How to Make a Rug From a Hula Hoop & T-shirts!

Image from http://familyfun.go.com

 I came across this project tonight and loved it! The only supplies needed are a hula hoop, t-shirts and scissors. I'm traveling for the next couple weeks, but as soon as I return home, I'm investing in a hula hoop so I can make a rug like this! I think I want to tie dye the shirts first though...
CLICK HERE FOR THE TUTORIAL

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

Crafting on coffee

 Bottlecap shrines.

 I made them into a clock for an art donation for a local gallery event! I made this while I was hopping on a lot of coffee! I couldn't stop adding things. The family, one-by-one would come by and say "OK< you're done! Stop!" The nerve of them!

Are any of you on Instagram? I am! come follow me - I'm also on Pinterest. Just search for CraftyChica!

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

Unglued: Crafting Your Way to a Stress-free Life

Special for Mamiverse.com
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by Kathy Cano-Murillo


There are many ways to let out stress: Punching a wall, scarfing Oreos in a dark broom closet, or my favorite - an old-school silent scream.
How about something a little more upbeat and healthy?

I’m talking crafts.

Believe it or not, sprinkling frosted glitter on wet glue, doodling on paper, or sewing through layers of fabric can be very therapeutic when your nerves begin to fray. As a mom with two kids, a full-time job and a part-time art career, I’m here to tell you – it works. Even if it’s varnishing one magnet, I finish witha smile on my face and a fresh attitude. From teaching workshops to answering emails, I’ve met many other women who will vouch for the benefits of craft therapy.

“Making stuff allows me to focus on something other than everyday stress,” says Lizzy Hernandez, 36. “I think of the bright colors I like to work with, or using my hands on clay, or stringing jewelry… and my mind clears. It’s like I’m putting all my energy into making something beautiful right now, instead of the chores I have to do tomorrow.

Hernandez, a mom from Whittier, California, should know. The name of her business is “La Chillona Arte” – it translates as “the crier.” She may shed a few tears from daily drama at work or dinner table politics, but it’s her artful sessions that bring her peace of mind.

“When I’m creating, I’m in a good place,” she says. “I may not be thinking about my problems, but it’s always when I’m crafting that I come up with the best solutions.”

Hernandez isn’t alone. According to a consumer survey conducted by the Craft and Hobby Association, American households rang up a whopping $29 billion dollars of craft-related supplies in 2010. From scrapbooking and sewing to painting and beading, crafting, it seems, has become a peaceful time-passer and colorful rival to a pricey back massage or counseling session. There is even an entire website dedicated to the subject. Self-proclaimed craft practitioners, Kathy Peterson and Barb Dehn, promote a handmade lifestyle as a tool for healthy living on their site, CraftForHealth.com.

But TV host and master DIYer, Mark Montano puts it in terms we all can appreciate.

“Being creative is proven to relieve stress, but don't make the mistake of thinking that crafting is a guilty pleasure, think of it as something that will make your life better,” says the bestselling author. “For example, wouldn't it be wonderful to spend a few hours one evening making a slew of birthday cards that will save you several trips to a card shop?”

He also understands what Lizzy Hernandez means about clearing one’s mind with a little glitter and glue.

“Creativity is active meditation and meditation is proven to relieve stress,” he says. “Creativity also teaches the brain to problem-solve. People who are stress-free think more clearly and make better decisions. When you factor in the benefits of crafting, doesn't it seem necessary to a better way of life?”

Now what are you waiting for? It’s time to make something fabulous! Even if you are juggling a full-time job and a busy household, there is still room in your life to exercise your creativity – as long as you plan. Here are some ideas to get you started so that you can craft away your stress:

