Podcast appearances and mentions of betsy greer

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview CARO.CARO is a multidisciplinary artist who intertwines metalwork and embroidery to explore themes of time, devotion, and material storytelling.In this first part of our conversation, CARO shares her journey - from early explorations in jewellery-making to discovering the expressive potential of embroidery. We discuss the contrasts between working in metal and textiles, the influence of haute couture techniques, and the patience required to craft deeply detailed pieces.CARO's work explores themes of craft, devotion, and the intersection of tradition and modernity, using intricate materials to challenge the boundaries between art, labour, and storytelling. If that sparks your interest, be sure to check out episodes 71 and 72 with Betsy Greer - they're right up your alley.Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction00:02:58 – Exploring the intersection of metalwork and embroidery00:06:02 – Balancing creativity with time constraints00:08:53 – The journey from jewellery to embroidery00:17:48 – The science behind metalwork and embroidery00:21:04 – A historical perspective on female creativity00:32:35 – Gender dynamics in needlework00:39:28 – The impact of capitalism on women's work00:41:25 – The Luddite movement and mechanisationLinks:Instagram: caro__caro__caro__Intro music is 222 by Sarah, the Illstrumentalist via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comAnd follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Betsy Greer.Betsy Greer is a writer, speaker and advocate for the benefits of craft as a tool for change. In this episode, Betsy shares how she came to be a craft legend, the value of Joy as a crafting direction and we touch on Betsy's cultural favourites. If you like this use of needlework, my NeedleXChange with Liz Kueneke might also give you food for thought.Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro00:01:30 - The Birth of Craftivism00:07:53 - Exploring Personal Influences in Crafting00:14:29 - The Importance of Safety in Craftivism Projects00:23:32 - The Pursuit of Joy00:26:40 - Betsy's Favourite TV show00:30:00 - Betsy's Favourite Films00:32:10 - Betsy's Favourite Album00:39:40 - Crafting as a Therapeutic Practice00:44:47 - A Unique Beginning: Betsy's StoryLinks:Website: hellobetsygreer.comInstagram: craftivistaIntro music is Fearless and Faithful by Christian Anderson via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comAnd follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Betsy Greer.Betsy Greer is a writer, speaker and advocate for the benefits of craft as a tool for change. In this episode, Betsy shares how this idea came to life, how crafting can be a tool for empowerment, and why it's such a powerful form of storytelling. This conversation goes pretty deep pretty fast but it was a great opportunity to dive into the topic that I couldn't miss.If you like this use of needlework, my NeedleXChange with Kate Kretz might also inspire you.Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro00:01:30 - Craftivism: A Personal Journey00:07:32 - Personal Transformation Through Craft00:10:25 - The Role of Choice in Craftivism00:13:39 - Documenting Change Through Textiles00:16:32 - The Impact of Personal Narratives00:22:29 - The Intersection of History and Craft00:25:27 - The Pragmatic Approach to Change00:30:13 - Addressing Overwhelming Issues in Apparel Factories00:32:03 - Finding Local Solutions to Global Problems00:34:29 - The Role of Creativity in ActivismLinks:Website: hellobetsygreer.comInstagram: craftivistaIntro music is Fearless and Faithful by Christian Anderson via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comAnd follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when crafting collides with activism? Craftivism. Join Saskia de Vaiter and author Betsy Greer as we unravel this powerful concept and its effect on creative entrepreneurs. We dive into how craftivism is not only transformative for individuals but a vehicle for fostering sustainable connections and growth on both personal and business levels. We share real-life experiences of navigating the discomfort of marketing and selling, emphasizing authenticity as the beacon guiding us through.A turning point in many creative journeys comes from a place of trauma, self-doubt, or pain. Through the lens of the punk DIY mindset, we discuss the therapeutic power of crafting in overcoming these hurdles. Crafting becomes a pipeline for building confidence, connecting with others, and ultimately, making a difference. Here, we explore the significance of valuing your own work and expertise, sharing our personal approaches towards income generation, branding, and marketing within the crafting community.The art of making is revolutionary—an act that disrupts systems and creates change. We delve into how making intentional, value-aligned decisions can bring about this revolution. As we discuss sustainable decision-making strategies, we reflect on the demands of conforming to marketing strategies and the need to carve your path. Lastly, we look at craftivism through the lens of wardrobe creation, the power of small actions, and how crafting can revolutionize not only your life but your connections with others. Join us in this enriching conversation that's sure to leave you inspired and empowered.Support the show☆☆☆ JOIN THE WAITING LIST ☆☆☆for the March cohort of the Ja, Wol Business Program! ☞ GET BI-WEEKLY ACTIONABLE BUSINESS TIPS AND INSIGHTS & EPISODE UPDATES ☜☆ SIGN UP HERE! ☆☞ FIND OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS IN OUR COMMUNITY SPACE ☜ ☆JOIN THE CONVERSATION☆ Have a question? Want to offer your opinion? Have an idea for a guest or topic? info@ja-wol.com or leave me a voice message!

