CONTACT:  Jim Allen
                               Tandycrafts, Inc. (817) 551-9600
                               (investor_relations@tandycrafts.com)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          or
                               Jeff Lambert, Brian Edwards
                               Lambert, Edwards & Associates, Inc.
                               (616) 233-0500 (mail@lambert-edwards.com)


           TANDYCRAFTS APPOINTS NEW SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE

FORT WORTH, Texas, December 8, 1999 -- Tandycrafts, Inc. (NYSE: TAC) today
announced it has promoted Leo C. Taylor to serve as its new senior vice
president of finance.

Taylor, 37, will oversee the finance and accounting operations of Tandycrafts, a
Fort Worth, Texas consumer products company, which had sales of $194.7 million
in fiscal 1999.  Taylor, a certified public accountant, has worked for
Tandycrafts for nearly six years, overseeing numerous financial activities for
the company.  He most recently served as vice president of taxation, risk
management and benefits.  Prior to that role, he served as director of tax
administration.

"Leo's promotion underscores our effort to bolster our leadership team and place
the right people in executive management positions as we strive to become a
leader in the consumer products industry," said Michael J. Walsh, Tandycrafts
chairman and chief executive officer. "His finance and accounting experience,
coupled with his leadership abilities and knowledge of our industry, will
contribute significantly to our growth."

Walsh continued: "Leo has been a tremendous asset to Tandycrafts' management
team over the past several years.  His proven track record with the company
allows him to play a vital role as we continue to focus our expertise and
resources on our core strengths."

Prior to his tenure at Tandycrafts, Taylor served as a tax manager in the
accounting firm of Price Waterhouse, LLP for eight years.  Taylor holds both a
bachelor's and master's degree in accounting from Oklahoma State University.  He
is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the
Tax Executives Institute.

Tandycrafts, Inc. (www.tandycrafts.com) is a leading maker and marketer of
consumer products, including frames and wall decor, office supplies, home
furnishings and gift products. The Company's products are sold nationwide
through wholesale distribution channels, including mass merchandisers and
specialty retailers, and direct-to-consumer channels through the Company's
retail stores, mail order and the Internet.

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