Lazy Crafternoon

June 1, 2016

Gr 5-8-This fresh, funky, and visually appealing book presents an assortment of crafts to while away the afternoon. Its purpose is to promote friendship and social engagement through crafting, offering an assortment of ideas, and even snack recipes for hosting a "crafternoon." Some projects are more challenging than others, with ideas ranging from accessories to decorative items to school supplies. Designed to be shared among friends, each project can be easily accomplished by the individual as well. While the visuals are geared more toward teenagers, the projects are just as appropriate for younger tweens. With a few exceptions, the supplies required are general art and supplies available from most retailers. The specialized items are accompanied by more in-depth discussions for their use, cost, and availability. While most instructions are fairly self-explanatory, a couple of shortcomings leave the impression that these projects would work best with kids already somewhat familiar with crafting. Directions and photos of the finished products are given, and the step-by-step graphics tend to show only the finished result of the instruction (for instance, in the braided necklace activity, the images do not make clear what in direction the fabric needs to be turned). In addition, certain terms and procedures related to sewing are not always clarified fully, an inconsistency that would leave those new to the craft somewhat at a loss. VERDICT For collections needing an update in their crafting fare or for those wishing to appeal to the younger crowd, this is an adequate purchase.-Rebecca Gueorguiev, New York Public Library

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2016
Grades 5-8 Need more cute projects for your craft-savvy teens? Crack open this book for an afternoon of clever crafting. Targeted to tween and teen girls, this brightly colored book provides instructions for more than 50 appealing projects. The crafts are divided into categories ( Accessories, Decorate, Study, Celebrate, and Food ) and are preceded by tips for hosting a lazy crafternoon and a supply list, with basic instructions for select items' use (i.e., decoupage glue and washi tape). Projects have no more than 10 steps, and several provide variations. Readers can try their hands at creating decorative iPhone cases, yoga-mat straps, ribbon wreaths, and sun-tea jars, though many crafts are not suitable for novices. The lack of a glossary for unexplained terms, such as prime, raw edge, backstitch, and seam allowance, and an absence of step-by-step diagrams or photos could make some crafts frustrating for beginners, particularly for the sewing projects. With its color photos and attractive, easy-to-navigate layout, this would make a great additional purchase for public libraries with large numbers of experienced crafters.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)