Women’s history is an important part of us all, and every March provides us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate this impactful history. We can use this month as a chance to remember the achievements, growth and progress of women around the world but also craft projects to show support for the many women who are still working hard to break down barriers and improve the lives of others. To each our own, we have put together three craft ideas to help us celebrate Women’s History Month and get the creative juices flowing. From creating decorations to DIY T-shirts and banners and signs, there is something for us all to create. Plus, get handy tips and tricks to craft successfully, as well as resources and organizations to help get involved and show support. Let’s get started!
The Meaning Behind Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month is an annual observance where the contributions of women across the world to history, culture and society are held in reverence every March. It was originally formed in the 1970s by major women’s organizations with the intent of recognizing the accomplishments of women and spreading awareness of the issues faced by them. In the 1980s, Congress declared the week of March 8 to be National Women’s History Week. Then, thanks to the lobbying efforts brought forth by the National Women’s History Project, National Women’s History Month was permanently established.
The Impact of Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month highlights the impacts and achievements of women throughout history and encourages the continuation of their collective struggle towards equality. Through the observance and celebration of this month, the importance of the accomplishments of notable women has become commonplace knowledge.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
There are numerous ways to celebrate and observe Women’s History Month each year. Festivals, presentations on influential women in history, women’s conferences, crafting with themes honoring women’s history, exhibitions, plays and performances featuring historical women, as well as vocational and career fairs, all focus on honoring women and raising awareness of the issues they face.
Women’s History Crafts
Crafts are a great way to celebrate Women’s History Month. Crafting is a visually stimulating activity, which may involve the use of resources such as paint, paper and fabric, which foster creative engagement and provides the opportunity to honor, celebrate, and remember the iconic women who have come before us.
For example, making paper dolls of iconic female figures, like Frida Kahlo, can be a great way to teach children about her legacy, her artwork, and her life. Frida Kahlo’s art was always a means to express her thoughts and feelings and creating a paper version of her can be both fun and educational.
Create a Ruth Bader Ginsburg themed puzzle, to not only celebrate her legacy but to also involve and engage the whole family. Cut out a large drawing or print out of the Notorious RBG and paste it on top of a flat piece of cardboard for an easy and emotionally engaging craft activity.
Empowering Young Girls Through Crafts Celebrating Women’s History Month
Crafts that celebrate Women’s History Month may also be used to empower young girls. By educating them through fun activities, they can be taught to respect and admire courageous female figures whose actions set the foundation for today’s rights for women.
Fold paper dolls that depict real life women who have inspired and empowered young girls around the world. These dolls may include Susan B. Anthony, Oprah Winfrey and Malala Yousafzai– all of whom have stood up to fight against oppression, and pursue their dreams.
Make paper mache burritos to represent the courage of Dolores Huerta and her contributions in the fight for environmental justice. Dolores improved the working conditions of farmworkers and fought against human rights violations, speaking out regularly on social and political issues.
Crafts that celebrate Women’s History Month are a meaningful and thoughtful way to pay tribute to these influential women. Although their legacies are now recognized and celebrated throughout March, it can be a meaningful learn-and-memeorial activity throughout the year for girls to participate in, as well.
Craft Idea #1 – Decorations
Feminism is not just one pre-determined role or idea, but many. Celebrating Women’s History Month is all about recognizing and celebrating extraordinary women, and their pathways to success. With all the uncertainty in the world this past year, it’s more important than ever to uplift and empower women.
One way to express the strength of prominent women is to create meaningful handmade decorations that honor their accomplishments. Drawing on meaningful moments, quotes, or milestones of the women who have shaped history and impacted society, can be great starting points for creating decorations.
Some women that could be celebrated with thoughtful decorations may include Susan B. Anthony, Amelia Earhart, Clara Barton, Michelle Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, and Malala Yousafzai. When deciding which woman to honor, focus on a renowned woman whom you feel a personal connection.
The decorations can be made using a variety of crafts such as using fabric, paper, or colorful ribbon which usually can be found right at home. These decorations could be made in the form of a pinwheel or banner displaying quotes or achievements of the aforementioned women and more. Ideas could be as simple as making paper flowers displaying empowering words from prominent women, or more creative with creations like fanning a fabric of a woman’s favorite colors in a fan shape with relevant quotes.
