Statue of Liberty Crown (kids project)

It's the 4th of July weekend, what are your kids up to? If they are little, glam them up with one of these easy crowns. It's perfect for watching the fireworks. And if you are a kid at heart, make one for you too! I also made a really cool red, white and blue, but I can't find it! As soon as I do, I'll post a picture of it here. By the way, this crown is made from a visor, straws and lots of glitter!
Here are the directions!
***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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4th of July ideas

These are from last year, but what the heck!

The above is a drink holder/floatie for the pool. you take two solid foam stars, paint them, glue them (Crafter's Pick, the Ultimate) and glue on a drink cozy. Cover with ribbon and there ya go!



This is a little snack book made from lunch bags to put on everyone's place setting. Put treats inside each bag to surprise your guests!

***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Crafty Chica Podcast 18: 4TH OF JULY

I'm back from my podcast hiatus! In show 18 of the Crafty Chica Podcast, I share some ideas for 4th of July, and an excerpt from my book, Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul - about the time I dropped my hubby's beloved headband in the toilet. Whoops! Also, info about new TV shows looking for crafty people! Check out CraftyChica.com for all the details.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE

***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Craft Lab: TV show looking for guests

Put down the glue gun, this is a red alert message!

One of my favorite crafty homegirls, Jennifer Perkins of NaughtySecretaryClub.com, is the host of an upcoming new DIY craft show for the DIY Network called "Craft Lab".

I was super thrilled to be a guest on the first season, which airs this fall. Guess what?? The show has already started production for Season 2!! Below is the shout out for guests.

This is a show for our generation of crafty types - all cool stuff. If you make something or have a great idea, pitch it to the producer. It will be such a fun experience because Jennifer is so fun to work with and the crew from Screen Door is just as awesome. Trust me!!

Here is a tip on pitching: Think of something unique to show, a project or technique that will make people gasp in delight. Give it a fun name. If there is a special story behind it, tell them. Try to present something that has not been seen before, something you developed, created or invented. You can do it, I know you can!

Peace,love and glitter and good luck!!
Kathy :-)

****

Hi all,

My name is Tony Federico. I'm a crafter and I work as a television producer by day and just so happen to be working on a DIY network show called Craft Lab. I'm looking for cool guests to come on our show. We're more Ready Made and Bust magazine than grandma's bazaar- we're geared for a younger audience. Unfortunately, since we have separate jewelry and sewing shows, we can only do craft related items.

Here’s some more info:

CRAFT LAB Season Two, is a fun, edgy and new take on the how-to crafting show. Come be a part of the new wave of the crafting revolution. We are looking for vivacious, interesting and engaging people to share their love of crafting on national television.

The host, Jennifer Perkins (DIY, Stylelicious), is an expert crafter and a member of the Austin Craft Mafia as well as the designer behind Naughty Secretary Club. Like the show, she’s fun, perky, and slightly irreverent. Our show allows us the opportunity to go deeply into specific crafting techniques and funky new ideas for every age and craft level.

This is a great platform for the right guest to share their skills with a growing audience. DIY is approaching 35 million homes and DIYNetwork.com averages 2 million unique visitors per month.

We are taping in the Los Angeles area in September and October of 2006. If you don't live in the area, no worries- we'll fly you in.

So get Crafty and show us what you’re working with now! If you think you’d be good for the show, please let me know.

Contact me at tfederico@sdetv.com We’re booking people soon, so the sooner the better. Feel free to post and forward this message.


Thanks-

Tony Federico & Jennifer Perkins

***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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3-day eBay sale

We are clearing out our summer stock on eBay, 3-days only! CLICK HERE to see!

***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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An artist at work

This is Maya, my 13-year-old daughter. She plays the piano, viola and guitar and now is heading into the land of lyric writing. Her influences? Fiona Apple, Madonna and Rufus Wainwright with a foundation of Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand and Doris Day. Today while writing lyrics for a new piano arrangement, she needed her privacy and threw the sheet over her while she click-clacked away on the laptop.

Priceless.

***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Crafty Cinema: Nacho Libre!

(Daniel Daza/Paramount Pictures)

OK, so most of the critics pretty much hated the Nacho Libre movie. I listened to them and avoided the flick for a week. But the kids nagged and we saw the movie this weekend.

LOVED it!

