FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS

Friendship bracelets (or ``wish bracelets'') are miniature pieces of macrame, usually made from multicolored embroidery floss- -in a skill that children often pass along in true folk-craft fashion. Gryski's codification of basic techniques and patterns, together with numerous variations, will be a treasure to the many who are never without a half-finished bracelet pinned to their jeans. A ten-year-old enthusiast who tested several of these patterns judged the directions and colored diagrams clear and easy to follow. (Gryski's three books of string figures are standards; Cat's Cradle, Owl's Eyes was a 1984 ALA Notable.) This book—plus a few skeins of floss, safety pins, and scissors—would make a great gift for a summer camper or a perfect kit for a long trip or a rainy day. Reference list of basic techniques and hints for fixing mistakes. (Nonfiction. 7+)