GRRL POWER

These handmade brooches are a great way to show your support and enthusiasm for Feminism, or any other cause you may feel passionate about. They are easy and affordable to make in large batches, for friends, or even just for personal use.

To make a word brooch you will need a selection of lettered beads (which you can either buy online or find in any arts and crafts store), safety pins, super glue and some strong tape i.e. parcel or duct tape (1). You will also need an old magazine or piece of card, and a pair of scissors.

Start by arranging your letters onto the back of your magazine or piece of card. Separate the letters slightly and place a small drop of super glue in between each letter, then push the beads together to form your word (2). Leave to dry for the amount of time suggested on your tube of super glue.

Once your beads are dry, use some scissors to carefully and neatly cut around your word, keeping as close to the edge of the beads as possible in order to disguise the card or paper (3).

Finally, secure your safety pin to the back of your lettering, ensuring that the opening side of the pin is facing away from the beads (4). Cut a small strip of tape and place it over the safety pin, pressing down on either side of the tape with your fingernails to make sure it is firmly stuck down (5). For an extra strong hold, I recommend attaching your safety pin with a glue gun.

Your finished brooch (6) can be pinned onto just about anything including jackets, shirts and bags. After step 3, you can alternatively super glue your brooch straight onto an object of your choice, for example, a bag, for a more permanent statement.

- ANNA