April 1, 2022
Gr 3-6- Making something out of nothing is an irresistible and cost-effective premise for crafters. These books offer eight crafts per volume, grouped by material, including two books of crafts made with miscellaneous surplus items. Projects are relatively simple to complete, but not foolproof. A steady hand, good color sense, or precise cutting will be required in order to achieve attractive results, and adult assistance is often needed to use a power drill or a sharp knife. Fun facts introduce each craft, and "Top Tip" sidebars offer ideas for customizing creations. Some projects are less thrifty, such as a pencil cup made from scrap paper and a lot of glue (Trash to Treasure), or ice cream cones made from an egg carton and large pom-poms (Egg Cartons). VERDICT These attractive books will fill the gaps in any upcycled craft offerings.
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April 1, 2022
Grades 4-6 The Easy Upcycled Crafts series (6 titles) showcases nifty, thrifty "trash to treasure" transformations. In this volume, empty glass food jars are repurposed into eight fun and functional items, including a coin bank, photo holder, planter, and vase. Easy-to-understand instructions call for a minimal list of household supplies, like yarn, cotton balls, and dried pasta. Crystal-clear photographs dynamically chart the few steps needed to reach the final creation. Colorful "Top Tip" sidebars (resembling notes on scrap pieces of cardboard duct-taped to the page) encourage personalization and experimentation. Short paragraphs introduce each project with conversational tidbits, such as a description of the world's largest snow-globe collection or the definition of washi tape. A glossary, index, and suggested print and online resources are also included. An attractive, appealing resource for eco-conscious crafters and STEAM makers.
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