Make These Toys: 101 Clever Creations Using Everyday Items [Bargain Price] [Paperback]

Heather Swain (Author)

Book Description

Release date: July 6, 2010

An ingeniously simple and fully-illustrated book for crafting toys from objects found around the house.

This clever guide focuses on fun, homemade projects using materials anyone can find around the house or that can be purchased for a fraction of what a commercially-produced toy can cost. Using everyday objects from cardboard tubing to paper to clothespins, readers will discover how to make such projects as:

• A milk carton balloon boat

• A rubber band banjo

• A cardboard tube kaleidoscope

• An embroidery hoop tambourine

• And more

Perfect for parents and teachers, these projects enable families to spend less while keeping entertained. Because fun doesn't always have to come in a box-sometimes, it's the box itself.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Heather Swain is a former third-grade teacher, mother of two, writing instructor, magazine fact-checker, freelance writer, and award- winning author. Her articles have appeared in American Baby Magazine, Time Out New York Kids, and on Salon.com. She lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade; 1 edition (July 6, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399535918
• ASIN: B004Q7E1UI
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #982,322 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Heather Swain lives in a crooked house in Brooklyn, New York with her husband, two children, a barkless dog, and two rescue cats. She is the author of novels for adults and young adults, craft books, and numerous short stories, personal essays, and non-fiction articles. You can visit her at heatherswainbooks.com to learn more about her books or to check out her blog One Cheap Mother...a Crafty Blog.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Toys, Ties and Time with Grandchildren July 14, 2010

By Gigi

Format:Paperback

If you've ever wondered how you might make time with your grandchildren more interesting, meaningful, and fun, pick up a copy of this book. The materials you need to help your grandchildren create a treasure to take home from their visit with you are likely already in your kitchen and desk drawers, and if not, they are easily obtainable and inexpensive to purchase. Do yourself a favor and use this resource to make a memory and help cement the ties that bind your relationship to your grandchildren. Some day, the little wine-cork deer they made at your house just might go with them to college to help remind them of where they came from, and the people who have been important in their lives.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great shower gift August 20, 2010

By Linda Layne

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I became acquainted with Heather Swain's work before she became a mother, when she was dealing with the pain of two miscarriages. The novel she wrote drawing on those experiences, Luscious Lemon, was so skillfully written, I've kept my eyes out for her work ever since. When I learned of Make These Toys, I bought a copy for my god children. Their mother is always looking for ideas and I know will make good use of the book. I'm going to buy several copies and have them ready to give as baby shower gifts for my other friends in the future.

Make These Toys is not only full of great creative ideas, it is written in a fun, engaging style.
I love her prose and also appreciate the historical fun facts, e.g., on the history of ballooons.

Just as some people enjoy reading cookbooks even when they have no immediate plans to cook, this book is fun to read even if you don't have young children readily available. Furthermore, I don't think the ideas in this book are strictly for little ones. Next time my 19 year old has friends over, I'm going to show them how to make mini-marshmellow poppers!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Rainy Day Lifesaver! July 18, 2010

By Bugginz

Format:Paperback

Ever been desperate for something to do on a rainy day? I have two kids and this book has saved my sanity. Now I don't have to dread snow days anymore - I can pull out this book and the kids will be happily creating for the next few hours. And ALL of the projects are with stuff you really do have around the house - [which again, makes it perfect for a snow day ...]. Save yourself - buy this book!