The Crafty Princess Diaries

Tammy Powley’s Crafty Weblog

February 7, 2016
by Tammy
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Craft-alongs, Tutorials, and Contests

How To Make A Pom Pom And Fish Extender Idea

This is one of Tappingflamingo’s first video tutorial. She shows how to make a pom pom using your hand, and gives you a Fish Extender or party favor idea using them.

Coloring Book Giveaway

So easy to enter and maybe win! The Crafty Princess is giving away 2 adult coloring books!

Crocheted Flower Hair Clips

These simple crocheted flowers make adorable hair clips for girls (or women) and just use a tiny bit of yarn.

Valentine’s Day Kids Party

Throw a memorable Valentine’s Day kids party and keep costs down with these crafty ideas for planning decor, games, food & keeping all the kids happy.

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

Jean reviews Wonderful Wire Jewelry: Make 30+ Bracelets, Earrings, Necklaces, and More, by Erica Swanson. You will find tons to love in this book!

Lucky Thirteen

The next Diamond in the free SAL is up! Still plenty of time to join in if you are interested.

Beading Arts

Cyndi shares a tutorial that shows you how to make really pretty (but also easy) beaded beads.

Art Bead Scene

Take a walk in the woods with Julie, in her last post for the Art Bead Scene.

February 6, 2016
by Tammy
3 Comments

Craft Business Advice from Rich Mom



Back in the early 90s, I was very active when it came to making and then selling my jewelry. I participated in numerous art shows and sold to boutiques and galleries, mainly in the Central Florida area. I wasn’t running my small business full time, but I was pretty successful in  my own small way. Later, I dabbled on Ebay with selling jewelry that I either made myself, mainly charms that I cast, or jewelry items I bought wholesale and sold at retail prices. This was when silver was very inexpensive.

I still sell jewelry pieces now and then and occasionally add items to my Etsy shop, but I have not concentrated on the business side of jewelry for years. Given the time, I’d love to start it up again, however. My sister and fellow crafter and blogger opened up her own Etsy store, Tappingflamino Bling, not that long ago, and she’s seeing some success. She is focusing on building her business and recently shared interesting craft business information she found over on the Rich Mom Business site. Right now, there’s a way to sign up for videos produced by “rich mom,” Renae Christine. After signing up, you receive emails prompting you to head over and watch three videos she has on creating a “homemade” business. She also has a YouTube channel (of course).

Today’s handmade business model is much different than what I followed in the old days of the 1990s. I have watched two of Renae’s videos so far and found them really interesting, even a little inspiring! If you have been looking for some ideas on either starting a craft-related business or reviving a current business, then you might want to watch some of her videos as well. I’m not sure I am ready to work on my Etsy shop that it turns into a part-time job (since I already have a full-time job!), but I have to admit, she has got my jewelry business wheels turning!

January 31, 2016
by Tammy
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Lovely Crafting Links!

Art Bead Scene
Take a peek inside the studio of Claire of Something to do with you hands – and see the nook she’s transformed into a jewellery station!

Found Object Printmaking
Using random objects to stamp images on paper is a lot of fun, and makes a great background for an art journal page.

Amigurumi Tip 6
Learn some helpful tips about making faces for your crocheted stuff toys.

Recycled Guitar String Pendant DIY
The Tappingflamingo shows how she makes guitar string jewelry. This is an easy, fun tutorial that can be made quickly and inexpensively.

Tissue Paper Decorated Candle
A tissue paper decorated candle is a quick and easy craft that still looks impressive. How to get perfect results every time using wax paper & a heat gun.

Snap Out of It, Jean! There’s Beading to Be Done!
Jean reviews a book on a very pretty style of peyote stitch, and it’s fast too! Check out Fast Peyote Stitch Jewelry, Easy to Follow Patterns, 25+ Projects by Josie Fabre ! It’s lovely!

Royal Flowers
Cindy stitched up a model of the free Royal Flowers chart, which just happens to be in my favorite color combo.

Beading Arts
The Bead Shop shares an easy Swarovski necklace project to brighten up your winter!

Japanese Qulits
The Crafty Princess does a short video review of a beautiful book about Japanese quilts.

January 26, 2016
by Tammy
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Kawaii Box on the Way!

After subscribing to Bargain Bead Box, I started looking around online at other subscription box offers and found Kawaii Box. You get a box each month full of cute Japanese and Korean products. It was less than $20 and that included shipping, so I signed up to try it out. When I get my box, I will film a short video showing you all the goodies. From previous boxes they have offered, it looks like I might end up with some crafting and dolly items. Click on the image below for more information about this interesting box subscription service.


Kawaii Box - The Cutest Subscription Box

January 24, 2016
by Tammy
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More Shawl Progress

I’m still plugging along on the Taylor shawl. I have to sort of stop every once in a while because it is requiring me to look up how to do certain parts of it. For example, one row required I cast two stitches onto the end of the row. I vaguely knew how to do this but didn’t want to screw it up since I’ve made so much progress so far. So this means I have to set it aside and watch a video or two before working on it again. However, the next section is repeating the last two rows for awhile, so this means I can continue to work without having to use my brain for awhile, yippy!