“Covid Crafting Therapy” is my ongoing personal process for relaxation, a type of journaling, a type of meditation. Every stitch a thought. It’s different from drawing, painting, writing. I’m not trying to find the style, the form, the character. I’m not trying find the perfect color, the perfect brush stroke. The perfect narrative. Crafting just… is. The…
Category: Craftivism
Operation Sock Monkey Western Division: Craftivism and Healing using Sock Monkeys and Sock Owls
I am delighted to still be part of Operation Sock Monkey Western Division—the relationship is going on 10 years now! Time for an update as to what we have been up to lately! About OSM: Since 2005, Operation Sock Monkey has raised nearly $10,000 in support of the humanitarian work of Clowns Without Borders. Partnerships…
Every stitch a thought- problem solving embroidering drawings.
I’ve got a lot to think about these days. (Not really any different from other days, I guess, but seriously, there is some amazing stuff brewing). To stay on track with massive projects, to dos and ideas racing around in the head, I have found great solace in pulling out embroidered drawings. As I stitch,…
Chakra monkey… “I am safe…”
Chakra sock monkey I am safe I am creative I am strong I am loved I am expressive I am connected I am divine
Sock owls and creative engagement
These crazy little sock owls are wonderful for creating dialogue around the craft table! Our intergenerational sock owls will be on display next week at Mulberry PARC’s Ignite Your Passion event (September 28, 2017 2-4 PM) as part of ACTIVE AGING WEEK! See also:
The Mulberry Panels: art project with older adults
I have the pleasure of working with an extraordinary group of individuals at Mulberry PARC doing art projects that range from drawing, interactive art, sock animals and group painting/quilt! We have had 5 sessions so far and, at this point, confirmed 10 more that will take us into November! My goal with the art sessions is…
The 100 Herons Art Project: Session 1! And pre-sale!
I am deep in the process of a very personal art project– the 100 Herons Art Project– to answer the call to create art born out of my deep desire to capture the magic of the herons in my neighborhood… “The answer must be, I think, that beauty and grace are performed whether or not…
“The Dead Heron.” #100Herons Art Project
I am between contracts– creatively hustling while applying for new contracts to survive and to be able to provide specially requested arts programming for refugee youth (at no cost to their program). That is what my 100 Herons Art Project is all about. HERON’S MOST SIGNIFICANT ESSENCE: aggressive self-determination and self-reliance Check out: I am focusing…
The Heron Feathers: 100 Herons Art Project
THE PROJECT: I am creating of twelve 20″ x 30″ panels depicting a total 100 Herons [between June 14 to July 31, 2017]. For every $25 raised I will draw a heron! THE SPONSORED ART will allow me to develop and provide much-needed FREE ART LESSONS for REFUGEE YOUTH from war-torn countries at a Lower Mainland program in July…
100 HERONS Art Project
THE PROJECT: I am creating of twelve 20″ x 30″ panels depicting a total 100 Herons between June 14 to July 31, 2017. For every $25 raised I will draw a heron! THE SPONSORED ART will allow me to develop and provide FREE ART LESSONS for REFUGEE YOUTH from war-torn countries at a Lower Mainland program. DONATION…
What the sock pigs taught me…
This past Sunday morning- hanging out on Vancouver Island, my 4 friends and I had a hankering to create sock pigs. There is such magic in sitting around the dining room table at my friends’ house, surrounded by crafting supplies creating. We laugh, we go deep, we eat, we drink coffee, we share time. It…
Eliza’s Story
“210 years later, Eliza Hamilton’s orphanage — now a family services agency called Graham Windham — is still helping kids get their shot. Graham Windham serves over 4,500 kids and families each year. Just like Eliza’s husband, these kids survived a tough start in life. Graham Windham provides services like family counseling and treatment, after…
Operation Sock Monkey Project Sophia
SOCK MONKEY THERAPY AND CRAFTIVISM PROJECT SOPHIA Sophia, age 16, was born with a life limiting condition and she has been part of the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice community for 14 years. Sophia loves to spread joy around and this includes handing out countless sock monkeys (made by her and our Operation Sock Monkey communtiy…
Inspiring program: Work2Give via @PunkyLake
It was such a delight to meet the extraordinary Sarah Jackman of Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society http://punkylake.com/ on March 15, 2016 as we presented together our experiences in restorative practices in CRIM 442 at SFU. My name is Sarah Jackman and I am the Executive Director of the Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society. I was…
The sock monkey and the paper dress.
I love making paper dresses! — — Check out: I’m obsessed with my paper dress The bypoststreet paper dress The bypoststreet punk paper dress My dress hangs there I finally made one for a sock monkey. Surprised that it took me so long! Not sure why it is so satisfying, but it is! — —…
Sock Monkey Social- intergenerational craftivism!
Operation Sock Monkey (OSM) was approached by Langara Recreation Leadership student, Matthew Sung, a few months ago regarding an intergenerational project: Sock Monkey Social. We gave him some pointers and links to a couple videos (how to make a sock monkey and a feature on OSM’s founder, Lindsey Hodgson): How To Make A Sock Monkey (HD) from Fredrik Thorsen…
I’m raising funds to provide free sock monkey therapy!
