The Crafts Shelf.

4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310 9780764341496, $29.99, www.schifferbooks.com COSTUME JEWELRY covers the basic techniques of creating costume jewelry and uses step-by-step color photos throughout to demonstrate these basics. From producing a crisscross necklace or a felt flower brooch to working with beads, dyeing, stringing, and working with wire, this covers a wide range of materials and approaches which lie within the 'costume jewelry' definition. Chapters also include a history of costume jewelry development, covering all the tools and materials needed to produce a range of satisfying designs and successful, fashionable pieces. The result is a top recommendation for any looking for a guide on different styles and types of jewelry under the general 'costume jewelry' umbrella, paired with specific tips on how to construct them.

Fox Chapel Publishing Company 1970 Broad Street N.

East Petersburg, PA 17520 www.foxchapelpublishing.com Lora S. Irish's ART & CRAFT OF PYROGRAPHY: DRAWING WITH FIRE ON LEATHER GOURDS, CLOTH, PAPER, AND WOOD (9781565234789, $19.95) provides crafters with a fine collection of tips and techniques on detailed pyrography crafts usage, and includes a range of media and tips on shading, using color, working with different mediums, and producing texture and specific results. From the basics of pyrography systems to tools and applications, this is packed with color photo examples throughout along with step-by-step patterns - some 43 in all - for projects. Newcomers and old hands at using pyrography will find this a top pick for learning and applying new skills, while crafts collections will want to include it for its rare, specific insights. Rich Rousseau's MAKING WOODEN FISHING LURES (9781565234468, $19.95) provides sports collections and craft holdings with a fine basic handbook on making your own fishing lures. It includes fish-tested, proven designs from the award-winning carver and fisherman author, teaching the basics of not only crafting lures, but catching freshwater and saltwater fish with them. Explanations of the different lures include keys to carving and painting them so they catch even crafty fish. Sports as well as crafts holdings will find this an excellent choice!

Kalmbach Books c/o Kalmbach Publishing Company 21027 Crossroads Circle Waukesha, WI 53186 www.kalmbachbooks.com Patricia Kimle's EXPLORING CANEWORK IN POLYMER CLAY (9780871164506, $21.95) features polymer clay basics and provides illustrated step-by-step instructions for all skill levels, making for a fine pick for any jewelry-making or crafts holding. Here are cane tutorials for all kinds of polymer clay cane, with a gallery of finished jewelry designed by the author accompanying vivid patterns and ideas for blending and constructing all kinds of pieces. The approaches and combinations are unique to Patricia Kimle's style, so you won't find them duplicated elsewhere. This fact makes Exploring Canework in Polymer Clay a unique acquisition and recommended for any collection. The publishers of Bead Style Magazine present MULTISTRAND JEWELRY: SECRETS FOR SUCCESS (9780871164513, $17.95), packed with projects and designs for creating multi-dimensional, multistrand jewelry. Nearly thirty of the best such projects from Bead Style Magazine plus for brand new projects are detailed from different designers who share their tips for success. Techniques, tools and materials are loaded into sections packed with photos and advice from those who have much experience with multistrand jewelry making. The result is a fine coverage for any who would improve upon skills or learn basic techniques.