Title Details

Sayraphim Lothian is a public artist who utilises as many crafts as she can lay her hands on. She's interested in craftivism and creative resistance in all its forms. Her main body of work revolves around kindness as a form of rebellion, craft as a form of subversion and games in public to overturn expected behaviours. She is inspired by street art, craft history and the rebellious in almost all its forms.



Lothian is the writer and host of Craftivism 101, a new tutorial series on the Youtube channel MonsterThinks, did her Masters thesis on Craftivism and is currently writing a book Guerrilla Kindness and Other Acts of Creative Resistance: How to Make A Better World Through Craftivism which will be published through Mango Publishing early 2018.



She holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in photography, a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching from La Trobe University and a Masters in Art in Public Space at RMIT, Melbourne

"As a fat feminist mother, activist and artist, I've been actively participating in craftivism and using guerrilla kindess as a revolutionary way of making, creating, engaging and resisting for nearly a decade. Women have been using traditional handiwork for generations to not only provide for their families and make a living, but to tell stories. Lothian's work and book provides a fun and tangible way to teach a new generation to continue this legacy while making it their own, not focusing on perfection but on crafting and art-making as a radical tool for change." - Amy Pence-Brown, Image Activist, Historian, Artist and Writer


"Whether capturing the stories in crochet, or creating spontaneous interventions of crafted kindness, Sayraphim Lothian’s projects show that the new resistance can be artistic, clever, and kind. Whether using street art or baking, embroidery or soft sculpture, she demonstrates that craftivism is, at it’s very best, a medium devoted to connecting humans together, one creative act at a time." ―Leanne Prain, author of Strange Material: Storytelling through Textiles; Hoopla: The Art of Unexpected Embroidery; and Yarn Bombing: The Art of Crochet & Knit Graffiti (with Mandy Moore)

“Sayraphim’s work is both thoughtful and playful and most importantly makes the world a better place…Finally, crafts that people are actually gonna give a shit about…The craft room is the new war bunker, and Sayraphim Lothian is its field marshal. Badges not bombs!...I haven’t had so much fun expressing my rage since throwing an egg at my father in ‘93. I love every one of Sayraphim’s craft projects and adore the passion behind them.”―Claire Hooper, host of The Great Australian Bake Off

“Sayraphim's Guerrilla kindness brings people lost in the lonely whirlwind of modern times to a place of community, compassion and connection. It's a wonder to watch how it affects people.” ―Lauren O’Farrell, author of Stitch London, Stitch New York and Knit The City.

“DIY craft and activism have gone together since well before the internet brought us images of radical quilts and seditious samplers. Yet now more than ever before craftivism is resonating with so many people, keen to truly make a difference in their communities and the world. Sayraphim Lothian’s book is a must read for anyone in need of inspiration and motivation to bring people together to make positive change. You’ll be left mega inspired and rearing to engage in playful yet thoughtful acts of resistance. Sayraphim’s book shows us all that we absolutely can MAKE the world a better place.”―Rayna Fahey, author Really Cross Stitch

"Lothian is an expert when it comes to creating whimsical interruptions to our daily lives"― Frances Atkinson, The Age

"Sayraphim uses her craftivism to connect us to each other, to our community and creativity. Every project of hers I have been involved with has given me a sense of belonging and joy….Through her craftivism, Sayraphim teaches us how to tell our stories, create our dreams and uncover hidden talents. Her work has inspired me to thread the eyes of needles, share stories with strangers I'll never meet and learn about the wonders of ground-dwelling parrots in New Zealand."―Daniel Donahoo, ex-blogger, Geek Dad, Author of Idolising Children & Adproofing Your Kids

“Sayraphim has been one of the major craftivism proponents in Australia, activating craftivism’s potential locally through her broad range of generous and uplifting projects. Her book is sure to inspire the next generation to embrace the political and personal benefits of crafting with intent!”―Dr. Kate Just, Artist, Writer and Academic

“Sayraphim is one of the most dedicated stalwarts in the Melbourne craftivist scene. Over the last decade she's carved a gently subversive oeuvre for herself that bridges the gap between traditional and radical craft and connects communities. Her work has provided a inspiration and a point of entry for hundreds of craft novices and seasoned crafters who want to play with the boundaries of their art-forms, and their potential to express ideas. Always seeking to be playful, inclusive and progressive, Sayraphim's new book, 'Guerrilla Kindness and other acts of creative resistance', is set to be essential reference material for curious craftivists from all walks of life.”―Casey Jenkins, craftivist and artist.

“Sayraphim is one of Australia’s leading craftivists. With a background in theatre, film, television, street games and public art, Sayraphim brings her unique combination of performativity and generosity to bear on each of her creative forms, producing gentle and moving acts of creative resistance. Her works can be found everywhere – from the street corners of Melbourne to New York’s Museum of Modern Art. Sayraphim’s art serves as playful, compelling reminders of the power of making and of giving - they call us to be better to ourselves, to each other and to the world around us. This book is a must for anyone who loves to make, and who seeks inspiration to make a more compassionate world though the art of craft.” ―Dr. Cathy Hope, Director of the Play, Creativity and Culture Project at the Centre for Creative and Cultural Research at the University of Canberra"Guerrilla Kindness is full of ways to show your support for a cause through homemade items. One of my favorites to see were the protest dolls, which can be done for any cause and can even be based on real people. There are also explanations for how to make banners, flags, and even bake goods that can be used to spread your message.
There are also some elements of general craft teaching included. Lothian shares how to patch items that you’ve made so that they can continue to last even longer. These patching plans also allow you to add even more details to your work. While this is a crafting book, what I found tremendously important to point out what Lothian’s decision to include a section on symbols and organizations in the introduction of the book. She wants to ensure that those who are crafting have a clear idea of that they are doing and are not alienating people or co-opting something that is not connected to who they are. Guerrilla Kindness and Other Acts of Creative Resistance is a great book for anyone who wants to grow their skills as a maker and is also interested in helping make the world around them a better place." -Nerdy Girl Express