Excellent found object craft book. The bulk of the projects can be made for less than a few dollars, with only a few getting more expensive depending on the length of your final project. Most projects can be completed in an afternoon with careful planning.

Of the projects I've made from the book, the S-hook bracelet gets more compliments than any other. Individuals love the heft and look of the bracelet and are positively amazed when I point out that it's made of things out of the hardware store.

On the downside, I do wish the book would have given a warning upfront about the somewhat common base-metal allergies. Many individuals have sensitivities to base-metals and much of what you'll get in the hardware store will have high levels of nickle and zinc. They talk about how to avoid zinc discoloration, but not about what to do when you may have a skin allergy. In these cases, individuals could look for stainless steel versions of their goods (which are more expensive), unless the allergy is severe - in which case, they'll be wanting to stick to the non-metal projects (luckily, quite a few). ( )

Merideth says: In this how to book, Rogge gives instructions on how to make jewerly from items like washers, O-rings and nuts. The projects are all pretty cute, in an industrial kind of way. Some of them however, look heavy and uncomfortable to wear, particularly the earrings. Nicely laid out diagrams and photos of the finished projects make this a good book for the edgy DIY girl. ( )