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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!
(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!
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!
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!
(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:
- 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?"
- 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.
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!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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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
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
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 3rd, 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 27th, the 10 finalists’ quilts will be posted on Marie’s site, www.marieosmond.com, for public voting. The winners will be announced on May 17th. 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!
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. 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 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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
 | | 25748 Bird with Amiga Heart |
 | | BI15784 Glacier White |
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.
Thank you, chicas!!!
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.
Back to the project...
I always happen to have a supply of papel picado banners on me, as well as Aleene's Crystal Clear Tacky Spray. Doesn't every girl?
What you do is snip off one of the panels from the banner and wrap it around the lantern. Trim as needed. Once you have the right size, go outside and set the banner face down and spray with the adhesive. Let it set for about 30-seconds and then wrap it around the lantern.
If it is crooked, no prob - just peel off and reposition it.
You can use any kind of paper/plastic designs - make your own from contact paper, use foreign newsprint, etc...
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
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!
 | | 25742 Cupcake |
 | | 25743 Chihuahua |
 | | 25745 Butterfly |
To color bag:
To apply appliqués:
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!
(Triple Embellished Canvas Book, by Kathy Cano-Murillo)
Today we set sail for the 3rd annual Crafty Chica Cruise!
Four solid days of crafting, cocktails and chatter. The only sad part is that I'm going to miss the doggies! We have house sitter who will be here to disperse TLC, but it is just not the same. I wish I could bring my five Chihuahuas on the ship. Sure, they would yap at everyone, probably make the crafters spill the glitter, but I bet they would warm up nice.
Maybe not!
Here are the projects we are making, and I'm going to post pictures as we are making them!!!
- Art Card Tiaras
- Triple Embellished Canvas Book
- Day of the Dead Standing Sculpture
- Kamikaze Mixed Media Charm Bracelet
- 3D Pop Art Shadow Box
- Silk Colored Scarf by Yoli Manzo (Sacred Yoli)
- Embossed Metal 101 by Michele Parlee (Artsy Gringa)
- The last class is a secret until we make it, I want the ideas to be spontaneous to the crafters. It involves paper!
Yes, we will be doing the cruise again next year, in March!
I'll be posting pictures, but I wanted to send out a HUGE thank you to the craft companies and book publishers who sent goodies for us to use for our projects! They were all very gracious, speedy and deserve lots of good karma in return.
Please check out their websites and you will see what I mean!!!
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
In addition to all this, I'm bringing lots of official Crafty Chica gear for us to use for our projects.
I'll be photo blogging as much as I can so stayed tuned! *I'll be posting most pictures on my Flickr page, and a few here.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
I recently cut up two of these Mexican fruit totes and didn't want to stash the excess in my fabric bin. I love them too much! If you have some of these totes (or any others you like) hiding in your closet, bring them out and make them part of your decor.
This is in my art room, and I used a staple gun to line the wall area with sparkly fabric, and then punched on the totes. (The stars are hanging from the ceiling)
IDEA: You could staple around the bottom and sides to make them into pockets. Kinda like what I did down here...
Here is a full one that I posted on the wall behind my worktable. This works so good, because now I can stash rolls of things I always lose - like fusible webbing, paper, etc.
**
MY NEW BOOK: "Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-Low-Sew Ideas for the Everyday Crafter".
See the new line of Crafty Chica products at HERE Amazon.com!! All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2009.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
March is not only National Craft Month, it is also National Women's History Month too.
Of course I had to craft something dedicated to women! This is a pocket book I made from a large poster board. It's designed so you can store your dreams and goals in a safe place that has lots of great energy. I picked Frida Kahlo, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mother Teresa and Maya Anjelou.
