Craft Work

Mothers looking for creative ways to fill the downtime this summer will find a trove of ideas in Abby Pecoriello's "Crafty Mama Makes 49 Fast, Fabulous, Foolproof (Baby and Toddler) Projects" (Workman, $15.95). The child-themed activities are both inexpensive and easy to make: Peekaboo books, no-sew blankets, "insta-bibs," and photo bracelets are just a few of the DIY designs. The guide includes instructions on decoupage, cropping photographs, and handcrafting jewelry. The author, who has led hundreds of Crafty Mamas classes in New York City in the past two years, also offers helpful tips on how to start a craft-making mothers circle of one's own.