Crafts for Cheerleaders

• Hair ribbons add color and spirit to a squad's appearance.Stephen Dunn/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images
  
  Colorful hair accessories serve double duty during cheer competitions. Not only do they complete the squad's outfits, but they ensure that the group maintains a uniform appearance. With little more than grosgrain ribbon, a glue gun and rubber bands or hair clips, hair accessories can easily be tailored to each squad's preference.
  
  Homemade ribbon bracelets can be worn during competition, sold as a fund raising item or tossed to spectators as cheerleaders make their way onto the stage. Colorful, lightweight and easy to make, these crafts add color and style to any uniform.
  
  

Craft Ideas for Spectators

• Junior varsity cheerleaders or willing fans can help generate excitement from the sidelines. Using polyester fabric or a similar material with some give, create pillowcase-like costumes by sewing large rectangles with holes for heads, feet an arms. Paint your school's letters on the cover-ups and have each letter dance and engage the crowd. When a cheer specifically includes the school's letters, have each person stand up and wave at the appropriate time.
  
  Create individual spirit sticks by filling paper towel tubes with beans or rice. Seal the ends of the tubes with tape, cover with crepe paper streamers in your school's colors, and distribute them to the spectators supporting your squad. Ask them to show their support by shaking their sticks in time to your chants and musical routines.
  
  

Keepsakes and Fundraisers

• Innovative keepsake and fund-raising ideas will not only help generate money to cover the costs of competing but can also lend to the spirited atmosphere among spectators. Create homemade pom-poms and sell them to students, educators and family members. Encourage them to use the pom-poms during and after your routine to add color and excitement to the audience.
  
  Fashion colorful megaphones from clay, complete with your school's letters on them, and attach a small magnet to the back of each finished piece. Sell these throughout the school or community as refrigerator or bulletin board magnets.
  
  

Decorative Crafts

• When appropriate, create decorative crafts or banners to display during competitions. Balloons and shiny curling ribbon in your school's colors are the foundation for easy-to-make bouquets. Hang them along the walls and doors, or place them on the side of the stage.
  
  If decorating the venue is not possible, ask fans to help. Create banners using butcher block paper reinforced with clear packing tape along the back. Decorate with your school's letters and the names of everyone on your squad. Have spectators unroll the banners immediately after your performance.