FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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             TANDYCRAFTS, INC. ADOPTS NEW SHAREHOLDERS' RIGHTS PLAN
                                                                                

Fort Worth, Texas, May 19, 1997 -- Tandycrafts, Inc. (NYSE: TAC) announced today
that its Board of Directors has voted to adopt a Shareholders' Rights Plan in
which Rights to purchase shares of Tandycrafts' Common Stock will be distributed
as a dividend, one Right per share, to record owners of Tandycrafts' Common
Stock as of the close of business on May 29, 1997.

     Tandycrafts' Board of Directors noted that the action was being taken to
enhance shareholder value.  The Plan is designed to require that any potential
acquiror seeking to obtain control of Tandycrafts treat all Tandycrafts
shareholders fairly and equally and to deter the use of coercive takeover
tactics.

     The Board has been considering adopting a plan for several weeks.  R.E.
Cox, III, Chairman of the Board, stated, "We believe that the current market
price of Tandycrafts Common Stock and the positive prospects for the Company
make the adoption of the Plan prudent at this time."

     Each Right entitles holders to purchase one share of Common Stock for
$30.00.  Initially, the Rights are not exercisable and will automatically trade
with the Common Stock.  However, if a person or group acquires more than 15% of
Tandycrafts' Common Stock or announces a tender or exchange offer for more than
15% of the stock, the Rights will become exercisable and each rightholder (other
than the above acquiror) may use the Right to purchase $30.00 worth of
Tandycrafts' Common Stock at one half of the then market price.  Details of the
Plan and the Rights are outlined in a letter that will be mailed to all
Tandycrafts shareholders.

     Tandycrafts, Inc. is a specialty retailer and manufacturer.  Included in
its Specialty Retail segment are Tandy Leather Company, Joshua's Christian
Stores, and Sav-On Office Supplies.  The Specialty Manufacturing segment is
comprised of two manufacturing divisions: Picture Frames and Framed Art and
Tandy Wholesale International ("TWI").


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