CRAFTY de Mayo! Free Glitter!

Our friends South of the Border have sure been through a lot of heartaches lately - issues we won't go into! Let's think positive. Tuesday is Cinco de Mayo, which means fiestas are already in full force. For me that means friends, a few margaritas, some Tacky Glue, scrapbook paper, and glitter for what I call "Crafty de Mayo".

Here's how you do it right. Gather up some friends and have a Crafty de Mayo party! Make it like a potluck, where everyone brings a dish, one type of craft supply to share, and an iPod mix to play. Practice speaking Spanish. Choose something to make, at the end of th eparty, trade your projects with eachother by drawing names.

If you are in need of something make for your Crafty de Mayo party, I've compiled some of my favorite Mexi-craft projects for you to consider!

PRIZE: Choose a project from the list below for your Crafty de Mayo party. Use at least ONE Crafty Chica product in it (. Send me a picture of your guests (four or more) holding up their finished masterpieces - and I'll send you a jar of Crafty Chica glitter for each guest (limit 6). First 3 entrants only!

Loteria Flower Pot


Frida Fiesta Place Mat


Reverse Painted Candy Dishes


Mexican Calendar Art Coasters

I have way too many projects to list them all here, but I've chosen some of my favorites for you to make in time for next week! I'll also be posting projects several times a day through Tuesday, so fire up that glue gun!

Lucha Libre Cupcake Toppers
La Rosa Stenciled Tee
Cigar Box Birdhouse
Las Flores Crown
Super Chanclas de la Cumbia!
Guayabera Shirt Laptop Cover
Margarita Glass Candles
Papel Picado Luminarias
Sacred Heart Fabric Collage Handbag
Loteria Hurricane Lantern
Mexican Ice Cream Tank top
Firme Fabric Appliques
Lucha Libre Crafts
Cine Mexicano Postcard Pillows
Chip and Salsa Set
Super Santito Shadow Box
Spanish Language Pottery
Fiesta Patio Lights
Frida Jewelry Set
Chica Fabric Collage
Easy Tissue Paper Flowers
Suerte Love Charm
Embossecd Virgin of Guadalupe Necklace
Chile Can Candlerarias
Mexican Cowgirl Collage
El Sol Tropical Tote
Frida-inspired Pillowcase
Mexican Record Album Tote
Mexican Love Shrines
Sacred Heart iPhone Case
El Pastelito Greeting Card
Stamped Tissue Flower Pins
Empanada Pin Cushions

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Pop Up Cards (in progress)

Just goofing around with cards and paper. Still developing a more elaborate version of this one...

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Amy Sedaris to write new craft book

Yahoo News just announced today that Amy Sedaris is writing a follow up to her best-seller, Hospitality Under the Influence - and it will be themed all around our favorite subject: CRAFTS!

It is due out in 2010 by Grand Central Publishing.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

SIGNAGE: Tools for Sale!

My dad is one-of-a-kind. He is on dialysis, lost his leg to cancer, wears a pacemaker, and recently fell and hurt his back.

And he still keeps active with what he loves to do!! He has a garage sale every so often to weed out his tools. He has hundreds of hammers, wrenches, and drills that he has used since he was a teenager for woodworking, car body repair, metalsmithing, jewelry making, and all kinds of other mantastic activities. Every Saturday, DeAngelo goes over to help him. Last Saturday after dropping off Deangelo there, I checked out my dad's buffer thingies (name?? heavy tabletop machines that have two wheels on each end - a buffer and a sander/grinder), which I've always wanted for my own workshop. As I scoured through the hammers and anvils, I noticed him sketching something.

Tired of his boring marker-on-foamcore signs that he set in front of the house, he decided to upgrade his promotions and make a sign from wood. I watched as he drew the block letters and then talked about how he was going to use latex housepaint.

My hands began to quiver...

"Can I make your signs?" I asked.

"Sure!" he said. He handed me pieces of wood and I asked how he wanted them painted. "Just make sure the letters are even and that they are colorful."

Ooooh, little did he know that left it wide open for me to go to town! I used my Crafty Chica paints for the background and letters and then I outlined them with Tulip 3D Glittered Fashion Paint. I added a background of polkadots and then sealed it all in with high gloss varnish.

I dropped them off, and my sister took them and goes, "Wow, these are colorful."

"Dad said to make them COLORFUL!" I shot back defensively. (My parents house is decorated in nuetral shades.)

"No - I mean they are really cool, he'll like them!" she said.

I had so much fun with this project that I'm going to make my own version for my front door. It won't say "tools for sale", but something more like 'Home Sweet Home' - something along that line...

So next time you need a yard sale sign, pick up some light wood fromt he craft store and give it a paint job. You can nail it to two stakes to insert into your lawn, or a folding stand if it is for the sidewalk. Have fun with it - if your sign looks exciting and happy, it will increase the chances of people stopping by. Everyone likes happy, right???

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Linocuts and Block Printing, Part One

I recently discovered the art of making linocuts and prints. Yes, I am well aware that I am tardy to the carving party, but better late than never, correct?

This is just a sneak peek of my first attempts. I'll have a full tutorial coming up soon, along with a project to use these on! I was just so excited, I wanted to share my first try! VERY happy with the results and I'm excited to take it to the next level!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Last Cake Standing!

My friend Stacy sent me a video from Last Cake Standing from the Food Network. Look at this amazing cake one of the contestants made!! Click on the link ot see the video.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

"Artful Sewing" Outtake: Pocket Page Purse

I was cleaning out some of my computer files this weekend and came across outtakes from my "Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing" book (still going strong, yay!!!).

This photo was from our first photo shoot. My editors discussed it and asked us to reshoot outdoors, which I'm so glad we did! It went on to become the My Life is An Adventure Pocket Purse. In the book, we used the rectangular version. This was the secondary bag that did not make the final cut. It's still super cute though!

I've had people write me to say how much they liked this idea and ask how I came up with the idea. Hereis the story: During my newspaper career, long before I started writing the craft column, I worked as a photo stylist and coordinator for the entertainment section. It was my job to set up and style photo shoots. I also had to keep all the photo slides organized for the page designers. To do that, I kept them in these slide protector sheets within big black binders. I loved that the pages had all those little pockets. I remember thinking how fun it would be to take a page with me and collect small things from throughout my day and insert them in those tiny compartments and then hang it up on my wall. As you can tell, I used to daydream a lot back then while sorting those slides!

When the time came for me to sketch purses for the book outline, I immediately remembered the slide protector pages. I wondered if they even had them anymore! They did! I bought a box at a local photography shop. In the end - the idea morphed into the purse.

The complete directions are in my book, but I wanted to share this picture and the concept! Here is a tip - whenever you are sewing through vinyl or plastic - always use Sewer's Aid on your needle and presser foot, it will make it glide on through!

Another idea is to use a pocket shower curtain (also sew on a liner to make it more sturdy!).

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

"Inspired at Home" Radio - I'm on this week!

Have you heard of Inspired at Home? It's a new site and radio show aimed at motivating people to get crafty! It's not just any craft show, it is run by home arts royalty!

This is from the web site!

Inspired by their remarkably creative lives, Tiffany Windsor, Candace Liccione and Heidi Borchers, are delighted to share with you their ideas for living a creative life. As daughters of Aleene Jackson, renown pioneer of the arts & crafts industry and creator of Aleene's Tacky Glue, the Creativity Sisters are delighted to welcome you to Inspired at Home!

I'm very flattered and excited to be a guest this Sunday at 7pm ET, (6 pm Central - 5 pm Mountain - 4 pm Pacific). I'll talk about my experience of putting together my latest book, as well as the behind-the-scenes of the new Crafty Chica product line!

If you have never used Blog Talk Radio, you will be pleasantly surprised. It is like a web site full of podcasts, except people can call in and interact with you. So you can talk and answer questions, have guests, etc. There are all kinds of shows with topics ranging from UFOS and parenting to books and crafting of course! It's a way to have your own radio show!

Now about Sunday! First you will need to go to the upper left hand corner of the Blog Talk Radio site and register as a listener. This is good because it figures out your time zone and you can check out all the other shows and set up little reminders. You can call into a live show, or just click on the button to hear past episodes. Next, at the start time, you will call (646) 929-2406 and follow the directions. It is really easy!

I hope you'll tune into Inspired at Home this Sunday. The other guest on the show is my good friend Joan Fee from Express Your Creativity!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Painted & Glittered Hinged Wallet

OK, first of all, you'll have to forgive me for these photos. My daughter took my memory card from my camera to a party tonight, so I had to use my iPhone camera to get this project posted!

You know how hinged wallets are everywhere these days? Well, I saw a glittered vinyl purple one recently and could not resist buying it, even though I knew from the start it would be too thin to hold everything I need. Anyway. I bought it, and in true Crafty Chica spirit - I immediately altered it to make it my own.


First I stamped on it using an Aztec-themed design and a permanent black inkpad. Next, I painted the girl, and then used a stencil for the sun - which I then used Aleene's Paper Glaze to affix Crafty Chica Goddess Gold Glitter to it. I let it all dry and then set out a sheet of wax paper and whipped up a small batch of two-part resin. I opened the wallet so it would lay flat on the wax paper (with the bottom and top facing up) and I ever-so-carefully applied a coat of resin to my artwork. I also used a straw to blow out bubbles.

I let it set over night and the next morning I patted myself on the back for a job well done. The effect is a brilliant shine and surprisingly, the resin is not super hard, it's perfect! The texture of the wallet is still as cushiony as it was before.

I must admit, I love the effect so much that now I'm on the hunt for more glittered hinged wallets! I even showed it to my boss, Valerie, and I asked her if she wanted me to make her one. "Oh, Kathy, no it's ok, you don't have to..." she replied. And then she paused, looked at it again and said, "OK, Yah, I want one!" I got "wow-this-is-really-a-rad-project" goosebumps! I feel kinda the same way I did with those chandeliers - I want to just drop everything and go into the glittered/resined hinged wallet business!

Bring 'em on!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

"Indulge" Treasure Box

After juggling so many chores, duties and responsibilities, we all need a little bit of indulgence, don't you think? I do. That's why I made this box to remind me of that. I took a plain wood box and decorated it with paints and glitter and used the "indulge" card from one of the Crafty Chica Inspiration Decks.