Craft Idea #2 – Wreaths
Decorating with wreaths is one way to celebrate a woman of distinction. One way to make these wreaths is to start with a variety of flowers in the colors associated with the woman of choice, and then display a supportive quote or message, such as “Women of all nations, unite!” – by Susan B. Anthony, to show her appreciation of other women.
This decor can be further tailored with a piece of a woman’s heirloom jewelry if one is available, a few of the woman’s favorite items, or photographs of her. Wreaths also allow for a lot of flexibility when it comes to arrangement and messaging. This type of home decor allows for both detailed and minimal designs, as well as for a variety of mediums.
The sky is the limit, as with this craft – from creative paper wreaths with colorful cutouts, to ones made completely out of fabric with trimmings of ribbons and jewels. Depending on the message and design, the wreaths can be hung up in the household for an elegant and classic atmosphere.
By celebrating Women’s History Month, not only will everyone be able to recognize the greatness of some of the most influential women in history, but also to create beautiful and thoughtful decorations or wreaths with their own personal touches. In our own small way, we are honoring womanhood and its power of progress, while also bringing recognition to the strength and bold character of influential women.
Craft Idea #2 – DIY T-Shirts
It’s Women’s History Month and what better way to celebrate than to make your own crafted t-shirts? DIY t-shirts are a creative, fun way for people of all ages and genders to express themselves, and no special skills are required.
What You Need
To get started, you’ll need a few tools and materials, including a t-shirt, fabric markers, stencils, iron-ons, fabric glue, and a heat press or iron. You can find these supplies from most craft stores or online retailers.
Make Your Own Design
Once you have all the materials you need, it’s time to get started! To make your own t-shirt design, think of a powerful message that celebrates inspiring women in history or empowers movements. For example, you might create a t-shirt honoring Billie Jean King, featuring her powerful phrase “Be a leader, not a follower”.
You can also personalize your t-shirt with words, images, and designs. Draw on your t-shirt with fabric markers, or create a stencil and use fabric paint to create an intricate design. Iron-ons or fabric glue can also be used to adhere a visual element to the t-shirt.
Secure the Design
Once you’ve created your design, it’s time to secure it to the t-shirt. Use a heat press or iron to carefully press and secure the design onto the fabric. Make sure to cover your project area with a sheet to protect any surfaces from scorching.
Show Your Creation
Now that your t-shirt is finished, it’s time to show off your work! Take a photo of your design and share it with your friends, family, and followers on social media. You can also give your t-shirt as a meaningful gift to a friend or family member.
Clean and Care for Your DIY T-shirt
Be sure to follow the care instructions that come with the materials you use to clean and care for your t-shirt. Generally speaking, it’s best to wash and hang dry all t-shirts, and avoid using bleach, fabric softener, or air-drying in direct sunlight. These steps will help to keep your design looking as bold and vibrant as when it was first made.
Have fun crafting your own t-shirts, celebrating inspiring women in history, and empowering movements. Share your Women’s History Month creations with #whmcrafts on social media. Show us what you’ve got!
Craft Idea #3 – Banners & Signs
The best way to commemorate Women’s History Month is to honor the countless women who have made an impact on the world around us. One fun and creative way to do that is by crafting banners or signs to hang in your home. With just some paint, markers, cardstock, and scissors, you can make a meaningful reminder of the power and strength of all women.
Brainstorm Ideas
Start by brainstorming a list of names that are special to you. There are countless incredible women who have left their mark on history, from Sojourner Truth and Malala Yousafzai to Maya Angelou and Shirley Chisholm. Once you’ve gathered a list of names, you can decide on the design of your banner or sign.
Designs
You can make a cutout of your name letters and affix them together, or you can spell out the names of inspiring women with markers or stencils. You can also spruce up your design by adding other materials, like glitter or fabric, if desired.
Final Product
When you complete your banner or sign, you’ll have a tangible reminder of all the amazing women who have changed the world. Hang your banner or sign up proudly in your home to be reminded of those incredible women each and every day. It’s a fitting way to commemorate Women’s History Month and all the brave women who have broken boundaries and pioneered the path for all of us.