It's kinda like School of Rock-meets-Napoleon Dynamite with a dash of Robert Rodriguez. The plot was thinner than Jack Black's weight-loss journal, but the gags were silly and wickedly clever. Swear to God, my abs ached from giggle overload and I will be seeing it again, pre-DVD.

It was a cute movie to take the kids to and as a bonus, also had a basketful of craftiness! You don't think that fancy pom-pom fringe cape just showed up on Nacho's doorstep, do you? Like most other newfound superheroes, he constructed it himself, which we get to see. In addition, there is so much great imagery like gold lame wrestling masks, lucha libre poster art, tapestry suits, glittery shrines, statues of saints, and even salad art that you will want to recreate at home. Actually, I think I'm up for making a sparkly cape from a tablecloth. And I'll spell out C-R-A-F-T-Y C-H-I-C-A by sewing on rosary beads, and then wear it when I'm at the art table. Just a thought...

I must admit, I almost felt embarrassed for posting this because earlier today I read Alisa's post on her favorite weekend movie. It was much more meaningful than mine. It was Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth. That blog post compelled me to want to see the film a.s.a.p., and take the kids with me. That's why I love reading Alisa's blog. It is always filled with nutritious nuggets of info I may have otherwise missed.

So maybe you can consider An Inconvenient Truth as your meat and potatoes film and then follow it up with a sweet and crunchy helping of Nacho.

P.S. Check out both movie web sites, lots of good stuff...

***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Julieta Venegas' crafty video

I just got this CD this week and it's so sweet and satisfying. I love this video, it's so artsy and crafty, very Baz Luhrmann, don't you think?

The disc is called Limon y Sal and you can buy it here. Take it from me, it makes for great background music for making art!

NOTE: This video is posted only for promotional purposes. If you are the respective copyright owner and would like it taken down, please email me and I will do so!
***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Auctions, new art for sale

Patrick and I just crossed off a heck of a lot of stuff from our to-do list tonight. Lots of orders going out tomorrow. I posted some new stuff up on eBay.

And I posted new goodies at our store.





Have you heard about my Crafty Chica cruise? You have to check it out. 3 days of making all kinds of glittery Latino craft projects! Click on the button in the upper right hand corner.

Lastly - join the Las Crafty Latinas group. It's a cyber gathering place for chicas with a glue gun!

Me sleepy now. Have a great Friday!
***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Splashy Summer Place Mats

Here in Phoenix where it is 112 degrees and rising, pool parties are as popular as mittens in an igloo. It doesn't matter how hot it gets, the patio will be tricked out with munchies and icy, frosty beverages. So enter the painted placemat. An old standard, of course. But did you know there is a super swift way to make these? The secret is to go to the paper pad section of the art or craft store. Look along the bottom row for "Canvas Pad". Fredrix makes one that comes with TEN sheets of primed canvas ($12) - go for the 12x16 size. Rip 'em out and paint 'em and bingo! you have 10 awesomely cute placemats.

Click here for the directions.

***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Sassy Spool Necklace Charms

A necklace out of a spool of thread? Why the heck not? Here is how to do it.

And while we're at it. Aren't these pins so cute? I got them at the Renegade Craft Fair.


***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Scripted frame

This idea is a cinch. You just take a wood frame that has a smooth wide border and use a paint pen to write a poem or letter on it. It also would work good for a group event, where you could have everyone sign it and then put in the group picture. Or maybe at a family function. Or your Craftaholics Anonymous meeting. I'll guess you'll see me there after all these blog posts...As you can see, nothing in our house is left untouched!

***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Pimped out tool chest

Actually this was Patrick's grandpa's tool chest from, like, 50 or 60 some years ago. I glued washers all over it to give it an artsy edge. I know - it adds zero function to the structure, but it sure looks pretty, don't you think? To make this I used Crafter's Pick The Ultimate glue. I liked it better than my usual e6000 because it also works on metal, doesn't stink and is very thick. And as a bonus prize, I didn't have to wait for it to cure before moving to the another side of gluing. I really am devoted to e6000, but I must admit it breaks my spirit when things begin to slide. I like to just glue and move on with my life and not worry.

And yes. I asked Patrick before I touched the tool box. His Grandpa Greg (sign of the cross) was always so sweet to me and got a kick out of all the crafty things I used to make and show him. I think he is winking at me from heaven because he is impressed.

