NATURE CRAFTS FOR ALL SEASONS

Shows how to make chairs, birdcages, valentines, baskets, bookmarks, wreaths, sachets, and ornaments using wildflowers, branches, twigs, vines, and seashells

Families and youth groups will find a wealth of ideas for using natural materials in projects ranging in difficulty from a heart-shaped wreath of honeysuckle vines to an elaborate child's chair made from tree branches. Accompanying each of the 52 projects are step-by-step instructions, materials lists, tools lists, and a full-color photograph. Several of the projects--an autumn leaf painting, a rose petal necklace, pressed-flower bookmarks--are quite smashing and should be interesting learning experiences. Parents should be warned, however, that very few of these projects are suitable for children working without adult supervision. The book's value as a learning tool is further hampered by the author's assumption that all her readers are environmentally knowledgeable; future editions should consider adding a brief field guide with descriptions, photographs, and a discussion of the impact of removing such natural materials from the environment. Recommended only for public libraries with high demand for nature crafts materials.
- Janice Zlendich, California State Univ. Lib., Fullerton
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

An Easter basket made with wisteria vine and embellished with moss, and an autumn wreath ornamented with apples are among the most appealing of Cook's ideas. His less-successful notions include unfired clay vases, with instructions that may not adequately explain the clay-working process for someone without prior knowledge. But his advice is basic and easy to follow for most projects, such as a summer memory in the form of a fish monoprint. His brief final chapter offers guidance on collecting materials from nature and treating them for use in crafts. Alice Joyce