Spectacular friendship bracelets A step-by-step guide to 34 sensational designs

Close-up color photos and detailed design instructions for grade-school-friendly bracelets offer young crafters both explicit models to copy and suggestions for creating unique patterns based on set formulas. A variety of small, relatively inexpensive tools, such as pliers and a lighter, are required, along with a more extensive list of costume jewelry findings than friendship bracelets typically involve. Almost every design calls for metal clasps, matched beads, leather, or another small item that may require a trip to the craft store. The uniformly adorable cast of child models shown wearing the bracelets is ethnically diverse and refreshingly for a craft book about friendship bracelets includes boys. Each double-page spread contains instructions for one design, and the clearly articulated steps are often accompanied by illustrated visual aids for such maneuvers as special knots or stitches. Young crafters who prefer specific directions and can make small purchases will be well served by this title. Pair with Ruth Owen's Jewelry (2013) or Alex Kuskowski's Cool Punch Needle for Kids (2014) for a variety of craft-time choices.--Goldsmith, Francisca Copyright 2016 Booklist

Friendship is such an important part of life--and friendship bracelets are a terrific way of celebrating it. Even in today's technological world, with all the devices and gadgets that surround us every day, there is something wonderfully authentic about friendship bracelets. They are a meaningful way of showing you care (without spending tons of money). They are a token of love, friendship and gratitude, and are also easy to make! Friendship bracelets are often made with a specific person in mind; this makes them imminently more meaningful than any store-bought trinket. Plus, friendship bracelets are the perfect size for tucking into an envelope to mail, slipping into a schoolbag as a surprise gift, or decorating a larger gift. Spectacular Friendship Bracelets is a colorful collection of more than 30 friendship bracelets. Some of the bracelet designs are elegant and sophisticated; others are playful and fun. Some designs call for patience and careful knotting; others just require applying glue and adding colorful findings. There is something for everyone, and every design can be adapted to the colors you love or available materials. Each design in Spectacular Friendship Bracelets comes with an estimation of how long it will take to make (none take more than 1 hour!), is ranked according to difficulty and accompanied by step-by-step full-color photographs. The size of many designs is adjustable, which is an advantage if you're making the bracelet for a surprise gift, as it doesn't need to be measured in advance. Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. If you need scissors, make sure they are sharp; if you need a lighter, make sure it works. If you're using beads or buttons, make sure they fit on your string or cord. Don't feel bound by the materials and colors described in the book; choose the materials you love, and enjoy the process of creating with them. Excerpted from Spectacular Friendship Bracelets by Ariela Pshednovek All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.