Author Biography

Mari Bolte is the author and editor of hundreds of children's books. Every book is her favorite book as long as the readers learned something and enjoyed themselves!

Table of Contents

Pretty paper -- Scrappy songbirds -- Cool cords -- Wide wrist -- Really resin -- Billions of beads -- It's raining rainbows -- Stretchy strings -- Tangled in thread -- Coated in candy -- Rolls of ribbon -- Hot for hot glue -- Stuck on duct tape -- Taped together -- Feet of fabric -- Printed with love -- Scrap lights -- A purse full of pom-poms -- Pom-pom garland -- Read more -- Internet sites -- Maker space tips.

Review

It's refreshing to see a craft series that acknowledges two of the less popular realities of crafting--flimsy or unattractive finished projects and the ever-expanding proliferation of leftover materials. The 16 to 19 projects in each of these books function more as jumping-off points than formulas to be followed word-for-word. Crafters can cover plastic eggs with glitter as the instructions suggest or use beads and sequins--whatever little sparkly things they have lots of. However, sometimes this lack of specificity could lead to heartbreak, as when a twisted and rolled chenille stem craft begins to unravel because the directions merely called for "glue" instead of specifying a type of glue. But by and large, readers will find easy, medium, and challenging new uses for ribbon ends, leftover clay, extra casting resin, old crayons, and the like. And as promised, the results will be objects to keep. VERDICT Tweens can make a bracelet or decorate a picture frame while reusing and recycling. Consider for large collections.--Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library "School Library Journal, Series Made Simple"

Long Description

This is more than a book of craft projects--this is a book of inspiration! Instructions for finished projects print hand-in-hand with open-ended ideas that kids can use to make each craft fully customizable. With a focus on using surplus supplies that one might have a lot of--such as full bottles, entire stacks, or large bags of supplies--each activity will be a great at-home tool or a staple for the librarian's maker space.

Promotional "Headline"

step-by-step instructions, tip boxes, variations on projects, open-ended projects, full-color hero shots

Feature

Activities, More Resources/Suggestions for Further Reading, Photograph(s), Table of Contents

Details