Colorful plastic canvas banks help kids learn to save

The projects in Plastic Canvas Banks are stitched on 7-count plastic canvas using medium-weight yarn and a number-16 tapestry needle. The book features helpful general plastic canvas instructions, and each pattern includes a set of individual step-by-step instructions, a materials list, a color key and a color photo.

Bank designs include two colorful dinosaurs, a car and a truck, a traditional piggy and two baby-bottle banks -- one for a boy and one for a girl. The banks are designed with kid appeal to help kids want to save.

Patterns in Plastic Canvas Banks are written at the beginner through intermediate skill levels, with general information for starting a plastic canvas project and tips on covering plastic canvas. The materials used in the book can be purchased from local craft, fabric and variety stores or from the Annie's Attic catalog at AnniesAttic.com.

The Needlecraft Shop is a prime source for plastic canvas patterns and books. It launched in 1986 and became part of the DRG family of brands in 1994. NSL produces a wide variety of needlecraft patterns and books, with hundreds of designs for a number of needlecraft art forms.

DRG's publishing division encompasses additional leading brands that include Annie's Attic, American School of Needlework, House of White Birches and Clotilde. The company has two major business divisions -- one in magazine and book publishing and consumer catalogs, and the other in subscription and product fulfillment.

To learn more about the brands and publications of DRG, visit the company Web site at DRGnetwork.com. Plastic canvas patterns and supplies are available from the products link at the site.