After you have based coated the box, glittered the edges and glued down the card, add a layer of Aleene's Original Tacky Glue over the image and around the seams of the card. This will prevent seapage of the next step, plus make everything melt together for a polished, finished look. Now add a couple coats of high gloss spray varnish to seal it all in.

So what do you put inside the box? This is what I do - I write down little notes of things I like to indulge in and fold them up and put them in the box. Things like "Go get a fruit smoothie!" or "Go ask Patrick for a back rub!" "Step away from your current task and read one chapter of the book you are currently reading."Go take two bites of whatever dessert is in the fridge." "Go for a walk around the block for fresh air."

Everyday, at no specific time - when you feel like you need a treat, open the box and pick one out. Let it be a little surprise to perk you up!

You get the idea. This is a fun project to make for Mother's Day too! In fact - make one for you and your mom!
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Patrick's art on The Cougar TV show!

Those are his paintings in the background! He blogged about it HERE.

Ozzy getting ready to read.

The lenses are just clear :-)

Why does my family have so many eyeglasses??

Introducing...MantasticCrafts.com!

www.MantasticCrafts.com by Patrick Murillo.

It is Patrick's new web site, designed by Jacob Dietz from Porchlight MCG! Jacob is the magic man behind CraftyChica.com, and when we told him what we wanted for Patrick's site, he perfectly captured the energy and spirit!

Patrick has been tinkering with his new toy for the past month and today he granted me permission to share it with all of you! When I met Patrick, he was an aspiring architect working a day job at the traffic court. He is the one who ultimately talked me into decoupaging pictures onto wood boxes, and string beads into jewelry back in the day, and the rest is history! If it were not for him, there would be no crafty chica! For many years, his paintings served as our main source of income, and I'm so happy he finally has the cyber home he deserves!

Here is the REAL reason he wanted a site, heh-heh. He got tired of people asking him, "If she is the Crafty Chica, does that make you the Crafty Chico?" His machismo side emerged and he would say "NO! I am not the Crafty Chico!" One day he replied, "I'm into mantastic crafts. She's the Crafty Chica, and I'm the Mantastic Crafter..." And we both looked at eachother and raised one eyebrow - because it just clicked. We came home and bought the URL and he wrote his artist's statement.

Wow, so now we have three brands in our family: Crafty Chica, Maya in the Moment and now Mantastic Crafts! Drop Patrick a note to say hi, or leave him a comment. He is a shy blogger, I'm trying to lure him out of his typing shell. DeAngelo will be helping him with taking pictures and posting them. Although I'm not sure if I'll like that because you may finally learn the other side of all my kooky stories from Patrick's perspective...eek!

Read yesterday's blog post! His paintings were in a background shot of that new TV show called The Cougar on TV Land!

And double thanks with whipped cream and a cherry to those of you who already signed up for the next cruise! Jim from ScrapMap.com emailed me about a few hours after I posted the info and told me that people had been calling all afternoon to register. This cruise is going to RAWK!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

APRIL 2010: 4th Annual Crafty Chica Art Cruise!

Thanks to Jim West and the shiny team at ScrapMap.com, all the details are set in place for the 4th Annual Crafty Chica Art Cruise!

Special guest: superstar podcaster and savvy crafter, Sister Diane of CraftyPod.com! She will be reporting from our event and sharing some of her amazing crafty energy!

I took the feedback from the last cruise (yay, we added one more night to the package!) and put together a fun 6-day artsy adventure. Here are all the details! What I love the most is that there is only a $50 deposit. And if you sign up now, you can make monthly payments of $75! We are also including a special "Crafty Chica" t-shirt that we can all wear on the ship during the cruise!

CALL 1-877-887-1188 TO REGISTER!

Crafty Chica Cruise 2010!

DATE: April 10-15, 2010 (5 nights/6 days)
PORT: San Diego
WHERE: Cabo San Lucas (2 days in town, 2 crafting days at sea)
COST: $663.00 Inside Cabin. $710.00 Window Cabin (based on double occupancy). Discount for roomies who do not want to craft but want to join in all other group festivities.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Accommodations onboard the Carnival Elation, port charges, all taxes.
All meals, entertainment
Farewell cocktail party
Special totebag and gifts
Art swaps
5 Crafty Chica workshops/1 Mantastic Craft workshop
3 mini workshops ($5 each)
Crafty Chica T-shirt
Prizes
Book reading from Kathy’s new novel
Art technique demos
Mercado night (on the last night, we set up the room as a private art fair - bring your art to sell!)
Surprises galore!

OPTIONAL: Private arts & crafts shopping tour on the second day in Cabo. Info TK.

CLASSES: We will be making a tree of life sculpture, glittered resin collage jewlery, plus others including tin, fabric/sewing, assemblage, paper arts. Theme is always self empowerment, making visual representations of your life goals, and discovering something new about yourself!

TWO SWAPS: 1. Artist Trading Cards to trade on the first night. 2. Secret swap to be exchanged at the closing cocktail party!

DAY OF THE DEAD COMMUNITY ALTAR: We will make and assemble a beautiful altar to celebrate the lives of our loved ones and friends who have passed away. Cruisers are invited to bring or make a small shrine to add to this.

ALL SUPPLIES INCLUDED: We bring more than enough supplies and tools! Students are encouraged (but not required) to bring personal/favorite supplies, scrap fabric, task lamp, trims etc.

CRAFT ROOM PLUS DINING WORK ROOM!: We will have our own 24/7 craft room - AND access to a large dining room during the days with plenty of sunlight, and spacious tables to create on.

Aside from crafting, there will be shopping in Cabo, entertainment, a full casino, a $10 shop, coffee bar, karaoke, Bingo, a spa, (cost is separate).

$50 deposit. Monthly payment plan!

Returning cruisers $25 discount + $25 off if you bring someone new.

PHOTOS from past cruises! HERE and HERE and HERE.

Itinerary and pricing are subject to change. Some restrictions apply. Space is limited and on a first-come first-served basis. Please read our Terms and Conditions before placing deposit. Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Non-crafter companion rate is $125 less.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Glitter Marker Lamp

This is lamp I made from an IKEA lampshade - I used glitter markers to color it in. I then decoupaged a picture of a Day of the Dead dog and cat on the lamp base. Way easy and adds a whole new punch of pleasure to your room!

Alternative! Use regular markers and then top with a coat of sparkly varnish, like Collage Pauge!



Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Earth Day Recap! Contest Winner!

Bouquets of gratitude to everyone who stopped by my (cyber) Earth Day craft party yesterday! We had so much fun, I never expected the overwhelming response!

The most important takeaway is to think green when it comes to our artful lifestyles. In every way, shape and form possible. And not just the obvious! Yes, in the material sense, but also within our minds, thoughts, and spirits. Makeovers beautiful best when they happen from the inside out!

I'm so impressed with all the wonderful earthy ideas submitted in relation to my call-out! The name of the winner from the blindfold drawing is: AMY of the blog "glitter, vinyl and thread".

She wins two books: TWO books: Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts: An A-to-Z Guide with Detailed Instructions and Endless Inspiration and Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-Low-Sew Projects for the Everyday Crafter!!

Here are all the tips that were offered by our fellow crafters. Thank you again for sharing, hope you make EVERY day Earth Day!

Stephanie Hall: I use empty snack packaging like Laughing Cow cardboard containers or empty nut tins to hold all my little bits and baubles and stuff like paper clips and sewing needles. Just decoupage them up or cover them with paint and stickers! And I like to use cereal boxes to weave little baskets and make stacking boxes.

Calamity Anne: I save shells of all sizes...they work great for just about any project where I want to have a beachy theme. Same goes for buttons. All those buttons that come with new clothes, I throw into my button jar to use in crafts. My current score is a couple of old license plates. I plan on turning them into a vase or a purse. By the way...I love your chockful of ideas you have on your blog today!!!

Jennifer:We use empty egg cartons for paint and glue trays for our toddler.

betsyann: Reuse an old, sturdy candy box as a gift box. Just cover the top with wrapping paper and you have a gift box for perpetuity, and it smells like candy!

Stacey B: I'm a knitter and always have a small amount of the skein of yarn left over when I finish my signature scarfette. I've been saving these to make a really long multi-colored scarf. You can also cut them up and use them in gift bags for a fun alternative to tissue or shredded paper.

crafterella: I use the plastic from deli container (type 6) to make shrinky dinks. I haven't had to buy "real" shrinky dinks in years and I get to enjoy the contents of the container too!

Liz: How about using the stuffing from old pillows to fill stuffed animals? I'm going to try that, since I've got some old pillows we're not using anymore, and I'm learning to crochet amigurumi.

Deborah:I use empty Egg Cartons to start me seedlings in for the garden. I also using a sturdy box as a loom to weave. I cover shoe boxes with pretty paper to make them storage boxes.

Sioux: Use the dried skin from paint or glue bottles as texture on mixed media pieces.

Deborah Sweigart: I'm an artist and my tip is for anyone who uses a lot of brushes. I keep a simple nail clipper in my tool caddy with my brushes. Whenever one gets its bristles "blown out" or has a stray hair, I grab my handy clipper and snip off the offending hairs. That way, I get extra service from my brushes just a bit longer. And also, old brushes with splayed out bristles can be used for a myriad of techniques and patterns when the brush itself is too useless for regular strokes. Love you CraftyChica!

Dawn: I use empty jars to keep all my buttons, beads, etc. They are not only handy..they are pretty with all the different colours lined up in a row.

Stephanie: Sometimes I turn soda cans into cookie cutters. I have to design them on paper first, then use some heavy duty scissors to cut the cans, but they work. Fold the edges and you're good to go!

Kati: I save glass jars from pickles, salsa, etc. to keep buttons and baubles in. you can embellish them with ribbon and fabric scraps and decorate your craft space with them. I also keep all of my little fabric scrappies for future applique projects!

Kelly C: I always save the plastic pouches with zippers that curtains, sheets, quilts, etc come in. I have one holding all of my circular knitting needles. Others with all kinds of embroidery threads and floss, little pieces of fabric, pieces of heavy paper or cool things cut out from somewhere that I want to keep. And, they are perfect for holding a small knitting or crocheting project that is in progress - you can just throw it in your purse and take it with you and everything stays nicely zipped inside.

Elexia: Hi! I always keep empty Quaker Oats Oatmeal containers and paint them. I like to paint mine gold! They are great for keeping all of my pens, pencils and markers in order. Also, I would have my siblings decorate them when they were little and they would used them to hide their secret treasures. They also make great gift containers!

Paula: I love to crochet with the serger leavings when I'm working on formals. Silk especially crochets up nicely!

Elena & Katie: I have a magnetic strip on the wall (a less fancy version of an Ikea style knife strip)and stick old coffee cans to it. I use it to hold supplies for my current works in progress. I can take the cans off the wall when I'm working on that particular project and stick it back on when I want to work on something else. This way, I can keep supplies for the project together when I tidy up.

Janel: I make jewelry so I have a bunch of pliers and tools. I use pretty, but chipped, coffee mugs to store them. Arrange them with 1 handle in the mug and the other out, so that the tool straddles the rim.

malinda: cut old print outs and use them as to do lists. That way they get at least one more use before they go in the recycling bin or the shredder for packing material.

Marywood Library: I get the cardboard inserts from reams of fabric at the fabric store and use them to wrap wrap yarn into a skein for dyeing. I get a couple every time and pass them out to my yarn-dyeing friends.

Tess: I save medicine bottles to use to keep small things in such as beads and needles. We also teach cub scouts how to use them for storing mini first aid kits. Empty toilet paper rolls are perfect cat toys. My cat loves them and doesn't even care they are so plain. When she looses interest I pick it up and hide it until she finds it again.

Francie Horton: i use every last bit of my magazines - inspiring images go into a gluebook. a photo corner punch makes pretty corners out of big blocks of color in the photos and ads. text is sometimes used in journals. the pages are then used to protect my table or desk from glue when i'm doing a project.

amy said: i save spaghetti sauce jars, and anything else around that size (pickle jars!) and use them to store dye after i've mixed it. i get to reuse the bottles, plus i reuse the dye! it's perfect for dyeing small things like lace or other trims, i don't even pour the dye back into the pot, i just remove the metal lid, drop the object to be dyed into the jar, and microwave it! also, not so much reuse, but something that i wish more people should do, is that i put a recycling bin in my bathroom. it doesn't have to be a big ugly blue bin, i just used another vintage wastebasket beside the regular one (it's bright green and fabulous!). we use so much cardboard in the bathroom! toilet paper rolls, the box your toothpaste came in, etc. it all adds up.

Anonymous: 1.I keep all random scraps of plastic, paper, metal, wood, broken toy parts,etc and give them to a local arts program for kids--they make robots, collages, dioramas, etc with them. 2.I also compost, recycle, reuse, regift, pull weeds instead of using poison, garden, use the library for books/movies/cds/magazines. I am very cheap and all this helps! 3.we just moved and we used Craigslist to find used moving boxes for free. -aLisa

bakar: When going grocery shopping, it's always recommended to have a list to check off to make sure you get everything you need. The same applies to packing supplies that you'll need to buy for moving your home. Here is a handy list of supplies you'll need to purchase:

Boxes
* Small box- These are usually 17x12x12 in size. These are great boxes for packing heavy items such as books and files or for small items like cds and dvds.
* Medium box- These are usually 18x18x16 in size. These are the most versatile size boxes you can buy because of the ability to pack the majority of your goods in it. It is also a size that most people can see over and carry comfortably.
* Large box- These are usually 18x18x24 in size. These boxes can be used for larger, bulky items such as blankets, pillows, electronics, speakers, etc.
* Wardrobe box- These boxes will be around 24x21x46 in size. They are used for moving clothes straight from hangers in the closet onto the bar inside of the box. Some stores sell the bar separately so make sure to purchase it if you're going to be using the box for hanging your clothes in it.

http://www.boxyourstuff.com/

Sharon: Instead of gift packaging, I use old linens--dishtowels & cloths, bath towels, pillowcases, tablecloths past their prime, even aged sheets for large items. I cut ribbons from fabric remnants to the size I need to tie the packages up and/or bundle them together. I have even used blankets! Fabric will almost never just be tossed out like paper and store bought ribbons. This works for male, female, young or old and any style. All that's necessary is to adjust the fabric to the occasion and the recipient. An almost constant supply of these is available on Freecycle (freecycle.org) which is dedicated to keeping STUFF out of landfills. Another trick is finding creative purposes for those tiny round plastic lids from juice and soymilk cartons. I use one inverted under my bar face soap in the bathroom, to eliminate the soapy mess from my pretty dish and make the soap last longer. Just slightly screw the lid right into the bar and invert it, "floating" in the middle. Another use is gluing a number of the lids sideways together to hold tiny beads and sequins during projects, keeping them separated but close at hand. They can also be used as checkers or other game pieces in homemade board games. One more thing: don't throw away old ice cube trays. I turned one into a holder for all my many pairs of smaller pierced earrings, to keep them from getting tangled up and lost. What a wonderful topic for Earth Day!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

24 of 24: Canvas Earring Holder

Today I’m sharing a sentimental project that comes from my personal archives. When my husband and I first married in 1990, we vowed to live the artist’s life and earn a living from our handmade creations. But when it came time to pay the first electricity bill, that idea had yet to pay off. With $20 in our pockets, we went to the craft store, bought a canvas and materials to make earrings. We figured if we could fill the canvas with earrings, maybe we could talk a boutique owner to buy the whole shebang. Our plan not only worked, but it served as the launching pad to our craft business that is now 18 years strong. To this day, I have a canvas in our bedroom - filled with earrings. It’s a meaningful reminder of how far one idea go!

TIP: Pick up an old canvas at a thrift store and give it a new coat of paint instead of buying a new one!

This design is great for jewelry artists who want to display their wares, or for earring addicts who want a fun way to hang their goods.

Canvas Jewelry Holder

Supplies:

1 canvas

Assorted acrylic paints, brush

4 or more hook tacks

Small hammer

Dowel rod, cut to fit the canvas horizontally

Nail

Directions: Paint the canvas however you want. You can paint it all a solid color, or make a full-on painting. Let dry. Use the small hanger to attach the hook tacks to each corner in the wood frame. Make sure the hook is facing up, because you will add the dowel rod last. Use the nail to make holes for your earrings. Hang your earrings in the holes. Place the dowel rod on the hooks and use it to hold necklaces or clip on earrings. Hang in place

Variation: Glue the canvas to the back of a frame for a more artful look. You can also add hooks to the sides of the canvas to hang earrings and bracelets. Use hinges to connect several canvases for a standing display.
****
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

23 of 24: Refashioned Trade Show Totes

If you looked in your closet right now, how many unwanted conference totes would you find? Instead of tossing or giving them away, make them fashionable by reworking them to fit your style! Simply use permanent non-toxic fabric glue (I use Fabric Fusion) and give them a makeover!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

22 of 24: Self Portrait in Paper

This is a really wild project to try, and it makes really good use of your paper scraps - note cards, postcards, wrapping paper, notebook paper, Post Its, magazine pages, etc...

You start with a blank 16x20 canvas, and layer it with paper, using decoupage medium. Use all kinds of contrasting papers to make your face, eyes, nose, and mouth. And just keep it going until you have an abstract-type of self portrait.

If you are a fiction writer, you can make one for each of your characters in the way they would make it, and hang them up so you can see them as you write.

Hang it proud and loud!
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

21 of 24: Warrior Angel Shadow Box

This is from a book I contributed too, Angel Crafts. I call it an Angel Warrior box because I believe we all have powerful angels flying around us, that are soft and pretty - but they can also kick butt to protect us, just like warriors! Make use of small objects around your house!

To make this project you need:

Crafty Chica Paints
Crafty Chica Rockabilly Ruby Glitter
1 shadow box
bottle cap
Decorative paper
Wood heart
Milagros
Tulip Crystals
Hot glue
Markers, scissors
Sandpaper
Cotton balls
Scrap fabric
Yarn

Paint the box and then sand the edges. Paint and glitter the wood hear and glue it to the back of the box. Paint the bottlecap as a face, glue it to the wood heart. Make the dress and wings out scrap fabric or paper, glue in place. Add yarn for hair. Paint accents around the border and glue down milagros and crystals.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

20 of 24: Tic Tac Toe Game

Here is a great way to make use of lost game pieces and extra tiles from home improvement projects!

Supplies
• 1 ceramic tile, 12 by 12 inches
• 1 Sharpie marker and ruler
• 4 wood balls, a half-inch in diameter
• 10 wood disks or squares
• Assorted water-based acrylic paints, paintbrush
• Liquid Fusion Non-Toxic adhesive

Directions: Paint a base coat on the disks/squares - five in one color and five in a contrasting color. Let dry and then paint an "X" on five of them and "O" on the remaining five. Set aside and let dry. Paint the wood balls and let dry. Flip the tile upside down and apply adhesive to the bottom of each ball. Place one in each corner and let dry for an hour. Flip the tile right side up and using the ruler draw four lines to create the grid for the game.

Variations: You can use just about anything for the game pieces. Aside from gluing your photos on wood pieces, you can rubber-stamp or paint designs on the wood, or use found objects such as coins or washers. You can also use polymer clay.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

19 of 24: Chili Can Candelarias

Have you ever whipped up a batch of salsa and flinched when it was time to toss out the chili can? Especially if it has a pretty label, like this? Don't do it! Salvage it and morph it into a candle holder! Imagine how cute this will look in your kitchen or outdoor patio. If you want more light to show through, you can drill holes around the body of it. These would also work cute as covers on patio lights. Maybe a little heavy, but it's worth checking out.

To make these, you drill holes around the top and hang chains from them (use jump rings to connect). you can add beads to the chain links, or whatever you want. Gather the loose ends up at the top and connect to a larger ring for hanging. If you can't find any cool chili cans, print out some pictures or vintage food labels and attach them around a small tomato sauce can.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

18 of 24: Story Box Shrine

(Click on image for a closer view)

This a shrine I made for our Heard Museum exhibit. I took a long wood box, added some walls to create "windows", and then added all kinds of little trinkets and things that i had around my craft room and the house. First you want to base coat the entire piece, and then paint the outside edges in a contrasting color. I went with red and hot pink. Next you want to make a background for each window. you can use paint, glitter, textured paper, anything! Next, work on one little space at a time.

I made each little window tell a story. It's a very personal piece, even though it just looks like a bunch of things glued in there!
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

17 of 24: Diced up Duvet

Twin duvet is full of pillow possibilities, any way you slice it

by Kathy Cano-Murillo - Nov. 1, 2008 12:00 AM
Special for the Republic

Recently, I was at a bedding store and came across a twin duvet on clearance. The price was right, as was the fabric design. There was only one setback: I didn't need a twin duvet. I bought it anyway, having faith that I would think of a creative way to make use of it.

