School Library Journal (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

BLAKE, Susannah . Crafts for Pampering Yourself . ISBN 978-0-7660-4314-5 . BLAKE, Susannah . Crafts for Revamping Your Room . ISBN 978-0-7660-4315-2 . BLAKE, Susannah . Crafts for Styling Your Wardrobe . ISBN 978-0-7660-4316-9 . ea vol: 32p. (Eco Chic Series). glossary. index. photos. websites. Enslow . 2013. lib. ed. $22.60. Gr 4-8 These titles focus on using household objects that would normally be thrown away to create fresh new goods. The only items crafters might need to purchase would be things such as needles, thread, and PVA glue-all of which are inexpensive and easily obtained. Each title has 11 crafts, which include a "You will need" list and numbered instructions that are accompanied by brightly colored photos that clearly demonstrate the steps. Each volume relays information about recycling and environmental awareness. For example, Accessorizing That Look explains that mining for precious jewels often causes environmental destruction. In Pampering Yourself , readers learn that many beauty products use petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Revamping Your Room discusses how paper can take 5 to 15 years to break down, and it releases dangerous gas as it does so. Styling Your Wardrobe informs fashion fans that "The average plastic bag is used for just five minutes but takes five hundred years to decompose." From the style of the projects (bracelets, headbands, treasure boxes, etc.) and the preponderance of pink, the target audience here is strictly female. Solid choices where craft collections need a boost.

Horn Book (Tue Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2014)

After an introduction explaining relevant environmental concerns (e.g., non-biodegradable ingredients in beauty products), each of these books guides tweens through eleven simple crafts that upcycle used materials. Step-by-step instructions and sidebars of additional environmental information, tips, and further project ideas are arranged in a busy scrapbook layout heavy on pastel colors. A basic sewing tutorial is appended to each volume. Websites. Glos., ind.

ALA Booklist (Tue Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2013)

Oooh, pampering. Say no more. Girls in need of a spa day will be drawn to this title in the Eco Chic series, lured in by superfab DIY projects with tantalizing names like "Luscious Lip Balm" and "Bath-tastic Washcloth." As an added bonus, each of the dozen or so crafts is ecofriendly; the introduction offers up the "Ugly Truth" about the beauty business, from the fact that many lotions contain a nonrenewable resource, petroleum, to the wastefulness of packaging. Instructions for projects made from reusable materials follow, like a wash bag to hold beauty products made out of shower curtains and potpourri scented with essential oils. Numbered step-by-step illustrations; a fresh, tween-friendly design; explanations of basic craft skills; and instructions for throwing a "pamper party" round out the beauty-meets-responsibility fun.