Volume 1 Number 12
September 1, 1995

A Year of Crafts for Children and Adults.

Geraldine Hartman.
Regina: The Leader Post Carrier Foundation, Inc., 1994. 112pp, coil bound with paper covers, $12.95.
ISBN 1-895292-47-6.

Adult Level.
Review by Lorraine Douglas.

excerpt:

Valentine Sweets Treasure Box

For 15 large hazelnut clusters (yummy!). Note: if you are too young to use the stove, get an older brother or sister or a parent to help. (Don't do this part alone.)

image Geraldine Hartman writes two craft columns for the Regina Sun and many of her columns have been used for this book. Each two-page spread features one project for children and one for adults for each week of the year. There are accompanying black and white photographs of the finished project, instructions, and materials lists.

image

The ideas intended for children really need adult assistance as the projects require more skills than are outlined in the instructions. For example, in the ``pasta frame mirror" project, the author suggests drawing pencil lines to centre the mirror. Children need more specific instructions and step-by-step drawings would have been helpful. No age level is indicated for the children's crafts. For instance, in the fluffy chicks project the author suggests that ``if you are making chicks for a young child, do NOT use the pins for eyes." What is a young child? Why not use the pins? No explanations are given. There is also subtle sexism in the book. The wooden kid's bird house is ``a great project for you and your dad to make together!" but with the New Year's Resolution chart you should ``get Mom to help with the sewing."

Adults looking for simple projects using materials found around the house might find this book useful. But children would find it difficult to use on their own without adult supervision.

Not recommended.

Lorraine Douglas is Youth Services Coordinator for the Winnipeg Public Library.

Copyright © 1995 the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364

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