P.S. It says "Dad" because I made it for my Father's Day crafting package. I also did this journal for the gambler dad.


I took a blank journal and covered it with fabric (I used a glue stick) and then I used large letter rubber stamps for the title.

***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Flexus Molds Rock!

The nice folks at CraftMoldsPlus.com sent me a batch of their rubbery soap molds (Flexus Molds) to try out. The picture is of the soaps I made for Father's Day.

O.M.G! They are like nothing I've ever tried before. One of the reasons I rarely make melt-n-pour soap anymore is because of the hassle of popping the dang soap out of the hard plastic casing. That isn't a headache anymore thanks to these heavenly puppies. Here is where you can buy them.

***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Check it: CraftyGirls.net

As if us crafty types aren't excited enough about TV shows like Creative Juice, Uncommon Threads, Stylelicious, Craft Lab and Knitty Gritty (psst..check out Vickie Howell's new book!) on the air - now we we have even more scoops of tasty goodness.

Oxygen Network has two new fabuloso shows, BeJewelled and Stitchcraft. OK, both shows aired last Sunday, but I'm sure they will rerun them. Stay tuned to Oh! for the line up. Be sure and poke around the site because they have some helpful and entertaining video clips up - as well as on iTunes. CraftyGirls.net



Hey - wanna know some inside scoop? When I was at Renegade, TLC was there scoping out the vendors and filming for an upcoming show hosted by Karen Duffy, that adorable chica from the 90s MTV days. OK, since I mentioned THAT, I have to give a shout out to the Indie Craft Documentary filmmakers, as well as Scrapped, a movie about non-traditional scrap book artists. Whew! I think I got everyone covered.

***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Puppy Paw Protectors

Meet Lola. She is my sister's beagle. We like to take her on walks. But when the Arizona pavement is hot enough to melt a stick of butter, an outing is out of the question. So I crocheted these booties from lightweight cotton yarn. Lola gives them five barks and two paws up.

NOTE: I'm reposting this from last year because I hate to see people walking their dogs on the hot asphalt and when the poor pooch run towards the grass, the owners tug them by the leash and say, "Come on! Behave! Stay over here!" I even saw one dog stepping in his owner's footprint shadows thinking it would be cooler. These paw protectors don't take very long to whip up.

Click HERE for the directions.
***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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I *heart* Manu Chao!

A few years back I used to write a lot of music stories for the newspaper. Dozens of CDs would come across my desk, and I never had time to listen to all of them.

But one day, there was a disc that stuck out from the stack. I took it home and listened to it over and over again. I loved it so much, I had never heard music like that and it cast a spell over me. It was Manu Chao's Proxima Estacion: Esperanza.


I listened to it while cooking dinner, painting, cleaning the house, driving in the car. Anyone who spoke to me, I put my headphones on their ears in hopes of converting them. Patrick even got jealous because all I did was listen to this CD at every open opportunity. He called him "Manure Chao". How rude! The last straw was when I took the disc in my CD player to one of Patrick's concerts at a nightclub! Ouchie! Patrick was so hurt and told me so on his break. So I pledged my love to him and tossed my Manu Chao CD in the trash in front of his face. Major melodrama. Patrick felt really bad and apologized. So then I bought a new CD the next day.

I don't listen to Manu Chao as much these days. Patrick and I still giggle over the Manu Chao phase in my life.

Anyway, now finally after all these years, Manu Chao is touring the US!!! Man, I REALLY want to go. Wouldn't you know that the date he is coming to L.A., which is closest to Phoenix, is on Patrick's BIRTHDAY?? Right, like I'm gonna tell my honey, "Hey, baby, I'm going to treat you to something sweet for your special day. We're going to Los Angeles to see Manu Chao!!"

Sigh Oh well. At least I can watch his videos. Enjoy.

NOTE: This video is posted only for promotional purposes. If you are the respective copyright owner and would like it taken down, please email me and I will do so!
***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Felt iPod/Blackberry Case

The kids just got Nanos, which inspired me to make some little felt sleeves for them. This is a nifty project for kids or teens to do for the summer. These little suckers are just made out of sheets of regular .20 craft felt! The fun part is that you can whip up several to match whatever outfit or purse you want to wear. You can also make them to use as coin purses, cell phones, Blackberrys or to hold small art supplies in your craft room or craft case. It's sweet because it's all nice and cushiony soft. By the way, this project is super easy, but lots more detail can be added if you want, such as embroidery, bead, trim, fringe, buttons, etc...

