March 10, 2015
by Tammy
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I finally have my voice almost back to normal after being sick for about two weeks! So that means it’s time for another episode of Crafty Princess Diaries Podcast!
Here are links from the show:
Crafty Princess Diaries Blog/Podcast Ravelry Group
March 8, 2015
by Tammy
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March is a long month and the perfect time to get some crafting in. With that in mind, I started a March FOs thread on my Ravelry group.
Come and post photos of your finished objects. All crafts are welcome. We are not limiting this to just yarn crafts…beads…cross stitch…wood working…paper-arts…come on over!
To top it off, Wendy of Little Wendy Crochet has offered up one of her amigurumi patterns, Happy Fish, to one lucky winner who will be pulled from those who participate in the March FOs thread. The details for participating are in the Ravelry thread. Come and join us!
March 8, 2015
by Tammy
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March Monthly Challenge is Haida Totems by Emily Carr. A Canadian artist, her art took on bright hues and bold brushstrokes of the Fauvist paintings she saw in Paris in 1910.
A journal can be a walking momento if you add your own molded embellishments to it. Molding video on the blog too!
Why not upcycle your old blanket into fingerless gloves? It is so fast and easy to do.
Cross Stitch for St. Patrick’s Day
It’s almost time for everyone to be honorary Irishmen and Irishwomen (unless, of course, you are already Irish – then you already have a great excuse to party). Connie has added a new free pattern in the spirit of the season and has suggestions for more great St. Patty’s Day-themed projects.
Lazertran Inkjet Decals on Wood
See how to piece decals for larger projects and how to “melt” a decal onto wood.
I list ’em every year but they remain popular! Peep bunnies made from felt.
Are you anxious for Spring? Cyndi will help you get a jump start on your Springtime jewelry!
March 7, 2015
by Tammy
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is written by Lesley Stanfield and published by C&B Crafts. It retails for $12.95 in the US; L8.99 in the UK; and $13.95 in Canada. It includes 128 pages of text, with a generous amount of full-color “how-to” photos and instructions for 24 projects.
The format is “workshop” style, first showing how to complete a number of basic crochet stitches such as chain and slip stitch. Then each chapter has projects that are designed around a group of stitches so that the crafter using this book can learn and practice at the same time.
While I like the general approach of this book, I had to admit I was kind of confused at first because there was no mention of the single crochet stitch. Then after reading some more I realized that the stitches used in this book refer to the UK standard. So the US version of single crochet is referred to as double crochet. The US version of double crochet is referred to as treble crochet stitch.
UK/European crocheters will not find this to be a problem, but US crocheters should just be aware that the names of stitches are different. It is one of those many inconsistencies that exist in the world of yarn-crafting, but it is not something to stop anyone from enjoying the projects in this book. In fact, one of my sisters is a very new crocheter. She’s made a scarf and a hat at this point. I think this book is a great fit for her because so many of the projects are easy to do and use a minimum number of different stitches. US readers just need to make note of the different stitch names.
March 7, 2015
by Tammy
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I have been hearing so much about Tumblr, I finally decided to give it a try. So far, I really like it. It seems sort of cross between Facebook and Instagram. So come follow me, and if you have a Tumblr account, I will follow you back! You can find me over there at http://tammypowley.tumblr.com/
March 5, 2015
by Tammy
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I am always asking readers of my blog and viewers of my crafting podcast to subscribe to my Youtube channel. As an avid podcast viewer myself, I have also subscribed to a fair number of channels over there. Recently, however, I noticed I was not receiving notifications.
At first, I thought people were just not updating their channels, but then it just seemed to be like no one was updating any more. This brought me over to my own channel and I started poking around and noticed that under the subscription link, you can see all the channels you subscribe to on Youtube. Along with a list of those channels, there is also a column with a box that says “send me updates.” Yikes!
You guessed it. Most of the channels I had subscribed to did not have that box selected! I don’t know if this is new or not because at one point I was getting update notifications from these channels and had no idea that “send me updates” box even existed!
So PLEASE! Check all your YouTube subscriptions right away. You are probably missing all kinds of update notifications and, like myself, did not know you have to also select this box so that you can get them.
March 3, 2015
by Tammy
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March is a llloooonnnnggg month, so that means you have lots of time to get a few crafted projects started and finished. Come share your finished objects (all crafts are invited) in my Ravelry group’s March FOs thread. If I get at least 10 people to participate (and you can enter as many times as you like), then I will draw a winner after the month ends.
Go over to thread now for all the details! Show us your beautiful crafted jewelry, needlework, woodwork, resin, knitting, crochet, and more!
March 1, 2015
by Tammy
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The cooler weather has gotten me into an afghan making mood, so I have been mulling over a few project ideas. Though I told myself that I was not going to make anything with a lot of squares that would be too fiddly to put together, well, I totally caved when I saw the free pattern called Knitted Patchwork Recipe. I love the idea that this is portable, uses up scraps, and is easy to do. Obviously, this is a long (long, long) term project, but it is perfect for working on in between other crafting projects I always have going on.
The pattern suggests using leftover sock yarn and size 2.75mm (US 2) knitting needles. However, I don’t have a huge amount of sock yarn scraps. I do, though, have a fair amount of sport weight yarn and light worsted, so I will be using those scraps along with a US 5 needle (again, using what I already have).
When I made my very first square, I was baffled at how this was going to be a square when I finished it. I stopped and restarted a few times, and then I just decided to trust the pattern, and of course, it worked. I had my first mitered square, which lead to my second very quickly.
February 28, 2015
by Tammy
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Art Bead Scene
Check out what Heather has been up to in her Inside the Studio post this week, and answer a question for the chance to win a $25 gift certificate from Humblebeads.
The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Erin Prais-Hintz hosts a creative challenge through Halcraft called, Pretty Palettes. This month, Andrew was the Pretty Palettes Partner! Stop by and see what he made!
Peeptastic Center Piece
Love Peeps? Cherie has a new way to use them for your Easter table.
Carmi’s Art/Life World
Sharing supplies with friends is always a thrill when you organize a blog hop. This one was excellent as it feature beaded rings.
No Dog Snuggles but Lots of Crafting
In the latest video podcast, the Crafty Princess shows off some finished knitting, crochet, and shares some bead weaving ideas.
Holiday Craft Planning App
Anyone who hand crafts gifts and decorations for holidays or other special occasions needs to plan ahead. Handcrafted things take time. Download Eileen’s free spreadsheet.
New Free Pattern
Connie added a new free cross stitch pattern this week Also, check out the new additions to the Etsy shop.
Beading Arts
Cyndi shares how to construct a 3D crescent form, perfect for embellishing!
February 27, 2015
by Tammy
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