Wrapping Up Your Project
As Women’s History Month comes to an end, don’t forget to wrap up any crafts or projects that you have been working on. Double check that you have all the tools and materials that you need to finish your project before you move on. Find a safe storage place or you can place all the components of your project together to make it easier to find them when you need them later.
Assembling Your Project
Once you have everything that you need, it’s time to start putting together your craft. Take your time while you are assembling your craft and make sure that all parts of the project fit together securely.
Before gluing together any parts, look closely to make sure that there is no part of the craft that should be removed.Secure each part to the main structure of your project, making sure that it firmly connected and won’t fall apart easily.
Finishing Your Project
When you have your craft assembled, it’s time to finish it up with a few extra touches. Dip a paintbrush into a small amount of paint and dab onto any bare spots of the craft for color and interest. You could also add some buttons, ribbons, or other objects to add more detail and flair to your project.
Sharing Your Craft
Once you are sure that your project is complete and looks great, take a picture of it and share it with your friends and family. Hashtag it with #WomensHistoryMonth so that others can appreciate and learn about the work that went into your project.
Appreciating Your Work
Take some time to reflect on the work you put into your project over the month. Recognize the hard work that went into it, as well as the accomplishments and stories of all the women who went before you and made history! It’s important to remember them and the contributions they have made.
Get Involved & Show Support During Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month has been observed for over a hundred years in the United States and is about recognizing women’s achievements, progress and contributions. Celebrating these accomplishments and coming together to lend support for women’s causes is a great way to pay respect to the decades of hard work many women have done for our society. Here are seven inspiring crafting activities you can do to mark the month and make your support felt.
Host A Livestream Craft Tutorial
Crafting is such a great way to express yourself and share your thoughts with others. Livestream a craft tutorial and celebrate the contributions of a female historian, scientist, artist, or other influential woman in history. Your followers, friends, and family can join in to craft something related to the person of your choice while learning more about their accomplishments and how they’ve made an impact on society.
Join the Conversation on Social Media
You can join Women’s History Month conversations on social media using hashtags like #WomensHistoryMonth or #WHM2021. You can make posts about why this month matters or what you’re doing to celebrate it. You can also reach out to the people of your community who can provide meaningful insight that can help you in your journey.
Donate to Women-Focused Organizations
Show your support by donating money or time to organizations that work specifically for women’s advancement. You can look to donate to organizations like the National Women’s History Museum, the National Women’s Law Center, or Solace for Sisters. You can even make donations in the name of someone special to you—to honor the woman who has made an impact on your life.
Use Women’s Artwork for Your Craft Projects
Do you want to design creative graphics and art pieces? Make sure to look at the work of female artists and pay homage to their work by making something that’s inspired by them. Create posters, logos, postcards, and other designs that capture their talent.
Create & Sell Crafts With A Purpose
Are you crafty and creative with skills that you can monetize? Create crafts that honor women’s achievements and give a portion of the proceeds to charities or organizations that work for women’s advancement. You could make jewelry, crafts, keychains, and all kinds of items that celebrate the progress of women.
Make & Give a DIY Mentorship Kit
Making a mentorship kit for someone can be empowering for both the creator and the receiver. You can fill the kit with cards about inspiring women, crafts, books, or other materials that could help cultivate and foster an inspiring mentorship relationship.
Attend or Host Craftswaps
Look and join craftswap events or host them from your home. This can be a great way to enjoy creative activities while celebrating women and donating or swapping crafts made to honor incredible women in history.
Overall, Women’s History Month is a great opportunity to share your support and craft items that reflect the accomplishments of amazing women who have made a positive impact on society. These activities are a great way to honor their contributions and express yourself while celebrating their successes.
Tips & Tricks for Crafting Successfully During Women’s History Month
As millions of people around the world celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s the perfect time to flex your creative muscles and make a special craft to honor your favorite inspiring women. Here, I’ll provide tips, strategies and materials to help you create memorable and meaningful content to enjoy and share.
Gather the Supplies
The beauty of crafting is that you can create something amazing by recycling objects and materials you already have around the house, or purchase supplies at your local craft store. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can also search for unusual and unique elements that express your special design ideas. Once you have the supplies, you’ll be ready to get creative and start your craft project.
