Crafting with Feminism

October 1, 2016

Crafting, whether through zine making, knitting, or other forms of DIY, is a popular form of expression for third-wave feminists. In this collection of "girl-powered" craft projects, Burton (The Star Wars Craft Book), who has been writing at grrl.com since the 1990s, celebrates feminist icons, women's bodies, and women's history in an irreverent style. From minifigurines made from tampons to a business cardholder fashioned from a cassette tape, there are plenty of choices. Techniques include simple sewing and embroidery, basic jewelrymaking, and painting, and the majority of the projects are easily accessible to novice crafters. VERDICT Teens, young women, and aging Gen Xers who long for the cut-and-paste riot grrrl era will get a kick out of Burton's clever, craft-based celebration of womanhood.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2016
In this sassy craft book, pop-culture expert, crafter, writer, and feminist Burton offers more than two dozen DIY projects inspired by real and fictional feminists. Crafting has sometimes been associated with an unenlightened view of equality, but Burton stresses that by making things, readers can express frustration and take a constructive approach to effecting change. The intent is for people to gather together to have fun, make unique creations from easily sourced materials, and share the things they've made with others. Projects include feminist merit badges, heroes of feminism finger puppets, cute dolls made from tampons, a huggable uterus body pillow, tree ornaments shaped like vaginas, and more. There are projects for all skill levels, and the reader is invited to customize each one to make it truly personal. Motivational quotes, feminist-themed lists, and media recommendations are interspersed throughout. Perfection a la Martha Stewart is not the goal here. Approaching loaded issues with a light heart and a sense of humor is the aim.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)