Supplies:
2 mirror image copies of 4 women who empower you
A quote from each one
Contrasting paper
Trims
Crafty Chica glitters in assorted colors
Crafty Chica papers
1 large poster board
Glue stick
Sewing machine (optional)
ribbon or yarn
Directions: Fold the poster board in half horizontally, one-inch from the top. Now, on the shorter side, fold over a flap, about 1-1/2" . Accordian fold four times, crease. Sew up the creases, if desired. Use the glue stick to cover the pockets and backgrounds with paper. Add the quotes on the folded over flap. Glue the cut out woman on the top of the book on each panel. Glue the mirror image too - that way no matter what direction you look at it, you will see the image.
Embellish with glitter, sequin trim, or anything else. Glue long strands of yarn on the last panel so you can wrap it around your book to keep it closed.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
I want to give a HUGE shout out and hug to everyone who reviewed, mentioned or had a contest for my sewing book! I read each and every post and comment and am so blown away - thank you! Most of all - thank you to all of YOU, who bought it and made it my best selling book to date, not to mention Potter Craft for publishing it :-)
Please, please check out these brilliant web sites from very talented creative peeps. I hope I didn't leave anyone off the list! Please message me if I did!
Thank you!!!
Rachel Hobson, Average Jane Crafter
Megan Teliano, Material Mama
Susan Beal of Craft Stylish
Craft Gossip (LOVE the comments!!)
Berta Platas, novelist
Misa Ramirez, novelist
Christy Peterson, GetCrafty.com
Jennifer McGuire, Blue Mama
Udandi
Girlfriendology
Cameron Blazer, http://cottage-industrialist.com
Lisa Lam, U-Handbag
Viva La Feminista
Rob Walker, The New York Times
Confessions of a Craft Addict
Craft Zine
Sacred Yoli
Sharon Neth
Craft Critique
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Cruise thanks are coming tomorrow!!!
Here is the FIRST craft project I ever made for the newspaper that was published. 1999. I had given it to my Aunt Connie years ago and her daughter (my cousin), CeCe, begged to let her have it for her patio. When I was at CeCe's for a party recently, I saw this birdbath and gasped! I forgot about it!
What you do is take three graduated sizes of planters, plus one large saucer. Turn the pots upside down and stack them. Use a chalk marker to make a line where they will meet and then decorate. Let them dry, stack them and then set the saucer on top, also painted. Make sure to use a heavy all-weather varnish over the entire surface so it will last for years to come!
If you don't want to use it as a birdbath, you can use it to hold anotherplanter, as seen in the photo, or anything else you want!
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
Looking to do something different? How about making your own translucent paper filled with glitter, crayon shavings and even flower pedals? The rule in this game is to find as many small, flat objects as possible. You'll sandwich them between waxed paper and fuse them with heat - an iron.
You can then use your sheets for wrapping paper, scrapbooks, card making, etc. I used mine to make these notecards.
Supplies:
Colored card stock
Envelopes
1 roll of waxed paper
Ballpoint pen
Scissors
Assortment of brightly colored flat objects: small pictures, confetti, glitter, leaves, pressed flowers, etc.
Crayon shavings
Blank sheet of paper
Iron
Hole punch
Thin ribbon, string or jute
Directions: Work on a flat surface. Cut your colored card stock to match the size of your envelopes. Crease down the center. Tear off a sheet of waxed paper and fold in half. Open the creased card and lay it on top of the two layers of waxed paper. Draw a line around the card to measure the size. Cut out the waxed paper. Fold the waxed paper in half to create creases that will fit perfectly on the outside of your card.
Decide which corner of the waxed paper you would like to make your cover; open the sheet flat (there will be four squares) and lay your centerpiece image in the middle of the desired square. Surround it with your flat objects for embellishment. Use crayon shavings to help fuse the sheets of waxed paper.
Set iron on low. Fold the top sheet of the waxed paper down over your design. Lay a sheet of white paper on top and firmly glide iron on top of the paper. Repeat. Lift the white paper and peel the waxed-paper sheet from your work space.
Slip it over the card. The colored card will show through. Punch a hole on the top and bottom of the center crease, then thread ribbon through and tie in center. Use scalloped scissors on bottom of waxed paper to create a fancy trim.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
1. Before painting, always prewash fabric to remove sizing. Do not use fabric softener. Shake bottles of paint well. Place a Fashion Form inside layers of fabric to prevent paint from seeping through.
