Beadwork (Step-by-Step Children's Crafts) - Softcover

Michelle Powell studied design and display at Gloucestershire College of Arts and Technology before going on to train as a teacher at Bath College of Higher Education. She majored in printing and papermaking and graduated with a degree in teaching art. Previously editor of Practical Crafts and Scrapbook Magic magazines, Michelle is now a full time craft project designer and author. Michelle is currently building her own house with her partner Christian.

Reviewed with Tamsin Carter's Handmade Cards.

Gr. 3-5. Each book in the Step-by-Step series begins with a general introduction to the topic followed by a double-page spread showing tools and materials needed to make the projects. The term pinking scissors is used, though it is not explained here or in the glossary. In Beadwork, Powell makes an effort at cultural diversity in choosing projects, though the use of the word Indian, as in Indian wall hanging (from India? from North or South America?), is unclear. The Southwestern Shaker (rattle) looks Native American, but it was made by "People in the southwest," a phrase too general to be meaningful. Other crafts include an Egyptian picture frame, a gecko key ring, and an Aztec game. Each project is explained one step at a time on a double-page spread, with a small color photo illustrating each step in the directions. The projects look quite attractive, and craft-oriented children who follow directions diligently should be pleased with the results. Similar in layout, Cards includes instructions for making cards decorated with cutout pictures of planets, a card in the shape of a guitar, and a pop-up dinosaur card. The finished projects are simpler than those in Beadwork and will suit less-experienced crafters. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved