CRAFTS AS RESISTANCE

During the German occupation of Norway (April 9 1940 – May 8 1945), resistance was not only fought with weapons. Meet the first prototype of my Resistance Sock-Nisses— handmade and inspired by ordinary Norwegians who resisted German occupation during WWII through crafting, art, writing and symbols.

Look closely.  How many acts of resistance can you find? (Answers below…)

There are several symbols of resistance hidden on this little nisse. What may look ordinary and cute were acts of defiance and could lead to arrest, imprisonment, or worse.

REMEMBER • CREATE • RESIST

Handmade • Hand-Sewn • Made with Thread

Honouring Norwegian Resistance, WWII 1940–1945

PROCEEDS SUPPORT THE LARGER STORY

Proceeds help support the research and development of Occupation: The Long Shadow, my multi-year graphic novel project, inspired by my Norwegian grandfather’s written accounts and diaries of his experiences as a POW during WWII.

SYMBOLS

PAPERCLIP — UNITY

The paperclip became a quiet symbol of Norwegian resistance and unity. It is especially connected to the teachers who refused Nazi control of education. Thousands resisted; many were arrested, imprisoned, or sent to forced-labour camps. A tiny object became a powerful message: we will hold together.

FLOWER — SOLIDARITY

Norwegians wore flowers on the King Haakon VII’s birthday (August 3rd)  to show solidarity with their exiled monarch. A flower in the button hole of a lapel could carry a message without saying a word.  Even quiet resistance could carry real risk.

VINTAGE NORWEGIAN SWEATER/REPURPOSED MATERIAL — IDENTITY

Each sock nisse will be wear a sweater vest made with swatch from a repurposed old vintage sweater, connecting the dolls to Norwegian clothing, craft, and resourcefulness. USE WHAT YOU HAVE.

RED TOQUE — DEFIANCE

Red knit caps and hats used as symbols of resistance were officially banned by Nazi authorities in Norway on February 26, 1942. (My grandfather was coincidentally arrested that day. He spent the rest of the war as a POW in multiple camps in Norway, Germany and Poland).

NISSE — CULTURE & RESISTANCE

The Norwegian nisse became a symbol of cultural identity during the occupation. Nisse appeared on Christmas cards as quiet anti-Nazi statements, often wearing Norwegian colours or the forbidden red hat. These seemingly innocent Christmas images could carry a clear message of national pride and resistance.

HIDDEN DIARY NOTES — MEMORY & RESISTANCE

Each nisse will contain a hidden note featuring a quotation taken directly from my Norwegian grandfather’s WWII manuscript.

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STAY TUNED FOR INFORMATION ON WHERE I WILL BE DEBUTING A COLLECTION OF SOCK NISSES!

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CRAFTS AS ACTIVISM

These sock nisses sit perfectly under the umbrella of my work with Operation Sock Monkey.