2. Mix green and white paint on foil, to create a lime color or any other that you desire.
3. Lay rose stencil on T-shirt and tape ends down.
4. Dab sponge in paint and lightly pounce up and down to create a thin layer of paint. Let dry and repeat.
5. May be washed in 72 hours. Machine wash warm on gentle cycle. Do not use harsh detergents or bleach. Remove promptly and line dry. To iron, turn garment inside out, being careful not to touch design with iron. Do not dry-clean.
When I was at CHA in January, I stopped by to say ho-lahh to Leah Kramer (Craftser.org) during her demo in the indie craft area. As expected, she offered an adorable idea: Customized floral hair clips! Before her say a buffet of bins filled with silk flowers, accompanied by a tray of hair clips. We were to choose different flower pieces (after they had all been separated) and put them back together in our own style. I made one, wore it for the rest of the show and recieved scores of compliments! Even better, when I brought it home, Maya snatched it up. She even used it in one of her videos. That definately upped the cool factor for my clip! This project is so fast with a great pay-off, I thought I'd share it with you.
Here is how to make one:
Buy several silk flowers in different colors, styles and sizes (dollar store). Also buy plastic hair clips and little doodads for the center of your flower - gems, crystals, vintage earrings, buttons, etc...
Separate the silk flower pedals from the stem by removing the plastic backing. Keep the center stem!
Build your own flower creation by mixing and matching the pedals and replacing them on the center stem piece.
Hot glue the center accent.
Hot glue to the hair clip!
Here is my Crafty Chica touch - spritz some Tulip Fabric Glitter Spray over the whole thing!
Here is Maya's video :-)
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
Photog shooting pics of our studio.
Originally uploaded by craftychica
Here is Barbara, a photog taking pics of our studio. This is just one wall. Imagine what the other three look like!
Life is too short to have a boring mailbox. I'm not saying to glue plastic flamingos all over it with flashing lights (although that would be really cool!), but a little decoration wouldn't hurt! The key to this project is to use an ultra thick varnish to seal everything in! I made this for my friend, Sadie Jo.
I used a metal box and covered it with spray paint and decoupaged stamp-themed wrapping paper. I added wire wrapped accents, colored marbles and sealed the whole thing in outdoor-proof varnish. It won't hold up forever, at least not in Arizona, but it'll be nice for a season or two. Then you can whip up a new version!
If you don't want to use it as a mailbox, you can set it in your garden or art room to use as storage.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
These are two dear friends of mine, two of my favorite people, and they found love!!! They had been friends for many years and that friendship grew into romance. Today they married and the wedding rocked! Congrats Randy and Maura, I love you two very much and am so happy for you!
Say hello to my new little friends!
The kids are with Patrick's family up north this weekend, so Patrick and I thought we'd have some quality time. We went for a nice breakfast this morning and on the way home decided to stop at the Ranch Market.
I lovvve, lovvve, lovvve Ranch Market. I lose myself there. It is a store like no other, all gourmet Mexican groceries, party supplies, fresh fish market, a bakery, and the coolest import items you will ever see this side of the border. This is where I buy my Chihuahua banks - but they have been out of them for a year-and-a-half. The last batch I had to buy on eBay for a ridiculous amount of money. I gave up hope.
We strolled in, holding hands, all lovey dovey, and then - I gasped and broke into a pogo dance of excitement. Patrick rolled his eyes. "Oh no," he said. "Oh, YES!" I replied.
There, perched atop the seven-foot-tall dairy case sat not ONE, not TWO, not THREE, not FOUR - but about SIX Chihuahua banks peeking over the edge, beckoning my attention.
I ran over and put my foot on the rail to scale the side of the case when a young clerk rushed over and stopped me. He volunteered to get me the banks.
"How many would you like?" he asked.