The conclusion came faster than I expected.

I whipped out my pinking shears, used some Fiberfill and transformed it into a cozy floor pillow and two matching pillows. You can cut up a duvet into any size you want - two large floor pillows (which could also double as a comfy dog bed) or four large bed pillows, whatever suits your needs.

Diced-up Duvet

Supplies
1 duvet
2 large bags of Fiberfill or other fabric stuffing
Scissors
Sewing machine
Straight pins

Directions
To make one large floor pillow and two matching bed pillows, fold the duvet in half horizontally and then cut all the way across. Take one half and fold it horizontally and cut. Now you will have three large pieces. Starting with one of the smaller pieces, fold and pin in the edges on one of the raw sides. Sew. Use the remaining open side to fill with stuffing. Repeat seam closure. Now sew a 2-inch seam all the way around the pillow. Repeat for the third and larger piece.

Variations: Add trim around edges if you want, or tuft by adding buttons.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

16 of 24: Coffee Can Clock

I'm a coffee fanatic, and I love me some Cafe Bustelo. I can't bear to toss out the cans after I'm done downing the java. I use these cans all over my workspace to hold my paintbrushes, pens, markers, etc.

This particular can I used to make an adorable clock for my kitchen. I loved it so much that I even included it in one of my books. Making it is as easy as dropping a sugar cube in a cup!


Supplies:

1 Cafe Bustelo can (or any other interesting looking can)
1 handheld rotary tool (Dremel!)
1 clock mechanism with arms (found at the craft store in the wood aisle)
4 round wood balls painted red
Hot glue

Directions: Simply drill a hole in the center of the can where you want the clock to go. Attach the clock. Glue the balls on the bottom. Put the plastic lif on the top of the can. Remove it when you need to change the battery.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

15 of 24: Laminated Photo Curtain

Every spring I get bored with our screened-in patio and try to mix things up. This photo curtain I made from a box of leftover greeting cards. I affixed them to colored card stock and laminated them and then punched holes and string them together. It did so much to POP our patio!
While I was making it, I kept thinking of how cool it would be to rubber stamp designs or use family photos.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

14 of 24: Memory Jars

Recycled bottles get arty touch

Kathy Cano-Murillo
Special for the Republic
Sept. 15, 2007 12:00 AM

Some may think my love of recycling objects into art has gone too far.

But I'm not alone in my discovery of the beauty of glass jars as a means to display artifacts and mementos.

There are many other creative people out there who have been using glass bottles in their crafts. Have you ever polished off a Frappuccino and thought, "Wow, this is a cool bottle!" Well, I have!

I've done the same with mini ketchup and tequila bottles. The trick is to find a bottle that has character and a big enough opening to drop in the goodies. Once you have the inside filled, you can embellish the outside.

Think of it as an nontraditional picture frame, or a reverse shadow box. Either way, you'll have an amusing piece of art for your home. This idea would be cute for party favors, gifts or invitations, too.

Crafty ideas for Earth Day! And a giveaway!

We're half way through the day and I thought it would be a good time to share some other ideas for recycling and upcycling that you can incorporate throughout the year.

- Bubble mailers: I get these in the mail all the time and I reuse them to send my own mail out. I like to cut the large onesinhalf and use to mail two small items.

- Fed Ex/UPS Overnight Boxes: I cut these up into different sizes of squares, from 4x4" down to 1/2". Why? I use them as my "pop dots" in my shadow boxes, shrines, greeting cards, etc. They work great for layering images for a 3D look. The boxes are awesome because they are so smooth.

- Leftover wrapping paper: During the holidays, I always buy way to much wrapping paper. You know - the five rolls for $5 kind? Now I use it for packing boxes. Not only is colorful, but it is very sturdy.

- Extra glitter: Pour the excess glitter from your projects into a separate container - the mixed version is very pretty! you can use it on future projects!

- Paper clippings: Save them in a jar as well, you can use them as stuffing for gift baskets or gift boxes. Same with your shredded paper.

- Save pages that you printout (MapQuest, travel itineraries, article drafts, etc.) and use them as your sketch paper. Save all your sketches in a binder!

- Paint bottles with a little bit of paint left: If they are acrylic craft paints, add water and shake them up. Great for watercolors, spray bottles, spritzing, tinting cotton fabric.

- Pretty boxy shopping bags from department or gourmet stores: Staple the backing against the wall in your craft room so you can have extra storage to hold lightweight, oversize items like rolled up posters, prints, yarn, etc.

- Empty thread spools: Use to hold yarn or embroidery floss remnants.

- Cereal and other food boxes: Hello! Perfect for when you need lightweight chipboard!

- Old dishtowels: Put up a towel bar to hold these, so you won't use paper towels in your studio.

- Unwanted beads and findings: Pour them in a glass sun tea jar and use as a door stop.

- Corny fabric you don't like anymore: Dip or tie dye it to give a new look.

- Extra fabric: Make a cushy pillow for your craft area chair!

OK, that's a start! Leave an idea and I'll choose one name to win a copy of TWO books: Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts: An A-to-Z Guide with Detailed Instructions and Endless Inspiration and Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-Low-Sew Projects for the Everyday Crafter!!

-



Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

13 of 24: Record Album Scrapbook

by Kathy Cano-Murillo - Jul. 17, 2004 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

Aside from oversize bad hair and ultra-synthesized pop songs, the '80s showcased some great musical memories, such as the record album covers. It's a crime to let such visual nuggets of pleasure as those from Devo, Culture Club, Roxy Music and the Motels, for example, go unnoticed in the thrift store bargain bins. So I'm spreading the word to rescue these fabulous pieces of art and convert them into functional desk accessories.

The album covers make great scrapbooks to hold all your concert memorabilia such as ticket stubs, cocktail napkins, swizzle sticks, matchbox covers, autographs and photos. The records can be trimmed to make a handsome journal cover. Not impressed yet? Try using black duct tape to connect two 45s to create a totally rad greeting card. Boy George would be so proud!

You can also cut them up to make small note pads, or fun price tags or business labels, etc!

'80s-themed record album scrapbook

Supplies
1 record album cover
Glue stick, scissors, pencil
Hole punch
Small binder rings
Stack of scrapbook paper, 12 by 12 inches

Directions: Cut along the top and bottom seam of the album cover (not the spine), so it opens like a book. If the cover has a cool inner sleeve, remove it and cut apart the two sides and use the glue stick to affix them to the inside of each cover, to serve as a lining for your scrapbook. Punch three holes evenly along the left side of the cover. Place the stack of scrapbook paper underneath the cover so the left-hand side edges are lined up. Use a pencil to mark a spot through the holes onto the paper so you will know where to punch the holes. Remove the album cover and set aside. Punch the holes in the stack of paper where you made the marks. Place the stack of paper inside the cover so it is flush with the left side. Hold it in place so the holes line up and attach the binder rings. Decorate as desired.

Directions for record version: Use a utility knife to score a line down the side or center of the record. Place it along a sharp edge of a counter and snap off the edge. Drill three holes along the side. Cut a stack of paper and punch holes along the side to fit within the record. Insert binder rings. Decorate the outside if desired.

Variations: For a more polished look, laminate the album cover. If you don't want to use the actual cover, make a color copy and decoupage it to thin wood or foam board. On the record itself, if you have jagged edges, use a pair of flat pliers to remove them or use a nail file.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

12 of 24: Re-covered File Folders

Paper or Fabric Covered File Folders

We just survived tax season, so give your office accessories a face-lift. Instead of buying new folders, use extra scrapbook paper or fabric and sew it over the folder. It will bring them back to life.

Supplies
Used file folders
Scrapbook paper or fabric
Sewing machine

Directions
Lay the paper or fabric on the outside of the folder and sew the edges. Make sure to lengthen the stitches so you won't rip the folder. If you don't want to sew, use a glue stick - just make sure to seal down the edges.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

11 of 24: Soda Can Star Lights

Hosting a "Let's grill at my house for the Fourth of July!" kind of party? If so, you have one more day to put together some delicious crafty entrees. These easy party lights can be made faster than your average fireworks explosion, not to mention that you probably already have the bulk of the supplies in your pantry. It also proves that from an artistic standpoint, soda pop cans are just as awesome on the outside as they are inside.


Supplies:
Paper and pencil
4 red or blue (or two of each) soda cans
Tin snips or heavy-duty scissors
Hole punch, standard size
1 strand of 10 minilights
Protective gloves

Make a circle template by tracing a 2-inch circle on a piece of paper. Cut it out. Wear protective gloves and carefully cut off the top and bottom of the soda can with tin snips or scissors. Cut through the length of the body of the can to make one rectangular piece of metal. Work it with your hands or use a brayer to make the metal as flat a possible. Lay the circle template on the metal and cut around it. Repeat until you have three circles. Snip out the shape of a star from each circle. Punch a hole in the center of each star to make an opening for the bulb to fit through. You may need to punch several times to make the hole large enough. Carefully press a star over a minilight. Repeat until all the lights are covered. You should have one remaining light to use as a replacement if needed.

Tips and variations: String the stars together with ribbon to make garlands or streamers. Glue the stars around the base of a flowerpot or around a large picture frame. You can also use them to decorate scrapbooks or journal covers. Instead of stars, cut out layers of flowers in various sizes and lay them on top of each other and connect with a rivet or grommet to make multilayered flowers.
****
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

10 of 24: Dress Shirt Laptop Sleeve

I once purchased a vintage men’s Guayabera shirt off of eBay, and loved it. But it wasn’t exactly flattering to my figure because of its boxy shape. Another item on my bummer list: I needed a vertical laptop bag for traveling. Something I could easily whip out of my carry-on when passing thorough airport security. Rather than scour the retail aisles, I decided to use my beloved shirt. I know it seems crazy to cut up a perfectly good item of clothing, but what good was it sitting in my closet? Now I can enjoy it on a regular basis. That is what a crafty life is all about, tailoring everyday objects to our personal style!
If you don’t have a shirt you are willing to snip, check out your local thrift store.

