The Crafty Princess Diaries

Tammy Powley’s Crafty Weblog

April 4, 2010
by Tammy
1 Comment

Easter Retro Memories

I’m going through the way back machine today. This is a photo of my two sisters and me (I’m in the center) dressed up for some kind of occasion. I am thinking it might be Easter, but it’s actually hard to say for sure since normally we had matching dresses for Easter Sunday (stitched by mom, of course). However, I do remember that my mother sewed my dress and my little sister’s, and she altered my older sister’s dress, turning it into a mini dress versus the maxi length it originally was.

I don’t know if you can make out some of my mother’s other crafty projects to the right. On the wall is a framed picture of a flower arrangement made of felt pieces. Dangling from the ceiling in front and to the right a little is a faux-bird cage made with yellow pipe cleaners and feathers. Don’t you just love the 1970s for crazy crafts?

Here is wishing you and your family a wonderful Easter holiday!

April 3, 2010
by Tammy
1 Comment

Get Crafty Link Time

About Family Crafts
April is National Volunteer Month and Sherri has some creative ways you can help others.

Aileen’s Musings
Aileen’s cooked up a printable recipe card with her delicious Strawberry Spring cake recipe.

Cathie Filian
Enter to win a signed advanced copy of Cathie’s new baby fashion book and $130 worth of goodies!!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside’s got a bit of ballerina brilliance from the new book Mixed-Media Dollhouses, how to make shag on knitting, a fun recycled decoupage and office supply project and our author make and take schedule for Unique LA.

Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style
Linda may have finally found the solution to creating a piece of wall art that’s been on her mind for years.

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
The Easter Bunny is almost here and Madge has a calorie free jewelry tribute to her favorite holiday candy! Get your Pretty in Peeps Pendant here!

Mixed Media Artist
Want to try doing gel glue resists? Oh, the possibilities!

The Artful Crafter
Does your craft space need de-cluttering? Here are some ways to donate your excess projects and supplies.

The Crochet Dude
Drew thought he might have to freeze himself to avoid going bonkers while waiting to reveal his next full-length book!

April 2, 2010
by Tammy
2 Comments

New Crochet Dude Book


Looks like I’m not the only designer with a new book on Amazon. Drew Emborsky, aka The Crochet Dude, has a brand spanking new book out as well, and it is available for early ordering: Crochet It! Love It! Wear It! Here is the description from Amazon:

“Just for the ladies, Drew Emborsky, aka The Crochet Dude , has created 13 cutting-edge fashions in luxurious crochet. Fashion-conscious women are always searching for the perfect Little Black Dress, and Drew has one, plus an incredible selection of other must-have wardrobe pieces. Designs include a party dress, cabled and ruffl ed cardigans, fl irty skirts, a vest, trendy tops including a baby doll style, an asymmetrical long coat, an opera jacket, and a keyhole scarf. The designs are crocheted using a variety of beautiful yarns; the majority are made with sumptuous, organic/natural yarns in worsted or sport weight and are highly textured with enticing post stitches. “

April 1, 2010
by Tammy
2 Comments

Steampunk Jewelry CFE

A new book called Steampunk Inspirations is in the works, and the writer, Barbe Saint John, is looking for jewelry designs to fill its pages. Here is some information from the official call for entries:

“Rockport Publishers/Quarry Books is an international publisher of high-quality visual and idea books for design professionals and creative enthusiasts—crafters, artisans, and
designers. (Check out our distinctive books at: www.quarrybooks.com.) We are seeking submissions for possible publication in 1000 Steampunk Inspirations,
an upcoming book by Barbe Saint John. Publication date: March 2011.

We are looking for the finest Artisan-made examples in the following categories:

Costumes and Garments
Jewelry
Accessories
Head Gear
Time Pieces
Gadgets and Contraptions
Vehicles
Artwork
Home Decoration

To submit:

1. Email 1000steampunkinspirations@gmail.com, and either include a link to your website/online portfolio for our review, or attach no more than 4 lowres JPEG images of your work (each file should be under 1 MB). Name each attachment with your last name, and the numbers 1-4.

2. If your low-resolution images are provisionally accepted, you will be given instructions on how to upload the corresponding high resolution files,and you will be required to fill out a Grant of Rights form allowing the publisher the permission to print your images. At this time, we may invite you to submit an additional 6 high-res images, for a total of no more than 10 photos entered into the final jurying round.
3. 1000 images will be selected for publication. If selected, you will not be required to provide any how-to instructions, but you will need to briefly describe your item and what it’s made from. Published contributors will be credited on the pages where their image(s) appear, as well as in the artist directory. Contributors will also have the opportunity to purchase copies of the book at a 50% discount.