• Set aside a regular block of time. I used to have “crafternoons” on Sundays. I let my family know that from 4-8 p.m. I was dedicated to crafting. I invited my kids and relatives to join me. It didn’t take long for everyone to respect my request--especially when it helped me start the week off in a happy state-of-mind.
• Start simple. Buy a kit at the craft store or sign up for a local class. If you feel daring, try a genre that is new to you; or start slow and take one that is comfortable to you.
• Take an online class. There are many work-at-your-own-pace e-courses available. Paper arts, rubber stamping, drawing, painting, beading, etc. They are very affordable and easy to follow.
• Buy a blank journal and a set of juicy colored markers. Every time you get stressed or have an awful day, open your journal and force yourself to write, draw or doodle the good things that happened. Even if it is a decent cup of coffee or a tasty cafeteria lunch, make note of it.
• Celebrate accomplishment. Choose a project that you know you can finish – and really finish it. Hang it up and show it off. This is proof that you are capable of making something wonderful.
• Make small gifts to share. Many times we have a hard time stepping away from our responsibilities – we feel guilty or selfish. If that is the case, use your time to make small collage affirmation cards to give to your friends and family (or nice strangers!). Think of it as your gift of love and positivity to others.
• Get messy! If you need to work out anger issues, get physical! Grrr. Take on a mosaics class where you get to smash tiles with a hammer, or buy a large canvas and throw paint at it. Take on a pottery class and allow yourself to get grit under your nails.
• Think Big. If you don’t feel like making something small and fast, take on a large project, like a T-shirt quilt; that will certainly keep you busy during your crafternoon sessions.
• Take pictures. Not feeling the glue, paper or scissors? Use your cell phone to take pictures of your week or day. Choose a theme, such as a color, and only take pictures of that theme. It will force you to look at the world in a new way.
• Start a blog. There are plenty of free blogging services out there. Start one up and use it to document funny quotes from your kids, photos you took, food you cooked, places you went, crazy things that happened during the week – or those craft projects you made!
• Volunteer. Look for sites like QuiltsForKids.com and use your crafty skills for a good cause.
• Throw a craft party. There is no better way to relax and let loose than to have a party. Gather your friends and meet at a restaurant and work on your projects and make things! Share ideas and cheer each other on!

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

iPhone Video Tip: iStabilizer!

If you're like me and use your iPhone to record your craft video tutorials, I highly suggest investing $30 in this little dude: the iStabilizer.

iStabilizer, a must-have for your smartphone if you take a lot of videos.

It has an adjustable clamp to securely hold your smartphone, and the legs will even bend around bars! Seriously, I was shopping for yet another small video camera, when I thought DUH - just buy a stand for my phone! I love this tripod, it's sturdy and gets the job done.

From the website:

The Smartphone Flexible Leg Tripod is durable and lightweight enough to carry with you in a day bag or stuff in a suitcase. Just pop in your smartphone or mobile device, and you're ready to go! Truly versatile, you’ll find a million places to wrap the flexible legs, whether you’re in the car, at dance class or hanging upside down from the monkey bars. Be the filmmaker you’ve always wanted to be! The Smartphone Flexible Leg Tripod will even cradle your device while in your preferred case or bumper.

Its quick access mount lets you instantly swap devices. Capture one scene on your iPhone and switch to snap another pic on your iPod or Android. Just remove the mount and you can use your point-and-shoot digital camera with this tripod. The patent pending removable mount can be used on any tripod with a standard ¼ x20” camera mount.

All orders placed before noon will ship that same day, otherwise they will ship out the next business day (M-F). Orders ship from Salt Lake City, UT

This item comes with the Tripod Mount already attached. You can remove the Tripod Mount to use a normal camera (that has the standard 1/4" thread) or use the included Tripod Mount on a standard sized tripod if you want.

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

Flip Video Winner: Cynthia Martinez!

Thank you everyone for entering! 

Stay tuned for more giveaways!

Check out Cynthia's blog, Fat Girl Escapades.

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

Meet the voices of my new audiobooks!

Random House bought the audiobook rights to both my novels and they are both finished being recorded!

Actress Julia Whelan as she is recording my novel for an audiobook!

Julia Whelan recorded Waking Up in the Land of Glitter this week.

Actress Tavia Gilbert!

Last week, actress Tavia Gilbert recorded Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing. She is so sweet, she even friended me on Facebook, it made my whole day!

Both audiobooks will be out later this year!

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

INSPIRATION FRIDAY: Working With Craft Manufacturers

 One of the questions I get asked a lot is "How did you end up with your own product line?"
The answer is that things like this don't just fall out of the sky. I had been blogging about crafts for a while and worked really hard on branding. But what really got my name out in the craft industry was attending the Craft & Hobby Trade show (CHA) and introducing myself to the companies of the products I faithfully used (Tacky Glue!). My first show was in 2005, when I attended as a reporter for the newspaper I wrote for, and then I was to sit on a discussion panel and the rest is history.

