Free event at Michaels stores this weekend!

Michaels Stores has a free kids event all over the country this Saturday, April 4th, (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) themed to the new film, Monsters vs. Aliens™. All 1,000 stores will have free supplies on hand for the younglings to create their own finger puppet version of 3D monsters, as well as pages to color!

We like free!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Color-It-Yourself Lover Pillowcase

(Photo by John Samora)

Here is a project from my new book, Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-Low-Sew Projects for the Everyday Crafter.

This is one of my all-time favorite projects because it is very clever (or at least I think so)!

What we are doing is making a pillowcase from scratch. Don't shoo me away just yet - read on, please! Think about it - we are only sewing a rectangle. You can handle that. Pillowcases are a fast and fun way to use up excess fabric and give your bedding some customized design. But these are not just any pillowcases - these are pillowcases that you will stitch on an outline and then color in with markers (Crafty Chica markers, of course!).

Here are the general directions below - you'll need to check out the book for the complete blow-by-blow.

You'll start with a large piece of white cotton fabric and fold it in half to the size of your pillow - a little bigger. Use a disappearing ink pen and draw/trace your heart pattern on one side of the pillowcase (the book comes with the template of the sacred heart shown in picture).

Use a tight zig zag to stitch around the design. Think of it as a coloring book, and you are sewing on the outline. If you don't want to machine sew, you can embroider the design.

Once you have that, color the design in with the markers.

Now fold in half and sew. The book has much more detailed instructions, like the exact measurements and how to add a cute border cuff. You can use this technique for other kinds of fabric projects too, like toss pillows, skirts, jackets, totes, etc.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

More reasons to love our iPhones!

CLICK HERE IF YOU CAN'T SEE VIDEO ABOVE.

Thank you, Jenny, for finding this!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Nick KIds Choice Awards & Tulip One-Step Tie Dye!

Here is a slide show of the kids stars I met last Friday in the celebrity gift room for the 2009 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards. It was a blast to explain the super easy method and benefits of Tulip One-Step Tie Dye! Even the guys were excited to try it. No one could believe that all you had to do was add water to a bottle and shake!

Our product worked great at this event, which was located in a bowling alley on Ventura Blvd., because each box could dye 8 shirts, and many of the kids said they wanted to use it with friends and family. Some even asked for more than one box! And yes, I brought a little bit of Crafty Chica glitter too! I ended up running out of product three hours before the event ended. As I was leaving, I saw some of the girls from 90210 walk in, as well as some other Disney stars. From what I heard there were different events like this all over L.A. that day!

Special thanks to Alyson Dias at ILoveToCreate.com for inviting me to work this event!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

REPOST: Finding Your Signature Style

(Illustration by Patrick Murillo, copyright 2009.)

I'm reposting this article I wrote way back when, because I meet so many people who are turning to crafts to make extra money these days. Hopefully this will get you off to a good start!

Finding Your Signature Style
By Kathy Cano-Murillo

You're crafty, creative and have a mean sense of business. Now you want to jump in the trenches of retail and sell some kind of artwork far and wide. But what can you whip up that will catapult you to superstar status and make your bank account rival that of Paris Hilton? It's all in your signature style.

First off - the Crafty Chica rule of thumb is never go for something just for the sake of raking in cash. I'm a strong believer in karma and good intention. If you have the gift of creativity, don't blow it by trying to knock off the latest and greatest invention. You'll only belly flop and it will sting your soul (and savings account).

You gotta find your style, doll. Yo' thang . Whatever it is that you decide to make - trust me - the magic will come from the energy and innovation you put into it. Devise a product that is as individual as your fingerprint on polymer clay. Something that will not only turn heads, but also motivate folks to ask: "Who made this? Can I touch it?".

Here are some Crafty Chica tips for finding your signature style:

1. Experiment. Don't just go "Wow, those juice bags purses are everywhere. I'm going to start a business making some!" Instead, take time to try out different genres such as mosaics, sewing, painting, etc. See which comes natural for you. Consider pricing the supplies (low), time factor, and availability of resources. Once you know what kind of crafty area you like, proceed to Step 2.
2. Know yourself. Make a list of all the tangible and intangible things that you adore. Also, what you are great at doing, the colors that give you goose bumps, favorite quotes, fashion style, etc. Look around your bedroom, your magazine/book/CD collections, and closet for inspiration. Write up a one-line mission statement of what you are all about. Now translate that into a tagline of what you want your designs to represent. Don't fret over it. You can always change it down the road as the process develops.
3. Research. If you see something that is already for sale in a retail store, chances are it is on it's way out, an upgrade is coming soon. Artists, as well as buyers, are always evolving, growing and searching for the next best thing. Plus, you don't want to be a Copycat Cindy, do you? Instead, look between the retail shelves. Go to the bookstore and flip through some crafty books. What hasn't been done yet? Now use what you learned from Step 1 and 2 to come up with something that is super craftificent and most of all NEW.