Deadline: June 1, 2010.
Acceptance begins immediately: early submissions are encouraged.”

March 30, 2010
by Tammy
1 Comment

Book Deal for Knitters

Black Dog Publishing has a new book out called In the Loop: Knitting Now, and because this publisher knows that I have some yarn lovers over here, I was sent some information about a special offer. Readers of Crafty Princess Diaries can get 40% off the cover price simply by doing the following:

  • Send an email to the publisher’s rep Jessica at jess@blackdogonline.com
  • In the subject heading put “Crafty Princess Diaries Offer”
  • Include your delivery address

Jessica will get assist you with putting in your discounted order for the book.

Here’s also a description of the book from the press release I was sent:

“In the Loop: Knitting Now explores the progression of knitting, a craft which has come a long way from its fuzzy image of thick socks, long shawls and embarrassing motifs on Christmas jumpers. Now there are knitting groups that meet in quirky venues throughout the country, as well as hundreds of clubs and contemporary artists intent on reclaiming the craft. In the Loop maps knitting’s journey from solitary hobby for old maids to mainstream, contemporary trend.

Including visual essays by contemporary knitters, artists and academics, with chapters such as Rethinking Knitting, Narrative Knits and Site & Sight: Activist Knitting, In The Loop explores the diverse topics of knitting in art, international knitting traditions, knitting as social activism, the oral history of knitting and knitting technology—providing a fascinating insight into the world of loops, stitches and casting off!

Through case studies, essays and photographs, In The Loop documents the work of artists using knitting in their work, public responses to knitting over the years, the rise of contemporary knitting groups such the internationally renowned ‘Stitch and Bitch’ and the burgeoning popularity for ’Knit Lit’ and do-it-yourself, environmentally friendly crafts.

Lavishly illustrated with images of contemporary knitting, In The Loop is an attractive volume with a fresh, modern and appealing design in keeping with the vibrant and creative subject matter. As such, In The Loop is an essential book for anyone with an interest in contemporary crafts, trends and textiles.”

March 28, 2010
by Tammy
0 comments

Craft Blog Link Up

Mixed Media Artist
Learn a more subtle approach to using the pointillism filter in Photoshop.

About Family Crafts
Find out how to get creative while making prints with kids by using a variety of supplies you already have on hand. You can share your ideas too!

Stefanie Girard’s Sweater Surgery
How to make a dress from a recycled tank and skirt inspired by one in the book Built By Wendy Dresses

Aileen’s Musings
Follow Aileen along her creative path and see how she transforms a 16×20 canvas and a map background into her dream piece!

The Artful Crafter
Read some glass etching tips from master etcher Eric Robert.

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Wanna be a ‘trashionista?’ Join Madge as she turns old magazines into a fabulous decoupage purse in this week’s project for ILoveToCreate Teen Crafts!

Cathie Filian
The Easter Bunny has been busy over at Cathie’s workshop! Check out all the fun Easter Craft Ideas.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside’s got a how-to on making a zipper necklace, a free pattern template for a cute card jewelry display, a whole bunch of great cat quotes, an interview with Paula Guhin author of Image Art Workshop and announcing-Craftside authors will be doing Make and Takes at the Unique Los Angeles shopping extravaganza!

March 25, 2010
by Tammy
4 Comments

My New Book on Amazon!

Woot! I’m so excited to see that my new book, The Complete Photo Guide to Jewelry Making, is already up for early ordering on Amazon.com!

I have only seen a mock-up of the cover, and the publisher was going to change a few things at that point. So this is really the first time I’ve seen the cover. I can’t wait to get it into my hot little hands!

March 24, 2010
by Tammy
1 Comment

Video about Sewing Machines

Ever wanted to learn how to sew but had no idea where to start when it came to which sewing machine was right for you? This video from Threads magazine has some good advice and information.

I was amazed to see that the newer sergers will automatically thread for you, wow! That was always a major hassle when I took sewing classes. I think I drove my instructor crazy asking her to thread it for me all the time.

March 23, 2010
by Tammy
6 Comments

Crafting for Critters

I posted this photo in one of my Facebook albums but thought it would be fun to share here as well. After taking this picture of “THE” most comfortable cat in the whole wide world, I realized that he is lounging on items that I made a long time ago.

The blue crocheted blanket and the pinkish one across from him were afghans that sort of ran amok. The pillow in the center I also made. I purchased the pillow insert from a fabric store, and I used a pillow case, cut it down to fit around this smaller insert, and stitched it closed. Additionally, the curtains behind him (which I need to replace with new ones) were a sheet that I cut to fit the window and added a casing at the top to fit over a push rod.

As you can see, they all make for a very comfortable spot in front of a window. It feels good to be appreciated.