Beadbloggers and a photo of a Blythe by Jean

My girl Fiona, a Princess Q Pot, is going to see Kiss in another town down the line. She follows the
bands. Fiona is wearing a dress and shoes from the fab store TSANFW, on Etsy. We love TSANFW!

BEADBLOGGERS!

Loosey Goosey
Connie's added a new free pattern inspired by the Flying Geese quilt block. It offers ample practice for quarter stitches and of course, she's got just the tutorial and tips you need!
How to Tie a Knot for Hand Sewing
Starting your hand sewing project with the right knot is important for success. Here Sarah shows you her favorite simple knot that's strong and won't easily pull through fabric.
Knitting Needle Set Review
In this video, the Crafty Princess looks at various wooden knitting needle sets from Knit Picks.
Yummy Breakfast Oatmeal Recipe
Here is one of Terry's first videos she put together about a year ago. Terry shows how to make a delicious oatmeal dish that would be great for those cold mornings.
Art Bead Scene

Winter Bird Studio + Round Rabbit + Mia Only Beads are the perfect combination for Erin's Perfect Pairings selection!

Beading Arts
Cyndi played around with a new form (to her, anyway!) of landscape quilting and is happy to share her process
Silhouette Pop-Up Drawer Card Box: 
Tips for assembling Silhouette pop-up drawer box cards. Lori Whitlock designed a series of these cute pop-ups. Here's how to make them nice and sturdy.

craftguideJan 12

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Like peyote bead stitch? Jean revisits a wonderful beadweaving book by Melinda Barta with a review you can't miss!

Keepsake Shell Necklace
This free necklace tutorial shows how to turn shell beads picked up during a cruise into a necklace.

Beadbloggers and a photo of an Icy doll by jean

Earnest in a hat. Earnest is an "Icy" doll, a cousin to the Blythe but with a different personality entirely! Earnest is a custom by Cindy Sowers--jean

BEADBLOGGERS! Happy 2016!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's Beading to Be Done!
There's nothing like a brand new beautiful calendar to encourage you to express your creative hopes and dreams for the new year. Jean has hers for 2016--you can get one, too! She will show you where!

Atmos Flare 3D Pen Review
Are you intrigued by tools for 3D drawing? Sarah got to try out a fun 3D pen, though she found it to have a steep learning curve.

Scarfutopia
Here's a quick video review of this free knitting pattern.

Altered Binder to Store & Enjoy Your Mail Art Collection 
Tall binder rings of an old Franklin Planner binder accommodate a lot of bulky pages while leaving them easy to flip.

Beadbloggers and a photo of a Blythe by jean

This is an adorable fleece jacket with 3 heart buttons and faux fur trim, as well as a gorgeous faux fur hat, all made by Jolanda from her shop on Etsy. I was given this for my birthday, and it just arrived this week. The shipping was very fast and the outfit is truly beautiful! Jewels loves it and is happy to be modeling it. Pearl earrings by me --jean 
\

BEADBLOGGERS!

Beading Arts
Cyndi has a copy of "Beaded Bags" to give away...just in time for the holidays!!

Back on the Needles
A simple garter stitch shawl is back on the needles in anticipation of cooler weather coming, some day!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's Beading to be done!
Jean reviews a sweet and gorgeous book by Nicky Epstein: Enchanted Knits for Dolls, 25 Mystical, Magical Costumes for 18-inch Dolls. It is a winner!

Accordion Fold Paper Angel Ornament
Use up paper scraps to make this accordion fold paper angel. Hang on the tree or use on cards & gifts. They're quick to make, so why not do a bunch at one time.

Holiday Freebie
Connie's posted a new free pattern that reflects the holiday cheer she feels and she's also offering a great discount in her Etsy shop!

My Kentucky Craft Room
Just before Terry Jeanette of The Tappingflamingo sold their home in Kentucky and moved back to Louisiana, she had to take one last video of her craft room. She shows ideas on how to get organized, and hopes she will be able to replicate the same in their new home.

Art Bead Scene
Check out our last challenge of the year!

Beadbloggers and photos of a Blythe custom by Moon Rouge

 

Regina, by the wonderful Moon Rouge, looking very Mori Girl (girl of the forest) in her 
Pomme Pomme wrap and "Falling Leaf" earrings by me. She has some amazing chips!--jean 

Beadbloggers!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews a lovely book on beaded embroidery. What a marvelous holiday gift for the crafty person on your list! Comment on the review to enter the giveaway of this super book!

SAL Diamond Seven
Connie's added the next section of her free stitchalong. Diamond Seven is ready to stitch! There's definitely still time to join in so get the charts today.

