All New Crafts For Halloween »

Kathy Ross, America's crafts-for-kids expert, shares some new and very original ideas for Halloween fun. There are practical ideas, such as the Safety Owl Treat Bag, which is a goody bag owl with CDs for eyes. Jewelry ideas include Skeleton Scatter Pins (made from Q-Tips -- adorable) and some fashionable Batty Ear Dangles. Party favors abound, including Witchy Pens, Floating Ghost Candy Cups, and, shudder, Something Weird in a Jar. Add to the mixture a few scary puppets, a Frankenstein Treasure Keeper, and a Haunted Photograph and you have everything you need (except for too much candy) for a great Halloween! The crafts are made from household and craft items. The crafts can make very satisfying parent/child projects, while older children can do them on their own.

Marilyn Courtot - Children's Literature

Kathy Ross has a number of craft books to her credit and this one is aimed at younger kids who are content to make simple things for gifts or for a Halloween party. The necessary supplies are listed and pictured and the instructions are numbered. A picture of the completed project helps kids see what they are trying to accomplish. The projects range from party favors, to doll clothes, puppets, pins, tissue box and a yarn-wrapped black cat. There are definitely more items in the book to appeal to girls than boys and they probably do most of the craft projects anyway. However classroom teachers, Girl and Boy Scout leaders and the like will find enough ideas for both sexes to ensure that there is plenty of Halloween fun. 2003, Millbrook, Ages 7 to 10.