I am selling sock monkeys and sock birds on my ETSY site to raise for sock monkey therapy! See selection at: 100% of proceeds go towards me providing free sock monkey therapy workshops for local at risk youth in Vancouver BC Canada! Sock monkey therapy creates a safe space for youth to dialogue while delivering…
Special edition sugar skull sock monkey
This handmade, handsewn sock monkey is a special version of my sugar skull sock monkey line! She has an embroidered face and her dress is soft stretch cotton with crow design. She is adorned with flowers and a little bird sits atop her head. Materials: Work socks Hypo-allergenic polyester fibre stuffing Embroidery thread Cotton Felt…
Operation Sock Monkey Booth at the Strathcona Craft Fair Nov 28! And Latest Updates!
My incredible Operation Sock Monkey Western Division team of youth, teachers, support staff, community members of all ages have been hard at work since July, volunteering time and donating supplies and monkeys. And now part of this great sock monkey collection goes on sale this Saturday at the Strathcona Craft Fair 10 AM-4 PM! 601…
Sock monkey with hummingbirds #craftivism
“If the hummingbird shows up in your life as a spirit animal, it may remind you to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and take time to enjoy yourself. The hummingbird’s wisdom carries an invitation to take part in and draw to you life’s sweetness, like you would drink the nectar of your own flower.” [source] — —…
My special hand-sewn sock monkey kits now on Etsy!
Sock monkey kits! Now on my ETSY SITE! My special hand-sewn sock monkey kit includes: • Pre-sewn sock monkey body (ready to stuff and assemble and personalize) • Needle and thread • Felt heart • Button eyes • A little worry bird (made from glove finger) • How-to info • Information about my local to…
Shaking the Movers- a safe space for youth to have a voice.
— I was so honored to participate (as art facilitator) in the 9th instalment of Shaking the Movers yesterday! Shaking the Movers, founded by The Honorable Landon Pearson, is a profound process that supports youth in making powerful recommendations around children’s rights using their own voices. Shaking the Movers: The Shaking the Movers conferences are two-day workshops that…
Craft: three birds, two monkeys, one tea towel.
This cozy sock monkey measures 18 inches tall and wears a tea towel dress and a little bird on her head. Let her accompany you in your kitchen; she’s washable- so let her infuse your kitchen with magic as you wipe your hands on her dress. The little blue bird adds an extra delight and…
Craftivism: Operation Sock Monkey’s Hummingbird Project
Today I worked with a group of Operation Sock Monkey craftivists to create hummingbirds for a very special cause. Over 5 hours, we created 40 little hummingbirds for the Liz Elliot Memorial Ceremony and Potlatch happening on September 11, 2015 at the SFU Centre for Restorative Justice. SFU criminologist Liz Elliott, who was a champion of restorative justice,…
Recycled sock craft: dead crow. #Graphicnovel fundraiser.
The crow guides my healing journey. It gives me the courage to enter the darkness of the unknown and to let go of fear. The crow reminds me to laugh, live and love fiercely as I embrace my life’s mission. According to folk lore, finding a dead crow implies good fortune awaits. I feel they…
200 + sock monkeys for Nepal event! Operation Sock Monkey for KYT Foundation.
Operation Sock Monkey Western Division is embarking on a Summer journey to create 200 + sock monkeys that will be sold to benefit the KYT FOUNDATION a Vancouver, B.C.-based non-profit established to bring flowing water to a remote Nepali village in the Kabre Palanchowk District; Healay Chaubas. The village is now rebuilding after the earthquake and…
10 Tuesdays. 10 Fridas. Art blog event. Frida No. 1: sock doll. #recycledcraft
I’m celebrating my blog with an art event. The event honors the woman who inspires me to keep it going as an artist: Frida Kahlo. (How many of you that know me are right now rolling your eyes and saying, “duh”…!?!? I realize I am a tad obsessed.) For the next 10 Tuesdays, I will be…
Sock sparrow. #recycledcraft
My personal therapy is randomly picking up an old scrap, grabbing needle and thread and seeing what happens. In this case, I was donated a cozy pair of wooly socks and their color just told me- make a sparrow. Recall: Pay attention to the birds: SPARROW “The sparrow reflects self-worth. If a Sparrow totem…
My Dress Hangs There. One of a kind Frida Kahlo portrait paper dress.
UPDATE: May 2, 2015 1:48 PM- DRESS IS SOLD! It will be worn at the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in Detroit exhibit! THANK YOU for your patronage- Laura Mack! — ***SOLD!*** It’s truly one of a kind double sided wearable street art/ wall hanging. These are my own interpretations of Frida Kahlo with…
Scraps- makes animals- makes good feels
What is it about a bin of sewing supplies and some scrap cloth that tug at my heart and leads me to create something out of seemingly nothing? What is it that I get out of making cute animals? Drawing them? Why do I anthropomorphize them? Why is it so comforting? So healing? Check out:…