Circuit Marker Kit
Have fun & help children learn how electricity works by creating a light-up birthday card with the Dazzly Circuit Marker Kit. It's an electricity lesson plan!

My Etsy Shop Is Open!
Finally after talking about it for over a year, Terry finally opened her Etsy shop--TappingflamingoBling. She shows some of the things that are in her store like, guitar string ornaments and Christmas earrings. There will be more added to her shop soon, so stay tuned!

Super Small Crochet Projects
A little yarn can go a long way when you make items for a Blythe doll.

Art Bead Scene
Take a peek Inside the Studio with Erin!

Beading Arts
Cyndi takes her own advice and finds a wonderful online class to take on crazy quilting...and it's free!

Beadbloggers and photos by jean of a Blythe

here is Aurora Borealicious, who is a Yuki (Baby the Stars Shine Bright). Love her wearing Pollymakes knits, now that it is getting cooler here! They don't come much dreamier than this girl! Note her singular and special pink eye chip, which has a B for Blythe!  --jean

Beadbloggers!

Art Bead Scene
Ever wondered about how lampwork glass beads turn from glossy little pieces of beauty into smooth, silky velvet? Read all about it here with Julie's post on etching!
SAL Diamond Six
Connie's posted the sixth section of her free stitch along (SAL). The cross stitch design would also be suitable for beading.
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! 
Jean reviews Beadweaving Beyond the Basics, 24 Beading Designs Using Seed Beads, Crystals, Two-Hole Beads and More by Kassie Shaw. Also,comment to win a GIVEAWAY of this lovely book!
Beading Arts
Were you a fan of button covers back in the day? Cyndi has worked up an easy bead embroidery project that will allow you to put them to good use...and they can be interchanged!
Postcard Art Inspiration 
Eileen shares a collection of postcard art by various artists and explains the methods used. Do you know the benefits of postcard art as a learning tool?
Want to Learn to Knit?
Maybe this new book is for you. Check out this quick video book review! 

Beadbloggers and some photos by Jean Baldrige Yates of Cindy Sowers' Mice Storming the Castle!

Isn't this the prettiest Elf Castle you have ever seen? I received it from Amazon and actually managed to assemble it all by myself!  
After I posted my review of it, I remembered that last Christmas I got four of Cindy Sowers' mice from her Etsy Shop. They are adorable (they look great with Blythes as well!) and are not too big for this play castle. I choose the two which are dressed in the best colors to go with the castle as my models. But they didn't just want to model! They want to move in and have a party with the fairy queen and her fairy pet! See for yourself! It is going to be awfully loud and raucous in my house at all hours of the morning after this!--jean

and of course a collage of the festivities! There is cake there, somewhere! Party on, all!

BEADBLOGGERS!

Art Bead Scene
Julie shares a beautiful and contemplative post with us - and asks you to give yourself permission to create
Etsy Shop Updates
Charlene shares a new feature under prototype at Etsy
Floating Diamond Pattern
Connie's added a new free pattern that will be suitable for any season just by changing up the colors. Make a Halloween or Christmas ornament, or use the design for a special card. Since it is whole cross-stitch only, it will be a quick stitch.
How to Crackle Finish Furniture and Other Large Projects
Do you enjoy adding crackle finishes to crafts? Before you try to crackle finish furniture & large items, there are some important things you should know.
Beading Arts
Whatever happened to the seed bead amulet bag craze?
No Knitting Book!
Want to play with yarn but don't want to learn to knit or crochet? Then this book review is for you.
Snap out if it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews a stunner of a jewelry design book which you will love: Handcraft Wire Jewelry: Chains Clasps Pendants, by Kimberly Sciaraffa Berlin. Check this one out--it is unique and fantastic!

.

Beadbloggers and photos by jean of her Blythes wearing darling new flouncy dresses by The Crafty Princess, Tammy Powley

Three of my fave girls are modeling crocheted dresses by Tammy Powley today. I knew they would  look SO cute in these flouncy, flirty dresses, complete with appliques, a headband and two adorable crocheted barrettes (they are in there--just not easy to see in this photo!) that I had to drop everything and photo them as soon as I received them from Tammy.Thank you Tammy, you are amazingly talented! We love these and think you should make tons and tons for all the Blythe fans out there. As you know we can never get enough cool clothes for our girls!!! 
Pictured: left to right:
Regina by Moon Rouge (a custom Fancy Pansy BL with a Licca Body)
Liath by Zaloa's Studio (a custom Cinnamon Girl BL) 
Riski, by Cindy Sowers (a custom FBL)
Thank you again, Tammy, we love these!!!--jean xox

collage "Ask me to dance, please!"



