DIY Girl [Mass Market Paperback]

Jennifer Bonnell (Author), Monica Gesue (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

You don't have to be Martha Stewart to make your own cool stuff. All you need is the inspiration and this totally hip, oh-so collectible step-by-step guide, and VOILÀ! you've got-

€ all the jewelry you could ever wear
€ your very own brand of beauty products
€ a sassy new wardrobe
€ personalized birthday gifts for all your friends
€ a totally original bedroom

and tons more!

So, while shopping's fun and all, there's nothing quite like putting your original touch on things and saving some dough while you're at it. D.I.Y. Girl is the one place you'll find everything you need to do just that.

Illustrated by Monica Gesue

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-10-Well-written craft books are always welcome, and this addition to the do-it-yourself shelves has attractive illustrations and interesting projects. The conversational introduction emphasizes creativity and individuality and encourages teens who don't think of themselves as "crafty" to go for it. The last page contains a fairly extensive list of craft-supply stores and sites. Three sections of projects-"Gifty Girl," "Dress It Up!" and "Decor Diva"-include such items as body-care products, ideas for recycling old jeans, and decorating lamps. Each activity includes a list of supplies and step-by-step instructions. Throughout, there is an emphasis on safety. Photographs of the finished projects are integrated with cartoons of girls making and enjoying the activities. Both the illustrations and sorbet-hued palette are retro-inspired.
Genevieve Gallagher, Orange County Public Library, VA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 7-12. "First of all, this isn't your mom's craft book," Bonnell begins, and she makes good on her promise with a do-it-yourself project guide that's bubbly, hip, and substantive. Divided into three sections--gifts, clothes, and decor--the projects range from craft book staples such as soap and candles to unusual items such as a pillow-case skirt. The accessible format lists ingredients and instructions in easy-to-follow columns, surrounded by ratings for difficulty, boxed tips, color photos, and stylized drawings of happy crafters showing off their wares. Teens will enjoy Bonnell's text--clear, goofy, and very enthusiastic--that encourages them to learn the rules and then break them. Best of all, if readers are stuck in a project, Bonnell offers an online d.i.y. help line via her e-mail address. A glossary of supplies and a list of suppliers are included. A great choice for reluctant readers. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (June 23, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0142500488
• ISBN-13: 978-0142500484
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 7.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #442,454 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Step by step for even the most uncrafty of people!, June 23, 2003

By 

A. B. Slater "kangus" (NY, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: DIY Girl (Mass Market Paperback)

This book has everything you need to be a do-it-yourself fashion maven. Between the illustrations and the clear and concise instructions, even the most uncrafty of people (me) can turn a pillowcase into a skirt, make my own jewerly box, or create a beautiful mosaic table, all with inexpensive materials. The low price of the materials does not compromise the beauty and the overall effect of the finished product. I plan to gift this book to all the DIY girls in my life. Thanks, Jennifer Bonnell! (Insert double thumbs up gesture here)

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the best craft book, November 4, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: DIY Girl (Mass Market Paperback)

I know that all of the reviews have been saying for grades 7-10, etc. but I think it's great for all ages. I'm a college student, and most craft books have projects I think are boring, but this book is amazing. It has such a great variety of things, from lip gloss to tables, that I know I'll be using it for a while. It's a definite must buy!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars D.I.Y. GIRL, a fun read for girls everywhere., July 26, 2004

By 

Teenreads.com (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DIY Girl (Mass Market Paperback)

You made that? It's great! Get ready to hear these words often --- even if you've never made anything before --- with the help of D.I.Y. GIRL. And you don't have to be super-skilled to work on the projects in this book, either.

Divided into three sections, ideas are provided for gifts, fashion accessories, and decorating. Though clever projects are found in all three sections, some of the easiest and most original can be found in the gift section. Standouts include the marble magnets and tacks, etched glass, poem flowerpots, and homemade lip balms and bath salts. In the other sections, decorated-flop shoes, hair jewelry, and a Christmas light lamp are easy enough for novices to create, yet look like something from a boutique.

Lots of craft books are available now, but this one is unique. In the introduction, it invites crafters to ignore the directions and change designs as they see fit. Readers are introduced to most types of crafts, including decoupage, sewing, beading, mosaic making, soap making, and more. Jennifer Bonnell provides her readers with many different skills and techniques, so that they can develop their own interests and ideas. A list of where to find supplies --- both online and in stores --- is a big help since a few of the projects have unusual ingredients.

There is something for all tastes and levels of skill in D.I.Y. GIRL, making it a fun read for girls everywhere.

--- Reviewed by Amy Alessio