Crafts for Cheer Teams

Cheerleading is an extremely popular sport within the United States with an estimated 3.4 million individuals ages 6 to 34 actively involved in it. Unlike sports such as tennis, cheerleading is a team sport which requires high team spirit and morale. Craft projects are a great way to boost both. Best of all, these craft projects are simple and fun for the whole team to make.

  1. Team Flip Flops

    • Turn boring flip flops into fun team gear with this craft activity. Use cotton fabric in your team's colors to decorate your flip flops. Cut the fabric into strips that are 5 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Tie the strips to the straps of the flip flop starting at the left edge of the flip flop. Begin with one color and alternate between the two or three colors you have chosen to create an alternating pattern. Place the strip under the strap of the flip flop so that an equal amount of fabric is on either side of the strap. Tie each strip onto the flip flop using a double knot. Once you have attached all of the fabric strips to your flip flop, trim any long strips with scissors. You can also add decorative ribbons to your flip flop by mixing them in with the fabric strips.

    Hair Bands and Ribbons

    • Hair decorations are a must in cheerleading, but with this fun craft you can take your hair decorations to the next level. Make personalized hair ribbons by allowing each individual to decorate her own ribbons. Give each person a piece of ribbon that is 18 inches long. Choose ribbon that color coordinates with the team's uniforms. Fold the ribbon in half length wise so that the two ends of the ribbon meet. Fold the ribbon in half again width wise and trim the ends to make an angled edge. Use scissors to cut diagonally across the ribbon so that when it is unfolded the ends are now in the shape of a 'V'. Apply a thin coat of clear nail polish to the cut edges of the ribbon to prevent the ribbon from fraying. Use fabric paint to paint the name of the team on one end of the ribbon and the cheerleader's name on the opposite end. Allow the ribbons to dry for 24 hours before using the ribbons.

    Mini Megaphones

    • Megaphones are an iconic symbol of cheerleading and decorative mini megaphones make a great craft project for any cheerleading team. At your local craft supply store purchase the needed number of mini megaphone, glitter letter stickers and cheerleading themed stickers. Give each person a mini megaphone to decorate, and instead of decorating her own, have each person decorate a megaphone for one of her team mates as a spirit gift. Place the name of the person along the side of the megaphone. Add fun words and phrases like "Go Team Go" or the name of your cheerleading squad to the mini megaphone. Finish your decorations with the cheerleader themed stickers. For an added treat, turn the mini megaphone upside down and fill it with candy, snacks, and other goodies.

    Locker Decorations

    • Before your next big game or competition, decorate the locker room to amp up the team spirit. Decorate each person's locker with his name, an individual goodie bag and an inspirational card or message. To make it even more special, decorate the locker room thematically. One fun theme is "Trash the Competition." Use mini trash cans filled with snacks and goodies, scatter crumpled colored paper on the floor instead of balloons, and give each person a bag of party mix or ''trash."