Arm candy Friendship bracelets to make and share

Featuring vibrant, animated layouts, full-color photos, and detailed, clear instructions for 15 different bracelets, this manual offers plenty to appeal to and inspire both budding and experienced crafters. Besides the familiar, multicolored, woven friendship band, arm candy on view ranges from beaded, knotted, and safety-pin bracelets to washable tape-wrapped or spray-painted bangles. For each, Strutt presents a materials list and step-by-step how-tos, clearly conveyed via working photos and finished examples. Interspersed sidebars feature customization tips and safety considerations about such things as using wire-cutters. Many call for such household items as t-shirts and zippers, while others require less common materials and equipment, such as various clasps, crochet hooks, loom-bands, and a loom. Though some projects may be daunting to newbies, the tone is upbeat throughout and likely to encourage confidence. Appended info includes further explanation of materials and equipment and a list of craft supply resources.--Rosenfeld, Shelle Copyright 2016 Booklist

Friendship bracelets-simple woven, braided, or knotted accessories made from inexpensive embroidery floss-are charmingly retro and surprisingly timeless. While the classic woven friendship bracelet features prominently on the cover, this collection by craft designer Strutt (Arm and Finger Knitting) contains a variety of easy-to-make bracelets using inexpensive supplies that can be found at most big box craft stores. The projects feature simple instructions with ample photographs to guide novices through the process. With styles ranging from classic (the aforementioned chevron friendship bracelet) to contemporary (a chunky wooden bangle decorated with washi tape), there's plenty of clever ideas here. VERDICT Children of the 1980s will wax nostalgic over some of the projects, such as the bracelet made of safety pins adorned with seed beads (we called those "frienship pins" back in the mid-1980s), but today's tweens and teens will appreciate the contemporary takes on DIY bracelets. © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.