"ALL OF THEM!!" I sang out, opening my arms up like Moses when he parted the Red Sea.
He chuckled and handed me every one. I noticed there were MORE at the other other end of the dairy case.
"Let me go get you a cart, plus I need a ladder," the clerk said. He knew I wanted the others too. Kinda obvious, I guess.
Patrick walked behind me as I snapped a picture of the banks on display. I looked down the crowded aisle to see a security guard approaching, and the young clerk behind him. The security guard confronted me to warn that absolutely NO pictures were allowed. He seemed grumpy. The clerk scooted him out of the way and propped the ladder against the case.
Next thing I knew, the clerk was standing ON TOP of the dairy case. He scrunched over so his head would not hit the ceiling. He hollered to me, while holding on to a tall copper horse for balance, "Hey, there's about a dozen more up here! Want them??"
That's the spirit! I thought. I wanted to take a picture of this scene soooo bad, but the security guard crowded my space, and I didn't want to risk being thrown out of Ranch Market and losing my banks. So... just imagine the scenario, OK?
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" I squealed, clapping my hands.
Patrick shook his head, left the aisle. I think he felt embarrassed. Um, whatever!
The clerk handed me the rest of the banks and I gently layered them in my cart. I then held the ladder so he could climb back down to safety. He asked me what I did with them and I explained that I covered them in glitter. He didn't quite know how to respond.
Anyhoo - get this...
I turned around to haul away my goods and saw a lady PICKING OUT THE BANKS FROM MY CART!
Appalled, I told her she could have *one*. My mama taught me to share, and I didn't want to steal the opportunity of Chihuahua bank joy from others, right? One seemed very generous to me.
One.
This lady took FIVE! She dang picked over each one and plucked them out as if she were choosing avocados to make guacamole. She reached for 1 of 2 black Chihuahua banks that resembled my little Bootsie. I shooed her hand away. "Please," I begged. "Not that one, I want that one."
The security guard, Patrick and the clerk noticed the tension. They waited with baited breath, wondering if there would be a ChiChi smackdown and when they should intervene to prevent it.
"Let the woman have her dog banks," her husband said, tugging at her elbow.
I smiled and told her to enjoy her banks. She must really dig Chihuahuas. I had the fever too when I first saw the banks, I could relate. Plus, I still had a hecka lotta them in my cart. I'm trying to save some cash for next week's cruise.
"Thanks!" she said, as her husband pulled her away. She had a look in her eye that she would try to take one more if I didn't swoop out of there. I spun around and headed for the other direction.
I reached the check-out and counter and happily lined up my army of banks on the conveyor belt. My hands acted on their own - I swear my brain told them to stop - and pulled out my camera and snapped a picture. Patrick scolded me and left for outside, mad.
My turn to pay arrived amidst the gawkers (hello, they are just banks!). The larger banks were not priced. The cashier called over the manager, and she gave a number that was $3 higher than what I paid last time. I informed her and she apologized and said she had to charge me that amount because she just charged another lady that price (yup, the same one who snatched them from my cart).
I quickly inspected every bank and found one that had the correct (lower price). I ended up paying less, while the other lady paid $15 too much. I did not wish it on her. I chalked it up to karma!
When I exited the store, Patrick had his maddog attitude going on. Between the clerk having to climb on top of the display case, the security guard following my every move, and the two dozen Chichuahua banks - I guess he didn't see this adventure as "quality time".
"Can't we ever come here without a scene?" he asked. "I wanted to ask that clerk to give me banks and put you up on top of the dairy case. With a price tag!"
Ahhh, husbands!
On the drive home, he asked me what I plan to do with them. I told him maybe I'd decorate them, do a gallery show and auction them off, donate the proceeds. Maybe have a Chihuahua art night. He started to share ideas. We brainstormed awesome game plans and then recanted the Ranch Market experience, play-by-play. We laughed until our sides hurt.
Whew! Patrick had loosened up. He even admitted to be happy we bought them. "You know what this means though, right?"
"Huh?" I asked.