BEADBLOGGERS

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!

review by Jean Baldridge Yates of 'Tis the Season to Be Felt-y: Over 40 Handmade Holiday Decorations, by Kathy Sheldon with Amanda Carestio

If you are looking forward to the holiday season, and you love crafts, you are going to adore this book, 'Tis the Season to Be Felt-y: Over 40 Handmade Holiday Decorations, by Kathy Sheldon with Amanda Carestio.
With super pretty color photos and clear directions, 'Tis the Season is tons of fun. The 40 plus holiday themed projects are well designed by top names in the crafting field. Each one will inspire the reader to try her hand at creating with felt! And it will be worth it, as the decorations you can make are lively, colorful and packed full of festive charm.
Felt is one of the easiest materials a crafter can work with.
Additionally, the instructions for the projects are a snap to follow.
There are plenty of templates at the back of the book the reader will find very useful as well.
The materials and tools needed to craft the decorations offered are inexpensive and easy to obtain. You may have a lot of what you need already at home.
You are going to want to embrace the appeal of crafting with felt when you look at any and all of the projects.
Get ready, get set, and dive in!
Check out the "Clove-Filled Orange Ornaments" designed by Mollie Johanson. What a clever and pretty take on the traditional pomander ball. Filled with the sent of cloves, these pretty oranges made of felt and trimmed with green ribbons would be a delightful teacher's gift.
Aimee Ray's "Felt Light Up Village" is wonderful, if you want to set a mood as you look forward to this magical season. Her enchanting felt houses will require some simple embroidered embellishing. You will be rewarded for your efforts with a little village, hand made by you, which you can arrange in all sorts of sweet and funky ways as you herald the approach of Christmas.
Another project I liked is the very hip "Bird Mobile", designed by Jennifer Jessee. With green felt balls, cheery felt snowflakes and the cutest felt bird this side of the North Pole, you have yourself a mobile to love all winter through, not just during the holiday season.
The "Joy to the World Garland" by author Kathy Sheldon is, according to her, "so simple that, if you help cut out the letters(or purchase stick-on felt letters), kids can make it!" It is a lovely large banner that just bursts with the excitement of this festive time of year. Really fun!
One of my special favorites is the "Rustic Reindeer" by Suzie Millions. This little free standing reindeer decoration touched my heart and made me smile. He is created by you of different tones of orange felt, with white felt. He has twig antlers and twig legs. When this reindeer peeks out at you, you will melt. This is the project I want to try first. He is guaranteed to delight my grandchildren and family.
There is lots more to make and to love, from tree skirts with bunnies, to felt poinsettia wreaths, to partridges and pear trees! There is even a gingerbread house tissue box cover!
'
Tis the Season to Be Felty is the successor to Fa la la la Felt: 45 Handmade Holiday Decorations! by the same authors. Many of the same designers have contributed to this lovely and fun book.
I have never been so excited for the holidays to come since I was a kid. Hand made decorations make for irreplaceable happy memories.

I was glad to note that the seasonal cheer offered by the projects in 'Tis the Season to Be Felt-y is primarily non-denominational. It is great that we all can get in the spirit!
Join in the fun with 'Tis the Season to Be Felty. Celebrate the wonders of creating with felt! You truly can do this. What is more, you will have a total blast doing it! Lovely craft book!

available at Barnes & Noble and other fine stores

Note: I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Beadbloggers, Labor Day Weekend and a photo by Jean of a Blythe in a beret hand made by Tammy Powley

Elle, a stock Momolito Ultimate Tour, flashing her blue chips and styling a beret by Tammy Powley!
Tammy sells on Etsy, here! at Tammy Powley's Crafty Princess Shop





Beadbloggers!
Labor Day Weekend

Art Bead Scene
Check out September's gorgeous new challenge piece from artist Vanessa Bell!

SAL Diamond Three
Connie's posted the latest Diamond section for the free SAL (stitch-along) and she shows two different examples of how it could be stitched.

Necklace Tutorial
Crystals, Pearl beads, and chain make up with colorful necklace that has an antique feel 

Decoupage Outdoor Furniture 
Products and techniques to decoupage outdoor furniture including step-by-step picnic table directions.

Beading Arts
One of Cyndi's favorite pieces won a Silver medal in Fire Mountain Gems's seed bead contest

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Soldering is fun and Andrew has been obsessed with making rings. But... he took a short break to whip up a pair of earrings!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean discusses the beauty of wrap bracelets and shows her most recent creation!