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Creating with Fimo Acrylic Clay.
Libby Nicholson and Yvonne Lau. Illustrated by Tracy Walker. Subject Headings:
Grades 4 and up / Ages 9 and up.
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THIS BOOK IN THE "KIDS CAN CRAFT" series is wonderfully bright and
eye-colourful, with every step in the creation of eye-catching jewellery
illustrated in detail.
The introduction
gives general information on the use of Fimo acrylic clay, including
colours, tips on working with the clay, baking it, amounts needed, and
tools and accessories needed for the projects. Each of the five chapters
gives instructions in a different technique -- cookie cutting, stencil
cutting, marbling, petal discing, and hand-building. There are at least
three different projects described in each chapter, for a total of more
than twenty-five. The illustrations and instructions are clear, and the
lists of tools and clay amounts needed is precise.
The book lays the
ground for successful projects, but obviously the quality of the results
will also depend on the child's level of experience working with
handicrafts and willingness to follow directions carefully. Although the
authors do not state this book is intended primarily for girls, none of
the projects are likely to appeal to most boys.
In the text of
the book the authors do not mention the importance of adult assistance in
buying supplies, finding the necessary tools (such as scissors, knitting
needles, knives, and glue), or in supervising the baking process.
Although there is a warning on the verso of the title page emphasizing
the need for caution -- particularly with the baking process -- and
recommending adult supervision, the omission of this advice from the main
text is only flaw I found in Creating with Fimo Acrylic
Clay. But it is an important one.
Recommended with reservations -- children using the techniques in
this book should be supervised by an adult.
Luella Sumner is the Chief Librarian of the Red Rock Public Library in Red Rock, Ontario, where she has worked for twenty years.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cmeditor@mts.net.
Copyright © 1996 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