- Personal example: About three years ago, I wanted so bad to have some jewelry that had Latino imagery on it. I couldn't find any so I tinkered in my studio until I came up with a raw version of my picture bracelets. I thought I was Miss Rock Star Crafter, until I did a search on eBay and found oodles of other picture bracelets. BUT - I had my heart set. So I scoured the universe to find all the picture bracelets I could, so I would know what NOT to use in my design. It worked. Now when people wear my bracelets, they can recognize it and say "Hey, that's a Crafty Chica bracelet, huh?"

4. Go back and experiment more. Take all your findings and pull them together. Go back in the studio/kitchen table/wherever and play around with your supplies and sketches until you come up with something wonderful and brag-worthy. It can be as easy as a line of t-shirts with snarky sayings or as detailed as elegant necklaces for kitty cats. Just think different!
5. Branding/Gimmick. OK, got your design and your missions statement. But what is your "thing"? Now you must come up with a solid name that is catchy and easy on the ears and tongue. Examples:

- I know a 13-year-old girl who did a great job with this. She makes high-end crystal jewelry and calls her line "Cassy's Sassy Jewelry". It plays off her name and her spirit. It sounds inviting. She's only 13!

- There is a lady here in Phoenix whose name is Penny and she is a mosaic artist. On every piece, she incorporates a penny into her design. You don't have to have a convenient name like that; you can come up with some other gimmick, like a symbol or your initial of some sort.

- A writer friend of mine makes soldered collage necklaces. So do a lot of people. But what makes her stand apart from them is that she only uses vintage images of nude women, as well as vintage scraps.

6. Presentation. If you have time, make some nice hang tags to attach to your pieces. Give each piece a name and tell a little story about it. If all of your pieces are one-of-a-kind, handwrite it. If they are similar, print the info from your computer. List the materials used and add a spirited graphic. Don't forget to sign your piece!

Remember, you originate and let the others imitate. You'll feel so proud about your work and so will the people who buy it!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Couch day.

Came home Friday night totally zapped of energy. I'll post pictures tomorrow, promise. It was such a fun experience!

Thursday night, I used a new face cream to make my skin look glowy and moist for Friday's big day - and my whole face broke out in hives. Makeup kinda covered it, but here it is Sunday and I still have this horrible rash on my face. It looks like I got an acid peel at a dollar store. And it itches! And feels hot!

Yesterday I planned to clean all the house, knock out the laundry, hop on new projects for the blog for next week. But we just fixed our big screen TV (had been without for a month) and FIVE hours later, I was still on the couch, marathoning "Locked Up and Abroad". Title sums it up. It is one of the most intense reality shows I've ever seen! Even though every ep starts with a person wiping away tears, saying "Why did I try to smuggle drugs into another country? Why??" I now know I do not want to spend time in jail in Ecuador, Bangladesh, Nepal, or Thailand. The new season begins Wednesday!

I was so locked into watching every installment that I even missed Patrick's gig for Cesar Chavez day. I think I needed a veg-out couch potato experience. You know, when you only get up from the couch for bathroom breaks, to fix a bowl of Frosted Flakes or to grab your favorite pillow from your bed? That was me.

Then we happily discovered our DVr had recorded all our favorite shows, even though we hadn't turned the TV on in weeks. DeAngelo joined me to watch Love and Basketball - one of my all-time favorite flicks. We shared the couch and cried all thr way through. I HEART that movie!!!!



Next, we watched four episodes of 30 Rock, and then DeAngelo made me watch an episode of Big Bang Theory that had a girl who started a crafty business and got in over her head. He goes, "Mom, this totally reminds me of YOU!"

Clip One: Penny get s an order for 1,000 flower barrettes.

Clip Two: Penny gets more orders.

Yup, I have to admit, the kid is right. He has seen me crank out massive amounts of stock for crazy orders like this.

So here we are on Sunday. I feel like I have my mojo back, but we have two family parties to attend, one of which I have to make fruit salad for 30 people. Not much crafty or cleaning happening today! But we all know that can change in an instant. I tend to get sidetracked a lot :-)

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Vagabond Lampshade

I needed a new lamp for my desk and couldn't find anything that excited me at the store. I settled with an old shade from the thrift store and decided to make use of my extra art supplies. Using hot glue and Liquid Fusion adhesive, I used striped trim for the borders, and then a different medium for each side - rubber stamping, buttons, applique and rickrack. I added trim on the edges and on the seams. Now I have a lamp that inspires me. I like that I can turn it around for a whole new look.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Nana-style Earring Bracelet

This is a bracelet made by a longtime, dear friend of mine, Keri Plezia - aka, Miss Holley King. She is a rockabilly radio DJ and an avid crafter. She is a member of the Phoenix Fridas (my craft group) and was even featured on Crafters Coast to Coast!

This is a bracelet I bought from her years ago and I wear it ALL the time. People always, always ask me about it, they think I made it. I tell them about Keri and how she is a pop art crafty genius. She took old clip-on earring strays and simply hot glued them to a bracelet blank.I'm sharing it here today because I just recieved another email about it from when I wore it in a Lifetime craft video.

Keri moved to Michigan a couple of years ago and I've been missing her. Maybe that is why I wear the bracelet so much!!!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Getting ready for talent to come through

Getting set up for event!

"Assoonaz" & Kids Choice Awards!

If I ever have another child, I'm going to name it Assoonaz.

Why?

Because I already say that name about fifty times a day.

"Assoonaz CHA is over, I'll get caught up!"
"Assoonaz I finish cleaning out the art room I'll finish washing the blankets."
"Assoonaz I finish these next batch of projects, I work on the cruise stuff.'
"Assoonaz the cruise stuff is done, I'll relax!"

Assoonaz is here to stay. But for very good reason. I came home from the cruise to find a whole new round of exciting projects to work on and tend to. One of them is for tomorrow (Friday).

Earlier this week my boss, Alyson, asked if I could demo Tulip One-Step Tie Dye Kits at a kid function in Los Angeles. She told me the details, but all I heard was "Demo. Los Angeles. Friday. Kids."

Today I printed off the one-sheet of all the details. Um, it's not just any kids event...

IT'S THE CELEBRITY GIFT ROOM FOR THE NICKELODEON KIDS CHOICE AWARDS!!



I'm going to be demoing and handing out the tie dye kits to celebrities and their kids, as well as snapping photos of the guests who visit my table. I shouldn't be as excited as I am. I spent many years as an entertainment reporter where I interviewed movie stars face-to-face and on the phone on a regular basis. But growing up in the '80s made me obsessed with pop culture. I still swoon and all giddy about entertainment news and celebrity spotting. So, heck yah, I am stoked! I will be showing off every feature and benefit of the Tulip One-Step Tie Dye Kit to anyone and everyone who comes by!



I fly out at 7:30 am, and catch the 6 p.m. flight home. One day. I have no idea what to expect, I'll be Twittering and blogging all day. Well, if I can squeeze in the time to do it.

New topic.

Today I was searching through old photos on my computer and came across some early product development stuff. Here is a sketch of ideas I had for crystal iron-ons.



Two of the three did not work, but one did, recognize it?. I also came across the first-ever licensing job Patrick and I had. It was for Lowe's Home Improvement Stores. One day at while working in the newsroom about five years ago, I got a phone call from a manufacturer who needed someone to design a line of Hispanic-themed wallpaper accessories. My agent set it up and Patrick and I had exactly four days to brainstorm, sketch and design the pieces. We had never done any kind of product development before, so it was like trying to find a seed bead in the sand. Very difficult! But, we pulled it off! I did the girls line and Patrick did the boys.





We've come a long way! Well, I'm off to bed, I have to wake up in a few hours to catch my flight!

Assoonaz I'm done blogging and cleaning my room, I'll hit the sack. Have a super weekend!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Introducing: Maya in the Moment!

Our daughter, Maya, has been on this kick of making little videos. As part of her birthday present, we built a web site for her to house them. She came up with the name "Maya in the Moment" because the videos are pretty spontaneous.

Visit her web site, MayaInTheMoment.com, and here is her introduction she made today!

Psst...Patrick has his own site coming up soon too, it is not quite ready, but will be in a few days!



Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Embossed Wood Necklace

Embossing is a technique often used in scrapbooking, altered arts and any other kind of paper arts you can think of. Therefore, it's time to mix it up a bit and use it in jewelry. I've dabbled with embossing powders before, but more as an experimental exercise than a focused mission. This project is perfect for beginners because by using small wood pieces, you can play around with different colors and images and use them for a variety of purposes. If you make a mistake, it will have a weathered look and can still be used in your work. All items can be found at any craft or paper arts store.

You have no idea how hard it was not to use color on this. I wanted to try something different and clean looking. Embossing powder on raw wood. I like it!

Supplies:
Assorted small wood pieces
Embossing stamp pad
Assorted rubber stamps
Embossing powder
Embossing tool
Hand-held drill
Necklace chain or cording
Jump rings

Directions: Use the paper inks to color the wood pieces. Let dry. Dot the embossing pad over the surface of the rubber stamp until it is generously covered. Press in desired place on the wood piece - be careful not to smear. Pour embossing powder over the wet surface and tap off excess as much as possible. Heat with embossing tool until the powder dries to a shiny, raised look. Let cool. Repeat for other pieces. Drill holes where desired in order to connect the pieces or attach the cording or chain.

Variations: Use small wood pieces to make funky picture bracelets, or use letter stamps to spell out words or phrases. Instead of using as jewelry, make an assortment of the wood pieces and store them in a baggie for use on future craft projects.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Contest winners!

Thank you to everyone who entered!

Sewing machine, glitter, bracelet - Lyn Randolph
Book roundup - Anne Fleetwood
Cruise Tote Bags - Lizzy Hernandez and Santos Apodaca

CONGRATS!! I have another contest announcement coming up this week!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Terrific Travel Candles

Wow, these weeks are just flying by! There is already a new Crafty Chica video posted on LifetimeTV.com!

Here is the insider scoop on this one - I'm uber-hammy in it because the day before was the horrible stretch without the air conditioner, my bad hair, lack of sleeep, cry, cry cry. SO - I had woke up early for the second day, relaxed, vibed up, and told myself no matter what, I was going to let myself have fun.

So I had a little too much fun, because I go waaaayyyy over the campy top with this one. At point I even danced and shimmied, thank GOD they edited that out! What the _____ was I thinking???

Overall, it is still super fun and a really easy project to whip out...Hope you like it!!



LINK:

CLICK HERE to watch the video for "Terrific Travel Candles".
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Glittered car made by Calamity Anne, using Crafty Chica glitters!

Glittered car made by Calamity Anne, using Crafty Chica glitters!
Originally uploaded by craftychica

Quote from my new best friend!
"I wanted to share with you the final unveiling of my glittered car - '34 Ford (link below). I absolutely love your glitters...in fact, I'm going to glitter the little balls that will be attached to the mirror that the car will sit on. Thanks for creating such great products!!!"

Visit her web site!
http://calamityanne.blogspot.com

Pretty pin-up shrine by Swell Designer!

pretty pin-up shrine
Originally uploaded by swelldesigner

Alexa made this super cute pin-up girl shrine using the Crafty Chica wood shrine box! swelldesigner.blogspot.com/2009/02/pretty-pin-up-shrine.html

Mega quilting contest from Marie Osmond and Janome!

CALLING ALL QUILTERS: ANNOUNCING THE MARIE OSMOND QUILTING CHALLENGE

Over $17,000 Worth of Prizes from Janome, Quilting Treasures and Advantus

MAHWAH, N.J., March 5, 2009 – Marie Osmond is known the world over as a singer, actress, author and philanthropist as well as an avid quilter, a passion that was passed down to her from her mother. To celebrate Marie’s love of quilting, Janome America, Inc., Quilting Treasures, and Advantus have joined forces to create one of the most exciting quilting contests ever. With $17,000 worth of prizes, including Janome sewing machines, Marie Osmond Quilting Treasures fabric and storage and organizational products from Advantus, the contest is every quilter’s dream.

Using Marie Osmond Quilting Treasures fabric, the contest challenges quilters to create an original quilt and bring it to a participating Janome dealer by April 3^rd, 2009. The Janome dealer will automatically enter the quilt into a drawing to win a Marie Osmond Quilter’s Companion (MOQC) machine from Janome. One quilt from each dealer will then be selected for the national round, where Marie herself will pick the 10 quilts as finalists. On April 27^th, the 10 finalists’ quilts will be posted on Marie’s site, www.marieosmond.com, for public voting. The winners will be announced on May 17^th. The 10 finalists’ quilts will be auctioned on eBay Giving Works all proceeds of which will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network, the charity Marie co-founded. All other contestants have the option of donating their entry to their local Children’s Miracle Network affiliated hospital as well.

First Place Prize: The First Place winner of the contest will receive over $9,000 worth of prizes including the new, revolutionary Janome Memory Craft 11000 Special Edition (MC11000 Special Edition). The winner will also receive a $750 assortment of storage and organization products from Advantus, $750 worth of assorted Marie Osmond Quilting Treasures fabric and product as well as a Marie Osmond Baby Adora Belle Holiday porcelain doll with a coordinating quilted table runner.

Second Place Prize: The Second Place winner will be awarded a prize packages including the ideal tool for quilting, the new Janome Marie Osmond Quilter’s Companion (MOQC) Sewing Machine. The winner will also receive an assortment of storage and organizational products from Advantus worth $500, $500 in assorted Marie Osmond Quilting Treasures fabric and product and a Marie Osmond Adora Butterflies Belle doll for a total value of over $2,400.

Third Place Prize: A Janome MOQC, in addition to an assortment of storage and organizational products worth $250, $250 of Marie Osmond Quilting Treasures fabric and product as well as a Marie Osmond Friendship Rose Tiny Tot doll amounting to over $1,800.

Finalists: 10 finalists that are hand selected by Marie will also receive a prize package worth $400, consisting of a 1 year subscription to The Quilter, Marie Osmond Cook Book, a sterling silver Marie Osmond charm bracelet, a $100 Janome prize package, a $100 Quilting Treasures prize package, a $100 Advantus prize package and a personalized autographed photo of Marie.

Additional details regarding the contest, including the official entry form and a list of participating Janome dealers, can be found at www.janome.com.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Stenciled Supply Wall Cover-Up

These pictures do not do this project justice! When we overhauled our art studio, I didn't like that all my shelves of supplies were in plain view. Yes, it is a separate room with door, BUT I wanted the room to also have a comfy vibe to it. I have a cushiony chair and rug in there too, and wanted to be able to change the room from a workspace to an inspiration corner on a moment's notice. I needed to hide the supplies!

This is a total makeshift job, but I pulled it off for the amount of time I had to spare (1 hour). If I had the entire afternoon that day, I would have sewed on some trim, used different colors of paint, etc. But it's OK, this works perfect for what I visualized.

I screwed the hooks into the top of each end of the shelving unit and then hung a lightweight cafe rod. I picked up a $6 set of magenta curtains (they look red in photo), ironed them and hung them. But then they looked too bland for the rest of the room! I used my Crafty Chica Rose Stencil ($3.99) and Crafty Chica Paints ($12.99), and added designs all over the front using blue painter's tape and a makeup sponge.

But then I saw more spaces in between the roses...I have design OCD, I have a hard time stopping myself from adding the next layer, and the next, and the next... so I pulled out a prototype of a stencil that did not move forward in the line - it is a beautiful milagro heart design that is currently seen on the back of the Crafty Chica Loteria game cards.

OK, now that I said that, I know some of you will ask me "Kathy, when can we get the milagro heart stencil?" Well, you can get it now! Simply use a craft knife to cut it out of the Loteria game card (it is the same size as the prototype stencil if you use the large gamecard, as opposed to the caller's deck). The weight of the game card is thick and glossy and will work wonderful as a heart stencil too!

Back to the curtains - after I finished with the stencils, I added Tulip Permanent Fabric Glitter Spray all over it.

Because the curtains were longer than the shelving unit, I trimmed off the ends and stashed the extra away for a future project.

The moral of the story is that just because you have a so-called "craft room" or "craft corner" - doesn't mean it has to have supplies spilling out everywhere. Your creations will be much more fulfilling to make and give if you assemble them in a positive atmosphere. Decorate the boxes that hold your paints, make your own set of curtains for your shelves, or cover your jars and paintbrush holders with cheery paper.

Every little bit of happiness counts when it comes to crafting!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Patrick stops drawing to pose

Patrick. I love this picture!
Originally uploaded by craftychica

My friend Ann snapped this shot of Patrick on the ship. This is the look he has when he has been interrupted from an intense creative session. I like how the setting is all moody and shadowy. Nice shot, Ann!!

"I'm Stressed, So I'll Glue Lots of Tiny Things Down!" Wall Art

I made the base of this on the last day of the CHA convention in January (remember this frightening image?). The crowds had left and we had time to spend at other booths. The entire week of the show, I wanted triple-bad to visit the Liquid Fusion corner of our Duncan booth. There was this sweet glass artist (Ack! I forgot her name!!) who made beautiful collages in old windows, and her table was smashed with people everytime I looked over there. I wanted in onthe fun! I finally had my chance so I savored every second!

Using Liquid Fusion and handfuls of micro beads and toys, the idea was to create a collage on glass. Well, mine kinda spilled out over to the wood. It had been such a busy week, every minute allocated to a meeting or demo - by the last few hours of the show, my eyes were glazed over and I could not stop gluing tiny trinket after tiny trinket. I even glued them on top of each other! It was such a pressure-release. A very relaxing expereince. So much, I could have smoked a cigarette aferwards. Alas, I don't smoke, so I ate a piece of chocolate.

Once I arrived home, I had no idea what to do with this thing. I liked it, but I couldn't think of anything functional to make with it. A few ideas came to mind, but I just wanted EASY. I had been cleaning out my workroom, and one day I took a large tin milagro, glued it in the center and framed the whole deal in Mardi Gras beads. I drilled two holes on top, added ribbon and now I have a ridiculously funky door hanger.

In case you are feeling stressed, and would like to make one for your home, here are some loose directions.

Buy a wide, flat wood frame. Flip it over and glue the glass down from the back. Using all kinds of tiny found objects like beads, charms, letter beads, gumball toys, etc, glue them all down one by one on the glass and the wood. Let it dry. Flip it over and spray paint the back of the glass red to give it some contrast. Glue or hammer on a centerpiece design, hot glue beaded trim and drill two holes at the top and thread a ribbon through. Tie off and hang!

FUNNY SIDE NOTE: See the squares of images glued in the upper left corner and bottom right? Those are from the bracelet I wore that day. I made it to wear for the convention and ended up "ripping" off the squares from the base, just so I could use them in this frame project. There are some people who will use anything that is NOT glued down. But there are those of use who WILL use stuff that is glued down! If you are one of those types too, here is a cyber high-five! Woot! Woot!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

VIDEO: A Crafty Song!

I posted this the other day but it didn't post right, so I'll redo it here.

This is singer Kelly Wright belting out a crafty version of My Favorite Things at our farewell cocktail party on the cruise ship. She is fabulous! Here is where you can buy her CD!



CLICK HERE IF YOU CAN'T SEE VIDEO ABOVE

Here is Kelly modeling a bracelet she made in one of the workshops.



Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Embellished Canvas Book

CT Publishing was so nice to donate 50 of these blank canvas books for our cruise members. This is the sample I made for the class. I used Crafty Chica paints watered down to cover the pages, and then stencils with white paint. I then inserted batting and added blanket stitching around the edges and loaded each page up with appliques and stamped letters, trims, charms and ribbons.

On the cover is the Crafty Chica Studded Heart Iron-On ($3.99)


Pssst..see that "la estrella' patch? That was an applique that did not move forward in the first batch of chica products. I have a little stack of them left over from the prototype phase, that I can use on special projects. I love them!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Signing books at Camelback Borders!

FREE TOTES FROM CRUISE: Contest!

Swag totes
Originally uploaded by craftychica

I have been unpacking all day today, putting everything back neatly in proper places. I just happened to come across TWO Crafty Chica totes from the cruise. These are stuffed with goodies and all kinds of crafty surprises! I'm talking primo creative swag. I will even put in some of the workshop project materials too :-)

Here is how to win:

LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW sharing your memory of how you first found the Crafty Chica web site/blog. And the first project you saw!

I'll draw TWO names at 6 p.m. om Monday, March 23rd. That is my 19th wedding anniversary!

3rd Annual Crafty Chica Cruise - Over and Out!

Here is a slide show of gobs of pictures from the cruise. I've been home almost 24 hours and I haven't even unpacked, I am exhausted, but still floating on a cloud of sheer bliss. This cruise rocked. The best part of the whole week was making new friends. It sounds so cliche, but it is true. We had cruisers from Seattle, Phoenix, Sacramento, Miami, New York, Las Vegas, and even smaller cities from Kentucky and Indiana. There were more, I just can't think of them right now!

I don't even know where to start, so I'll rewind to the beginning.

SATURDAY: 12 boxes jam packed with supplies. I only packed two-inches worth of clothes to ensure room for more supplies. On Friday I drove home the rented SUV.

12 boxes, six people and accompanying luggage. Did not look promising. Patrick promised to make it fit. By 6 am Saturday, he broke the news to me that he couldn't do it without us looking like The Beverly Hillbillies. At 6:30 am, we made it to U-Haul to score a small truck. It took two rented vehicles to make it to San Diego. We arrived late afternoon and my friends/cruisers Deb, Michele, Ann, and Alisa helped stuff 50 tote bags of goodies. (Sorry if this reads disjointed, my vision is blurry right now!)

Patrick had made 50 skeleton sculpture bases and was so worried they would get broken or lost, he decided to hold them in his hand every second until we reached the ship. Around 6 p.m. Saturday, Ann drove us to U-Haul to return the truck. The line was very long, we had lots of questions, and finally we left. After driving several minutes down the freeway, Patrick realized he left the bag of sculptures in the U-Haul office, which had since closed. We called, and then Fast & Furious-ed it back there and got them before the manager left. Close call!

We made it back to the hotel, walked to dinner in downtown San Diego and didn't want to wait in line because we were so hungry and exhausted. We chose a small, empty, Mexican food joint. I ordered a chicken quesadilla. It felt slimy going down. I kept eating. I lifted the flap of tortilla to see my "chicken" was actually "chicken skin". Dis-gust-ing. I haven't eaten chicken since! We finished, went back to the hotel and were stuck with one queen bed for four people. All the other rooms were sold out. sigh, a night to remember for sure.

SUNDAY: We made it on the ship, check in the boxes and luggage. I covet the feeling of walking on the ship and being handed a tall rum punch. I sucked that baby down in seconds. After checking out our stateroom, I went to the conference room to learn the crew could not find the 12 boxes of supplies. 20 minutes before the ship set sail, the crew delivered them! We had a delicious dinner and then - the craft room! We each filled out a piece of paper with our name and our three guilty pleasures and then put the papers in a bag. We drew names and were to make a gift for our swap partners. Everyone opened their totes and then we used Crafty Chica paints and markers to basecoat our canvas books that were donated by CT Publishing. The ladies were delighted when I pulled out stacks and packs of Claudine Hellmuth's Sticky Back Canvas!

MONDAY: Catalina Island. DeAngelo and I went to buy paper towels and then came back. Patrick and Maya shopped with his mom and his Uncle George. Many of the chica cruisers met up with Cyndi and friends from the Santa Clarita Craft Lab for lunch. At noon, everyone came back in the room to embellish our canvas books using stencils, iron-ons, appliques and charms. Later in the afternoon, Sacred Yoli taught a really cool technique using Crafty Chica markers (and other types of permanent markers) on silk scarves, you draw on them, add rubber stamped designs and then spritz over the surface with rubbing alcohol. All the colors melt together for a dazzling effect! I'll post the project soon...

Monday was formal dinner night and two of our cruisers, Alicia and Ginger dressed up in their favorite 80s outfits!!!

After dinner, Patrick taught his first-ever Mantastic workshop, a Day of the Dead sculpture class. Special thanks to Walnut Hollow for donating the bases and rotary tools, and Silver Crow Creations for the embellishments!

TUESDAY: We spent the day in Ensenada, did a little shopping, downed some yummy margaritas, vanilla churros (!!!), and Bloody Marys, came back, and watched Michele demo her embossed metal technique. Everyone became hooked on this idea! After dinner we made our 3D Pop Art Shadow box with small shadow boxes, foam core, and postcards.

WEDNESDAY: Our last day! Before the day even started, I recieved some five-star news from the homeland. It is all top secret right now, but I will totally spill when I am allowed! So, yah, I actually broke out in a happy dance in the middle of the ship on Wednesday morning. I'm glad the kids did not have the FlipVideo rolling. Back to the crafty classes!!! We busted out a mixed-media bracelet with blanks donated by Rings n Things. These worked perfect because we glued clay pieces I made on the discs, and then used jump rings (donated by Foxy Findings), milagros (donated by Suenos), safety pins, word beads, charms, word beads and Crafty Chica charms. After that workshop, we worked on our self-portrait-in-paper project. Cindy Iverson from the Paper Studio donated these hand packed paper kits for us! We cleaned up to get ready for our closing cocktail party where we exchanged gifts. Waiters came in with trays and trays and trays of free drinks. For one hour, it was all on the house, as we downed as many pretty, fruity drinks as we could.

Kelly sang a crafty version of "My Favorite Things" (video at the end of this post). She is so talented and her gift to us made us all laugh, and then cry because we knew our adventure would end in just a few hours. Sniffle.

We had dinner and then afterwards we had a mini-art sale in the conference room. Many of us brought art to sell and everyone just about sold out of it!

Our youngest cruiser: 11 years-old. I asked her, "Are you having fun?" She replied "SOOOOO much!! When I get home I'm going to start counting my money so I can save up for next year!"

We had multiple sets of mother/daughters/grandaughters, mother/daughters, sisters, in-laws, best friends and even some people who just came by themselves!

Special thanks!!

Duncan Enterprises, jumbo crystal stud iron-on appliques
Rings n Things, bracelet blanks
CT Publishing, blank canvas books
Walnut Hollow, wood bases, drills, metal embossing kit
Ranger Industries & Claudine Hellmuth Sticky Back Canvas & Brush sets
Marisa Pavelko, The Modern Surrealist, prize tiaras and an art shirt
Foxy Findings, jump rings
St. Theresa's Textile Trove, jumbo totes
Art Chix Studio, mixed media swag bags
Miss Vicky's Retreats, assemblage swag bags
Santa Clarita Craft Lab, mixed media swag bags
Silver Crow Creations, ephemera & collectible swag bags
Annette's Angels, decorative supplies
Hannah Grey, curiosities and dry goods!
Craft Magazine, magazines and other treats
The Paper Studio, gourmet and handmade papers
Suenos Latin American Imports, milagro swag bag
Grand Central Publishing, juicy novels to read on the ship!
Instructables, crafty cards filled with ideas
Etsy.com, bumper stickers, pins, crafty recipe cards

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

2009 Wish Shrine

• Crafty Chica™ Empowerment Shrine™ Workshop-in-a-Box™
  
  
• Crafty Chica™ Mojito Papers™
  
  
• Crafty Chica™ Little Chica Paint Packs™
  
  
• Crafty Chica™ Flocked Iron-On Transfers™
  
  

  25748 Bird with Amiga Heart

• Tulip® Soft Fabric Paint™
  
  

  BI15784 Glacier White

• Miscellaneous
  Fabric of choice - 12x12
  Spice jar
  Number stamps (2009)
  Iron
  Scissors
  Yarn - thick, multi-colored
  

Instructions

1. Using scissors, cut the word “amiga” from the Amiga Heart Flocked Iron-On Transfer™. Iron the heart portion of the transfer to your fabric of choice, following package instructions. Apply Soft Fabric Paint™ to the “2009” number stamps and stamp paint inside the ribbon portion of heart transfer. Refer to photo. Let dry. Remove the plastic sheet from the inside of the shrine box. Use the glue from the Empowerment Shrine™ kit to affix fabric with transfer to the inside back panel of the shrine box. Let dry.

2. Using the Little Chica Paint Packs™, coat the shrine box in desired colors of paint and let dry.

3. Turn the box so the protruding side is facing you, and the back is flush. Glue papers from Empowerment Shrine™ Kit to the shrine box flaps. Coat the inside of the box with glue and add glitter from kit, tapping away excess.

4. Glue the yarn around the front frame of the box and along the top. Refer to photo. Trace edges of side panels with glue and sprinkle on glitter. Let dry.

5. Cut out your favorite image from the Mojito Papers™ and glue in the center of the top panel of box.

6. Cut out a piece of paper to fit front of spice jar and use adhesive-backed letters from kit to spell out “wish” on the paper. Glue paper to front of spice jar. Write down your wishes for the New Year and put them in the spice jar. Set the jar inside the shrine. Glue the leaves and flowers in desired locations on shrine. Replace plastic sheet so that the transfer design shows through.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Crafty Chica Cruise vetranas

Ann, Corky, and Alisa - they have been on all three chica cruises!
Here they are modeling tiaras made by Marisa Pawelko, the Modern
Surrealist!

Thank you, chicas!!!

Cool heart boxes in Ensenada

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CRAFT: Papel Picado Luminarias

These started as blank glass lanterns that I bought at IKEA and had planned to paint on them. They sat in my art room for months and finally, one day, I grabbed them and decided to vamp them up, right then and there. My mission for 2009 is to not abandon any orphan surfaces in my workshop. Because then they sit there for years and I'll end up tossing them down the road.

