Rebecca Craig

Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com

GORGEOUS GIFTS is the perfect book for anyone who loves creating things, especially handmade gifts to give to friends and family.

All projects in the book are made from recycled, eco-friendly materials, such as cardboard, old envelopes, jars, magazines, and even potato chip bags. Activities include: tea light candleholders, plant pots, bookmarks, chunky bracelets, hand puppets, puppet theater, refrigerator magnets, drums, stationery, model airplanes, stained-glass windows, computer mousepads, and gift bags.

Along with all necessary materials, each craft comes with detailed instructions and helpful hints. The book also includes random recycling tips, like how easy it is to reuse gift bags, wrapping paper, and bows from presents that you receive yourself.

The great thing about GORGEOUS GIFTS is that the instructions make it easy enough for even young children to create the items with adult supervision, and entertaining and useful enough for adults to find fun in making them, as well. My six-year-old daughter and I have already made a few magnets, and plan to work on the candleholders next!… (mais)

Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com

DREAM BEDROOM is another great book in the ECOCRAFTS series, designed to give those interested in creating useful objects a way to make the Earth a better place by recycling. Besides the helpful hints included throughout the book (such as looking for used toys or swapping "old" toys for "new" ones with friends), the book includes several activities to get those creative juices flowing.

Although the crafts listed in the book are designed to be used to enhance your dream bedroom, several items can be used in numerous places throughout the house, or even given as gifts. Included in the book are: a piggy bank, a file holder, jewelry stand, space station, treasure chest, desk organizer, photo frame, cactus, a door hanger, a flag, wall organizer, and a stool or footrest.

This is the perfect book for artists and creators of any age, from young children working with adult supervision to adults looking for a fun and eco-friendly new hobby. My ten-year-old son has already started working on the treasure chest, and my six-year-old daughter can't wait to make the stool and jewelry stand.

If you enjoy this book, I highly recommend pairing it up with another ECOCRAFTS book, GORGEOUS GIFTS.… (mais)