The Jewelry Recipe Book: Transforming Ordinary Materials into Stylish and Distinctive Earrings, Bracelets, Necklaces, and Pins

Can you give me the recipe for that bracelet? Soriano, former editor-in-chief of Country Living magazine, answers this question with a big “yes” in this jewelry “cookbook” that features more than 100 projects, all with fewer than five ingredients and many with even fewer steps. Soriano, whose website lists “curator” among her titles, scores major creativity points with the unusual and surprising nature of some of her ingredients, such as T-shirts, pine cones, and plumbing hardware. But that is also one of the book’s weaknesses; do DIY jewelry designers really want to make and wear a necklace made out of candy, yarn scraps, paper towel rolls, and nail polish? Soriano also includes beginner-friendly information on techniques. Parents will find this a deep well of projects that will keep the under-12 crowd happy for many a snow day. (Apr.)