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Crafting with Feminism

Crafting With Feminism: 25 Girl-Powered Projects to Smash the Patriarchy includes the directions for completing twenty-five crafting projects that are aimed squarely at my level of crafting competence, which is zero. Some projects require a small amount of hand sewing, but none of them require a sewing machine. You don’t have to know how to knit or crochet – you just need access to fabric and maybe glue and some glitter. These projects are silly and funny and cool and will make your feminist soul reach for the sequins!

While many of these projects are quite lovely (I’m fond of the Queen Ring Bling), most of them are also funny. How could I not want to make my own Male Chauvinist Tears Coffee Mug? Or a Feminist Killjoy Sash to wear proudly to my next convention, along with a Nope Necklace? And how have I lived for so long without a Girl Band Cassette Business Card Holder?

As befits a feminist book, there are several projects involving reproductive organs. You can make a little Monster Week Tampon/Pad Case, or Tampon Buddies. If you want a break from working with fabric you can make Vagina Tree Ornaments out of homemade salt dough. The only project that looks difficult is the Huggable Uterus Pillow. I’m pleased to report that the pillow comes with a heating pad pocket, as well as instructions for a lavender-scented heating pad to put in the pocket.

Bonnie Burton has been crafting in books and online for ages but this is my first exposure to her work, and I found it delightful. It includes craft party ideas, playlists, and recommendations for books and movies, as well as some great feminist quotes. Best of all, there’s a section on why crafting is feminist, and how to use these crafts for the greater good. To the Mod Podge, my sisters!

– Carrie S

This is what a feminist crafter looks like! Wear your ideology on your sleeve by creating feminist merit badges (like “started an all-girl band” or “rocked roller derby”). Prove that the political is personal with DIY power panties (“No means no”). Craft great feminist hero finger puppets (Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Frida Kahlo) or googly-eyed tampon buddies. Fun sidebars provide background on (s)heroes of the feminist movement.