Sticky Fingers

June 30, 2014
From wallets to messenger bags, belts to smartphone cases, Maletsky shares instructions for dozens of crafts created from duct tape in a variety of colors and patterns (“duct-tape gray” is nowhere to be seen in the color photos that appear throughout). After covering tape types and sources, tools needed, and basic “fabric”-making techniques, Maletsky takes readers through each project, step by step, noting the skill level and time needed. Quirky ideas like a purse designed to look like a slice of watermelon rub shoulders with practical carry-alls and organizers—Maletsky even has projects that use the cardboard tube after the tape has run out. Ages 12–up.

June 15, 2014
Clear directions for nifty-looking duct-tape crafts abound in this guide, featuring items that can be made for school and home, to wear and to carry tablets, phones and even lunch.A brief introduction details the evolution of duct tape as it moved from its utilitarian but dull silver hue at the hardware store to its ubiquitous availability in a rainbow assortment of colors and patterns. Maletsky efficiently breaks down the basics of what readers will need to get started and pragmatically suggests how to organize supplies into a portable bin. First comes instruction in the core techniques that are needed, plus tape-saving methods for using tarpaulin material and felt as a backing and a handy evaluation of which brands and types of the sticky stuff offer users the most bang for their buck. Then 58 different projects are offered, each one coded for its level of ease and estimated completion time. Though many will appeal broadly, there are some that are geared most readily to young teens who favor the traditionally girly-such as a watermelon-slice-shaped clutch purse and an earring tree that uses a toilet-paper tube as its trunk. Also included are plenty of clever ideas for how to create embellishments like tassels, stickers, rosettes and ruffles. Chock full of appealing ideas, with a thorough table of contents, index, and a colorful, illustrated layout, to boot. (Nonfiction. 9-16)

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June 1, 2014

Gr 5 Up-It looks like the duct tape craze is here to stay, and Maletsky proves that here. She provides easy-to-follow directions to help tweens and teens make colorful accessories and fabulous fashion statements, from wallets and handbags to headbands and bowties. Crafters will find useful information about types of duct tape and how to set up a workstation equipped with all the essential tools they'll need to make these projects. Chapters include information on necessary tools, basic information, and types of different crafts ("Quick Crafts," "Wallets," "Wearable Duct Tape"), and more. A great feature of the book are the templates that kids can use for the different crafts, and the quick tips and photographs on each page make projects easier and more fun to create. An enjoyable crafting title.-Joanne Albano, Commack Public Library, NY

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.