but never imagined using my love of craft with my mission to help create a happier, healthier, and more harmonious world for all.
"I grew up in inner-city Liverpool, in the fourth most disadvantaged ward in the UK in the 1980s. I was brought into the world of activism as I experienced first-hand my community battling against the effects of inequality. At my secondary school I created a successful campaign to gain lockers for my peers and the use of recycling bins before they became mandatory. I learnt even more from my failed campaign to eradicate ‘gym knickers’ from our sports uniform. I went on to work for International Development Agencies, including as Activism Manager for Oxfam GB.
"I started merging my love of sewing and cross-stitch with my activism in 2008 because I was really burnt out and doubting the effectiveness of quick, easy and often unkind activism. I founded the Craftivist Collective in January 2009 after demand from people around the world to take part.
"I create projects, kits, books and tools for individuals, groups and organisations around the world to take part in our projects and build confidence in skill to sometimes create their own successful campaigns. Since then I have delivered over 400 events to over 30,000 participants around the world, collaborated with The Climate Coalition, Save the Children, Unicef amongst others and helped Girlguiding UK create their new craftivism badge activities.
"I’ve worked with the V&A, Tate galleries, Helsinki Design Week and currently the Design Museum Danmark in Copenhagen is exhibiting pieces of our work unti