Glitter-on-Glitter Frames

You know when you go to IKEA and come across the frame department, and see those package of cheapie picture holders? I can't resist - I have to buy at least four packs. This is what I do with them. I first base coat them, and then accent with my Crafty Chica glitter. After that, I go on top and add more accents of Tulip 3D Glitter Fashion Paint.

I love layering sprakling properties. It might be a bit excessive to some, but the more the better, I say! Inside the frames, I used Crafty Chica Inspiration Cards. On the front are images that Patrick and I made, and on the other side are affirmations to read and apply to your life to make it more juicy and artful. There are three sets in all, each one has 24 cards.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Fringe-y Laptop Bag

• Aleene's® Fabric Fusion™ Permanent Dry Cleanable Fabric Adhesive™
  
  
• Crafty Chica™ Iron-On Appliques™
  
  

  		25742 Cupcake
  		25743 Chihuahua
  		25745 Butterfly

• Crafty Chica™ Tango Permanent Fabric Markers™
  
  
• Crafty Chica™ Charms™
  
  
• Miscellaneous
  Canvas laptop bag – white
  Ruler
  Fringe – black
  Ribbon – color of choice
  Clothespins
  Ironing board
  Iron
  Thin cotton cloth
  

Instructions

To color bag:

1. Prewash fabric to remove sizing. Do not use fabric softener. Let dry.
2. Use a ruler and the Black Crafty Chica™ Permanent Fabric Marker™ to draw equally spaced diagonal lines on the bag. Draw lines in the opposite direction to create a grid of diamonds.
3. Use the remaining markers to color in each diamond. Refer to photo.
4. Cut strand of fringe to fit length of flap of laptop bag. Apply a thin bead of Aleene’s® Fabric Fusion™ to inside edge of cover flap. Press fringe into glue and let dry. Hold fringe to bag with clothespins if necessary until dry.
5. String the Crafty Chica™ Picture Charms™ onto strands of ribbon and tie ribbons to strap of bag.

To apply appliqués:

1. Read instructions on package thoroughly. Place one appliqué on front flap of bag in desired spot. Preheat iron to “wool” setting.
2. IMPORTANT: Cover appliqué with cloth. Firmly press iron over appliqué, working in small circular motions for 65 seconds. Repeat process if appliqué does not fully adhere to fabric. Repeat step for remaining appliqués.
3. Decorate appliqués with desired Crafty Chica™ washable paints, markers, glitter writers, etc.
4. To wash bag, turn inside out, on gentle cycle. Dry flat or line dry.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Crafting the night away!

Crafty Chica Book Shelf

It took us six hours to drive from Phoenix to San Diego, and that excited me because it translated into six hours of reading a book! I took in Berta Platas' new novel, Lucky Chica. It is the sweetest, funniest book ever! It's about an everyday chica who hits it BIG in the lottery, and how her life changes. It's a fast read because it is so engaging!


While we are on the cruise, in between crafting and eating, we will be reading Gwendolyn Zepeda's Houston We Have a Problema. This is clever book about a young woman trying to find her place in life and relies on a comical psychic to guide her through. Grand Central Publishing donated copies to each cruiser! Thank you, Selina!! (On next year's cruise, we'll have copies of my new novel, I can hardly wait!!!)


On the drive home from San Diego back to Phoenix, if lighting permits, I'll be reading Misa Ramirez's Living The Vida Lola. This is a mystery, chica style! Cute title!



Now, about some other books I recently scored and loved that I highly recommend:


Practically Posh: The Smart Girl's Guide to a Glam Life, by Robyn Moreno. This is a go-to guide for inspirations and tips in everyday life. Robyn is a writer and editor at Woman's Day Magazine and knows her stuff. Her advice is golden!


Button It Up: 80 Amazing Vintage Button Projects for Necklaces, Bracelets, Embellishments, Housewares & More, by Susan Beal. Susan is a genius when it comes to designing classic and cool, functional objects. Here, she offers a world of ideas using only buttons! I'm very excited to make some of these projects!!!


Sew Darn Cute: 30 Sweet & simple Projects to Sew & Embellish, by Jenny Ryan. I *heart* this book because it 100% lives up to the title. Jenny's personality shines through and the projects are irresistible! I have a favorite personal memory about this book. Last year when Jenny and I rallied in front of Ellen's studio for the sake of glitter, Jenny was worried about her book deadline. I was a bad influence. I kept saying, "You only live once!" and stuff like that because I didn't want her to leave, she is so much fun to be around. She stayed!! And look, the book came out beyond perfect!! Speaking of "beyond"...


Last (for now), is another crafty homegirl of mine! This one is Beyond The Bead: Making Jewelry With Unexpected Finds, by Margot Potter. It is all about ditching your predictable jewelry supplies and searching for more unique takes.

Leave a comment sharing your own favorite books, fiction or non-fiction. I'll draw one name and give away a copy of EACH of these books.

BUY BOOKS AND READ, READ, READ!!!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!