Funky Junk: Cool Stuff to Make with Hardware »

Renée Schwarz writes and illustrates craft books for children, including Funky Junk, Papier-Mâché and Windchimes & Whirligigs. She lives in the forest, near the small town of La Patrie, Québec.

Renée Schwarz writes and illustrates craft books for children, including Funky Junk, Papier-Mâché and Windchimes & Whirligigs. She lives in the forest, near the small town of La Patrie, Québec.

In this book in the Kids Can Do It series, a trip to the hardware store can lead to loads of funky crafts.

Nicole Peterson - Children's Literature

Are you drawn to hardware stores? Do you like to use your hands to create cool things? Do you dream of making something "nutty?" If so, then this book is for you. This book talks about using various items that can be found from a local hardware store to create interesting objects. Directions are included for making a robot pencil sharpener, a Lock-nest monster to go on your school lock, a baby bird magnet and even a hardware chess set. The step-by-step instructions found on each page are illustrated as well as described, so that even someone who has never used a screwdriver will be able to make these innovative objects without much difficulty. The directions are straightforward and simple so that they can be easily followed. The objects are very useful and quite unique. This book is wonderful for young boys who like to create things with their hands but wouldn't be caught dead opening up a craft book. 2003, Kids Can Press, Ages 8 to 12.