The Crafty Princess Diaries

Tammy Powley’s Crafty Weblog

March 27, 2016
by Tammy
2 Comments

Happy Easter, 2016, Look Back to 1972, Maybe


I’m guessing this was taken around 1972. My sisters and I always got “dolled” up for Easter every year. We would get new white sandals, and my mother would make our Easter dresses. Normally, she would buy one pattern that could be adjusted to various sizes so she was able to use the pattern for all three of us, or at least two of us. We are four years apart, so that wasn’t always possible. However, my youngest sister was tall for her age, and I was kind of shrimpy back then (I’m in the center), so sometimes she could make it work.

This photo is a reminder of my DIY roots. Mom sewed back then not just because she enjoyed it but because it was a lot less expensive than buying off the rack. She was a SAHM, and every penny counted. My parents often DIY-ed out of necessity. She made our clothing, from special dresses like these to Halloween costumes to prom dresses to everyday wear. My father fixed our cars himself and made most of our furniture.

Because of their craftiness and frugality, I am able to DIY because I like it, not because I have to.

March 23, 2016
by Tammy
0 comments

From My Crafting Peeps

How to NOT Gain Weight On A Cruise

Today’s video is a tip…Did you know the average person gains 5 to 10 pounds on a 7 day cruise? Not me….Here is how I do it…

Tape Resist Painting

Tape resist painting is a classic project done with kids, but it’s fun for adults to try, too. Sarah made hers with painter’s tape and watercolors.

Teddy Bear Love

This video reviews both a cute crochet teddy bear pattern and the Craftsy class that comes with this pattern.

This T-Shirt Bag is No Slouch

How to sew a reversible t-shirt bag. This t-shirt bag is sturdier than the average t-shirt tote bag because it’s double-thick and has a reinforced bottom.

Beading Arts

Cyndi’s newest beading project looks like an alien spaceship!

Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done!

Jean reviews a fascinating book which delightfully combines two crafts into one beautiful craft to greet spring: Origami Jewelry!

Flashback to the Past

One of Connie’s favorite stitchers shares a project she created from a free pattern that is a blast from the past. And still available too.

March 17, 2016
by Tammy
0 comments

Madelinetosh Yarn, I Love You

If you caught one of the latest crafting podcasts I filmed of my sister (Tappingflamingo) and me chatting about our current crafting adventures, then you know that I acquired some Madelinetosh yarn for the first time. I have heard so much about this brand, so I had high hopes. But you never really know until you try, right?

While visiting with my sister, we stopped by a yarn shop, and I purchased a skein of fingering weight Madelinetosh yarn in the Vintage Sari colorway and couldn’t help myself but start a project with it the next day. It’s just a very simple triangular shawlette, a mindless project, but I enjoyed working so much with this yarn. I’m not a convert for sure! Here is is finished!


I have a good amount left over, so it may pop up as part of another project at some point. It’s just wool, no silk or other additional fibers, but it feels really soft. Now I just need some cool weather to really enjoy it!

March 13, 2016
by Tammy
0 comments

Crafting Tutorials & Reviews

Clasps, Part 1

An easy tutorial on how to make a shepherd’s hook clasp for you jewelry.

Make a Washi Tape Rainbow

To celebrate National Craft Month and St. Patrick’s Day, Sarah experimented with making rainbows out of colored tape.

Some Bunny Time

The Crafty Princess reviews an amigurumi crochet bunny pattern.

Spring Cards: One Layout — 3 Variations

Copy a layout you like. Then make some variations. Eileen used a birthday card layout for a 25th anniversary card and a St. Patrick’s Day card. Think spring!

Beading Arts

Are you a fan of beaded beads?

Stacked Squares

Chanda stitched this model of the Stacked Squares pattern from the Connie Gee’s Designs Etsy shop – and she even dares to show off the back of the project. (It’s very neat.)

Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done!

Jean reviews the very thorough and extremely helpful book, Crafter’s Market 2016:How to Sell Your Crafts and Make a Living, edited by Kerry Bogert. It might change your life in a positive way!