Supplies:
2 sheets of craft felt
Scissors, ruler
Needle and thread or sewing machine
Applique if desired
Button and ribbon (or other closure device such as velcro or a snap)

How to do it: Measure an extra inch beyond the size of what you are making the sleeve for. I made two cases for my iPod Mini. I simply stacked the two pieces of felt and sliced it up the center lengthwise. Keep one set and sew them together all around the seams, as close to the edge as possible. Fold up where you want, so your iPod will fit nice and then sew up the sides. If you want to add an applique, do it before you sew up the sides. If you don't have a serger to seal down the edges of the applique, then just use the zig zag stitch on your sewing machine. TIP: You don't really need a ruler, you can pretty much eyeball the size. For the regular sized iPod, you will need to cut and then sew the flap on separate. Sew the button on the bottom portion and then tack on the ribbon on the top of the flap so you can wrap it around the button to close the case.

***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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This is what happens when the kid can't sleep.

This is at our hotel in Manhattan last week. DeAngelo refused to sleep on the red-eye flight from Phoenix to JFK. As a result, he stayed awake for almost 48 hours and had major jetlag going on. It was about 1 a.m. New York time when these pics were shot. He hadn't slept since 9 a.m. the day before. So my kid was wired, as you can see. Here are his best Superman impersonations. Yup, by lunchtime the next day he was majorly hurting. He should have listened to Mommy and slept on the damn plane! Regardless, doesn't he look so dang adorable?

Oh - don't let that hand on the wall freak you out. Maya was trying to turn the light off while standing inside the bathroom.





And before I forget, here is a picture of my friends Janice Taylor of Our Lady of Weight Loss and Marcela Landres - the best editorial consultant you will ever meet! We all met for green tea at a cafe in Spanish Harlem. I miss them already!


OK, I better post this picture of my sister Theresa (left) and my daughter Maya (right). We were at Serendipity 3. We waited one hour in line for Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. I could have done without because we've been there twice before, but it is Theresa's FAVORITE place and we absolutely HAD to go there. Same thing with the Yankee game, the Apple Store. Toy Tokyo, Forbidden Planet and Virgin Records in both Union Square and Time Square, but we won't go there...(in case you are reading this Theresa, I'm just kidding...)



OK, I have to go paint placemats for my TV segment tomorrow. Adios for now!
***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Glitter N Glam Ring

I apologize for the long run without new ideas! I've been traveling so much this summer, I haven't had much time. But I'm back in the crafty saddle. First up - Glitter n Glam Rings! I was inspired to make these after indulging in way too much gourmet glitter from ArtGlitter.com.

Supplies:
Resin Jewelry Molds (see pic below, available at Hobby Lobby and other craft stores)
EasyCast resin (available at Hobby Lobby and other craft stores)
Mixing cups, measuring cup, chopstick for stirring (found at craft store)
Mini-straw
Ring blanks (I buy mine on eBay)
Loose glitter (the more dimensional in color, the better)

How to do it:
Prepare the resin mixture according to the package directions - EXACTLY. Do not "eyeball" the measurements because your resin will not set and you will cry. Pour a small amount of the resin in the mold, blow with straw to remove gas bubbles. When resin is clear, pour in the glitter almost to the top of the mold, but not all the way. Now pour in another thin layer of resin. Use the chopstick to move the resin around so it covers all of the glitter. Blow out bubbles with straw. Let set for 24 hours. Add one more thin layer of resin and set the ring blank face down*. Let sit for 24 hours. Pop out of mold and use a file or sandpaper to smooth down the edges. If desired, use a buffing tool to make the ring shiny.

*Alternative: You can skip the last part and just use E6000 to glue the ring blank on. Also, you can embed other small object or pictures by printing them out on high gloss photo paper.


Resin jewelry mold


EasyCast Resin

***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Project Runway Season 3!

I'm a major P.R. FREAK. I haven't watched the tube since American Idol ended, but I'm ready to warm up my remote for the new Project Runway season (launches July 12th). By the way, US Weekly is reporting that Heidi Klum is pregnant again!

NBC Universal Media Village has released photoss of the 15 contestants. And here is the official press release.

One of the web sites I love related to the show is by my friend Laura, and it is called Blogging Project Runway. Bookmark it now so you don't miss any of her biting commentary!

"Where's Andrae?" you ask? I'll tell you where he is. He is in Project Runway: The Complete Second Season DVD which comes out one week from today. If you need to feed your fix until then, check him out on MySpace.


***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Introducing "Las Crafty Latinas"

After meeting other Latinas at Renegade this weekend and thinking about all the feedback I've recieved from my book since its release, I came to the conclusion that Latinas need a unified presence in the craft world. There are so many of us working our glue guns, mixing paints, twirling knitting needles and gunning our sewing machine pedals and we need to come together.

Earlier this year at the national craft convention, I kept hearing the organizers ask "How do we reach the Hispanic market?" "What kinds of things are they making?" Many have the impression that we are all sitting around crocheting doilies or making pinatas. Wrong. We are into sassy rock-n-roll wearables, cool handbags, and classy jewelry, just like all the other creative women of the world - and we come from all kinds of backgrounds like Cuba, Puerto Rico, Spain and Mexico. some of us are All American chicas, others of us live in our home countries. Regardless, we make cool stuff.

Even though there are bigger collectives out there, I created a homebase group for us called Las Crafty Latinas on MySpace. OK, some of you are flinching. But seriously, MySpace is a great way to connect with others. I've met so many new friends there. Think of it as one big crafty cocktail party with tables and comfy chairs and you mingle and meet other people you otherwise would have never met. If you have a book or business, it's the perfect way to turn others on to your work, and vice versa! You can post picturtes, leave messages, ask questions, etc.

My dream is for us to unite at group shows like Renegade, or have a stronger presence in craft books, magazines and even TV shows. Hopefully this group will be a place where the industry experts can find us and see how many talented, diverse and original artists and crafters there are in our community!

Anyway - here is the group address if you would like to join Las Crafty Latinas. I think you may have to sign up to get a profile, but it's worth it!

Click here to join.
***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Photos from Renegade Craft Fair 2006

Eee gads. We made it home, but now I'm drowning in catch-up work. I'm going to post and run.









***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Last night in the city

Warning: Disjoined post ahead. Haven't had much sleep since - hmmm, let's see....two weeks ago?

Renegade Craft Fair Brooklyn 2006 is over and done with. It was a weekend of hot, sweaty crafty fun. Lots of friendly tattooed shoppers, incredible clothing/handbag/jewelry designers. Many of them my newfound buddies! And even those I didn't get to meet, I still feel a connection with them. Yesterday was breezy and very crowded. Today was beyond Phoenix-hot and very humid and foot traffic was light (but mighty). Theresa and Maya couldn't handle it and cut out, while DeAngelo and I braved the hours. We started with three packed suitcases of merchandise and left the show with one half-full case. My worries were unfounded about east coasters not "getting" chicano pop art. Wrong. There really wasn't any kind of southwest type of art at the event. Translation? Our sales ROCKED. So many folks asked one of two things:

1. "Where did you import these items from?" (answer: "Our studio from Phoenix, AZ!")
2. "Are you here from L.A.?" (answer: Nope, we're from Phoenix, AZ!")

However - not one person asked "What do the skeletons represent?" I was happy about that because even here in Phoenix people ALWAYS ask that! This Brooklyn crowd knew their Mexican folk art, that's for sure! We sold just about everything we made: necklaces, boxes, bottles, small paintings, magnets, etc. I made and sold a lot of jewelry, except for my clay earrings. I was so excited about them when I made them, but I didn't sell a single set. One lady came close but chickened out. I should of had a clue when the night I packaged them Maya told me "Those look like Christmas ornaments!" - I was like; "Um, no. They are actually earrings."

If you didn't go to Renegade, here is what you missed that talented artists were selling:

- silk screened tees ("knitting is knotty")
- purses in the shapes of monsters and guitars
- the coolest baby bibs you've ever seen (made from sandwiched clear vinyl with thingys inside)
- mini pins (my fave: "reading is sexy")
- tropical themed dangly jewelry
- vinyl satchels, iPod holders, wallets
- journals made out of everything from old book covers to record albums
- stuffed food and monsters (as opposed to stuffed animals)

Yes, there was gobs more, I'll post pictures when I get home. Tonight we are packing because we take off to the airport at 6 am. I guess I shouldn't say "we". Theresa and the kids are packing, i'm procrastinating.

