This one has been a long time coming

The original plan was to create an Accessories set that would reflect the hope and optimism of spring. But then the spring of 2025 proved to be dark, and the foreboding has not let up. I now live in a world where there’s a chance that my husband might be detained and separated when we travel because he’s not an US citizen (he’s a Canadian with permanent resident status, for those who are curious). It’s a worry that I try to bury but cannot shake. I fear that herd immunity might disappear if vaccine requirements go away. I lament how so many of us now live in a country that is explicitly inhospitable to us.

I pivoted from the original plan and set about designing this Protest Set in late spring. It was even announced in a sneak peek. Then I hemmed and hawed about its release. Will I alienate people who are perfectly happy with the state of the nation? Will a toy trivialize the work of those who are speaking up? Will the Protest Set elicit eye rolls all around? Nevertheless, it’s now September, and the need to speak up for what is right has never felt more necessary. No more waiting.

The Protest Set is what you choose to make of it. Use it to give voice to whatever pleases or angers you. You can use either dry erase or chalk markers to write your message. Test fist on an inconspicuous area. Not all markers will wipe off fully, but I like the grittiness. Protests are messy business, after all.

Here are some benign protest sign ideas to get ideas rolling:

The Protest Set is now available to give your Shadow Magnet a voice. We would love to see what they have to say. Share with us on Instagram, Facebook, or email!