Hey everyone, we have a visit today from Bonnie Burton, author of Crafting With Feminism. You can find my review of Crafting at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books.
We asked Bonnie about crafting, feminism and her new book:
What is your favorite form of crafting, and why?
I have a soft spot for making puppets. There’s something extra rewarding about making a craft that will smile back at you. So I try to add a puppet or two in every craft book I write. For Crafting with Feminism, I made finger puppets for icons such as bell hooks, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and more. For The Star Wars Craft Book there’s an Admiral Sackbar bag puppet, Chewbacca sock puppet, Cantina patrons finger puppets and Bith Band spoon puppets.
What makes crafting a feminist endeavor?
Crafting is at its core a DIY act. You’re using artistic skills like sewing, crocheting, knitting, felting, quilting and more to express yourself. Feminism is about expressing the need for men and women to be treated, paid and respected equally. When women’s rights — or any human rights — come under attack, we fight back in protest. And at protests, that’s where you’ll see everything crafted from DIY signs to pink knitted pussy hats. Crafting is empowering on multiple levels.
You’ve been very involved in Star Wars in several capacities. What do you think people need to learn from the Star Wars Franchise?
Star Wars teaches us that tyranny has no chance of surviving when brave individuals band together to fight injustices. Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo and Chewbacca fighting against Darth Vader and the evil empire can serve as a real-life reminder that no one should stand by when they see a leader become poisoned by his own addiction to power. Star Wars also is a great story about friendship, believing in one’s self, chasing a dream and putting one’s trust in the underdog. Everyone gets something different out of Star Wars when they need it most.
Can you give us a sneak peek into your upcoming October release? Any hints about amazing artifacts? And will I ever find a plush niffler?
My upcoming book J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World: Movie Magic Volume Three: Amazing Artifacts features information on everything from wands and racing brooms to other enchanted objects and magical devices. I explain how myriad artifacts used in the Harry Potter films and “Fantastic Beasts” were lovingly designed and crafted. It’s a fun book for fans of J.K. Rowling’s imaginative worlds that have been recreated on the big screen. I learned a lot about the level of artistry it takes to craft some truly magical props.
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