Friday we checked out of our hotel in midtown Manhattan and came uptown to stay at my former book editor's apartment that she wasn't using. Of all my NYC hotel stays, the apartment experience has been my fave. I can close my eyes and pretend I actually live here.

The only downer of the trip is poor DeAngelo. Every other meal he ate, he got sick. I guess from jetlag. Oh, and we were locked out for a bit. And I realized I didn't pack enough undies. Maya realized she packed too many. So I borrowed a pair of hers today. She is size 5 and I'm not. But hey - when you are in a pinch (pardon the pun), you do what you gotta do. I'm surprised I'm still breathing at this point!

Alright - TMI, I better go. Thank you to EVERYONE who came by my booth this weekend and bought my book and some art and those who just came to say hi. It meant so much. I was most excited to meet all the Latina crafters out there who said my book is just what they had been looking for. There is sucha strong movement of crafty mujers like Monstrochika out there who are using arts and crafts as a way to identify and celebrate thier culture. I love that. I wish this emerging scene was more recognized!

OK, I'm sleepy and I still have to organize. So long New York, I'll miss you and the roasted nuts! I won't miss the Stella McCartney store though ;-)
***
Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Smiles and PMS meltdowns

I'm a happy chica. I've been invited today to come back to NYC this fall to teach some shrine-making workshops at the Open Center, as well as another one in Tucson! Renegade hasn't even started yet and I already feel inspired in an artsy crafty way...

Theresa and the kids just read this and rolled their eyes. They want me to admit to you all that I had a cryin/cussing/bitchfest PMS breakdown at Union Square this afternoon. OK, so, I told you. I bounced back quick, thanks to shopping finds like this ultra gaudy, super sparkly ring. Who wouldn't smile after buying this??


And since Theresa called me out, I have to share what she did today. All her life she has dreamed of a NY fireman. Today we walked by a fire station and saw a lonely fireman hanging out by his firetruck. So i stopped and asked him to pose with her for a photo. He agreed. Theresa's dream came true (kinda) - and adding to the excitement, the firebell rang as soon as I snapped the photo and he literally lept into his suit and jumped on truck as it left the station!





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Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Hi from NYC!

Day 2 of our Big Apple journey. This time I'm here with my sister, Theresa and the kids. Patrick is home painting. He just got hired to design some wine labels!

Today we hit the meat packing district and had lunch at Pastis. The kids gasped when they spotted Natalie Portman walk in and ask for a table. We also cruised around the hood and visited fun shops like Scoop and Girlshop.

There was one downer of the day. Theresa and the kids went into a store and I went into Stella McCartney. Bad idea. I'm a perky chica and one of the things I love about New York is saying high to the staff when I cross the threshold. 99.99999% of the time, I'm always greeted by a cheery hello, or at least a smile or nod. But not at SM. I said "Hi!", looked the dude in the eye -and he completely IGNORED me and flashed his eyes in the other direction. I guess to him, I didn't look like a Stella shopper and therefore wasn't worthy of his time. Sorry, but if I, ever get rich and skinny, I will so NOT shop there!!

After that we visited Toy Tokyo, Forbidden Planet (comic book/toy stores for the kids), Love Saves the Day and a cool Tibetan shop where I bought Patrick and DeAngelo Dalai Lama t-shirts.

As I type, Maya is with Theresa at the Rufus Wainwright concert. Other 13-year-old girls like Ashlee Simpson. My kid adores Rufus.

Tomorrow I meet with my new literary agent and finally get to peek inside the William Morris Agency headquarters! I've always wanted to do that. My brother happens to be here on busines this week so we'll meet him for lunch. And then I'm taking in a movie screening of The Devil Wears Prada for my day job.

Geez, sorry this is a boring post!

OK, I'll try to liven it up - "Sex, drugs and crafts, people!!!"

Ay, nevermind. g'night. p.S. don't forget to come see me at Renegade Craft Fair - Sat and Sun, McCarren Park, Bedford and 12th St. 11 am-6 pm!!

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Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Eyez luvzz you!

OK, it's time for this crafty chica to plug back into the charger. Batteries are running low. I'm talking weird. Aside from working like a mad woman to make stuff for Renegade, I'm also working on a father's day crafty centerpiece for the newspaper. Six projects and photo shoot is tomorrow.

Here are a few of my spoken treasures from the evening.

To Patrick (after I came home from searching THREE stores for a friggin' bottle of glass etching cream, which I never found): "Eyez luvzz you!" He understood my sentiment, but still checked to see if my pupils were dialated.

To Maya when she asked me who I was talking to in the store aisle where the etching cream should have been: "Do not interrupt me when I am talking to myself!" She then told me: "You just bring me along so people think you are talking to me and not out loud to the air!"

SighBut it's all worth it - shorted brain wires and all. I'm in four fresh magazines right now (see below)! And special thanks to Maya for always helping me in my time of need. Poor baby broke her last baby tooth this weekend and then today she skinned the tip of her nose on the pool cool deck. This time next week, we will be in New York livin' it up!


Adorn Magazine: I made a tray for the fiesta package and they did a really fun story on me.


Knit1 Magazine: Book review - yippee!!


Venus: I designed a Beach Towel Tote made from, um - a beach towel!


Figure Magazine: The lovely Suzanne Zuckerman, editor of InStyle Mag did a three page profile.


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Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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Coming up for air (for a second)

First off, pardon any typos. I'm seeing blurry right now.

I'm on high speed these days, trying to get ready for the Renegade Craft Fair. Mailed out all the late orders and am now working as fast as I can to design create fabuloso items for the fair. It will be a blast to bring some Phoenix Chicana power to the east coast! However, the event is jammed with all kinds of superstar crafters and artists from around the country, so I'm not expecting to make a killing at sales. What I'm most looking forward to is finally meeting so many of these talented folks in person! I hope they are up for trading goodies! Me like to trade.

I haven't had much time to podcast or blog. Before this weekend, I was working away on finishing up my fiction manuscript. Even though I'm so, so, so close to being done, I had to set is aside to concentrate on Renegade. As soon as I get back, step aside! My fingers will be flyin' on the keyboard. Yah, yah - i know what you are thinking: "That's what she ALWAYS says!" But honest to goodness, I'm ready to submit it again. It's a really fun, juicy story about a Latina crafting group. Think How to Make an American Quilt-meets-Charlie's Angels with glue guns!

In the meantime, you should have seen me today. Woo, mamacita! I had about six projects that I juggled. While one thing dried or cooled on the kitchen counter, I sprinted to the art studio and hopped on the sewing machine. When I finished something up, I zoomed over to the laundry room to package and label. The weird thing about this craft fair is that it is way far away. So each kid will have to cart two suitcases, one with their clothes, the other with art merch. I'm bummed I can't take birdhouses or painted pottery - two our best-selling items. Instead, I had to think light and small. Lordy, i hope I can fill up a booth!

Poor Patrick has been just as busy as me. He went on a woodburning bender last week. He did it so much he had to take a break and run to Home Depot for goggles. OMG, wait until I post pictures of what he made. He did these super wicked picture frames. I wanted to bad to paint over his woodburned designs, but he practically slapped my hands. I guess some things are meant to be left without color...

Well, I'm getting back to work. I'm sure stuff is cooled and dried by now! Adios!

Kathy :-)

p.S. Here are some recent articles:

My current favorite craft books. BTW, congrats to Megan Nicolay from Generation T for scoring a spot on Martha's show!! What a way to rock it for the new generation! Right on, girl!

Nick Nolte. He talked about his new film, Peaceful Warrior. He is also the mean bear in Over the Hedge. He was nice but kept me on the phone for a long time talking about his days at Phoenix College, which I thought was very cool.

Overlooked movie mutants. I did this fun piece because I think we should remember the less sexy mutants of the cinema. Much respect to Storm and Wolverine, but I think The Incredible Shrinking Woman deserves a nod too!

Thomas Haden Church. We talked about snack foods for at least five minutes. He likes Funyons. But I didn't have room to fit it in the story. Nice guy.

This week it is Virginia Madsen. She is a hardcore crafter!

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Author of Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life ($19.95, Rayo Books, an imprint of Harper Collins).
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