Dress Shirt Drawstring Laptop Bag
Supplies:
1 men’s dress shirt
½ yard of contrasting fabric for lining
Sewing machine
1 yard of cording
Chopstick and clear tape
Directions: Determine if you want your bag to hold your laptop horizontal or vertical. Measure your laptop, and then cut the front and back of the shirt so it extends two-inches around the sides and bottom, and 5 inches from the top. Toss the excess. Now cut two pieces of lining to match.
Take the front and back of the cut shirt, line them up face in, and straight stitch around the sides and bottom. Add another row of stitches. Repeat for the lining. Insert the lining, face sides in, inside the shirt. Line up the inside corners at the bottom, and the side seams so they match. Pin the top raw edges in on both sides and sew a straight stitch all the way around. On one side, cut two snips (3/4” each) at the top and sew over the raw edges. Now fold the top of the bag outward to create a 1” hem all the way around, pin in place and sew. This is the casing for the drawstring. Fold the cording in half, take the folded end, tape it around the end of the chopstick and feed it through the casing. Tie a knot at the end of the cording.
Variation: If you want to embellish it more, add embroidered accents, patches, vintage buttons, etc.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

9 of 24: Fabric Scrap Journal

Some art projects make you go "Hmm."

Awhile back at a yard sale, I picked up a bag of ethnic-looking fabric scraps that the owner had almost tossed in the trash. The horror! My vision was to make my own East Indian-inspired journal with the help of a hardback book and a jar of decoupage medium.

I made it and loved it, but when I showed it off, everyone had a different take.

"It looks African." "No, it looks Indonesian!"

Now that I look at it again, I'm feeling a Moroccan vibe. Regardless, this fabric collage is far from the beautiful exotic artwork from any of those places, but it sure is fun to assemble. Use this process to embellish a blank journal or travel diary, or to add an exotic spike to an altered book. Either way, remember - beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Moroccan-inspired Journal or Altered Book Cover

Supplies
1 large hardcover book
Assorted scrap pieces of dark printed fabrics
Decoupage medium and brush
Shiny ribbon/trim, sequins, small mirrors
Silver glitter squeeze paint
Aleene's Tacky Glue
Scissors

Directions: Lay the pieces of fabric on the book and arrange them in an eye-appealing manner. Cut into shapes if desired. Paint the entire surface of the book's cover with a generous layer of decoupage medium. Apply the pieces. Rub your fingers over the surface to smooth out any bubbles. Apply a topcoat of the Mod Podge over the fabric. Let dry. Use hot glue to add trim and/or ribbon, sequins, mirrors, etc.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

8 of 24: Ribbon Frame

This is an inspiration frame I made using one of the cards from the new Crafty Chica Inspiration Card Decks. (Click on photo for a larger view)

Each deck is comprised of paintings that Patrick and I made. Each card is double sided and comes with an artful affirmation on the back!



Show me a blank frame and I’ll show you a good time craft project. I recently came across some large matted frames on clearance at the store. I brought them home and showed them the love with a little help from my ribbon basket. This idea serves two purposes: it will clear your stash to make room for new trims, and it will add a textured look to your home decor. You can use the same technique on wood blocks, boxes, pillars and any other large smooth surface.

I used the "indulge" card to remind myself that it is A-OK to dive in every so often!

Supplies:
1 11x14” frame with a flat base and 5x7” mat
Assorted trims and ribbons, at least 1 yard of each
Aleene's Original Tacky Glue
Scissors

Directions: Separate the frame, setting aside the backing and glass. Take the mat and using flat ribbons, lay them down in various patterns until you like what you see. Start from the center and work your way out. Work one side at a time, and add a thin line of glue. Set the ribbon down on the glue, and run your fingers over it so it lays flat. Continue adding the ribbon and trims all around the mat. Add ribbon around the outer border as well. Set aside to dry. Repeat the process for the outer frame. Let dry and then add your picture and reassemble the frame.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

7 of 24: Fabric Pillow Ring

Just another idea for those tiny fabric scraps. Who in the world could toss out a 1" square piece of animal print fabric?

Supplies:

2 pieces of fabric, a little over an inch.
Small image printed on fabric paper, or any other kind of soft image.
Sewing machine, or hand needle & thread.
Acrylic paint, liner brush and micro glitter.
A pinch of batting.
Metal glue.
Flat ring base.

Directions: Sew the image to the front of one of the pieces fo fabric. Sew the two pieces of fabric like a little pillow (inside out on three sides). Turn it right side out, add the pinch of batting, and sew up the open side. Glue it to the ring base. When it is dry, hold it steady in your hand and use the liner brush to paint on a border. Sprinkle on the micro glitter while the the paint is still wet.

This is just how I made it, but you can take it from there and add whatever else you want! Trims, charms, etc... I love using fabric for unconventional means, and this idea is perfect for that.

And if you ever get sleepy, you can just put your head on your ring! Kinda, sorta...

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

6 of 24: Recycled Grocery Tote

Take all those plastic shopping bags from the store or mall, cut them up and sew them together to make sturdy totes that you can use at the grocery store or food market. Make several of these so you can keep them around for your next grocery run. Nothing fancy here, just the basic recipe. Feel free to adapt to your liking!

Supplies
About 36 plastic bags
Scissors
Sewing machine
Canvas tote (to use as pattern)
Directions
Flatten the bags into stacks of six. Cut across the top to remove the handle portion. Cut the stacks into strips or squares, and sew up the sides. For a quilted look, sew lines in the center.

Make enough squares or strips until you have enough to piece together a bag that is the same size as the tote, and sew the pieces together. For the handles, cut thinner strips and sew inside the top panel on both sides.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

5 of 24: Glitzy Garden Globe

One of the most lucrative aspects of crafting is the power to change the ordinary into the extraordinary - like old CDs into fancy garden art! I suggest purchasing an inexpensive pair of scissors for this project, because cutting through the discs will dull the blades. Ultimately, the small pieces arranged around the ball will reflect light beautifully.

GLITZY GARDEN GLOBES

SUPPLIES:

* 6 to 8 unwanted CDs

* Tile nippers or heavy-duty scissors

* 1 Styrofoam ball (8-inch round)

* 1 bottle of foam glue

* Pedestal

* 1 carton of grout (1 pound)

* Acrylic paint in desired color (optional)

* Medium-size rubber spatula

* Damp sponge

* Dry cloth

DIRECTIONS: Cut the CDs into 1-inch pieces. Holding the ball in your lap, adhere the CD pieces one by one so that they are approximately 1/8 inch apart. Rest ball on the pedestal and let dry completely.

Mix half the carton of grout according to directions (if desired, add a few drops of the paint to add color). Working one side at a time, use the spatula to fill in the crevices with grout. Wipe the ball down with the damp sponge to remove the excess grout. Continue process until the entire ball is smooth and even. Let dry and then polish the CD pieces with the dry cloth.
TIP: Sometimes certain discs will crack when cut. These still will work; just set them aside and intersperse them among the smoother pieces.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

4 of 24: Soda Can Candle Tray

Take one of those mirrors from IKEA, paint it. The take some heavy-duty shears and cut off the top and bottom of a pop can. Smooth out the center, very carefully so you don't cut yourself. In fact, wear garden gloves for this project just to be safe!

On the silver side, draw flowers with a Sharpie. Cut them out. Now repeat, making smaller flowers to go in the center of the other ones. Use upholstery tacks or short nails to secure them to the wood frame. Add crystals in between the flowers. And now you have a cute candle tray! I used Mexican juice cans, but you can use any kind you want.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

3 of 24: Mixed Media Windchime

Artsy wind chimes can be a breeze project

by Kathy Cano-Murillo - Sept. 27, 2008 12:00 AM
Special for the Republic

Today, we're talking wind chimes. I've always wanted to make a glorious one, but didn't know where to start.

I wanted something over the top with layers of texture. I even had a vision: dangling bottles. I found one at Cost Plus and worked on it. . By the time I was finished, no one could tell it was the same chime. It's perfectly OK to cheat a bit if you find the right foundation at a store. Take it and make it your own.

The idea is to use interesting objects. Look through your craft stash for buttons, old spools, beads, minimirrors, ribbons, trims and connect them for one wild eye-popping result.

Mixed-Media Wind Chime

Supplies
1 wind chime with bottles
Glass paint, adhesive leading
Six-strand embroidery thread
Fishing wire
Embroidery needle
Assorted spools of thread (can be found at bargain stores)
Assorted spools of ribbon
Minimirrors
Beads
Hot glue

Directions
Untie the bottles from the foundation. Apply the adhesive leading and decorate with glass paint. Let dry overnight. Re-attach the bottles to the foundation. Cut two 24-inch-long pieces of fishing line, and hot glue the minimirrors to them, all the way down. Tie each strand on the foundation, in between the bottles. Use the needle and embroidery thread to string beads, spools of thread and charms to ribbons about 24 inches long. Make four of these and tie them on in a balanced fashion. Continue adding strands of whatever other items you like, such as bottle caps, flowers and even small painted pictures.

When hanging, make sure to use a secure hook, because your chime will be slightly heavy. If it is too heavy, reinforce by adding an extra stand.

Tip: Use a bit of hot glue on ribbon knots for extra holding power
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

2 of 24: Magazine Stationery

"If magazines were money, we'd be rich."

This was my husband's gentle way of voicing his concern regarding my gluttony for glossies.

Entertainment, travel, home décor, parenting and computers - it doesn't matter what the subject is, I have them all.

The problem is that I not only love to read them from cover to cover, but I also love to keep them.

My better half resorted to giving me a deadline to whittle down my beloved pile. I was forced to brainstorm (tossing them in the recycle bin was just too easy). Now I have way-cool stationery, and my hubby has peace of mind. That is, until next month's issues arrive.

Supplies:

Several unwanted magazines.
Stationery or letter-size envelope to use as a template.
Ball-point pen.
Scissors.
Aleene's Tacky Glue stick.
White address labels.
White stationery paper.

Directions for envelope: Carefully open the flaps of a stationery envelope so it has four triangular corners. This is your template. Remove the front and back covers from a magazine and lay them flat on a smooth working surface, right side up. Take time to arrange the template on top of the magazine cover so that your desired image will show in the front panel (cut and paste as needed). Trace the outline of the template on the cover. Cut out the shape with the scissors. Create fold lines to form the envelope and crease the edges. Use the glue stick to adhere panels together. Cut out other interesting pictures or words and glue around the envelope. Affix the address labels to front.

Directions for stationery paper: Remove one of the magazine pages. Cut out 4- by 6-inch pieces of stationery paper and use the glue stick to attach them to the magazine page in a random fashion.

