Crafting with Feminism: 25 Girl-Powered Projects to Smash the Patriarchy

by Bonnie Burton

Grab a handful of glitter and get your girl power on with 25 subversive and easy-to-make projects.   This is what a feminist crafter looks like! Crafting with Feminism features 25 irreverent and easy-to-make projects that celebrate everything that rocks about girls, gals, and badass women. Wear your ideology on your sleeve by creating fierce custom merit badges. Prove that the political is personal with DIY power panties. Get cozy with a handmade Huggable Uterus Body Pillow, or craft heroine finger puppets to honor great women like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Frida Kahlo, and bell hooks. Featuring tips on everything from beginner sewing stitches to building a kickin’ party playlist, and a totally empowering forward from “Queen of Geeks” Felicia Day, this book has everything you need for an awesome crafternoon.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts, Feminism, Adult, Reference, Art, Humor

158 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2016

About the author

Los Angeles-based author Bonnie Burton writes about books about mysteries, monsters, horror, true crime, movies, science, crafts, art, teens, and more.

BOOKS
SALEM: CRYPTIDS OF NORTH AMERICA (Indie Press)
ART OF DREAMWORKS SPIRIT UNTAMED (Abrams Books)
ART OF DREAMWORKS ABOMINABLE (Cameron + Company)
LIVE OR DIE? SURVIVAL HACKS (Becker & Mayer)
J.K. ROWLING'S WIZARDING WORLD MOVIE MAGIC AMAZING ARTIFACTS
(Penguin Random House)
CRAFTING WITH FEMINISM (Quirk Books)
THE STAR WARS CRAFT BOOK (Penguin Random House)
STAR WARS THE CLONE WARS: PLANETS IN PERIL (DK Readers)
DRAW STAR WARS THE CLONE WARS (Scholastic)
YOU CAN DRAW STAR WARS (DK Children)
GIRLS AGAINST GIRLS: WHY WE ARE MEAN TO EACH OTHER AND HOW WE CAN CHANGE (Zest Books, Lerner Publishing Group)
NEVER THREATEN TO EAT YOUR CO-WORKERS: BEST OF BLOGS (Apress)

COMICS:
PROS & (COMIC) CONS (Dark Horse Comics)
WOMANTHOLOGY: HEROIC (IDW Publishing)
WOMANTHOLOGY: SPACE (IDW Publishing)
GIRLS GUIDE TO GUYS STUFF (Friends of Lulu)

Co-host of Felicitations Book Club podcast with Felicia Day on Twitch & YouTube. Co-host of horror movie podcast The Night Shift on YouTube.
Co-host of Felicia Day's Vaginal Fantasy Romance Book Club Show on YouTube.

Bonnie has written for Lucasfilm, Disney, Hunt A Killer Games, Wired, Playboy, MTV, CBS, NBC, CNN, Star Wars Insider, SFX Magazine, Geek, Bust, Craft, Inc, Type, Organic Gardening, and more.

Visit her online at Grrl.com or via social media at @Bonniegrrl.

Reviews

[Gertrude · Rating 1 out of 5]

FEMINISM is about being able to be and speak and being treated fairly and respectfully.

I guess I might as well just use the first craft as an example since they don't get any better. The ingredient list made me feel like this was not just a sloppy feminism but it also sent terrible messages about what feminism is, both in the parts needed to make sloppy crafts and in the crafts themselves. A little education goes a long ways. There is none here.

The recommendation is to make Feminist merit badges that are kind of sloppy, at best. These are badges essentially made of felt and glue. Glitter glue is optional. (Glitter glue is never optional.)

It lists a bunch of extra things for cutting a circle, like a shot glass, which just gives the wrong message. What does a shot glass say about feminism?

Straight pins? Really? You are going to sew a small cotton circle on a small felt circle. Where are the parts going? Or is there some sort of message in straight pins?

What on earth do you need an embroidery hoop for?

"Leg hair don't care," is not a feminist message. It is a message of a woman who needs a wax job.

The other recommended badges? Total babe. Zine Queen. Body pos. No scale award. I <3 me. Riots not diets. Girls rule. Feelin' myself. I just don't know how many ways to say EWWW. (That wasn't a badge.)

This is not what feminism is about. It's not. Grow up.

This product was provided for review by the Vine program.

[SmartBitches · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lightning review at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

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!

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.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I entered the giveaway for shits and giggles, ended up with an arts and crafts book. D'oh!

I will say that I am really not artsy, but this seems to be a very fun and kitschy way to be pro-woman! I liked the little book/movie recs (including those that involve/are by women of color) sprinkled among the crafts. Some crafts are a little silly for me personally (not going to waste perfectly good tampons, nor am I a fan of crafty body parts hanging from my plants), but some of these could be really fun to do. Some of the projects are definitely beyond my skill set (I'm not good with sewing), but some look quite easy.

Overall, a fun and unique book.

[Lorilin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun--and funny--book. The crafts in here aren't super involved or complicated. Honestly, many of them look "thrown together." But that just adds to their charm, in my opinion. It wouldn't make sense for these projects to look perfectly Martha Stewart-ed, anyway.

As the title says, the book contains 25 different crafts. Some require slightly more skill (like the Uterus Pillow), but most are easy-peasy.

In all honesty, I've only tried the Em-broad-ery Hoop Art (though I'm not done yet), and the directions are very easy to follow. I had to go through a bit of trial and error at first, but it wasn't so bad. I also plan on making the Vagina Ornaments (ha!) and the Strong Female Character Prayer Candles.





There are a few extras scattered throughout the book, as well. Every once in a while, there are non-craft-centered pages that feature feminist facts, quotes, or book lists. Some pages list craft party theme ideas.



At the end of the book is a supply list. There's also a quick sewing primer if you are struggling.

Ultimately, this is an entertaining book. It's quirky and playful with just the right amount of irreverence. It made me laugh a couple times and, amazingly, even inspired me to attempt a craft or two. (I guess hell has officially frozen over...)

ARC provided through Amazon Vine.

See more of my reviews at www.BugBugBooks.com.

[Kayla Cagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books gives all the Fs: Fun, Feminism, and Fandom-Filled crafts that are actually accessible for the novice and experienced crafter alike. Highly recommend for the Big F crafter in your life! I love the Nope Necklace so much - it's my Favorite (see, another F word!)

[gremlinkitten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I'm a crafty-ish person, I wanted to like this book better than how it ended up. That's not to say there aren't some cute things in here, like the Monster Week Tampon/Pad Case, which could be used to hold other items as well, or handy, like the Secret Stash in Your Rack craft. Even the silly ones could be fun for a craft party or something. However, I don't see myself making many of these as they're just not how I am as a feminist. I'd like more crafts that have to do with equality than how women-centric those in this book are. I do like the cassette tape turned into a business card holder, although I could see ways of making it better, plus I'd urge those to keep the inside workings as they can be used for other things. I've had plans for more years than I care to think about to crochet with the tape. I like that there are recommendations for books, music, films, plus some quotations. I think this book would be better for newer crafters as the projects are fairly basic, but even those who are more advanced could think of ways of making the crafts more clean and upscale. Overall, this is a silly book and not to be taken too seriously.

[Liberty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny and fun book meant to be taken lightly. It is a crafts book and not a master thesis of feminism. A bit outside the box and not for a prude. Meant to be empowering and normalizing feminine taboos.

Female empowerment and feminism are both different for different people of different generations.

[Lupine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this one is fun! Some practical, some frivolous, all doable and send a message. We can glue it!

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't look now but I think I've decided what I'm getting a few people for Christmas.

This is so much fun I don't even know where to begin!
Both with this review and the projects.

Absolutely love the creative ideas that will definitely make a statement. From the simple to the funny; they all had me wanting to jump up and start making them immediately.
I want to try them all!
(Truthfully the only reason I haven't is because I'm missing supplies.)

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, quirky book filled with feminist crafts. Tampon figures are cute and I am sure my teenage granddaughter and I will be doing this one. Vagina ornaments a little too much on the weird side for my tastes, however. Looking forward to doing some of these with the girls in my life.

I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.

[Jeanette Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came to me from a give-away. I haven't made any of the crafts yet, but I am going to make some as gifts for my sister for the holidays coming up. The best part of this book was that I passed it around my multi-generational book club and each lady related it to other feminist art works throughout history that they knew of personally.

The layout in the book is very nice also.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the crafts, great for beginners. Loved the tie ins and ideas to make craft parties.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and hilarious! And adorable! And kickass!

[Brandy Shark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good craft book and this is perfection.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

So cute! I loved the feminist badges and the NOPE scrabble tile necklace. I didn’t care for gluing googly eyes on tampons or sticking a plant in a high heel, haha. It was just a bit too basic at times, I love a good glossary but we all know what ‘pencils and markers’ are. 3.5 stars/5

[Kaila · Rating 1 out of 5]

this is neither good feminist propaganda or good crafting ideas and that's a disappointment.

[Meredith Hines-Dochterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a crafty person, so I didn't actually make anything in this book, but the project titles made me laugh and I loved her suggested crafting playlists, movies and books.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a few made me chuckle, but only a few things I would actually make.

[Mallory · Rating 2 out of 5]

Find this review and more fantastical things at The Leaning Tower of Tomes.

Source: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Quirk Books!

The review:

Crafting with Feminism is, superficially, cute and clever, but a few of the projects are a bit cringe-worthy, and the message about feminism and what it actually constitutes is very weak.

This crafting book has girl-power ideas you can create with your gal-pals at a party, or maybe if you’re in need of a pick-me-up if you’re just done with men and their crap (heh). Some of them are cute: finger puppets, reusable lunch bags, flower crowns, rings, hoop art, candles, and — my favorite — “High Heels Are a Pain Planters”. Other projects are a little questionable: “Tampon Buddies”, a “Uterus Body Pillow”, “Power Panties”, a “Burning Bra”, and… “Vagina Tree Ornaments”. Now, I am all for being comfortable with sexuality and one’s body, but who is really going to make a bunch of vagina ornaments to hang on their Christmas Tree? (Think: the equivalent would be having a dude hang penis ornaments up, as his form of empowerment and, er, equality. Um, no?) The idea is kind of funny at first, but it’s definitely absurd.

One thing I’m disappointed about is how this book presents feminism and female empowerment. The definition of “feminism” is for women to have equal rights as men. In other words, equality for all genders in political, social, and economic environments. And one thing that I’m not a big fan of when it comes to “feminism” is the amount of, ahem, female anatomy that gets flaunted and thrown around like it’s a badge of honor. Like this book does, sadly. Great, you have a vagina, what does that mean in terms of equality? Cool, you have hairy legs and don’t shave — what does that matter in terms of equality? I’m glad you (you in general, I’m not finger-pointing) can be proud about it, but that’s not feminism in a true sense.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a feminist when it comes to equal pay and rights and all that jazz, but I don’t appreciate all the, uh, inventive ways some women declare themselves feminists. Being a feminist doesn’t give us privileges to act badly or be gross, among other things. Not wearing a tampon doesn’t mean you’re a feminist or make you a feminist. It means you choose not to wear a tampon.

I’m probably getting a bit too deep here, but I felt like Crafting with Feminism really missed the mark. Taken lightly, it’s amusing to flip through, though I wasn’t moved to get craftsy with any of the ideas (I’m not am arts-and-crafts person in general, to be honest). Don’t expect any real examples of feminism here, in the form of crafts or anything else. It’s fun for giggles, but shouldn’t be taken seriously. ♦

So tell me...

Have you read Crafting with Feminism? If you haven’t, would you be interested to? What’s a book about feminism you read and recommend? Comment below letting me know!

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[Just Plain Neddy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the idea of this book but I found it a bit meh. I don't think it's aimed at someone who knows much about either crafting or feminism. For the most part the projects are primary school level in terms of complexity: glue this thing to that thing, add glitter, show it to your parents. None of them involve making things that I'd actually want to own afterwards which is the main problem here. Then there's the fact that the central feminist message of this book seems to be: "vaginas! Aren't they brilliant!" Not that there's anything bad about vaginas, but they aren't the central focus of my feminism. I feel very uncomfortable about feminism being reduced to cis women's bodies, and cis women's bodies being reduced to vaginas. One project would have been fine but over and over it was vaginas, menstruation, knickers etc.

