Crafting Voices
Handmade Poetry Books by Poverty2Solutions and Thriving Women
Dylan and Julie pleased with their final books
At the heart of creativity lies connection and truth, and for Poverty2Solutions, making things has always been about more than art—it’s about amplifying lived experiences and driving meaningful change. Recently, Thrive Teesside and the Thriving Women poetry group joined forces with fellow Poverty2Solutions graphic designer Dan Farley and Kirsty from Leeds Print Workshop, to embark on a powerful project: creating handmade poetry books that combine art, craft, and storytelling to highlight the realities of poverty and the benefits system.
With guidance from Kirsty, we got straight into the intricate art of lino printing and bookbinding. Over three sessions at the Thrive office in Stockton-on-Tees, we learned skills that transformed our experiences into tangible creations.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the lino-cutting/bookbinding workshops. The facilitator had considerable expertise and explained the different processes clearly, offering assistance where required. I loved the opportunity to learn new skills to complement my creative writing. In addition, the friendly and supportive atmosphere made the workshops an exciting and enjoyable experience. The book I put together has been admired by family and friends and I’m extremely proud of it. Thank you Thrive and Poverty2solutions.”
Sandra Falconer
The process began with lino printing, an art form that brings texture and vibrancy to the page. Each of us created an image or design inspired by our poetry, reflecting themes of struggle, resilience, and the lived realities of navigating poverty and the DWP system. Lino printing involves carving designs into a linoleum surface, rolling ink over the carved block, and then pressing it onto paper to create striking, high-contrast images. After choosing our colours and printing each design, we began assembling the contents of our books. Each poem in the collection speaks powerfully to the challenges that those with lived experiences of poverty and inequality have faced. To bring the project full circle, Kirsty patiently showed us how to bind and stitch our books by hand, turning individual pages into a cohesive, hand-crafted work of art.
Coy lino cutting
Gone for lunch
Prints drying at the end of session 1
A finished book
These poetry books are more than collections of words and images—they’re stories of resilience and a call to action. They embody our belief that creativity can be a powerful tool for change, giving voice to those who are too often unheard.
“I absolutely loved both workshops. They were well planned, and the process was explained throughout, so it was easy to follow. I loved the journey too—from lived experience to poetry workshop to poem to drawing to lino cut to printing to book cover to book binding to book. It was a fantastic collective creative expression. I felt safe and supported, and the workshops were led beautifully by Kirstie, who had time for everyone, no matter how many times we asked. It was lovely for Thriving Women to be involved together with Thrive Teesside and Poverty2Solutions. Thank you, Dan, Kirstie, Coy, Tracey, and Dylan. I loved it.”
Julie Easley
Everyone with their books
Stay tuned as we continue sharing the journey behind these books and the impact we hope they’ll have in driving conversations and change around poverty.
The people who made it possible
Leeds Print Workshop (and the fabulous Kirstie Williams) have been working with us for years and do such a great job of looking after us and the work we have done with them has played such an important part in our journey! Please check them out…
Leeds Print Workshop is a Co-operative membership-based printmaking studio at Patrick Studios in central Leeds. As well as providing facilities for our members, we also run a wide range of workshops and courses in different processes for members of the public.