WHILE hearts are always associated with Valentine's Day, this year, they were of the green variety with a campaign aimed to highlight climate change.
Northwich Craft Collaboration is a newly formed group bringing together craft makers in the town.
The group is open to crafters of all abilities to share skills, network and support makers with publicity, business advice and coordinate group events.
A green heart at Sandiway Primary School.
This month, some of their members decided to support the #showthelove campaign; creating 'green hearts' using recycled materials.
This nationwide campaign helps young people to learn about the urgency of and solutions to climate change and empowers them to ask decision makers to make the changes needed to combat global warming.
On Valentine's Day, volunteers from Transition Northwich distributed the green hearts around the town.
Alison Allum, who painted the hearts and cycled around the town centre and Marbury to hang them up, explained her motivation for creating the trail.
She said: "Valentine's is a time of increased consumerism and gifts are often over-packaged.
"I was inspired by the work of Helen Tandy and Eco-Communities in Chester who are championing sustainability and wanted to offer a surprise gift to strangers that was beautiful and didn't create any waste.
"I hope passers-by who spot the hearts might be curious to find out more."
A green heart on the newly restored gates at Verdin Park.
Craftivism (craft + activism) is a growing trend amongst environmental campaigners who understand that creativity can be a great way to communicate and initiate conversations that lead to positive change.
"While we can't gather in groups to express our concerns, we need to think of innovative ways to start the discussion," added Alison.
"A gentle approach can be very effective."
The wooden slices were donated by Jan Hudson who runs Ivy Upcycling in Davenham.
She understands the importance of reusing materials in the fight against climate change, she said: "My small business is all about a gentler way of life and being kinder to the planet by reusing waste wood and fabrics to create handmade home decor and gifts.
"I love being creative and breathing new life into old furniture and wood and I want to show people that they can help the world waste less, whilst buying a unique hand-created item that doesn't cost the earth, literally.
Hilary wearing one of her hand stitched 'green heart' brooches.
Another local crafter involved in spreading the message is Hilary Belshaw, who runs up-cycling sewing studio 'Scrapadoo' in Moulton, who explained how beneficial crafting can be.
She said: "Crafting and sewing is an immensely enjoyable activity as you can forget about all your worries whilst concentrating on your physical task.
"Being creative is very rewarding as you have something to show for your efforts.
"Crafting and sewing are also very good activities as they help you to be mindful and slow down.
"It’s also so lovely to be able to give someone a gift that you have made yourself."
This year, Transition Northwich will be leading the discussion about what can be done locally to combat climate change and welcome everyone to contribute ideas and get involved.
Find out more and contact the group via their website: https://transitionnorthwich.weebly.com/
Everyone is welcome to join the Northwich Craft Collaboration on their Facebook group.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel