The Crafty Princess Diaries

Tammy Powley’s Crafty Weblog

July 2, 2010
by Tammy
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Crochet Squares Needed

It’s cool to be square or at least make squares in the form of crochet squares that are then turned into afghans for those dealing with loss. Become part of a great group called Heartmade Blessings and volunteer to make crochet squares. Most of the members of the group make squares, and then a smaller group of members assemble them into afghans. These are then given to those who may have lost a family member due to illness or, unfortunately more the case these days, to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Pictured are a few squares and made and sent a long time ago, but right now, they are really in need to red, white, and blue squares. Many lives were lost in Afghanistan during the month of June, and the group is working diligently to bring some comfort to those families who are dealing with tragedy of losing a loved one.

You don’t have to be an expert crochet person to participate. While the group does have lots of great free patterns you can use, simple granny squares or double or single crochet squares work fine as well as long at they are 12×12 and you leave the tails hanging. You also don’t need any fancy yarn. In fact, acrylic is preferred because it is washable.

What’s great about this group is that even if you only have time to donate one square here and there, with all the members they have doing this, it adds up. You can find more information when you join, and they will hook you up with someone from the group to help answer any questions you may have as well.

July 1, 2010
by Tammy
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More on the Jewelry Book


Ah, it is not over until it is over or until the fat lady sings or until I get all the work done, basically, whenever I am working on a jewelry book. I’m reminded of when I went back and school and was often asked, “When are you going to graduate?” To those not in the know, it seemed like it took forever! And, the same can be said for putting together a jewelry making book. Admittedly, even though I know how long it takes, even to me it seems like each one takes forever.

From beginning to end, most jewelry books I’ve worked on usually take about a year: 6 months for me to do my thing and 6 months for the publisher. My 6 months is mainly the first part of the year, but then I have additional tasks that mix in with the rest of the year, and some of that I will be working on this weekend. This book has over 700 photographs, and about a dozen were rejected by the publisher. That means more photos! Considering (so far) only a dozen seem to be problematic, I’m not too worried.

After we re-shoot some of the photos, the next step will require that I review the galley print of the book, which is a loose copy of big sheets of paper that have the complete book, photos and all. This my last full look and chance to make any major changes before it goes to print. I read, edit, proof, mark it up, and fingers crossed most of my changes/corrections are made before it heads off to printing and the bookshelves of local book stores.

Amazon still has it up for early ordering and still has it pegged for coming out in January 2011. Sometimes titles make it out a little early, but I have to just continue to be patient, sigh!

July 1, 2010
by Tammy
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Crochet Clothing You’d Love to Wear


Crochet It. Love It. Wear It., a new book that takes crochet to the level of true fashion, is out for early ordering on Amazon.com! The Crochet Dude, Drew Emborsky, has really outdone himself with this new book that showcases some of the most elegant clothes I’ve ever seen in a craft book. I watched via Facebook as he uploaded photos of each design onto Flickr, so you can get a good close up over there.

One of the criticisms often made about crochet, especially when compared to its sister stitch knitting, is that crocheted clothing has no drape, that it is often bulky and unattractive. Perhaps this is true sometimes. I have attempted to make a few sweaters myself, which not only didn’t turn out that great (mainly because of the chick behind the hook not necessarily the pattern) but resulted in a thick, clunky piece I would not want to wear in public.

Obviously, it takes a master designer to come up with techniques that work with crochet. Yeah, Drew!

June 29, 2010
by Tammy
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Another Summer Book, The True History of Paradise


Right before diving into my summer school classes, I had a chance to finish one last book during my leisure: The True History of Paradise: A Novel by Margaret Cezair-Thompson. This probably would have been a nice book to bring on the cruise I went on, if it had been quiet enough anywhere to actually read, but I’m so glad I managed to squeeze it in before my “fun” reading slows down considerably.

The book is definitely a work of fiction but is mixed with doses of Jamaican history, ranging from the early Arawak settlers to the government upheaval in the 1980s. Because of all the violence going on around, some of which she has personally had inflicted on her, the main character, Jean Landing, is leaving her beloved home, Jamaica. As she takes the long drive to meet the airplane, which is probably going to be piloted by drug runners, she weaves her story and those of her ancestors, a mix of Asian, Spanish, Indian, African, German, and Scottish decent.

Other than the fact that this is just a plain old good story, I was most impressed with Cezair-Thompson’s mix of point of view and verb tense. As Jean leaves, the story is told in present tense and the narrator is limited omniscient; we get inside of Jean’s head for the most part. Then as characters from history are introduced, the text changes into italics, and the story is past tense and told in first person. Then we are back to Jean and present tense, and so on, basically moving back and forth through the whole book.

To do this, let alone to do it well, is really tricky. I have read numerous books which have simply tried to use multiple narrators and point of view and just couldn’t pull it off, but this author does. I bought into these other voices, and I was fine with flipping back and forth between present and past. I will go so far as to say that it really made the story for me.

Now, this book isn’t perfect.  Some of the ends of the stories the author weaves are pretty lose. Jean is leaving, so yes, we know from the beginning that the end of the book should show her leaving. We expect this. However, this doesn’t actually happen. Instead of the car she has been sitting in during the entire book, all of a sudden she’s in a taxi. It is assumed (I think) that she is still heading towards the plane, but I really wanted to see her on the plane and lifting off, and that never happened.

Other dangling story threads are also left undone. A very good friend of Jean’s is fighting for her life in the hospital. At one point, it looks like Jean will stay because of this, but she doesn’t. Again, we know this is going to happen because she’s in the car. However, what about the friend? Did she live? Did she die? I went so far as to go back and reread sections near the end because I thought I had missed something.

I still recommend this book, but I can’t help but be disappointed that the ending didn’t have the same moment and strength as the rest of the book had.

June 28, 2010
by Tammy
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Book for Literture Loves, Etc, Reading Lolita in Tehran

One of my summer reads recently was a book by Azar Nafisi entitled Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In fact, I did my best not to race through it because I didn’t want it to end too soon.

This memoir covers the author’s life while trying to deal with the Islamic Revolution in Tehran. Her story is assembled around a sort of home-bound book club made up of women who once took university literature classes from her but now meet in secret to discuss books, many banned by the new powers that be. The book is actually divided into sections for books and authors, Gatsby, Jane Austen, Lolita, and so on.

Though not in complete chronological order, Nafis covers a time period ranging from the 1970s to about the mid-1990s. I’m in my mid-40s, so while I was aware something was going on “over there” during the 1970s and 80s, I was too young to care that much or have any comprehension about it. So this alone was a history lesson for me and helped me understand or at least have some context (I still don’t get it all) for what continues to happen in Iran today.

This book has something for literature lovers, feminists, and historians. It is one of the few contemporary books I say should be on your “must read” list.

June 27, 2010
by Tammy
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Weekend Craft Links to Cruise

The Crochet Dude
Get out your hooks and warm them up because Drew reveals all the projects from his upcoming book “Crochet It Love It Wear It – The Ultimate Collection for Every Occasion”. You are not going to believe how gorgeous crochet can be!

About Family Crafts

Read through Sherri’s tie-dye tutorial and you will discover how easy it is to create your own colorful, tie-dyed t-shirts and more.

The Artful Crafter
How to make a wooden country critter wall plaque.

Aileen’s Musings
Watch Aileen’s newest video and see how she transforms a boring canvas bag into a snazzy colorful tote!

Stefanie Girard’s Sweater Surgery

Green Ring and wire earrings inspired by the book 101 Wire Earrings by Denise Peck

Carmi’s Art/Life World
Carmi uses the sweetest bird embellishments to make a card set.

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi has gathered up all her favorite collage and quilt techniques to share.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside’s got a chance to win a copy of Jennifer Worick’s Simple Gifts and how-to’s on making a silhouette, a homemade flea collar for your dog, stringing rings onto a ribbon necklace and a fun video interview with Drew Brophy the author of How to Draw with Drew Brophy.

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Have you ever felt like the ‘red headed step child?’

June 23, 2010
by Tammy
5 Comments

Summer Vacation in Review


I return to teaching this week, so while technically summer just started, for me it is no longer summer vacation mode. On the bright side, summer is pretty sleepy around campus, even when classes are going on. It is nothing like fall semester which is pretty crazy. Thus, I’ll be easing back into the daily work of grading papers, conducting class, and working on new ideas for next semester.

I always feel like I have to accomplish something when I have a chunk of time off from school, and for the most part, I think I did during my break:

  • I crocheted another blanket for my crazy dogs, and so far, it is getting the puppy thumbs up.
  • I went on a short cruise to the Bahamas and made my mom happy for a few days, and I learned that I’m not a cruise kind of gal.
  • I manage to get a few books read: Shanghai Girls, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books, and I’m close to finishing The True History of Paradise: A Novel.
  • I created a series of jewelry making kits, all earrings, and so far have variations of 3 (tutorial only, supplies only, and full kit including supplies & tutorial) listed in my Etsy shop. In fact, my shop had literally about 3 things listed around early May, and now not only have I increased my listings to 49, but I have re-shot tons of photos, gotten a new banner, and generally have it in much better shape.
Sparkling Star Wire Earrings Jewelry Kit
Sparkling Star Wire Earrings Jewelry Kit

June 21, 2010
by Tammy
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Interweave Hurt Book Sale

Shop Jewelry Products
It’s that time of year at Interweave’s on-line shop, time for the annual hurt book sale! But the window of opportunity to score some slightly bruised books ends tomorrow. I have purchased books a number of times during this company’s hurt book sale, and I have been surprised to find that none of the books I ordered looked damaged in any way. So, I think a lot of these are just overstocks too! If you have wanted to treat yourself to some craft book titles from jewelry making, beading, fiber arts, or whatever it is you like to do, now is the perfect time! Click on either the ad above or below to get you over there.
Crochet Books from Interweave!

June 20, 2010
by Tammy
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Hot Craft Links!

The heat is on in a big way down here in South Florida. It has been getting up in the low 90s every day, and it is just the end of June! July and August get even hotter! Amazingly enough, I have lived in this state most of my life and grew up when many places (house, school, car) didn’t have any or very little AC. How did I do it back then?  One way I beat the heat now is to chill out with some watermelon and munch while surfing the web in my air conditioned office. Find some hot crafting ideas and stay inside as you cool down with these great links:

Cathie Filian
You can dye stripes and it is easy! Cathie shows you how.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside has a chance to win one of 50 “Bulking Dummies” and a “Lab” book, a new Look, Learn and Create Video with Tracie Lyn Huskamp showing us how to make a Nature Inspired Mixed Media card, some pencil drawing and illuminated art techniques, and an interview with Nancy Langdon.

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Tell Dad how much he rocks this Father’s Day or on his birthday with this fun and easy to make card from Madge for ILoveToCreate!

About Family Crafts
Be prepared for the next time you hear “I’m bored” from your kids… Bookmark this collection of fast and simple 10-minute crafts for kids!

Aileen’s Musings
Need a new recipe for all the zucchini your growing? Download Aileen’s printable recipe card, and baking some yummy Zucchini Cheddar Cheese Bread!

Carmi’s Art/Life World
Carmi takes a Twilight cotton bag up a notch!

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi shares some thoughts on her recent foray into self-publishing.

Stefanie Girard’s Sweater Surgery
How to make coffin shaped cupcakes inspired by the book Kids’ Cakes from the Whimsical Bakehouse

The Artful Crafter
Join Eileen in June’s June “Let Them Eat Cake” creativity challenge and get a free cupcake. Sweet!

June 18, 2010
by Tammy
0 comments

Payvment New E-Commerce for Facebook Users?

I have been hearing a lot lately about a new feature to Facebook called Payvment. It a way to turn your Facebook page into an e-commerce page or basically a shop. For me right now, I’m not ready to do something like this because I have all my eggs and time over at Etsy, but this sure does sound interesting. I already know of a number of people who have sold an item (jewelry and other craft or artwork) after showing it off on their Facebook page. This seems like it has a lot of potential. Here’s a video that give you more information about this: