Andrea Sears Andrews (Children's Literature)
As the title indicates, there are twenty-five projects for the craft-enthusiast to attempt in this book. Working with beads, pliers, glue, wire, paint, glitter, buttons, elastic, cord, material, tape, and much more, the reader can explore its pages and discover the world of accessorizing. The book is divided into four main chapters: “Groovy Girl,” “Out and About,” “Gettin’ Glam,” and “Fun Lovin’.” Catering to the young pre-teen girl, the authors present a variety of projects under each title with detailed directions and accompanying photographs showing the craft techniques. There are illustrations in the book that show girls wearing the handmade adornments and the fun that seems to be created by them. Crafters can choose to make jewelry, belts, pins, key chains, cell phone dangles, hat ornaments, coin purses, and hair clips. The approach of the book seems to be based in ease and fun and there is no question that an interested crafter can experience them. However, the crafter needs to realize that the projects, although relatively simple and whimsical, are not quick. They often require time and patience as well as an ability to follow directions involving spatial relations (the directions for tying certain knots can be particularly challenging). Templates for mentioned designs are included at the back of the book as is a resource section for purchasing supplies. 2005, Watson-Guptill Publications, $9.95. Ages 8 to 15.

Shirley Reis (KLIATT Review, September 2005 (Vol. 39, No. 5))
Everyday household items can be transformed into stylish accessories with a little imagination, and this book provides that inspiration. There are lots of great ideas for trendy items such as cell phone accessories, mod bead bracelets, belts, key rings, pins, duct tape coin purses, toe rings, bangle bracelets, glitter hair accessories, felt flower pins, ribbon bracelets, and candy wrapper jewelry. Each project description includes several full-color photos that show each step in the process. Detailed printed instructions make each project simple to follow. Girls will be inspired to create some stylish, yet inexpensive accessories. Category: Useful Crafts. KLIATT Codes: JS--Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2005, Watson-Guptill, 96p. illus. index., $9.95. Ages 12 to 18.

Beth Karpas (VOYA, October 2005 (Vol. 28, No. 4))
This book is lovely. From its whimsical title to its artsy yet readable typeface and clear, step-by-step, photo illustrations of each project, it is an aesthetically beautiful work. The book is divided into four loosely thematic sections. Groovy Girl covers 1960s and 1970s retro-style jewelry and accessories. Out and About details accessories for everyday wear, from cell phone robots to felt flowers. Gettin' Glam has seven designs focusing on dressier wear, using sequins and glitter. And Fun Lovin' returns to the everyday with a twist, including Candy Wrapper Jewelry and Toe Rings. A short section on Tools and Techniques, along with a page of templates and another of Web, storefront, and mail-order sources are very useful, if a bit brief. The reader might wish for a bit more illustration of how to create the various knots and stitches, but the written descriptions in the techniques section are decent. Best of all, the author constantly encourages readers to make substitutions and use their own creativity to make each project their own. This book may well be a launching pad for future artists and could serve as an introduction to jewelry-making, sewing, or crafts in general. An alternative use would be for teens and adults serving as counselors and sitters for younger children. It is highly recommended. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P M J S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2005, Watson-Guptil, 25p.; Illus. Photos. Source Notes. Appendix., $9.95 Trade pb. Ages 11 to 18.