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Earth-Friendly Crafts: Clever Ways to Reuse Everyday Items

Earth-Friendly Crafts: Clever Ways to Reuse Everyday Items

By: Kathy Ross
Publisher: Millbrook Press
Publication Date: March 2009
ISBN: 978-0822590996
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: April 30, 2011

Many children are aware that “green” is in and often are no longer shy about informing their parents about things like recycling and composting. These “earth-friendly” crafts allow youngsters to bring out their creative streak while recycling everyday items without having to waste valuable resources. Take for example the amazing “Puzzle Pieces Alligator.” There is seldom a household without a puzzle missing a few pieces and this craft will not only recycle the puzzle, but just might end up being a treasured gift. The alligator can be easily created from similarly colored puzzle pieces, a plastic bag, white craft glue, a couple of wiggle eyes and pony beads. The crafts in this book are varied and every young crafter will find several that will keep them occupied for hours.

Each craft is prefaced by a list of items that will be needed for its creation. A green recycle symbol is next to each item that can be recycled or reused in the making of the craft. Of course not all the items needed are those that could potentially end up in your recycle bin, but the rest are typical crafter’s supplies you may already have on hand for those rainy day activities that keep children busy. Examples of typical supplies include craft paint, paint brushes, white craft glue, pins, pencils, scissors, rulers, wiggle eyes, pom poms, pipe cleaners, craft jewels, paper clips, craft ribbon, permanent markers, felt scraps, yarn, craft foam, and other similar crafting supplies. There are a few things you may need to purchase, but with a little ingenuity you may “find” substitute items around the house. Here are a list of the twenty-one “earth-friendly” crafts in this book:

* Tiny Toy Bookmark
* Picture Board
* Designer Car Clip
* Marker Caps Pencil Holder
* Changing Faces Necklace
* Box Board Links 
* Beaded Picture Boxes
* Necktie Clown Pin
* Coloring Book Collage
* Glove Octopus Puppet
* Puzzle Pieces Alligator
* Balloon Bird Magnet
* Stand-up Frame
* Changing Faces Pin
* Slinky CD Holder
* Royal Jewelry
* Game Board Art Folder
* Hairbrush Hair Clip Holder
* Fashionable Note Card & Envelope
* Display Bird
* Art Cards

This is a fabulously fun book that every young “green” crafter will have a blast with. The instructions for each craft are easy to follow as they are accompanied by visual instructions as well as written. The younger crafter may need a bit of assistance or instruction as some projects are a bit more complicated than others. One of my favorites was the “Glove Octopus Puppet” that would be perfect for worn out or outgrown gloves hanging around in a closet. The octopus puppet will not only be fun to make, but fun to use. At the end of the instructions are additional hints or “green” suggestions. For example, the suggestion is made that “Instead of using plastic or paper bags to carry your groceries home, bring a reusable bag to the store.” In the back of the book are additional tips, statistics, and recommended book and website resources to explore.

Quill says: This book would be a welcome addition to any homeschool, classroom or library shelf!

Feathered Quill

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