If you want specific details of what manufacturers are looking for in craft designers, this is your day! Here is an article by Alyson Dias, Marketing Director for iLovetoCreate. Read it several times to get inspired and motivated for the new year! The best part is that these tips will likely work for other business areas in your life.

NOTE: These steps don't guarantee your own product line, but they sure do help! Overall, be on your game, stand out, check your facts, takes risks, and have fun!

Part One: Designers not attending CHA, but want more info
Part Two: Designers attending, CHA

NEW SERIES: Love Songs for a Year

 

If you need some good energy in the love department, I have something that might help!

Remember this summer when Maya fell in love for the first time? And when it all came to a tearjerking halt? It was pretty traumatic at the time.  I was worried how it would affect her. Would she become a jaded manhater? 

I'm happy to report it is the opposite. She rationalized her first love as being her "high school transitional boyfriend" (love it!) - and that she knew her true love was out there in her future. She's now focusing on friends, having fun, keeping things light, college, and her new job (very first). There's no time for romance! 

But nothing will stop her from playing music, so she decided to give her tunes purpose and send good, loving, energy out into the world. That's where Love Songs for a Year comes in!

Love Songs for a Year is a new Maya in the Moment video series. She plans to share a new love song every week to keep the love flowing, with or without a boyfriend. She is taking dedications and requests too! 

Here is her intro to the series and a new song she wrote last week. So if you need some perking up in the love department, give a listen!

And add her here too:

http://facebook.com/mayainthemoment

http://youtube.com/ahhmaya1234

Love Songs for a Year Intro (LINK)


Deepest Waters, Original Song, LINK

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

DIY: Heart-Shaped Sugar Cubes!

 Heart-shaped Sugar Cubes

These are great for serving up breakfast in bed in style!

Supplies:
1 tray of silicone mini-heart molds (I bought mine at Target’s Dollar Spot)
1 cup of granulated sugar
A few drops of water
Bowl and spoon
Index card
Plate
Icing
Edible decoration (M&M, heart candy, etc)

Directions: Pour the sugar in the bowl and add a few drops of water. Mix with spoon until sugar has the consistency of wet sand. Pack the sugar very tight into the molds (no more than two at a time). Place the index card over the mold and carefully turn it over so sugar hearts slip out onto the index card. Let harden for one hour. Decorate with icing and edible decorations.

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

DIY: Valentine's Day Lighted Shadow Box

 Valentine's Day Light Box

Use your favorite Valentine's Day card, or a personal photo, to make a dimensional lighted shadow box. Actually this concept can be used for any theme you want. I am so excited for when I have a break so I can make a whole bunch of these!

Supplies:
Small glass jewelry box
Crafty Chica Acrylic Paints
Hand-held rotary tool
Aleene's Turbo Tacky Glue
Decorative paper, pencil
Valentine image (I got mine from CandyCoated.org)
Foam core
Scissors
Crafty Chica Glitter
Battery-operated strand of 10 mini lights
Sequin trim
Wood beads for feet

Directions:

Paint the box and let it dry. Turn the box over and using the hand-held rotary tool, create 10 holes in the back of the box. Blow off dust.

Open the box and hot glue decorative paper to the back of the box. Use a pencil to poke through the paper where the drilled holes are. Glue the valentine image to a piece of foam core and cut around the edges.

Coat the edges with paint and sprinkle glitter over it. Let dry. Cut a small piece of foam core and then hot glue the image to it. With the box upright and the lid open like a door, hot glue the foam core to the inside base of the box, and then glue the image on top of it. Insert the mini lights (one light in each hole).

Glue the battery pack behind the box. Hot glue the door closed. Add sequin trim around the front of the box, and any other decorations you want. Hot glue wood beads as the feet for the box.

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

250 of these are finished!

I'm heading out to CHA at the end of the month and part of my preparation involves these. They are 250 items that I pieced together, chica style. I can't share the tutorial just yet or what they even are-  but I will once the show opens!
 A lot of fabric and sparkle yarn was involved! Stay tuned!