Tips and variations: Try to pick magazines that are stapled in the center, which will allow a bigger area with which to work. For a more durable envelope, glue two covers or pages together. Theme the magazines to match the personality to the person you are sending the letter to (fashion, cooking, travel, sports, kids).

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

1 of 24: Cigar Box Birdhouse

Birds come in all sorts of shapes and sizes -- and most certainly with their own distinctive personalities, too. For every fluffy, happy bird that belts out cheery tunes, there is a macho feathered friend that prefers just to chill out and look cool.

Enter the cigar box birdhouse, a crafty idea from my co-worker Randy Cordova. This simple creation involves only a bit of drilling, sanding and gluing, and will lend a masculine and classic touch to your garden. Unless, of course, you can't resist dressing it up with a splash of color. Thankfully, you don't need to be a cigar smoker in order to make this birdhouse. Cigar boxes are readily available at local cigar shops, thrift stores or online auctions.

Cigar box birdhouse

Materials:

* Medium-size wood cigar box with sliding panel

* Drill

* Sandpaper

* Aleene's Tacky Glue

* Outdoor water-based polyurethane varnish

* Optional: beads and glitter

* 12-inch piece of jute cord or wire

Directions: Remove sliding panel from box, and drill a 1 1/2-inch hole 2 inches from the top. Sand the edges of the hole to smooth. Take the box and apply a thin line of glue to the grooves and slide the panel back in place. Let dry. Drill two small holes at the top of the box. Cover the birdhouse with two to three coats of varnish. Add beads and glitter, if desired. When completely dry, thread the cord or wire through the top holes, tie off and hang.

Tip: If you'd prefer to decorate your cigar box, decoupage pages from bird handbooks or pictures of birds. For a more eclectic look, glue bottle caps, trinkets or other found objects, or add a dangling ornament at the bottom of the birdhouse.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

EARTH DAY: 24 projects in 24 hours!

Check back here tomorrow for 24 projects inspired by Earth Day! And use them all year long!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

RANDOM: How to Get Rid of Fruit flies

I came home from my trip to find a kitchen full of fruit flies! Someone (I'm not pointing any fingers at my lovely children) left some cut-up citrus on the dining table.

It hasn't even been 24 hours and those pesky critters (the flies, not the kids) are all gone!

Supplies:

Disposable cup
Clear plastic bag or plastic wrap
Rubberband
A few pieces of cut-up fruit or citrus
A knife

Put the fruit in the cup, cover with plastic wrap, secure with the rubberband. Use the knife to make small slits in the plastic, about five or six. Leave it alone overnight or for several hours. The fruit flies will make their way down the slits to the fruit, but they cannot get back out. Once you have most of them, insert the whole thing in a plastic bag, tie it up and throw it in the trash outside. If you have a LOT of fruit flies, repeat until they are all gone.

Good luck!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Home from NAEA: Inspired!

When my boss, Alyson, asked me to join some of my fellow Duncan team members in our booth at The National Art Education Association National Convention, I had NO idea what to expect. I checked out the site and realized - "It's a conference for art teachers!!"

As a craftaholic and artista who didn't have the best track record in 2nd grade art class or even high school crafts class (loved both but never scored above average grades), I felt WAY empowered. Demoing at this event would be so "full-circle" for me. I really wanted to offer something substantial and worthy. My assignment was to come up with four projects that incorporated Aleene's Tacky Glue, Tulip 3D Fashion Paint and Crafty Chica papers. (I'll post projects and lesson plans soon!) The other criteria was they had to be ideas that art teachers at any level could take and adapt to their own program. They had to work for second graders as well as college students.


Once I arrived to the hotel (I hadn't even made it to the convention center yet!), I knew this conference would be different than any other. Just listening to the conversations of the teachers - they all were there to gather as many ideas as possible to bring them to their students. They shared tips with each other of how to get students motivated, and how to steer them away from short cuts ("I don't allow magazine photographs in their collages," one teacher rallied. "They use them as a crutch, I want them to dig deeper!").

They exuded so much positivity and excitement, it was truly infectious! Many of these teachers paid their own way, didn't mind, and said it was an event they looked forward to all year. There were workshops, speeches, demos, contests, etc. Vendors were art supply companies, travel group programs, art schools, copyright info, booksellers, lesson plan distributors, and others I can't think of right now. Many of the them gave away freebies, either products or lesson plans. Everywhere you could hear, "Do you have a lesson plan?" and "What is the 'Big Idea' for this concept?"

Thousands of teachers came prepared to soak up all they could. They took notes, pictures, asked questions, shared success stories. Some expressed they were grateful to still have budget money, while others moaned that they had ZERO - and how it forced them to be even more creative! One thread that connected all of them - they LOVED their jobs! I wanted to hug every one of them.

It didn't take long for me to catch on to the jargon and spirit, and incorporate it into my workshops. I even offered them other spin-off ideas. I was surprised at how many teachers recognized Patrick's Dia de los Muertos illustrations from the dead.azcentral.com web site and asked to take my picture (because i was his wife!) to show it to their students. I met teachers from Nevada, Florida, Kansas, Ohio, Minnesota and Kentucky, and many more.

The first day we did a make-and-take of bookmarks, I also showed how to make Empowerment Word Shirts, the next day I taught five pre-scheduled Mixed-Media Journal workshops, and the last day, Time Capsule Tins. We used all Tulip, Aleene's and Crafty Chica goodies! They went over so well, we had people waiting right at the class start time in case someone did not show up for their seat. There were supposed to be three student per workshop, but we made room for five because there were so many enthusiastic, eager faces. I tried to say YES as much as I could. I am so sorry for the people we did have to turn away.


To be a good art teacher, you have to have an open mind and be willing to take ANY idea and make it your own. Just think - teachers have a lot of days to fill with programs and lesson plans. Who has room to be overly picky - at least when it comes to listening to ideas? I would think you want to gather as much as you can, and then pick and choose what fits your agenda. That's what 99.99999% of these people did. I met elementary, middle school, high school and even college art professors who sat down and made a project and asked for a lesson plan.

However, there was one teacher who walked by the table, glanced at it and before I could even explain, said, "This won't work. I teach high school students." I replied, "These projects can be adapted work for any grade..." and she shook her head and went on, with quite a scowl on her face. I felt like I was back in second grade again. I felt sad for her students. It's OK if she didn't like the materials, I know they are not for everyone, but don't artblock yourself! Whether we are art teachers, artists, wannabe artists, etc., one of ways to be successful is to keep pushing your comfort zone, adding your own zing to anything and everything. I'm not a hater though, I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt and sending good vibes that she found all kinds of other ideas to take back to her students!

If you are an art teacher or art education program coordinator, I highly suggest becoming a member of NAEA. I heard nothing but raves from teachers about this organization and I was so proud that my boss invited me to take part in it! It changed my life! One of my goals for the summer is to add an education area to CraftyChica.com, loaded with creative lesson plans for teachers!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Marker-Made Scarf

Yoli's sample scarf.

My scarf I made in her class!

My friend, Sacred Yoli rocks. She came on the Crafty Chica cruise and showed us how to decorate these super cool silk scarves using Crafty Chica Markers (you can also use glitter markers, metallic, fine point, etc) and alcohol ink. You simply draw, color, squiggle, whatever you want, onthe scarf and then spray it with rubbing alcohol that you put in a small bottle. It makes the colors bleed and makes them very vibrant. Let it dry and then use rubber stamps and ink to add a layer of words, images, whatever you want. You can also sew on trim. I've been using mine as a headband, and I've also been snipping off pieces touse in altered art projects.

Here is Yoli's tutorial on this project!

And if you want more inspiration - check out what Krissi Sandvik, also a Crafty Chica cruiser, did recently!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Artist Trading Card Mirrors

Last month I lead a craft cruise of 50 women from all across the country. Few of us knew each other, so I suggested we all make artist trading cards to trade with one another as an artsy introduction. By the end of the first night, we bonded. We went on to glitter, paint, glue, stitch, giggle, and even sing for four solid days at sea. As with any vacation, the hardest part was saying goodbye. A month has passed since the trip, and I still think of these wonderful new friends every day. I took out the cards I received and decided to incorporate them into my décor so I could enjoy them daily. I still have four more frames to make, but I love how my first two came out.

If you have never made artist trading cards, they are simply playing card-size works of art that you create. Use a glue stick to make fun collages that relay your personality. Add pictures, phrases, and motifs. Some people go as far as incorporating embossed designs, wax, fabric and more. You can make this a family project and have everyone decorate a card, or coordinate a secret mission and have them made for a loved one’s birthday or other celebration! While each one will be a stand-out piece, once you unite them on a frame, they will make for a stunning and sentimental collection.

Artist Trading Card Frames

Supplies:

Malma mirror (from IKEA)

Rubber stamps

Ink pads

Assorted artist trading cards

Double-sided adhesive tape

Assorted strands of fibers

Eyescrew

Picture hanger

Directions: Use your stamp and ink pad to add a design to the front of the frame. Let the ink dry. Set out your cards and take time to arrange them in an appealing layout. Use decorative scissors to trim cards if necessary. Once you find a layout you like, apply the adhesive tape to secure them to the frame. Attach the eyescrew to the bottom of the frame. Cut 5-6 strands of assorted, contrasting fibers to 12”. Tie them through the eyescrew. Attach the picture hanger.

Special thanks to all the cruisers who gave me one of their treasured cards! I love them so much!!!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

One of my happy workshop students @ NAEA!

Box Set Desk Caddy

When I was cleaning out the studio a while back, I came across three cute Indian paper mache boxes. My first thought was to Goodwill them, but they were so cute, I couldn't part with them. I whipped out my glue gun and used the lids for dishes and made a mini-caddy. It's perfect because it holds my glue sticks close by, as well as tiny pictures that I don't want to lose.

You can use any kind of box set and there are a zillion way sto glue them together to fit your need!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

One of my art teacher demos today

You use Tulip Muli Purpose Stencil Letters and have kids choose an
adjective that describes themselves. They use the stencil letters to
put on the shirt and then fill in with Tulip Soft Paint, Glitter Bond/
Chica Glitter, markers or crystals.

Teachers can also have their art students make a collage or write a
short essay about why they chose that word!

I love this conference, wish you were here!!!!