Find Inspiration
Finding the perfect theme for your craft project doesn’t need to be difficult. Start by researching inspiring women in history and look for interesting stories and accounts of their courage and strength. When you find a heroine that resonates with you, it’s a great way to create a craft project to show your admiration for their perseverance and dedication. You can also look for ideas in magazines and online tutorials.
Brainstorm & Create
For successful crafting, it’s important to brainstorm ideas and let your creativity flow. Think about what materials you have and what you want to create with them. Consider interesting shapes, colors, words and designs and make sure they capture the quality and style you’re looking to create. If you’re stuck, look around your house or nearby areas for inspiration. Don’t be afraid to have fun and be creative!
Include Stories & Examples
When crafting to celebrate Women’s History Month, make sure to include stories and examples in your project. You can create visual representations of inspiring stories to help the people you share your project with better understand the legacy and impact of the women you’re honoring. You can also add words, quotes or symbols to remind people of the courageous and impactful roles these women played in history.
Have Fun & Celebrate
When crafting to celebrate Women’s History Month, make sure to also celebrate yourself. Crafting should be fun, relaxing and inspiring. Connect with other crafters online and share photos of your projects to celebrate their femininity and power. Take time to relax and create something beautiful and meaningful that helps you honor the amazing women in history and in your life.
Relevant Resources & Organizations Supporting Women’s Causes
Much research and exploration into women’s achievements and contributions can be found through organizations that specialize in supporting women’s causes.
UN Women
is a United Nations Organization dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment of all individuals through policy, advocacy and monitoring of worldwide agreements. They are actively striving to achieve their mission in six strategic areas to include: women’s economic and political empowerment, eliminating violence against women, engaging in humanitarian action, and youth leadership, among others.
The
National Women’s History Museum
is located in Alexandria, Virginia and is the only national museum in the United States devoted solely to highlighting the vast achievements of women throughout history and across all cultures. Working in collaboration with schools, universities, and other partner organizations, the museum has a unique mission to preserve, display, and celebrate women’s diverse history for everyone to enjoy.
The
Women’s Media Center (WMC)
is a non-profit organization that advocates for and provides media training to women so that they are represented in mainstream media and across a variety of platforms. Their mission is to make media better for women and a culture of equity. To accomplish this goal, the WMC produces programming and training such as their “She Source” searchable database of female experts.
Resources For Parents & Teachers
As schools and businesses observe Women’s History Month, parents and teachers may be looking for ways to celebrate the contributions of women.
Scholastic
is a leading provider of educational materials for K-12 and backs this up with a broad range of interesting and inspiring activities and articles online. Scholastic’s Women’s History Month resources and lesson plans are designed to be age-appropriate and bring the topic to life.
Smithsonian Magazine
has several free online resources to help families by providing their “5 Ways to Celebrate Women’s History Month” article. The activities suggested in the article include, hosting a movie night featuring films about inspiring women, listening to music composed by women, and learning a dance created by a legendary female choreographer.
The
National Women’s History Alliance
is a leader in connecting families, educators and communities to activities and resources on history to honor the contributions of women. Their mission states that they work to “empower people to recognize and honor the diverse and historic accomplishments of women,” which includes having a Hall of Fame to showcase women’s history.
Lastly,
Teach US Women’s history
has created an interactive website that aims to teach thousands of stories of women’s accomplishments throughout history. Their page contains centuries worth of online stories, documentary films, interviews, activities and printable booklists. It is a powerful resource for teachers and parents to access as they discuss and celebrate women’s history for Women’s History Month.
Conclusion
Women’s History Month is a wonderful opportunity to honor the women in our lives and those who have gone before us and affected the world in meaningful ways. Crafting during this special month is a meaningful way to connect with our history and those who have cotributed to it. We hope this blog post has provided you with some great craft ideas to celebrate the occasion – from decorations and T-shirts to banners and signs, each project offers a offbeat, fun way to express yourself and help make a change in our world.
As a final thought, remember to take some time out of crafting to get involved, show support to women’s causes, and stay informed with relevant news and resources; it is a great way to make a difference and ensure that the history and progress of women are celebrated, discussed, and brought to light.