NATURE CRAFTS FOR ALL THE SEASONS

A collection of charming, practical and creative projects based on themes taken from the seasonal cycles of the natural world. Projects include making a child's chair out of willow branches, wind chimes using shells collected by the beach and aromatic baskets woven from pine needles.

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.