"What you did today - it totally solidifies you as the Crazy Chihuahua Lady. no. Make that, the Crazy CRAFTY Chihuahua Lady!"
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. I love Chihuahuas so much, we even have a patch on our product line! Patrick drew it!
If you want the look of resin filled bottlecaps, but don't want to mess with, well...the resin - here is an easy alternative. Glass pebbles!
First cut out your images so they fit behind the flat, clear glass pebbles. Use Aleene's Original Tacky Glue to affix the picture frontwards on the back of the pebble. The glue will dry clear. Next, use Liquid Fusion to glue the pebble to the inside of the bottlecap. Use a liner brush to coat the remaining open areas of the bottlecap and then pour on the Crafty Chica glitter! Tap away excess, let dry and use Liquid Fusion to secure a mighty magnet to the back of the bottlecap!
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
This tote comes with a silk screened heart, but why color in th elines when you can let your pens explode all over the fabric! I decorated this from edge to edge and love the look of it!
1. Using your Crafty Chica™ Permanent Fabric Markers™ in Tango, color the inside of the heart with the color of your choice and accent with a darker marker.
2. Add additional border colors around the outer shape of the heart. Add swirls within or polka dots along each border color.
3. Add polka dots along outside edge of bag.
4. Draw hearts or add your own creative designs in the four corners, and then along the sides of the bag.
5. Decorate strap, using photo as a guide.
6. Turn inside out to wash.
This box can be a spiffy showcase for your kooky collectibles, magazines, or a puppet theater for your little ones. Oooh, maybe a secret bookcase!
I took a wood fruit crate, spray painted it and added painted legs. I used two eye hooks, one on each side at the top and hung a thin dowel. I made the curtains, added fringe and slid them on the dowel. This is what happens when I'm stressed or bored, I look around at things in my house that arenot decorated and give them a makeover. It's silly, but super cute. I love the lucha bobbleheads!
If you want this project more Martha-than-Chica, go with sleek fabric and solid colored, smooth legs. You could even line the inside of the crate with a smoother surface.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
I cannot believe how fast 2009 is speeding by! Next week at this time, I'll be packing for the 3rd annual Crafty Chica Cruise! 50 of us are set to sail to Mexico to craft our worries away! I am blown away at the amount of support we've received for this project.
Three years ago Sea Cruises called me about it. I figured I'd give it a try, and if no one signed up, I'd have that weekend free. Well, 20 people joined that first year. Now we capped it at 50. I like the group small because of the one-on-one relationship with guests. I remember last year my time zones were jumbled and I accidentally showed up in the craft room at 6 a.m. - and there was Belen (now a dear friend of mine) crafting away while the sun rose. It gave us both time to breathe and relax before the day's jam-packed adventures!
Check out how much we have grown: The first year of the cruise we had just a few sponsors, companies who graciously donated supplies for us without the blink of an eye. Duncan Enterprises loaded us up with Aleene's Tacky Glue, Paper Glaze, and Tulip 3D Fashion Paint (little did I know I'd someday work for them!!), Jenny Hart gave us embroidery kits, Chronicle Books sent over Mexican Calendar Girl postcards, Linda Young from Art Unraveled gave us totes, and HarperCollins sent books. We pretty much winged the rest. I remember making dozens of hand painted skulls for use in one of the workshops. Um, actually, I'm doing the same this year!
The second year was even better! We had close to 40 cruisers. The same sponsors stepped up, as well as new ones - 11 total! Here is a link to see the wrap up from last year's cruise!
This year - drum roll...we have 22 sponsors! I'm going to be listing them all next week because I want to take pictures of the hearty things they sent. We're getting books, totes, tools, stickers, iron-ons, canvases, fabric books, charms, milagros, handmade papers, paint brushes, vintage ephemera, jewelry findings, fabrics, and more. Oh, and of course CRAFTY CHICA GOODIES too!!
Without these companies, there would be no cruise, that is how we keep the price hundreds of dollars lower than other craft cruises (but the others are worth every penny, don't get me wrong!). My view is that I wanted to make this cruise affordable so people of all economic backgrounds and ages could experience it. And I'm serious - last year we had an 11-year-old who saved up her babysitting money to come! Her mom came too, of course! Isn't that so cool??
Aside from the generous sponsors, some of the repeat chica cruisers are volunteering to help Patrick and myself coordinate the shipping of supplies, stuffing the totes, the workshops and demos. All the cruisers are making artist trading cards so we can swap them when we meet each other at the opening party. Not to mention, this year our kids (and Patrick's mom and uncle!) are coming with us to help too - Patrick is spending every night this week training them!
So before I start posting about the cruise updates and such, I just wanted to send a triple thick shout out to everyone who has supported this venture over the past three years! And those of you who can't make it this year, no worries, I'll be posting the project pictures and directions so you can make the creations at home. We'll synch our clocks so we all sip on rum punches and sprinkle our Crafty Chica glitter at the same time! How's that???
BTW, we are considering expanding the number of attendees or the amount of days for March 2010. And because my novel will be out then, I may add a writing/publishing angle to it. Writing and crafting, what do you think? Please leave me your feedback on this in the comment section!
And those of you who are going - 11 days until we leave!
OK, I do believe I've reached my exclamation point limit for the night. I'm off to go work in the art room! The clock is ticking!
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
Here is a picture of something I made a long time ago. It's a glass pitcher that I decorated with designs using rubber cement. Yah! rubber cement! After you doodle all over it, (I poured the RC into a squeeze bottle), you use glass spray paint to add color, and then wash off the rubber cement. It acts as a paint resist for hard surfaces! I like how the gold paint makes it look sort of retro-y. If you don't have rubber cement, you could use stickers.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
Here is a picture from my cousin's birthday party last week. My cousin CeCe sure knows how to throw a fiesta. By 7 p.m. everyone was up and dancing - and we even busted out in a conga line!
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
When Patrick and I first started to craft professionally, this flower pot was our top seller. We made hundreds of them for Bloomingdales, as well as Hallmark and many other stores. They were featured in Gourmet Magazine, Sunset Magazine and Latina Magazine! One difference - we used the Loteria cards from Mexico. Little did we know back then that someday we would have our own game that we designed ourselves!
Here is how you can make your own!
 | | 25694 Glamour Queen Green |
"Santa Martita", photo illustration by Kathy Cano-Murillo.
In the New York Times article that came out yesterday, there is a quote by me about Martha:
“Martha has always been an inspiration to me, in a weird way, because I cannot do her type of crafts, no matter how hard I try,” Cano-Murillo says. “So my thing has been embracing that I can’t do it — and celebrating my own style.”I just wanted to expand on this a little bit, because I didn't mean to sound disrespectful to Ms. Martha. She is the patron saint of glue guns in my book! I love to make things and give things. I love to use glue, glitter, paper, fabric in creative ways. As we all know, Martha does too. Her ideas have inspired all of us. I am constantly impressed by her craftiness - and to think she is just as devoted to gardening, cooking, and entertaining too? Sheesh! I'm happy just having time to wind up my sequin trim.
Thursday night I had my signing at Changing Hands in Tempe. It was going to be a tricky night because Patrick had a gig at the Sail Inn in Tempe. We decided he would go with me to my event and then we'd go together to his.
My book signing turned out great. An energetic, diverse crowd. Thank you to those of you who showed up! As soon as my signing ended, we packed up and practically flew over to the Sail Inn. Patrick rocked his solo set, and we decided to hang out and see the next act - a South African marimba group.
Now about the girl in the photo.
Someone bought Patrick a beer, but he didn't have time to drink it right away because he needed to load his equipment in our car before the marimba band started. He set the beer down by me (I stood at the bar), asked me to "guard it", and said he would be right back after he finished loading up. I leaned against the counter and scoped out the crowd. Just then, the girl in the photo comes up and our convo went like this:
HER: "What's up with that beer? You drinkin' it?"
