The Crafty Princess Diaries

Tammy Powley’s Crafty Weblog

September 29, 2015
by Tammy
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Craft Book Reviews, Clay Fun, and More

Amigurumi Book Review

A new video-based book review is up on the Crafty Princess’ YouTube channel.

DIY Tassel Necklace

This simple necklace can be made in about five minutes from a tassel keychain. Easy and on trend for fall!

Halloween Square Pattern

Connie’s added a free Halloween-themed chart that will be a treat to trick out with buttons, beads, or charms.

Beading Arts

The perfect time of year for copper and turquoise together! Cyndi shares a tutorial for a necklace you will want to make…yesterday.

My Grandmother’s Fruit Salad

Here’s a recipe that has been popular in our family. Over the years, friends and in laws have enjoyed it and continue to make it for their family.

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

Looking for easy crafts to make for the upcoming holiday season? Jean reviews the fun-filled felt crafting book, ‘Tis the Season to Be Felt-y ! Don’t miss this one!

Repair Clay Sculpture DIY

Is this clay sculpture beyond repair? Eileen’s puppy smashed it; then ate some of the pieces!

September 27, 2015
by Tammy
4 Comments

Book Review: Knitless: 50 No-knit, Stash-Busting YarnProjects


Knitless: 50 No-Knit, Stash-Busting Yarn Projects by Laura McFadden is published by Running Press. The copyright date is October 2015, and the retail price is $18 US or $22.50 CAN. It is a big, chunky paper back packed with 50 project that use yarn but do not require any knitting (or crochet) skills to accomplish.

The projects in the book are divided into 4 areas: For the Home, Wearable Accessories, Yarn Art, and Stationery and Gift Ideas. There is no technique section, as you might see in most craft books, because the techniques used are pretty simple. All the projects are really geared toward very basic yarn manipulation such as wrapping yarn around an object (such as a frame); making pom-poms (which are secured to a chair); braiding yarn (to create a rug); or stitching with yarn (to attach to objects like a lamp shade).

If you’ve been looking for simple projects to use up bits of yarn, want a way to decorate your home or create simple gifts that use yarn, or are in need of easy projects to do with crafters who have limited skills (like children or newbies), then I think there is a lot to offer in this fun book.

September 23, 2015
by Tammy
4 Comments

Pom-Pom Pal Kit

Recently, I was lucky enough to receive a very cool product to review from Silver Dolphin Books called Pom-pom Pals: Pets, which normally retails for $18.95, but of course, is discounted if purchased through Amazon. It’s a kit that has a small how-to manual plus enough supplies to make four pom-pom animals. Pictured above is the kit opened up with the small book that accompanies it on the left side. As it happened, my college craft club was getting ready to meet for the first time this semester, and while this may seem a little young for college students, I thought it would be a fun ice-breaker type project.

And I was right! Club members had a blast.

At the start of each semester, I basically have to recruit all over again, so I never know who is going to show up or what their skill level will be. The kit was perfect because it was super easy, and that meant anyone could do it. I even had one reluctant student who said he was just there to be with his girlfriend, and eventually, he decided he had to make a pom-pom pal too.

Here is one of the finished guinea pigs made by a club member. This was actually a crowd favorite. And it turned out so, so cute! Seriously, adorable!

The kit is available through the Amazon link at the top of this post, and considering all of the supplies you get with it plus a book that, obviously, you can use over and over again to make more “pals,” I think it is very reasonable priced. Tuck this away for a snow-day or rainy-day project for your kids, or break it out and have fun with adults too.

September 20, 2015
by Tammy
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Jewelry Inspiration and Free Downloads

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton

Labradorite was the inspiration for the Warrior Stone Challenge. See what the participants made with this lovely kit!

Art Bead Scene

Do you like a beady challenge, asks Michelle!

Bead Crochet

The Crafty Princess reviews a new book about bead crochet.

Beading Arts

What do you do when you’re no longer thrilled with a pendant you’ve made? Remake it, of course!

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

Jean continues to be interested in making 5 wrap bracelets and shares some thoughts and tips!

Silhouette Word Art Stencil

Design a Silhouette word art stencil on cheap self-adhesive shelf liner. Links to free font downloads used and how to ungroup, weld and slice letters in Silhouette Studio.

September 13, 2015
by Tammy
2 Comments

Colors, Threads, and More Crafting

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton

This just in! Pantone has announced the Fashion Color Report for Spring 2016! What’s your favorite choice for Color of the Year?

Chalk Paint Plaque — Something Wonderful

Recipes for chalk paint and how to use it to create an inspirational wall plaque.

Art Bead Scene

Check out Claire’s inspiring take on this month’s challenge painting – and her art bead selections to whet your appetite!

Get Colorful

Coloring intricate designs is a new trend for adults and a great way to relieve stress. The Crafty Princess has a free downloadable image from a new coloring book available on her weblog.

Blue Mood

Connie’s added a new chart to her Etsy shop that will be easily adapted to any holiday or season. Find links to all her pattern sources in the blog as well.

Beading Arts

Cyndi shares some strategies for combining bead embroidery with free form beadweaving.

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

Jean reviews a fab book by Keiko Sakamoto on wrap bracelets: DIY Wrap Bracelets, 25 Designs using beads,thread, ribbon,cord and more. So fun!