Overall this seems... kinda silly. I know it's supposed to be whimsical but it fell flat for me. There are serious issues at stake in gender equality. There are levels of creativity that adults can aspire to that go beyond an eight year old's school project. We can do better than this.

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm giving this book 2 stars only because there were about 5 crafts that I thought were actually cute. Vintage teacup candles are great. Even the monster week tampon and pad case is cute and I'm sure a young girl would like that. But most of the other crafts are honestly tasteless. The information says it's meant for young girls, to inspire them, yet one of the crafts is a flask. Don't forget the "pussy power" and "kiss my ass" power panties. Just what I would want my young daughter to wear. Then there's the vagina tree ornament-"festive lady-centric ornament"-when really it's just tacky. Most of the crafts are childish. "I was rejected" and "I have a vagina hear me roar even though I have nothing important to say" is what the book screams. Maybe more class and less so-called feminism is what the book needs.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun book full of tongue-in-cheek feminist crafts, though I had hoped there would be some crafts in it that I would actually want to make. The book's layout is bright and crisp and clean. I like that it includes lists of suggestions of feminist music, movies, and books.

I received an ARC from NetGalley.

[Caley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I preordered this book then swiftly forgot about it but then it arrived and it was the best surprise (that I got for myself)
I fully intend to make everything in this book
I am making the tree decorations for my craft club Christmas swap :D
This book is excellent

[Ashly Lynne]

I cannot wait for the free copy of this I won to arrive! AHHH

[Destiny Grace]

I loved doing the crafts! They were really fun and in a way empowering.

[Cheyenne · Rating 3 out of 5]

CW: alcohol, transphobic book suggested

Kudos for the Felicia Day foreward, I love her!

Notes:
The "Feminist Holidays" have some interesting suggestions, but wtf are they not in any identifiable order??? That was very annoying! (Maybe that's just in the ebook version, I hope?)

The "Vagina Tree Ornaments" are kind of cute, but they should rightly be called vulvas, and I should not have to point this out in a "feminist" book, they should know how to label their parts properly.

One of the recommended books is Chimimanda Ngozi Achidie's "We Should All Be Feminists," which I personally could not finish reading because of the obvious transphobia. Definitely avoid this author, read bell hooks instead, she was amazing.

The "Supplies" list at the end feels very much for children and baby beginner crafters, I mean, who do you need to define "glitter" and "glue" to? Absolutely puzzling.

None of the crafts really appealed to me or inspired me much, so I was pretty disappointed. And I'm a VERY artsy fartsy, crafty person! A lot of the craft ideas seemed to involve a lot of sewing and needlework, which is just not something I'm interested in right now.

I just checked the publishing date, and I see that it's from 2016, so yeah, 10 years behind the times and current events makes sense. Maybe a sequel could be a little more relevant, and maybe stretch out to include some more different mediums?

[Kelly Lynn Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book with a lot of great ideas. I was familiar with Bonnie from her time as the official crafter of Star Wars, and this book does not disappoint. From feminist merit badges to a Ruth Bader Ginsberg finger puppet to a huggable uterus pillow with a built in heating pad to a necklace that says "NOPE", Bonnie knows where it's at.

I'll definitely be taking inspiration from this book for future birthday/holiday presents for all my badass female friends.

[Renitta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book itself ingrains the DIY aesthetic of third-wave (riot grrrl) feminism with simple crafts that can be tackled in an afternoon. It provides a jumping-off point for craft parties with like-minded friends while also giving suggestions for community involvement projects. I picked up the book thinking of ideas for a raffle and finished it quickly, wanting to do, give, and make more.

Definitely worth the read for those into crafting and the "reclaiming" of crafting as a "girly" hobby.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun (and funny) crafting book, along with quotes, song lists, book suggestions, etc. The crafts are not complicated or super involved, so prepare yourselves for tampon buddies, vagina ornaments, or a "male chauvinist tears" coffee mug for Christmas.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the idea! But the book was a bit short on ideas and technique. Great to get crafters and non-crafters thinking about getting political via hobbies, but not so great for anyone looking to improve their skills. Overall, a quick, fun read.