Coming on Friday - a Q&A with Alyson Dias, Marketing Director from iLoveToCreate. I'm sure a lot of you have a New Year's resolution about kicking up your business a notch. Alyson is going to share ideas on how crafters can introduce themselves and network with craft manufacturers! 

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

Bedroom Makeover: The headboard (in progress)

Headboard before the transformation! Boring!

 Here is a headboard and bed frame I bought for $179 at a furniture store. It's so dull - but the reason I chose it was because of the recessed area in the center. I saw sparkles when I first looked at it!

My first thought was to do a resined collage, and then I was going to paint a mini-street mural and then I decided to go with an application that I could finish within my allotted time frame (one day). I have a  LOT going on these days and can't afford to get sidetracked - I really need my bed! So I'm going with a "bed of roses' theme:

Roses I glued down.

I hot glued silk roses in different textures on a red painted (unframed) canvas, which I'll affix to the headboard. Next I'm going to glue magnetic poetry words all around the frame, and glue something along the top of the headbaord to give it height. I bough two chunky candle sticks for each end too!  I also bought a garden arch that I'm going to wrap in fabric, fuzzy yarn and mimi-lights and use it to make the bed super dramatic and artful.

For any of you who have read my Miss Scarlet novel, the arch and fabric strands above the bed mentioned above are inspired by the character of Rosa and her bed!

I'll post again when I have more of the bed finished, I'm getting back to work right now! YES! I will finish!

Oh! I have to tell you about my mattress score. I was out shopping for an affordable mattress set and everyone told me to go to R&S Mattress. On our way there, my sister texted me about a deal that Costco was having and she sent me pictures. She had me convinced, but because we were so close to R&S, we stopped in anyway. I showed the salesman the pictures and price sign my sister sent me from Costco and he offered me the very same set for $50 less!

 I love that kind of shopping, I felt like such a savvy consumer, even if was by accident! That's $50 more I can spend on fabric or yarn!



Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING
Psst, don't forget I have a contest going on - you can win a FlipVideo!

GeekLyfe.com (My Son's New Blog) & DIY Unicorn Poop Cookies!

My son, DeAngelo, is now in the blogging lifestyle too! His blog is called TheGeekLyfe.com and it is all about video games, comic books, online games and more. If you (or your kids) are into World of Warcraft, Dungeons and Dragons or Stars Wars Old Republic or SkyRim - his blog is where you can find a lot of fun articles!

TheGeekLyfe.com

Here is one he shared with me recently - How to Make Unicorn Poop Cookies!

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

My tips to keep you motivated, plus a FlipVideo giveaway!

I wrote an article for Mamiverse.com and it's now loaded up on the site! I put together my ten tips for staying motivated, even if your resolution has already gone a bit rusty!

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Now...about that brand new Flip Video!


Here is how to enter to win it:
1. Go to Mamiverse's page on Facebook. CLICK HERE
2. Click the button to "like" the page.
3. Come back here, post a comment below, include the number of "like" that you were.


BONUS ENTRY: Leave a comment at the bottom of my Mamiverse article as well! Limit of two entries per person (one for each comment).

We'll use the Random Number Generator to choose one winner! Deadline is Wednesday, January 18, 11:59 pm. Good luck! Here are details on the camera. $79.99 value!

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

Girl in Progress: A Movie I'm Excited To See!

LINK
I love mother/daughter flicks and this looks like a juicy one!You know when you see a movie trailer and you just about want to cry? That's what this one does for me, plus it is from the director of Under the Same Moon, one of my favorite flicks!

From the site:
Girl in Progress
Grace (Eva Mendes) is a single mom. She is too busy juggling work, bills, and the very married Dr. Hartford (Matthew Modine), to give her daughter, Ansiedad (Cierra Ramirez) the attention she desperately needs. When Ansiedad’s English teacher, Ms. Armstrong (Patricia Arquette), introduces her students to classic coming-of-age stories, Ansiedad is inspired to skip adolescence and jump-start her life without mom. While Grace becomes preoccupied with the increasing affections of her co-worker (Eugenio Derbez), Ansiedad enlists the help of her loyal friend, Tavita (Raini Rodriguez), to plot her shortcut to “adulthood”. But as her misguided plan unravels, Ansiedad and Grace must learn that sometimes growing-up means acting your age.
Girl in Progress hits theaters on April 27th, 2012.



Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING