PROJECT: Valentine Granny Handbag

Sometimes decoupage is too sticky to be fun, and stickers look less than classy. Thankfully, there is a happy medium - Lazertran transfer sheets - they are actually "water slide decals". It's a clean way to apply an image to any object without using glue.

Here's how it works: Photocopy a picture onto one of the sheets; soak it in water to see it turn into a thin, clear decal that can be applied to any surface. I have a soft spot for granny handbags that are readily available at the thrift store, so for this project I combined that with an old-fashioned valentine theme.

Supplies

1 vintage handbag with smooth side panels
1 sheet of Lazertran transfer paper
1 picture
1 small bowl of water
1 package of crystals, 4 millimeter
Ribbon
Extra strength glue
Toothpick
Crayon

Directions:

1. Photocopy the image onto the sheet transfer paper.
2. Cut out the picture and decide where you want it on the handbag.
3. Place the picture in the bowl of water and let it sit for a few minutes. The top layer of the paper will separate from the bottom.
4. Carefully pick up the top layer (it will have the picture on it) and place it where you want it on the handbag. Let the picture dry on the handbag for 24 hours.
5. Decorate the edge of the picture with red ribbon and let dry.
6. Dip the toothpick or chopstick in the glue and apply it in dots randomly on the purse. Pick up the crystals one at a time by using the crayon, place on the glue. Let dry.

Tips and variations: When applying the picture, remove any air bubbles by running your fingers over them. If desired, add a coat of varnish to seal the picture.

Water-slide decals work best on flat surfaces.


***
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* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2008. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

Hands in the Air! Wooo! Riding the Wave!

See? That's me up there. OK, not literally, but I have the same rush of excitement, nervousness, fear, EXHILARATION!

Here in Phoenix, everyone and everything around is all about the Super Bowl. Um, I hate sports. But I have a made a SUPER paper mache bowl before. Does that count? Speaking of the football game - if you live here and see a celeb, let my friend and fellow blogger, Jaimee know.)

1. My sewing mansucript is all finished (whew!), and I had such a blast putting it together. Thank you to everyone who sent me sewing blurbs. I couldn't use all of them, although I really wanted to!! I tried to squeeze in as many as I could. They were all so sweet, funny, and endearing.

2. This weekend we shoot the pictures for the book. We have some gorgeous models lined up and I'm so proud of the designs I concocted for the book. I didn't think i had it in me. None of them are too hard, but they certainly offer a twist on cutting and stitching. Think fabric collage-meets-Project Runway. With a dash of Mexicali flair. And oh my gosh, I can hardly wait to show off Patrick's amazing illustrations. He not only did the main art, but also all the step-by-steps too. His talent just blows me away. Sometimes I can't believe it will be 18 years of marriage next month! If it weren't for Patrick coaxing me into art, I don't think I'd be doing any of this. Seriously.

Which leads me to the next exciting thing going on right now...

3. Patrick and I...gulp...have been offered our own four-month installation at the HEARD MUSEUM!!!.



This is a first for us and we are biting-our-nails thrilled. It's a super big deal because the Heard is a very high profile museum. THey don't want us to tone it down,they want us to dial it up to the extreme, Chicano Pop Art style! Bringon the glitter and varnish, I say! We saw the gallery space today and it is almost as big as the first house that Patrick and I rented when we first got married. The show goes up around October of this year.

Sooo. back to today. We are working like busy bees getting ready for CHA. I'm talking glitter EVERYWHERE. Tonight we made curry chicken for dinner and I swore I saw sparkles in it.

As far as CHA, I'm going to be sprinting from event to event at the show. I'm going to be in a high profile craft off called "Art Unscripted Live With Carol Duvall". The event is organzied by Suzanne Lamar from Page Sage (they make wonderful instructional videos).



There are about 12 or so artists who will partaking in this kamikaze crafting showdown. Here are some other events happening there - every morning of the show, the crafty posse of Duncan Enterprises is giving away Crafty Chica bobbleheads! Honest-to-God, they had bobbleheads made of yours truly! And then Patrick and I are demo-ing make-and-takes with our products. And then a book signing, and lordy all kinds of other things!

I set up my iPhone for mobile photo blogging, so I'll be sharing updates here all throughout the show! NOTE: Except for my MySpace blog. I can't figure out how to mobile blog for that yet, so if you want to see my CHa photos during Feb 9-13, you'l have to visit my main Crafty Chica blog.

Yah, I'm prepping for this at the same I'm getting ready for the book photo shoot - no wonder I've been drinking so many mochas lately. I needed the juice!

And the last thing I want to share is that for those of you signed up for the cruise (one month away!!!) - I set up a message board for us to introduce ourselves and ask questions and such. I sent everyone an email invite, but in case it did not reach you, just click here.



We do have spots left, but the price has gone up. Do not fret, we are already thinking about next year. Patrick wants to do the cruise to the Caribbean! I like that idea!!!

Wait there is one more thing! There is going to be another Chica Lit Blog Tour featuring published Latina authors, this time for Valentine's Day. Stay tuned!

***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2008. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

Stitches in progress.

I love this stage of the sewing process. With every pin I put in, I'm
thinking: "please let this come out cool!"

Call for Phoenix artists

This was sent to me by my friend, Jenny Ignaszewsi. If you are artsy and live in the Phoenix area, check it out!

BE A PART OF AN AMAZING COMMUNITY INSTALLATION!

Please create a Prayer Flag for the Community Prayer Flag installation in downtown Phoenix, March 7, 8 and 9, 2008.

PrayerFlags will hang outside at various studios and galleries during downtown Phoenix's 20th Annual Art Detour weekend.

Traditionally, PrayerFlags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength and wisdom.

Your Prayer Flag can be an affirmation, a wish, a blessing. It can be words or images, painted or printed or magic markered, quilted or glued or collaged. It can be made of cloth, paper or other lightweight material. Each panel can be no larger than 9" x 9".

You can make a single panel or as many as nine panels per artist. If you make more than one panel, please string your panels on a piece of twine to create a flag, leaving at least 12 inches of twine at both ends to be able to tie to other flags. Or send your panels and we'll string them. Please leave 1/4 inch at the top of each panel if we will be stringing them.

Flags will not be returned so that they may be displayed in future installations. If you have any questions, please email Ruth Davis at RuthRD@manymanos.com


***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2008. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

Call for Phoenix artists

This was sent to me by my friend, Jenny Ignaszewsi. If you are artsy and live in the Phoenix area, check it out!

BE A PART OF AN AMAZING COMMUNITY INSTALLATION!

Please create a Prayer Flag for the Community Prayer Flag installation in downtown Phoenix, March 7, 8 and 9, 2008.

PrayerFlags will hang outside at various studios and galleries during downtown Phoenix's 20th Annual Art Detour weekend.

Traditionally, PrayerFlags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength and wisdom.

Your Prayer Flag can be an affirmation, a wish, a blessing. It can be words or images, painted or printed or magic markered, quilted or glued or collaged. It can be made of cloth, paper or other lightweight material. Each panel can be no larger than 9" x 9".

You can make a single panel or as many as nine panels per artist. If you make more than one panel, please string your panels on a piece of twine to create a flag, leaving at least 12 inches of twine at both ends to be able to tie to other flags. Or send your panels and we'll string them. Please leave 1/4 inch at the top of each panel if we will be stringing them.

Flags will not be returned so that they may be displayed in future installations. If you have any questions, please email Ruth Davis at RuthRD@manymanos.com


***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2008. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

Lazy Susan to the rescue!

This is one of the secrets to my crazy workspace - a $10 Lazy Susan!
Just load up your supplies and spin as needed.

Boy, I'm loving this mobile photo blogging. Can you tell?

Another bracelet for the shoot...

What can I say? It is a colorful book!

Lucky In Love

This is a bracelet I made. I made the glitter pieces from a silicone
mold I bought at Sur la Table. Actually it was with a Christmas gift
card. I'm hardly what you'd call a gourmet chef so crafting supplies
it was! Oh, the charms are made with resin and my extra fancy Crafty
Chica glitter. Today I made a bunch of cool jewelry for the models in
my upcoming photo shoot for my new sewing book!

PROJECT: Flirty Word Heart Lights

Put your love up in lights to celebrate Valentine's Day!

It's never too early to celebrate Valentine's Day. It's less than a month away, after all.

One simple way to add a dash of amore to your décor is to go with one of my favorite methods of crafting: embellishing goodies from the department store.

You can find a variety of heart-shaped patio lights in the seasonal section of retail outlets. Personalize them with rub-on letters or paint. I went with the rub-on letters because in the end, they have a polished look. If you feel frisky you can spell out a sentence, or decoupage love quotes or pictures on them. How about the word "love" in different languages? Either way, once they are hung, they can add a kissy-kissy mood to your room.

Flirty Word Heart Lights

Supplies
1 string of heart patio lights (glass, paper or plastic)
1 package of rub-on letters (or paint, brush or stencils)
1 Popsicle stick

Directions: Make sure the surface of the light casing is free of smudges. Write up a list of short words related to love (love, kiss, nice, hug, hot, yum, amour, etc). Lay the letter sheet over the area and use the stick to rub on each letter. Make sure to fully rub it, then carefully lift the sheet. Don't rip it off fast because the letter may tear. Repeat for the next letter. Continue until all of the lights are finished.

Tips and variations: To seal your letters, use a brush-on, water-based varnish. If you run out of letters, just touch it up with paint and a liner brush.

You can actually do t his project anytime of the year on any string of lights or lightlight - put your favorite all-time empowering words on each light!

***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2008. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

PROJECT: Fancy Felt Dish Towels

I have embellishment-itis.

My hands quiver when I see raw wood furniture.

My left eye twitches if I even think about a solid- color canvas tote. And brand-new blank journals? Oh, Lordy, hold me back.

I'm the kind of wife/mom/friend/daughter who makes people hide their goods, because if I find them, I may just break out the sequins. I have the urge to decorate everything and anything possible - even down to our innocent dish towels.

I don't feel guilty, though. Life is too short to have plain white towels in the kitchen. With a bit of felt and embroidery floss, you, too, can discover the happy world of this colorful design disorder. By the way, this project can be made in any color combination and will make a great hostess or housewarming gift.


Fancy Felt Dish Towels
Supplies:


2 blank dish towels
Scissors
Straight pins
Assorted colors of embroidery thread, needle
Assorted colors of craft felt
Pompom trim

Directions
1. Cut six circles (or squares) 1 1/2 inches across, and six circles (or squares) that are 1 inch across.

2. Match up the shapes to make six contrasting sets that have one large and one smaller shape.

3. Use the straight pins to attach the sets where you want them. Thread your embroidery needles with a contrasting color and sew approximately 20 satin stitches in a pinwheel design. If you are using squares, you will need eight to nine stitches.

4. Continue sewing on the remaining pieces.

5. Embroider a line across the bottom and/or other designs, as desired.

6. Sew on a line of pompom fringe.

Variations: Instead of circles and squares, try cutting out letters, Picasso-like faces or other shapes. Sew on fabric to match the felt.


***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2008. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

Joann's last day in my hood :-(

Our neighborhood Joanns closed for good this week - but not before I
scored all this fabric. You never know when you'll need 10 yards of
bright yellow upholstery material ($8.00!!!). Lord help me. Patrick
still hasn't seen all this!

What's funny was right before this, I had declared I wanted to take a
break from my sewing machine after spending the past six months
working on my upcoming book.

I guess not!

Target treasures!

Another reason to love Target:
Sweetheart candies en espanol AND Ugly Betty Valentines!! On sale now!

The candy boxes make great swag giveaways. I like to put a Crafty
Chica sticker on the outside of each box. A calling card can't get
sweeter than that!

Crazy mosaic phone

I came across this phone while in Vancouver. It must just ring. Who
needs to dial out anyway?

king ozzy!

I'm testing my new photo blogging gizmo...this is one of our
chihuahuas - ozzy! He looks so noble here.

Remembering my interview with Heath Ledger :-(

I spent many years at The Arizona Republic working the movie beat. I had a column called "Hollywood Q&A" where I would interview a different actor every week in support of their upcoming film's release. We had a main movie reviewer and he often took the A-list stars like Tom Cruise and Nicolas Cage, and would pass along the up-and-comers to me. These were mostly indie films, or studio films that did not have good buzz.

Actually it worked out the best for me because I was able to talk to dozens of then little-known actors like America Ferrera, Gabrielle Union, James Marsden - who went on to have big careers. Heath Ledger was among them.

It was fall 2002, and he was promoting his film The Four Feathers.

Let me back up a sec - right before this phone interview, I interviewed Jake Gylenhaal for his film, The Good Girl. He called my work phone and my interview was to be 15 minutes. At 14 minutes he had answered all of my questions super lively and very personable. He told me how he and Heath Ledger were among the final three contenders for the lead in Moulin Rouge, which ultimately went to EwanMcGregor.

I had one minute to spare with JAKE GYLLENHAAL - hello? who in their right mind would hang up early? I didn't know what to ask him to make the most of that minute so I asked the first thing came into my head:

ME: "What is in your pocket right now?"

HIM: "Hmmm, lemme see..." (I hear him move around) "Oh," he said. "I have your phone number in my pocket!" He chuckled and we said our goodbyes.

Ahhhh, what a way to end a conversation with Jakey...with my phone number in his pocket! I ended up using it in the story I wrote about him. I've been a hardcore Jake fan ever since. Afterwards, I was thinking how clever I was, how the best questions come when you don't plan them.

Now time came to interview Heath for Four Feathers. This movie was a serious epic that took place in the Sudan desert. Heath was really serious too, he seemed kind of bored by having to do phone interviews. Some actors love the art of acting, but not the publicity angle. I think he was one of them. He was super polite though. It was a tough interview and it seemed to last forever because he gave very short answers. I became really nervous, and wasn't sure if I liked him. I noticed all my questions had been answered, and I still had a couple minutes to spare. I decided to, again, ask the first thing that popped in my head.

OK, remember that climatic scene in Ghostbusters when Bill Murray tells Dan Ackroyd to think of something to fight off the evil monster and he accidentally thinks of the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man?

Well, I kinda did the same thing here.

ME TO HEATH: "Wow, you answered all my questions. We still have a couple minutes. Can I ask one more thing?"

HIM: "Sure."

ME (very nervous!): "You filmed in the desert for this film. You must have been hot and thirsty. Did they have big water trucks?"

HIM: "Water trucks? What for?"

ME: (realizing how stupid I am, hiding my face with my hands in shame: "Um... to... drink from?"

HIM: (Laughs really hard) "No. They did not have water trucks. But they did have bottled water."

Yes, I purposely smacked my head. Luckily I had 10 seconds left and I quickly apologized and told him I was flat-out nervous, and normally don't ask such stupid questions. He told me no prob, that it was cute and he that got a good laugh out of it. I immediately relaxed. That moment made me a hardcore Heath fan forever. He went on to do all these fabulous movies, but I always knew he was a very quiet guy inside, I could hear it in his voice. I still h ave my tape of the interview, but I don't want to listen to it. Like everyone else who loved his work, I'm so, so, so sad that his life ended way too early. This weekend I do plan to rent Four Feathers in his honor.

RIP Heath.


***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2008. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

CRAFTY CHICA VIDEO: Patchwork Paper

I've been so busy, I've been forgetting to post my LifetimeTv.com videos for Crafting With the Chica!


(This piece is not finished yet...)

This one is how I make use of my paper scraps. I'm a fiber junkie and won't even dream about tossing out my scraps. So this is how I pass the time when I'm nervous, bored, feel like sewing something easy, or just need cool paper for a project....



LINK

***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2008. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

SNEAK PEEK: New Crafty Chica product line!

Since April, I've been dropping little bread crumbs about my new gig at Duncan Enterprises. They brought me into their magical manufacturing universe to create a brand new product line based on this very web site, my artwork that I've been making for years with my husband Patrick, as well as the happy philosophy behind it.

They have and and now...CRAFTY CHICA!




It's been equally exciting as frightening (in a good way!). It was so hard to come up with 100+ products and decide if they should be based on themes I know and love, or themes I think consumers would know and love. I followed my heart, did a LOT of research, and then did my best to come up with a shiny balance of the two. Basically, I dabble in all kinds of genres of crafty, so the line reflects that! :-)

I have four Chihuahuas, so you'll see their spirit in the line. I love roses, saints, skulls, and cupcakes. Color combinations of red, green, and purple. I've always been about "triple shine"action: bright colors, lots of glitter sealed with high gloss varnish! So that is all in there. I've always loved to collect and horde pictures to use in all kinds of ways, so Patrick drew dozens and dozens of gorgeous images for the line. I love world culture, pop culture, rebel culture! And of course traditional Mexican culture. So all of that is sprinkled in too! I designed everything to be mixed and matched. I made sure each product has a gob of uses! That goes back to the days when Patrick and I didn't have much money and we learned secrets for stretching our supplies.

I love glitter so much that I even talked Duncan into letting me mix my own glitter colors! At first I think they thought I was kidding, but one day my boss walked in on me working at my desk like a crazy crafty chemist - and she knew I was serious! The glitters are so beautiful and multi-dimensional! I could just eat them with a spoon. Take that, Ellen!



And then there are kits, that are just like the the art workshops I teach all over the country, except they come in a box so you can make it at home! And like my class kits, they are jam packed with supplies and ideas.

Aside from the bright colors and funky themes, the basis is all about self-empowerment, something I've always encouraged here. Overall, the Crafty Chica product line is VERY different from everything out there.



If you are a store owner or product buyer, we will have a HUGE display of every single product at CHA, February 10-13. Booth 4001!!

I'll (Patrick too!) be there from dawn until dusk, answering any questions you have, demoing the products, signing my books, and even passing out Crafty Chica bobbleheads (yes, seriously!) that Duncan had created for the event! Please come by and see me!

And if you are a glitter-friendly consumer, pass along this post to your local craft store and ask them to come by the booth so they can carry the line - that way you can buy the products and have fun using them!

And here is another sneak peek!! It is Duncan's page for CHA! It is supposed to be for the convention next month, but I got permission to post it here FIRST!

OK, I'm heading back to the art studio. Please pass along the good news. I'll post more info as it comes up!

Above all, thank you to everyone who has supported my crafty endeavors! I'm sending you all happy blessings and good karma galore!


***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2008. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

PROJECT: Love Pouches

A person can never say, "I love you," too much. In fact, I think we should come up with different romantic phrases, and deliver the message in any and all creative ways possible.

Skywriting, the JumboTron and singing telegrams are sweet, but kind of cliche. Think small and secretive.

Make a list of your favorite "love" phrases, quotes or fortunes, type them up and print them out on paper. Cut them to the size of small slips (fortune-cookie size).

If you don't want to go the predictable "Roses are red, violets are blue" route, use specific memories. Pick all the best moments from your relationship and summarize each one in a sentence or two.

Insert them into these cute little pouches made from heart-shaped doilies. Fill them with small Valentine-themed candy and then hide the pouches randomly around the house where your object of affection will find them.

If you want to make a game out of it, put a love-themed clue or riddle inside each one and make the person give you the correct answer so they can receive their prize!

I used paper doilies for this project, but you can use anything: fabric, card stock, scrapbook paper, vellum paper, even lightweight wire mesh.

If you are using solid color paper or doilies, make the most of the white space by embellishing with stickers, fibers, rubber stamps and embossing powder.

Doilies and paints can be found at the craft store. Romantic images seen in my sample project are from www.ArtChixStudio.com.

Supplies

4 white paper heart doilies per pouch
1 glue stick
Assorted paper dyes, rubber stamps, embossing powder, colored markers, etc. (I used spray-on glass paint)
Choice of: hot glue gun, double-sided tape, needle and thread or sewing machine
Small lightweight candies
Love fortunes printed on small pieces of paper

Directions: Using the glue stick, affix two doilies together for the front, and repeat for the back of your pouch. This is to make sure the pouch is sturdy enough to hold the candies.

Decorate as desired using rubber stamps, inks, embossing powders, etc. Let dry.

Line up the doilies that will be the front and back, and seal the edges all the way around, except for a small portion at the bottom, so you can pour in the contents. Add the candies in the pouch and insert one of the love notes. Seal the opening. Repeat to make multiple pouches.

Hide them, or arrange them in a pretty box and give out as favors. You also can present them in small gift boxes for the recipient.

Alternatives: Instead of doilies, use painted watercolor paper, with holes punched in it. To make your doily pouches even sturdier, line with tissue or vellum paper.

***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2008. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

Encantada Gallery needs our help!

I've just been the crafty activist lately, haven't I? There are so many worthy causes going on in 2008. Many of them are things and people I love whose livelyhoods are in jeopardy.

My dear friend Yoli posted this on her blog and I just barely saw it and freaked. I've always wanted to go to this gallery, but put it off, taking for granted that it would always be there. Perhaps not. Read below. If you live in the area, check out the gallery on February 9th and maybe buy a piece of art!


Inspirations of Love

Art for the Heart Silent Auction Benefit

For


Encantada Gallery

908 Valencia
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 642-3939

January 11, 2008

Dear Artist,

We are calling upon you to support Mia Gonzalez, owner of Encantada Gallery. Mia Gonzalez operates the only Latina-owned art gallery that has served as a resource and support to many generations of local artists in the community and in California.

Mia has gone through a series of dramatic life changing events that are placing the gallery in jeopardy. Mia's home was completely destroyed by a fire days before Thanksgiving a year ago. Problems with insurance and contractors have not allowed her to recover, the loss of her pet, as well as the rising costs of commercial rent, and other expenses associated with the operation of Encantada Gallery.

We invite you to participate in a silent auction fundraiser show to benefit Encantada Gallery. Artists are invited to donate an art piece, or split the profits of the sale 60 percent for the gallery and 40 percent for the artist.

The theme of the show is "Inspirations of Love, Art for the Heart." Please see the information below:

RSVP to this invitation no later than: January 15, 2008 (yah, this is late, but it does not hurt to ask if you still want to submit something)

Install Date: Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Silent auction preview and bidding: February 7-9, 2008

Opening Reception: February 9, 2008 - 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Parameter of size for artwork: 12 x 12

Reminder: We are asking that all pieces sell for under $350 retail price.

To accept this invitation, please respond to the Encantada Gallery Fundraiser Committee no later than January 15th or sooner.

Thank you for your consideration and support of Encantada Gallery, the only local Latina owned art gallery supporting and promoting the work of local California Latino artists.

Gratefully,

Encantada Gallery Fundraiser Committee

John Aragon, jadisplay@yahoo.com , (415) 641-1981
Martina Ayala, martinaayala@yahoo.com , (323) 896-2213 (510) 681-4725
Miriam Martinez, miri_mtz@yahoo.com , (949) 295-4147
Shasta Webb, shasta_webb@hotmail.com , (530) 510-1914


***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2008. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

PROJECT: Queen of Hearts Window Box

It's mid-January and I haven't posted new projects in a while, shame on me! I haven't had time to tinker with new projects yet, but will very soon. In the meantime, here is a golden oldie. I love this idea because it is just five inexpensive picture frames transformed into a box to hold all your treats from candy to cotton balls!

SUPPLIES:

5 picture frames w/ glass (buy at the dollar store!)
Sandpaper
Red spray paint
Deck of cards
Chip or cardboard
Red squeeze paint
Red mardi gras beads
Dice
Extra strength adhesive and hot glue
Large doll head (wood ball with flat side)
Felt tabs

DIREX:
1. Remove the glass and spray paint the frames, let dry.
2. Arrange the frames in the way they will be assembled. Use the sandpaper to remove paint from the sides that you will be gluing together.
3. Replace glass.
4. Use extra strength adhesive and hot glue to glue the frames together in a box shape. The hot glue will allow them to secure while the other glue dries.
5. Glue on the chipboard, trim any excess.
6. Set box upright and use the squeeze paint to affix the playing cards to the glass, add beads to borders, etc.
7. Decorate the top frame and glue a ball to the top.
8. Add felt tabs to the bottom side of the top.
9. Glue dice for feet.



***
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Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2008. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

I really wanted to go to bed, but...

i'm just too wound up! Patrick and I just returned tonight from Vancouver, BC. I was invited to guest star on a fun show for HGTV Canada called "She's Crafty", created and hosted by the adorable Wendy Russell.



We arrived Sunday to find that Wendy hooked us up in a totally hip hotel, the Pacific Palisades, on Robson Street. We had the best suite on the block with a killer view of the ocean. We checked in, and then sipped on Gin Blossom Martinis in the bar. Well I did. Patrick had apple beer. We were so excited to have this little romantic getaway that doubled as a super fun crafty gig. Or vice versa. You know what I mean!

Monday was all about taping. At home when I prepped my project, I remembered Wendy telling me "5-6 steps, Kathy - only 5-6 steps!" Based on those 5-6 steps, I'd be home by 5 p.m. at the latest. Very cool, we'd have the whole night to chill and enjoy the atmosphere.

Sigh.

Felicity, the producer, picked me up at 7:30 a.m., and Patrick decided to sleep in. He told me to call later with the address so he could take a cab and meet me. I called all day, but he never answered. I imagined him strolling throughout the city, making new friends, dancing, laughing, shopping, having fun - while I poured glitter and glued sequins.

When we actually started taping the segment and breaking down the step-outs of my project, I realized that my 5-6 steps are actually 10-12 steps for everyone else. So the event stretched in a 12-hour day of shooting. My feet were a tad fried, but I loved every second of the shooting experience!

I finally walked into our swanky hotel room, exhausted, at 7:30 p.m. to find Patrick under the covers of the bed. All I could see was his arm sticking out, with the TV remote attached to it.

"I'm home!", I sang out. "I tried calling you all day..."

"My cell phone was in your purse," he deadpanned. "And this has been the lonliest day of my life."

Yikes. Not only that, but the day had 70 mph winds. Our hotel room had one complete wall of windows and we were on the 19th floor. Patrick said all day it sounded like the windows would break at any second from the power of the winds, so he stayed in the bedroom. Poor guy!! He said he imagined me going out to dinner with the crew, laughing and shopping, etc...

We ended up going to a late dinner and laughed about our day. About how I burned my pinky on the hot knife, and he shared how he sat in a pub for two hours and wrote a scifi- story in his journal. This morning we woke up and went shopping before catching our flight home.

Tomorrow is *high gear* work, lots and lots of things on my list, all due right now. Packages to mail, art to make, copy to edit. I'm so happy we had this break to escape, even if it was just for a couple of days. I am sending so many happy vibes to Wendy and the crew for having Patrick and I out there. We loved it and appreciate it so much!

Here is something important that I came across tonight that I want to share:

My friend Bernie Berlin, author of the wonderful book, Artist Trading Card Workshop, spends many hours rescuing dogs. She chronicles all about it on her blog, A Place to Bark.



She is trying for a $50,000 grant to further her work of saving animals. To win, she needs to recieve the most amount of $10 donations (each donation must be from a different person to count for the grant) possible before Jan 31st. Her badge is #4 right now is in the top ten badges but she needs stay in the top 4 to win the grant. and the other badges are catching up...

Here is the link to donate for Bernie's cause. It's only $10!

And again, you can read all about it at her blog, A Place to Bark!

OK, now I'm ready for bed! I promise to get more projects up this week!

Edited to add: I forgot to mention that when we came home, we found out that Patrick has been offered a gig in Puerto Rico! So next month for a weekend, we will be in PR while he performs at a resort. Never been there, always wanted to go!

***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2008. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

An open letter to Ellen DeGeneres about glitter.

Dear Ellen:

I love you. I've always loved you. So much that I've always had your back through goods times and bad. I love you because you preach love, kindness and equality for all people and things!

Which is why this recent segment broke my heart!



Please don't try to get glitter banned! I happen to be a fan of glitter because I feel it shines light both literally and metaphorically. Light is good because it gives people a sense of wonder and hope that they might need at that very moment.

OK, I can totally understand your points - BUT you are talking about "loose" glitter. Please understand that is just one (the most well known) kind of glitter. Not all glitters are the same.

Please don't pass judgement on all glitters based on this one type.

Yes, loose glitter can be a headache to deal with. It has no shame, it sticks from person to person, thing to thing, with no remorse. And um, yes, I use it faithfully. And secretly, I kinda like it when one of my flecks spreads to someone else!

HOWEVER - I'm a preacher of "safe sparkle". I teach many workshops and have met many people who don't like loose glitter either, so I educate them on loose glitter alternatives. And I think if you knew about these, you might find it in your heart to come to love glitter.

I know you will probably never see this, but I want to help you find the right glitter for your personality!! And then you can share it on your show next holiday season so when people send you cards they will know what kind of glitter to use that will be still be sparkly, without the trouble.

Water-based brush on glitter: This comes in a bottle, in liquid form and you simply brush it on over any surface. It dries, and the glitter stays in place, no stray flecks anyway! May-jah sparkle!

Squeeze on glitter: This is concentrated glitter that comes also in a thick creamy gel in all different colors. You squeeze it on and when it dries, it looks like it is loose glitter, but doesn't shed.


Spray-on glitter: This comes in a bottle or can and you spray where you want it. And it sticks! No muss, no fuss!


Glitter paint: This is paint that has glitter in it, again, it dries, looks brilliant and you don't have to get it on your fingers!

Glitter fabric: My favorite is red glittered vinyl. Like the kind used on retro barstools. You just cut and sew and go!

There are gobs more, but these are just a start. I think if more anti-glitter people were educated on this topic and all it's varieites, the world would be a happier place!Let's all practice safe sparkle, let's stop the hate, the misunderstandings, and come to love all things that sparkle and shine.

Life is too short not to!

I think even the next President would agree with that.

Peace, love, and glitter,
Kathy Cano-Murillo
The Crafty Chica



***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2008. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

We want our crafty TV!

I'm so crushed! word is spreading in the Internet craft community about our favorite crafty TV shows possibly being in trouble. You know, like Craft Lab, Uncommon Threads, Stylelicious, and Knitty Gritty?

This can't be true!

If you love these shows, hosts, and guests as much as I do, please take a sec and CLICK HERE to send a passionate letter to the DIY Network. Ask them to keep them on the air, and with decent time slots. Maybe if we all unite, our voices will be heard.

It's muy importante that these shows stick around because they celebrate creativity, indie designers, they show diversity in arts and crafts, and so much more. The scene has grown leaps and bounds since these shows first aired. I would think they would be ordering more seasons because of that! These shows deserve to be shown and shared! Average Jane Crafter says it best.
Claudine too.
Vickie even posted the current time schedule - geez, all the craft shows are on in the middle of the night!

As for me, I'm working on the product line in Fresno all this week, so my blogging time is semi-limited. Early next week is a quick trip to Canada, and then I'll back here Tuesday posting daily again!

Hope your 2008 is happy as ever!
OK, I'll let you go so you can send in your feedback to DIY! Please do it and help spread the word!


***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

Pendeja! Idiota! Babosa!

Have you ever tried to make something right, only to totally mess it up beyond repair, thus defeating the whole purpose of why you did it in the first place? Does that sentence even make sense?

So. This is my last weekend to wrap up the text on my hopefully fabulous new sewing book for Potter Craft/Random House. RANDOM HOUSE!! A dream publisher! It has to be PERFECT! I saved the juicy writing for this weekend, because I always do my best right under the wire. My mission was to begin writing at 4 p.m. yesterday. I'm talking about the parts of the book that are supposed to be nutritional, funny, inspirational, informative - the MOST important stuff. It has to be PREFECT I tell you! Did I mention, there was a lot that needed to be written in a short amount of time? The pressure was on, baby.

4 p.m. comes, I sit down in front of the computer, slide a pencil behind my ear, and crack my knuckles. Just then - in a split second, I make a decision that would set me back many critical hours. This little missy decided she needed a little liquid nourishment. Like a margarita. Or two.

Aye, I should have known better!

The last time I was in this spot it was when I was an entertainment reporter for the newspaper, and we all had to reapply for our jobs. We had only 75 characters to explain why we should keep the dream job we loved. I was so nervous, it was a very important task! I had written several versions and couldn't find the right tone. I was stressin'!! To get in the zone, I went with some friends for a drink to "loosen up", so I could come home and bang out my life-changing 75 chracters that would determine my fate.

What did I do?

I wrote it as a singles ad to be cute.

"Hey there, happy editor people! I'm a hard working mamacita, addicted to cable TV, iTunes and People Magazine. I'm sassy and sparkly, you want me for this job because...blah, blah, embarassing blah..." Something along those lines... I put my index finger over my lips to shield a goofy hiccup and clicked "SEND".

OMG. Can you imagine being the managing editor of the paper and reading that?

Anyway. Back to last night. Patrick takes me out, two drinks later, I'm singing Morressey songs and giggling. I walk in my room to FINALLY sit down and work and decide:

"Hmmm. My room needs a makeover! Yes! I want it to feel extra special and comfy while I write my special book, so I'm going to turn it into a home office right at this very moment!"

Talk about a buzzkill.

One hour later, I'm sweating and clenching my back. The mattresses are across the room, the files cabinets are stacked in front of the bathroom, the tables are moved out catty corner, books & papers strewn everywhere. I had pulled out every pile of something and placed it on the floor.

Patrick had company coming over and only had time to sigh, laugh, and put the mattresses back on the bed. His company arrived and I had to keep our four anti-social Chihuahuas in the room with me.

So visualize this: I'm climbing over all this junk, worrying about how I'm going to get my book done, and trying not to step on the dogs at the same time. The little one thought he was funny and pooped in a spot that I couldn't reach. So please add gagging to this scene as well.

All I knew was I had to write my book. So I had to decide, should I put a clothespin on my nose, sit atop a stack of wobbling books and write my inspirational text? Or take the next few hours and clean up the place? I had no choice but to opt for the latter.

First order of business? Sorting all these wires. I cried and cussed the whole time. Just look at them! What the hell was I thinking moving all the furniture around?



I finished the room at midnight. I then sat at my computer, slid the pencil behind my ear, and cracked my knuckles - ready to get down to business.

And then I went to bed.


Es un nuevo dia. I've been working steady this morning, my room is spankin' clean, and I have a lesson to share.

Do not drink margaritas before you have to write something muy importante!

***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

Resolution Collage Calendar

That's really not me in that calendar picture. But sometimes visualization is the only way to reach your goals! Especially when it comes to weight loss. I made this calendar in 2006 and am working on a new one!

Like everyone else and their grandma, I'm set on shedding some extra poundage. I'm breaking a sweat to lose weight in time for the huge Craft and Hobby trade show next month when my product line debuts to the industry.

However, I need to prepare for the oncoming plateau. Maybe if I could see what I'd look like thinner, I wouldn't be as tempted to suck down that triple venti mocha. So it has come to this. Pasting my head on someone else's body for motivation. And what better place to keep it on display than on a wall calendar? Especially now when you can find them at the dollar stores, or discounted at bookshops. I call it my resolution collage calendar. I've decorated each month with an inspirational altered art assemblage themed to my New Year's resolution. You can do the same. If you want to write a book this year, make a collage of yourself sitting at a typewriter, or a cut out a picture of a book and put your name on the cover. It can also work for redoing a house, traveling, romance and more. Not to sound like Tyra Banks, but if you can see it, you can do it!


Supplies
1 2008 calendar from the discount bin or dollar store
12 pieces of scrapbook paper cut to fit the size of the calendar page
Assorted pictures, or scrapbook embellishments
A headline you want printed out from your computer, or handwritten
Glue stick
Scissors

Directions: Remove the centerpiece of cardboard that comes with the new calendar and cut 12 pieces of scrapbook paper to fit it. Use a glue stick to attach one to the top of each month's spread on the calendar. If you want to get fancy, you can cut the edges of the scrapbook paper with decorative edged scissors or just rip it with your hands. Starting with the first month, assemble your collage on the blank space of the scrapbook paper. You can use ink, dimensional embellishments, anything you'd like. Give your page a headline by printing out your resolution for that month. Hang your calendar up in a place where you'll see it all the time.

Variations: There are so many ways to alter a calendar. You can take pictures from an old calendar you love and use them as the centerpiece for your collages on the new calendar. Make little windows and flaps that have secret messages.


***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

Be back soon!

I have a very busy couple of weeks - two trips to prepare for, and a book to finish - but I'll be back my usual blogging schedule very soon! 2008 is definately starting off with a sprint. Oooh, one thing. I started my NYR (New Year's Resolution) early and have lost 8 pounds. And it is only January 1st! Yay!!!

OK, be back soon, have a good one!!


***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com