The Crafty Princess Diaries

Tammy Powley’s Crafty Weblog

July 12, 2015
by Tammy
0 comments

Crafting Link Time

Here are some craft links to enjoy from some of my fellow crafting bloggers. We have a small group that shares links and could use a few more members. If anyone is interested (obviously need to have an active and established blog), feel free to contact me.

Fun Freebies

Find out one of Connie’s favorite freebie sites that also has quite a nice selection of charts for sale.

Clutter-Busting With Patterned Duck Tape

Can too much color clutter your craft space and crush creativity? Reorganize and coordinate your craft table for less than 5 bucks with patterned Duck Tape.

Art Bead Scene

Take a peek at Claire’s Etsy pics to whet your appetite for this months challenge!

Sketching

Cherie shows her first step in creating art.

July 5, 2015
by Tammy
0 comments

Some Crafting Web Links

Happy 4th Wreath: Stars & Stripes 4Ever

Make a star spangled Happy 4th wreath from paper. 3D stars in red, white & blue make this 4th of July wreath lightweight and easy to assemble with glue.

Connie Gee’s Designs

Connie’s added a new design to her Etsy shop called Peaceful Abundance and it is suitable for stitching on any cross-stitch fabric with any floss. There are also links to her free pattern pages in this post, so check those out too.

Art Bead Scene

Check out all the beautiful, gorgeous, inspiring, wonderful entries to our challenge this month!l

BIG Book News!

The Crafty Princess has some major news. She spills the beans in her latest crafting podcast.

Beading Arts

What could be more fun for summer than sporting a cute little Shamballa-style bracelet? Cyndi shows you how to make one in this tutorial.

July 1, 2015
by Tammy
2 Comments

Video: BIG News! Craft Novel Published – Podcast No. 23

This 23rd episode of the Crafty Princess Diaries Podcast is a little different than usual. In the first eight or so minutes, I cover administrative stuff like the July FOs giveaway and show off recent finished objects and works in progress, and then at about 8 minutes into the podcast (for those what to know the BIG news NOW and skip ahead), I reveal some big news about my newest publication. Squee!



July 1, 2015
by Tammy
0 comments

Book Review: 60 Quick Baby Knits

60 Quick Baby Knits: Blankets, Booties, Sweaters & More in Cascade 220™ Superwash (60 Quick Knits Collection) is published by Sixth and Spring books and retails for $17.95 in the US and $21.95 in Canada. All of the projects are knit using Cascade’s 220 Superwash yarn, and the 60 projects were designed by a variety of professional knitters/designers. A few names that may look familiar include Jeannie Chi, Lee Grant, Tanis Gray, and Veronica Manno.

Of course, with 60 patterns that means you get a really big selection, and I have to admit a fondness for making baby items. They are smaller so usually quicker than adult patterns. Now as far as being really “quick” as the title suggestions, I think that may be kind of subjective depending on your skill level. All of the pattern are designated beginner, easy, intermediate, or experienced. The majority of projects are categorized as intermediate, so if you are a beginner knitter, that means these may not be that quick for you.

So for intermediate to experienced level knitters, these would probably be pretty fast to make. The photographs are also a good point of this book. There are lots of them, which means you can get a good visual idea of what the finished item will look like. For me, that’s a big plus.

If you have the skill level needed and want a good selection of patterns to pick from for your baby knits, then definitely consider taking a look at 60 Quick Baby Knits. For those with less experience, one nice point of this book is that you can have projects that will expand your skill level but are not a huge commitment since they are so small.

June 28, 2015
by Tammy
0 comments

Some Free Crafting Tutorials

Art Bead Scene

Meet the Art Bead Artists who have responded to our monthly challenge!

Mixed Media Canvas: A Flower Blooms

Eileen took a class taught by artist Stephenie Hamen and had a lot of messy fun!

DIY Lanyard Ideas

Have you thought about making your own lanyard for work or trips? Here are some ideas, including a lanyard that can be worn as a bracelet or a long or short necklace.

WIP Update and Free Pattern

Connie’s posted an update on her latest WIP (work in progress) and she’s also posted a new free pattern for you to stitch and enjoy.

Beading Arts

Cyndi shares a tutorial for some quick and easy little earrings!

June 21, 2015
by Tammy
0 comments

Crafting Links to Share

It’s the weekend, which means some crafting links to share from around the Web.

Yummy Silk Blend Yarn

The Crafty Princess reviews Cascade Heritage Silk Paint yarn in this short video.

Crepe Paper Magnolias

Welcome summer with a bouquet of hand made crepe paper magnolias.

Art Bead Scene

Read all about Erin’s experiences learning with the masters at Bead and Button!

Welcome Sampler Cross Stitch Pattern

Connie’s added a new free pattern that is easy to adapt to your own personal taste. It would make a great gift when framed or finished as a flat-fold.

Beading Arts

Cyndi shares some simple tips for stitching up a Cellini spiral tube…it’s really easy!