Kids' Krafts: Be Frankenstein, create a monster

No matter what kind of Halloween monster you'd like, whether it is a zombie or vampire, a werewolf or a witch, Diana Schoenbrun of Brooklyn, N.Y., can take a bit of fabric and thread and make a lovable beast for you.

Schoenbrun, who studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration, has built one of just about every monster imaginable and written about them in "Beasties — How to Make 22 Mischievous Monsters That Go Bump in the Night," published by Penguin Group.

"My artistic interests began when I was a kid," she writes on her Web site. "I was getting in trouble for drawing on the walls, coloring the family couch, and contaminating the washing machine with crayons. I continued to draw and never stopped," she said.

Each monster featured in her book comes with a materials list and instructions. The book includes patterns for the enchanting creatures and a photo to use as a guide.

Schoenbrun also provides the folklore background of each monster with "beastie tips" on how best to respond when you encounter a real one. For example, if cornered by a fuming dragon that wants to roast you on a spit, try dousing his head with water to put out his flame before you become barbecued, she advises.

The book retails for $17.95 and can be purchased at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million or at us.penguingroup.com

Schoenbrun simplified her directions for our use and provided instructions to make a scary zombie just in time for Halloween. The finished size is 3<0x00BD> inches wide by 13 inches high.

Supplies you will need:

10-by-12-inch wide cotton.

1 sheet of black felt and scraps of white and red felt.

1 red pom pom.

1 gauze bandage or bits of colorful, frayed cloth.

Black and white thread.

Stuffing material.

White craft glue.

Sewing needle.

Scissors.

These directions can be used if you don't have a pattern. If you would prefer to use a ready pattern, e-mail me at the address below and I will send you a PDF with the patterns in a return e-mail. The pattern will need to be enlarged on a copy machine.