Betsy Greer is well known for her work in Craftivism. Betsy had a long journey, via an elitist art crowd, before finding out that crafts were here thing, and crafters "her people". Parental note: this episode contains a few expletives. Betsy Greer is a crafter, activist, "godmother of craftivism". Betsy has a B.A. in English Lit, and an M.A. in sociology. Her dissertation was on knitting, DIY culture and community development. Visit Betsy's website: https://www.hellobetsygreer.com/ The Dear Textiles project is people’s stories of using textiles to help find resilience. People take part by emailing their stories to Betsy. You Are So Very Beautiful is a project that involves Betsy stitching affirmations and leaving them in places for people to find. To take part people simply create affirmations, leave them somewhere and share them with Betsy via her website or social media hashtag #yasvb Recommended photography book: Camera Lucida by Roland Barthes

In this Conversation During a Pandemic author Betsy Greer and I discuss the ways in which our crafts can be tools of activism. How craft can be a source connection and solace, especially in a difficult time, and why all activism doesn't, and shouldn't, look the same. 

Sarah Corbett is an award-winning activist, campaign consultant, Ashoka Changemakers fellow and founder of Craftivist Collective who has helped change government laws, business policies, hearts and minds. Sarah discovered Craftivism (a term coined by American writer and crafter Betsy Greer in 2003)  but with no other projects or groups available to join in with she began creating her own Craftivism projects which led to her founding Craftivist Collective in 2009 after people around the world wanted to join in. ‘Gentle protest’ is a term and campaigning approach that Sarah and the Craftivist Collective have become known for. When we think of activism we often think of confrontation and aggression. Not something beautiful and heartwarming. ‘Gentle protest’ reminds us to be that which you want to see in the world. Compassion, empathy, kindness and love as well as thoughtful campaign strategies are used to create beautiful messages that can open people’s hearts and minds to affect positive change. One of Sarah’s guiding mantra’s (that she has tattooed on her shoulder) is ‘A Tough Mind and a Tender Heart’ from Martin Luther King’s 1959 sermon. This reminds us that although what we are trying to achieve may be a difficult, painful or heart wrenching we must approach people with love and have a strong strategy to be most effective in achieving the change we want to see. The fashion industry has seen the impact of the Craftivist Collective through their Mini Fashion Statements which are ‘shop dropped’ in the pockets of garments in fashion shops around the world, anytime of the year supporting the campaign organisation Fashion Revolution. Scrolls, tied with a pretty bow and featuring an invitation to “please open me”, are used as reminders of the role we can play as consumers. Designed to make us think about how the clothes we buy and wear are made, and how we might be able to help tackle problems like poor conditions for workers or the use of materials that are damaging to the environment. One of our nation’s best-loved shops Marks and Spencer (M&S) has also felt the power of ‘gentle protest’. Asked by the CEO of the charity ShareAction, Craftivist Collective created a campaign encouraging M&S to pay staff the real Living Wage. Carefully selected Craftivists across the UK hand-stitched bespoke messages onto M&S handkerchiefs as bespoke gifts for the board members and its largest shareholder companies, encouraging them to not ‘blow it’ but use their power for good governance and lead the way in the retail sector. These were delivered to the board during the company’s 2015 AGM. Following a series of discussions, in April 2016 M&S announced they would pay current Living Wages to the 50,0000 staff who were paid the national minimum wage. They are still working to make M&S an accredited Living Wage Employer.  Most of us have a fear of the consequences of speaking out in some way. The idea that troublemakers don’t get on in life is something that we can be confronted with. However dialogue is changing and we are beginning to realise it’s the people who think differently, and speak up gently and thoughtfully that can often make things change for the better.   Listening to Sarah’s story makes us realise that we could all have a little more of a ‘gentle protest’ approach to life. www.craftivist-collective.com www.blackneondigital.com