Teachers waiting for doors to open

Lightswitch covers

In order to live an artful life, you have to have ART all around you. Fromt he clothes you wear, to the words you use, and even little touches - like your lightswitch covers!

Here is my assignment to you. If you have boring eggshell-colored lightswitch covers in your house, use the weekend to give them a new look.

Decoupage images you love, or phrases cut from magazines. Use foamcore to add wings to the sides. Heck, just add paint to them. Seal them with varnish, let them dry and then hang them backup. See? That isn't so hard is it?

These are covers that Patrick made. They look great in our house!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Are you the next Bead Star?

Wow, this is the week for contests and events! Here is a wonderful one if you are into beading!!



Click here if you cannot see the video above.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Inspiration Friday: Author Gwendolyn Zepeda

Gwen, wheeling and dealing her next book!

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Gwendolyn Zepeda, author of the entertaining and endearing novel, Houston, We Have a Problema. I loved the book so much that I asked her if she would share some insight into her creative process.

If you have ever thought about fiction writing, Gwen offers some great inspiration!

1. Which song, TV show or movie titles best personifies your writing style? Oh my god, I don’t know. What a funny question! I wonder how often people give the answer they wish was true, but not the answer that really is true? Because that’s what I’m going to do now: I wish my writing style was personified by the animated series Home Movies – funny but not necessarily screamingly funny, and insightful but not hit-you-over-the-head-with-a-message, and intelligent yet still crass. And… not yet very well known. Heh.

2. In the book, Jessica looks to a plastic Virgin Mary as somewhat of a guide. What inspired that? Can you share a personal story about when you were superstitious about something? I know people who project their superstitions onto inanimate objects, and people who purchase plastic saints in hopes of using them to change their circumstances. So why not combine the two, right? I don’t have any particular personal stories. I mean, I’m kind of superstitious in general, but nothing dramatic ever happens. For instance, I have little patience for poor driving and a short temper on the road. So, sometimes, in order to keep myself from flipping out with road rage, I’ll tell myself that the guy who just cut in front of me without signaling, who is now driving 20 mph in the fast lane, might secretly be sent by God to keep me from arriving at my destination too early. Because, like… I don’t know, maybe if I get to my exit too early, I’ll have a wreck. You know? Basically, I try to take little annoyances in stride by telling myself that they’re meant to be. Calvinism as a coping mechanism, sort of.

3. What was your favorite chapter to write for this book? Which was most difficult? My favorite was when Jessica and her date get to her apartment and discover the awkward situation waiting for her there. (No spoilers, right?) When I started writing that chapter, I had no idea how her situation would be resolved, so it felt like I was living the moment with her and it gave me goosebumps.

Most difficult chapter was the one near the end where she has to call someone and apologize. Again, I had no idea what she’d say, but living through that with her wasn’t awkward in a funny way – just awkward.

4. If there was one message you want to drive home with your book, what is it? That you have to take charge of your life, or you’ll end up feeling miserable and hopeless.

5. Will you share your writing ritual? Sure. I turn on some music – either on the laptop or the MP3 player – and make sure I have a big glass of water next to me. I like to have some laundry or cooking going on in the background – something that gives me an excuse to get up and walk around every half hour or so. I try to type until I can’t think of what to type next. Then I get up and walk around until the idea loosens up in my head.

Boring, huh? J

6. How about writing advice for bloggers, wannabe authors, journalers or students? If you want to publish a book, you have to sit down and write it. Don’t expect someone to appear magically and offer you money to publish a collection of every little piece that you’ve already written. That seems to be a common fantasy – that a writer will get “recognized” or rewarded just for writing clever stuff in an informal setting. And that happens way less often than people want to believe.

But publishers want to see that you can finish a book, and the only way to show them that is by finishing one. All that said, I would encourage fledgling writers to go ahead and blog and write those little pieces. They’re the best way to find your voice and your audience.

7. What was the last crafty thing you did or made? I stenciled some birds onto nine small canvasses to go above my fireplace:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gwenworld/2082641866/in/set-72157594227052007/

And that was a long time ago, and I’m a little sad about that fact. I keep wanting to make jewelry, then not having or not taking the time to sit down and get it done.

8. Would you consider a sequel for Jessica, if not, what is your next book about? I would definitely consider a sequel for Jessica and, in fact, already know everything that would happen in it. But my next book is already written. It’s about Dominga “Sandy” Saavedra, who isn’t like Jessica at all. She’s a young journalist in Austin, proud of scoring her first real writing job at an online newspaper for Latinos. But then that site gets bought out by a gossip blog conglomerate, and Sandy has to come to terms with what it means to become an “entertainment writer” and online celebrity. It’s called Lone Star Legend and comes out in 2010.

9. This is your first novel. What did you learn about yourself during the process? That I have way more capacity for endurance than I previously believed.

10. Why do you think it is important for people to read novels?

Two reasons: Either to learn about people different from themselves, or to read about people like themselves and therefore feel less alone in the world.

About the book: From Publishers Weekly
For single Houston gal Jessica Luna, deciding what she really wants involves searching for signs and sage advice from a fortune-teller in Zepeda's snazzy first novel (after short story collection To the Last Man I Slept With and All the Jerks Just Like Him). The superstitious Latina becomes devoted to Madame Hortensia, a psychic with questionable abilities (but a good heart) after three eerie predictions come true. So it's with Hortensia's help that Jessica hopes to overcome her professional, personal and romantic woes. Jessica has a B.A. in art history yet unhappily toils for an insurance firm, is torn between two men—one a sexy but flaky artist, the other a rich but snobby businessman—and believes her parents may be on the verge of divorce. Jessica's evolution from self-uncertainty to self-empowerment is amusingly charted, and Zepeda's take on the popular fascination with good luck charms, horoscopes, psychics and unreliable predictions is laced with rueful zeal. (Jan.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Random things

By the time you read this, I'll be on a plane to Minnesota for the annual National Art Education Association Conference. A trade show full of art teachers!!! I LOVE that idea! I'll be there in the Duncan booth demoing Crafty Chica goodies, as well as Tulip and Aleene's products too.

What a week. OK, remember when I told you that I had an allergic reaction to a face cream? Well, I made it worse by putting Cortizone on it. Not a good idea. It burned my cheeks and all over and around my nose. To make matters worse, last week I was traveling for some very important meetings. I became so stressed that my whole body broke out in hives that turned into blisters. All over my arms, legs, torso - I was so miserable! I called Patrick every night in tears because I was in itchy pain. The first night he told me to take a hot bath. Wrong! I found out the hard way that hot water and hives do not mix - that is when the blisters broke out. I had to hide my arms all week! And I won't even talk about my nose and cheeks, and how I had to prentend all was fine. It looked so awful! As soon Patrick picked me up from the airport Friday afternoon, we jetted over to the doctor.

I went on quarantine lockdown in case it was contagious, even though the doctor assured me it wasn't. Really, I was just in hiding. It took a whole week of ointment and destressing, but I'm back to normal. With super smooth skin to boot! One of the things I had to do, aside from CHILL, was drink crazy amounts of water. Not only does my skin look refreshed, I actually went down a whole pant and blouse size!!! Maybe it all happened to give me a head start on losing weight. I hope so. I feel like my diet angels - or rather "new healthy lifestyle" angels are approaching my doorstep. I welcome them!

What's funny is that after seeing my results, now everyone else in the house is gulping water!

One other traumatic incident - the other day Patrick and I were on our way somewhere and this car across the intersection in the left hand turn lane tried to go straight instead. He barreled right for us. It felt like slow motion and I really thought our time had come. And then I decided to handle it like I do bad dreams. I just kept thinking "No. No. No. Go away." and we missed each other by a hair. Patrick said that an angel came between the cars to prevent the collision. I have always believed we each have our own personal set of guardians - I call mine Aztec Warrior Angels because they are fierce - and that was proven last week. It made me feel silly for whining over my chapped face! As long as we have our limbs, our mind and spirit we are going to be A-OK, right?

Well, that's it for me tonight. Except for one more very important note...



I found out today that one of our former Crafty Chica cruisers passed away from cancer. Porbrecita, Cecilia...we will all miss you and your artful stylings. We hope you are crafting it up in Heaven like you did on Earth. Our prayers go out to your family and loved ones. You will be missed. Besitos.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

A purse I made for...

A popular, highly-respected indie film (and one of my all-time-favorite!) director! I'll share more info
after she gets it!

Crafty Chica Loteria Wall Clock

It’s time to get crafty! Jazz up any room with a colorful Crafty Loteria Wall Clock, decorated with Crafty Chica™ Little Chica Paint Packs™, Loteria Game™ and Picture Charms™, adhered with Aleene’s® Liquid Fusion™.

• Crafty Chica™ Little Chica Paint Packs™
  
  
• Liquid Fusion™ Clear Urethane Glue
  
  
• Crafty Chica™ Loteria Game™
  
  
• Crafty Chica™ Chunky Glitters™
  
  

  25692 Rockabilly Ruby

• Crafty Chica™ Charms™
  
  
• Crafty Chica™ Glossy Gloss Varnish™
  
  
• Miscellaneous
  Basic wall clock
  Scissors
  Assorted paintbrushes
  Fine-grade sand paper
  Foil
  

Instructions

1. If clock has a clear covering over watch hands, remove it, as well as the watch hands.
2. Cut out images from the Crafty Chica™ Loteria Game™.
3. Using paints from the Crafty Chica™ Little Chica Paint Packs™, pour puddles of desired colors onto foil, then paint the face of the clock to your liking, adding accents of choice around the center hole. Let dry.
4. Paint the outside of the clock in your choice of color. Let dry.
5. Use Aleene’s® Liquid Fusion™ to affix a Loteria card at every other number, starting with 12. Glue charms in between the Loteria cards. Refer to photo. Let dry.
6. Paint the outside rim of clock with accents. Refer to photo for ideas. Let dry.
7. Apply Liquid Fusion™ around outer edge of clock face, then immediately sprinkle Rockabilly Ruby glitter onto glue. Tap off excess and let dry.
8. Coat the outside of clock with Crafty Chica™ Glossy Gloss Varnish™ and let dry.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Did I ever show you the back of my studio door?

I just keep stapling stuff to it...this is just the beginning!

Purse-in-progress

Fiber Arts: Call for Submissions!

This was passed along to me and I want to share it with all of you! Go for it!!

