School Library Journal Review

Gr 7 Up-Softly illustrated covers embellished with tools, clothing, and room creations welcome teens to the arts of sewing and decorating. Varied typeface, black-and-white illustrations, and upbeat texts written in an easy-to-read style present fun activities for new and experienced crafters. Nearly four dozen projects are presented in the sewing book and slightly more in the decorating title. Each one includes "What You Need," "The How-To," and "Doodad It" ideas. Some prior sewing/decorating experience would be helpful for the more challenging and time-consuming projects, as well as adult guidance where necessary. Teens will love the unique and fashionable designs for tees, tanks, halters, and other apparel. In Room, Hantman gives pointers for decorating walls and making accessories. She describes stitches, pillow forms, felting, decoupage, making photo-adorned boxes, and more. There are plenty of artistic ideas for curtains, beds, pillows, furniture, and storage. Both titles are great supplements to craft collections.-Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.