Sarah Corbett is an award-winning activist, campaign consultant, Ashoka Changemakers fellow and founder of Craftivist Collective who has helped change government laws, business policies, hearts and minds. Sarah discovered Craftivism (a term coined by American writer and crafter Betsy Greer in 2003)  but with no other projects or groups available to join in with she began creating her own Craftivism projects which led to her founding Craftivist Collective in 2009 after people around the world wanted to join in. ‘Gentle protest’ is a term and campaigning approach that Sarah and the Craftivist Collective have become known for. When we think of activism we often think of confrontation and aggression. Not something beautiful and heartwarming. ‘Gentle protest’ reminds us to be that which you want to see in the world. Compassion, empathy, kindness and love as well as thoughtful campaign strategies are used to create beautiful messages that can open people’s hearts and minds to affect positive change. One of Sarah’s guiding mantra’s (that she has tattooed on her shoulder) is ‘A Tough Mind and a Tender Heart’ from Martin Luther King’s 1959 sermon. This reminds us that although what we are trying to achieve may be a difficult, painful or heart wrenching we must approach people with love and have a strong strategy to be most effective in achieving the change we want to see. The fashion industry has seen the impact of the Craftivist Collective through their Mini Fashion Statements which are ‘shop dropped’ in the pockets of garments in fashion shops around the world, anytime of the year supporting the campaign organisation Fashion Revolution. Scrolls, tied with a pretty bow and featuring an invitation to “please open me”, are used as reminders of the role we can play as consumers. Designed to make us think about how the clothes we buy and wear are made, and how we might be able to help tackle problems like poor conditions for workers or the use of materials that are damaging to the environment. One of our nation’s best-loved shops Marks and Spencer (M&S) has also felt the power of ‘gentle protest’. Asked by the CEO of the charity ShareAction, Craftivist Collective created a campaign encouraging M&S to pay staff the real Living Wage. Carefully selected Craftivists across the UK hand-stitched bespoke messages onto M&S handkerchiefs as bespoke gifts for the board members and its largest shareholder companies, encouraging them to not ‘blow it’ but use their power for good governance and lead the way in the retail sector. These were delivered to the board during the company’s 2015 AGM. Following a series of discussions, in April 2016 M&S announced they would pay current Living Wages to the 50,0000 staff who were paid the national minimum wage. They are still working to make M&S an accredited Living Wage Employer.  Most of us have a fear of the consequences of speaking out in some way. The idea that troublemakers don’t get on in life is something that we can be confronted with. However dialogue is changing and we are beginning to realise it’s the people who think differently, and speak up gently and thoughtfully that can often make things change for the better.   Listening to Sarah’s story makes us realise that we could all have a little more of a ‘gentle protest’ approach to life. www.craftivist-collective.com www.blackneondigital.com

On this week's podcast, Marcus sits down with Julia Greer Fobes and Betsy Greer. Julia is the owner of Julia Greer Fobes: Fashion, Art, and Flowers and Betsy is the Vice President. Together they share how learning to show up on time and work hard is really the best foundation for success. Listen to this week's podcast and find out more about how they have broken into the Mardi Gras world and flourished.

Knitting, crochet and cross-stitch are all past times you'd probably associate with your grandma. But, there's a new movement using these crafts to give people a voice.

Betsy Greer is a writer and maker who lives in Durham, North Carolina. For the past fourteen years, she’s written about craftivism, the place where craft and activism intersect, and she loves discovering the ways in which people use (and have used) the two together. Currently, her main craft project is You Are So Very Beautiful, in which people make affirmation signs then leave them out all over the world for others to find. Show Notes and Links My hat out of handspun yarn. Action + Craft newsletter You Are So Very Beautiful Betsy's book, Craftivism. The article Betsy spoke about writing: ‘This company saved my life.’ The Noble Woodsman finds a life with purpose. Find Betsy on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Check out this short video about You Are So Very Beautiful:

This week host, Vickie Howell chats with craft activist, Betsy Greer about the Craftivism movement and her dedication to spreading joy, one stitch at a time. Show notes here: www.vickiehowell.com/craftish

Saturday, April 1, Durham NC Betsy Greer (author of Craftivism: The Art of Craft and Activism and Knitting for Good!) talks to Peachy Keen about the power of positive affirmations, the lingering division between art and craft, and her life as a maker & permission giver. We discuss those pussy hats and what you can do with them, professors that are jerks, gatekeepers vs. permission givers, and growing up Southern with the bad craft of the 70s.

The beauty of the familiar.