Carol Sirrine

Carol Sirrine’s Cool Crafts with Old T-Shirts is a clever twist on the “Green” movement: it provides young eco-friendly kids with some interesting ways to recycle old t-shirts. This “how-to” crafts book is brief, but packed with colorful images and big ideas. What most impresses me about Sirrine’s book is the fact that it introduces a very serious, sophisticated topic (environmentalism) in a friendly, non-threatening way. Several of the projects included (pillows, scarves, braided rugs, etc.) are typical beginner’s tasks, but the added component of recycled t-shirts as the source material gives these products a chic, bohemian vibe.

Sirrine begins her book with a brief introduction of t-shirt/sewing terminology, which is actually very informative for those of us who are laymen in the world of fabric and fashion. Most of the book primarily relies upon engaging graphics and concise instructions (usually 1-3 sentences) that convey directions in a brief, direct manner; this makes the book very easy to use without seeming too “childish” for older readers. Because Sirrine manages to bridge accessibility with appealing textbook features (graphics, fonts, etc.), Cool Crafts with Old T-Shirts comes across as an enjoyable, all-ages book with a powerful message for kids: going green is easy and fun!

Citation:
Sirrine, Carol. Cool Crafts with Old T-Shirts: Green Projects for Resourceful Kids. Mankato, MN: Capstone, 2010. Print.… (plus d'informations)

Sirrine, Carol. (2010). Cool crafts with old wrappers, cans, and bottles. Mankato, MN: Coughlan Publishing.
Being green is in, and this how-to book is a perfect way to use old candy wrappers, cans, and bottles to make unique jewelry, and other craft items. The book is written clearly for readers from the ages of 9 and above. Each craft is clearly described with step-by-step instructions. Most of the crafts are 4-5 steps, but there are a couple with up to 12 steps. There are color photographs for each craft which contributes greatly, not only to the attractiveness of the book, but also the explanation of each craft. The back of the book has green crafting facts, a glossary, and resources, both book and internet about green crafts and recycling. The index is short, but clear.… (plus d'informations)