ME: "It's my husband's. He asked me to guard it."
HER: "Oh - nuh-uh! No one leaves a beer alone like that. Gimme some of it!"
She thrusts her empty plastic cup in front of me.
ME: "I can't. It's my husband's. I'm guarding it for him."
HER: "Nuh-uh. Pour some in my cup!"
ME: "OK!"
I pour a thimble-sized about in her cup.
She holds it up, winces and wags the cup near Patrick's beer.
HER: Come on, girl! Pour more that that! I need it for what I'm about to do!
ME: "OK! OK!"
I pour almost all of Patrick's beer in her cup - wondering if this will help or hurt what she is 'about to do'...
She downed it in one chug, and then headed for the stage. She motioned to the marimba percussion player to join her. He appeared kinda confused, but they both climbed up. Like me, he didn't dare refuse her demand. She grabbed the mic from the stand and began to say "Check. Check."
At the same time, Patrick comes back, stands by me, and looks at his near-empty cup.
"What happened to my beer?" he says, shocked, bummed and mad all rolled into one.
"She made me pour it in her cup!" I said, pointing to the stage.
"WHO???" he asks, as we both turn and look - right at that moment she breaks out with a full-on rap! I mean, just out of nowhere, she took the floor and did her thang. She wasn't half bad. If she had a proper back-up band and set up, she would have sounded more legit. After she finished, pulled down the snug hem of her super short polyester dress while the crowd offered a weak clap. The air felt a teeny bit awkward. She stepped off the stage, careful, so she wouldn't topple over in her tall metallic heels and strutted back to the bar. She tried to act all cool, but I knew her heart was racing.
She glanced over at Patrick and myself.
"Hey girl, you drank my beer!" Patrick hollered to her. "...but it's cool because you did a good job up there..." I supported his statement by giving her two enthusiastic thumbs up!! (NOTE: Um, two thumbs up to a brickhouse chica who just threw down some rhymes? Ugh, I hate my corniness!).
Talk about courage on her part! I'll admit, at first she kinda scared me when she made me give up the suds, but that vibe vanished and was replaced by admiration. Don't you ever wish you could have the guts to do something like that? Just hop up on stage and belt out a song in front of a club full of strangers?
"Thanks," she replied, slightly dejected. "Hey - if you liked it, buy me a beer!"
We laughed and bought her a round. She downed it just as her taxi pulled up. She went to leave and then stopped, turned and mini-jogged back to me. She gave me a huge hug and a kiss on my cheek. "Thank you," she said. And she left. I never even learned her name! But the experience added to the already memorable night. Her impromptu gig made a great me think about a video I watched on my friend Stacy's Facebook page earlier in the day. It's about facing your fears head on!
Whether you want to enter your designs or writing in a contest, or sing in front of strangers - go for it! At least you can say you tried, right? Oh, and the beer hijacking is optional.
Here is the link in case you can't see the video.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. My dad is walking around on his new leg and even started driving again! Yay!!!
(Photo by Andrea Spyros of Handmade Galleries)
I turn anything and everything into appliques! Iron-ons, images from old shirts, images from fabric, etc. It's a great way to get that last little bit of mileage out of your fabric scraps!
1. Cut out your image with pinking shears. Lay the fabric on top of a contrasting piece of fabric.
2. Stitch it in contrasting thread on your machine or by hand with embroidery thread. Only stitch half way around.
3. Add a pinch of batting or fiber stuffing and stitch up the other half.
4. Sew onto a fabric collage, shirt, jeans, etc!
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
| I Recommend | |
 | Crafty Chica™ Chunky Glitters™ $2.99 |
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Crafty Chica™ Loteria Game™
$8.99 |
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Crafty Chica™ Love Shrine™ Workshop-in-a-Box™ $12.99 |
 |
Crafty Chica™ Iron-On Design™ $3.99 |
 |
Crafty Chica™ Charms™ $3.99 |