Sandra Salamony and Gina Brown are co-authors of an upcoming book, 1000 Artisan Textiles, to be published in May 2010 by Rockport Publishers/Quarry Books. I invite all members of the Fiber Arts Mixed Media site to submit their favorite project(s) for consideration. Please take a look at their website, http://1000artisantextiles.com for more details. You will note that the while the deadline for submission is June 1, 2009, the selection process will begin earlier, and therefore, we encourage early submissions.

Thank you in advance for participating,

Gina M. Brown
1000 Artisan Textiles
(Creative fiber works in detail)

Visit Fiber Arts/Mixed Media at: http://fiberartsmixedmedia.ning.com

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

My car magnets came in!

...and I made them wrong! The "y" is cut off. I've sent out a call for help to the design wizards at Duncan (Hi, Gloria!) for help with designing a new and better one.

So, here is a tip. Yes, it is great to do this kind of stuff on your own, BUT research and practice to make sure you get it right. These signs were only $10 at VistaPrint.com, but the biggest bummer was opening them to see my error that could have easily been avoided!

At least I know they look cute! The next set will be much better, stay tuned!

The art table I always wanted!

My neighbor was cleaning out his house and didn't need it, so he
donated it to our studio! I love it! Thanks, Denny!!

Swap-O-Rama-Rama - PHOENIX!

swaporamarama april 19th
Originally uploaded by the Trunk Space

SUNDAY APRIL 19, 11am to 4 pm - SWAP-O-RAMA-RAMA is BACK!! at the Trunk Space, 1506 NW Grand, Phoenix. You donate a bag of used clothing + $5, we provide lots of garments, supplies, ideas, help and inspiration to help you restyle amazing recycled one-of-a-kind fashion! All are welcome - more details at http://www.thetrunkspace.com and http://www.swaporamarama.com

Handmade Nation movie is coming to Phoenix!

For more information, CLICK HERE!

THE NEW WAVE OF CRAFT: FILM SCREENING, TALK & BOOKSIGNING

Faythe Levine discusses her book and documentary, Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft and Design, on Saturday, May 2, 2 p.m. and Sunday, May 3, 2p.m. at Modified Arts in Roosevelt Row

Ariz.— Crafters are no longer interested in simply cross-stitching samplers or painting floral scrolls on china. Today's craft movement is creating a new model for small business and community development.

Faythe Levine, (nicknamed "The Ambassador of Handmade" by The New York Times), traveled 19,000 miles to document what has emerged as a marriage between historical technique, punk culture, and the D.I.Y. ethos. She created a film and book by the same name, Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft and Design which provides a microcosm of the crafting community today. Participants in this community share ideas and encouragement through websites, blogs, boutiques, galleries, and craft fairs.

Faythe Levine is a Milwaukee-based artist and major indie-crafts booster. She multi-tasks as a filmmaker, author, independent curator and creative director. Since excerpts of Handmade Nation first appeared on Youtube, Faythe has been traveling around the world promoting this film. Screening cities include Melburne, Australia, Manchester, England and Jonkoping,Sweden and cities across the U.S.

This event is co-sponsored by Changing Hands Bookstore, Frances Vintage Boutique, Future Arts Research Center at A.S.U., Local First, AZ, MADE art boutique, Modified Arts and Roosevelt Row

Join Faythe Levine when she discusses her book and film at Modified Arts in Roosevelt Row.

WHEN: Saturday, May 2, 2 p.m. and Sunday, May 3, 2p.m.

WHERE: Modified Arts, 407 E Roosevelt St., Phoenix

WHO: Levine is a Milwaukee-based artist and major indie-crafts booster. She multi-tasks as a filmmaker, author, independent curator and creative director.

COST: $10 tickets available at Stinkweeds, Frances Vintage and MADE art boutique.

Changing Hands will provide books for sale at Modified Arts.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

A Taste of Talavera Bracelet

A Taste of Talavera Bracelet Designed and Decorated by Kathy Cano-Murillo Get a taste of Talavera with this bracelet and choker, inspired by the beautiful designs of this popular style of Mexican tile and ceramic ware. Small wood hearts make a big statement with Crafty Chica™ Little Chica Paint Packs and Mojito Papers™ and Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue! Crafty Chica™ Mojito Papers™ Crafty Chica™ Little Chica Paint Packs™ Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue® Crafty Chica™ Glossy Gloss Varnish™ Miscellaneous Needle-nose pliers 8mm jump rings Small dish (to mix paint) Wood hearts Small paintbrush Pencil Scissors Lobster clasp Handheld rotary tool Instructions Remove the paper that looks like talavera tiles from the Crafty Chica™ Mojito Papers™ pack and flip it over so the front is facing downward. Set one of the wood hearts on the paper and use a pencil to trace out seven or eight hearts. Cut hearts out. Glue each paper heart to a wood heart with Aleene’s® Original Tacky Glue®. Let dry then trim excess paper around edges if needed. Squeeze some red paint from the Little Chica Paint Pack™ into a small mixing dish and add tiny dot of black, then mix to create a terra cotta color. Dip the end of paintbrush handle in mixture and use it to outline the top edges and sides of the hearts. Let dry. Drill a small hole on each side of all hearts. Use needle-nose pliers to connect hearts together to form bracelet. Wrap bracelet around your wrist to make sure it fits. Add lobster clasp to ends and connect. Coat the front of the bracelet hearts with Crafty Chica™ Glossy Gloss Varnish™ and let dry.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Win a Crafty Chica Prize Pack!

Win a fabulous Crafty Chica Prize Pack!

Enter to win a fabulous Crafty Chica Prize Pack courtesy of www.ilovetocreate.com! One lucky winner will receive a $30-valued Crafty Chica Prize Pack filled with the Love Shrine Workshop in at Box™, a Flocked Iron-On Transfer, Paint Writers, Glitter and Charms.

How to Enter:
In order to be officially entered in the contest, you must add us as your friend on the I LOVE TO CREATE MySpace page - and - leave us a comment telling us what you love to create! If you are already a friend of ours on MySpace, you will still need to leave us a comment telling us what you love to create to be officially entered into the contest.

Contest begins at 12:01 AM Eastern Time (ET) on 3/18/2009 and ends at 11:59 PM ET on 4/30/2009. A random drawing of all entries will be held shortly thereafter by the www.ilovetocreate.com .. staff. If you are selected to win, you will be contacted through MySpace for your mailing address. Your Crafty Chica Prize Pack will be mailed to you once your information has been collected.

Please note: Only one submission per person.

Employees of the Sponsors, their affiliates, subsidiaries, distributors, retailers, advertising and promotion agencies, and the immediate families of each are not eligible to enter or win. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. Void where prohibited by law.

Submission of projects constitutes consent to use writers' names and messages for editorial, advertising and publicity purposes without further compensation (except where prohibited).

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Inspiration Friday: Seeking Submissions

A while back I had a goal of running a feature called "Inspiration Friday" every week. But as much as I want to do it, I've had a hard time keeping up.

I've decided to think of Plan B - I did, and I like it much better!

I'm turning it over to YOU!

I am now accepting submissions to run for the Inspiration Friday column. It can be about:

What inspires you
Empowerment crafts
A personal essay about work, family, your dreams
A funny event that happened to you
Flash fiction
Advice on creativity/love/art/business/balancing it all
A video
A movie/book review, etc.

Be creative!!! The mission is to inspire! And just think - your feature and byline will be read by up to 60,000 unique visitors from all ages and backgrounds, the craft industry, the publishing industry, and so many others! This is a chance for you to shine :-)

Here are the guidelines:

- 1,000 words or less.
- No swearing (unless it is to promise to share your craft supplies).
- Include a three sentence bio on you.
- SUBMIT your piece with INSPIRATION FRIDAY in the subject line and email to kathy[at]craftychica[dot]com

I'll begin to run the selected features next month!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

VIDEO: How to Make a Tie Dye T-Shirt, by Maya

click here if you cannot see the video above. Visit MayaintheMoment.com for more videos!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Jump Ring Jewelry

Crafts aren't just about making something nice. Hardcore hobbyists know there's another kind of thrill that comes from the art of creating. That would be discovering and using the unexpected. Jump-ring jewelry is a great example. Jump rings come in a variety of sizes and are normally used as findings to finish off necklaces and bracelets, or to connect charms. In this case, the jump rings are joined in sets of repeated sets of two or three to create a chunky, rocker look.

Jump Ring Jewelry

Supplies
• 1 gross of jump rings, 12 mm round (you will be able to make several pieces)
• 2 pairs of needle-nose pliers
• Lobster or toggle clasp
• Accent charm

Directions: Before you start making a bracelet or necklace, open about 50 jump rings at the seam so the linking process will go easier. These directions are for a double link chain. To do this, hold a pair of needle-nose pliers in each hand and separate the rings one at a time. To start linking, pick up two closed rings, hold them together and then hook an open ring through them, close it and then repeat for the second ring. You will now have two sets of two rings that are linked and are in opposite directions. To continue, hook on a closed ring through the top two rings, close it and then add another link and close. Keep building the chain by adding jump sets of jump rings until it is as long as you like. When finished, add a clasp and accent charm (if desired).

Variations: For a daintier bracelet, use smaller jump rings; for a bolder and mod look, use larger ones. In addition to making a bracelet or necklace, you can also make belts, purse straps, anklets and more.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

REPOST: Bad Easter Mommy!

Sunday, April 11, 2004

Bad Easter Mommy!

Where do you stand on Easter basket for the kids?

When I was little, my mom made the most of every holiday. Come Easter Sunday morning I would always awaken to a huge oversize plush stuffed bunny and an even bigger Easter basket filled with gobs of sweet treats. Not the cheapo kind, the good stuff - like Hershey's Kisses (pre pastel foil) and tall gourmet chocolate bunnies. There were always Peeps too, but I never ate them.

Now that I'm a mom with kids, I'm not as enthusiastic about this Spring holiday. Maybe it is because I feel funny about celebrating Jesus' holy resurrection by biting into a hardboiled egg. I know why things are the way they are, but it just feels *weird*. I'm not a big Easter crafter either. From the color palette to the little duckies and bunnies, it just doesn't jive with my natural spirit.

What's wrong with me?

At least with the baskets, my reasoning is that both my parents and Patrick's parents give the kids their own life-sized Easter baskets every year. That's so much candy when you think about it! Today they'll be chomping on a Cadbury Creme Egg and 10 years later they'll be whining about having to get a root canal!

So far every year the Easter Bunny has made a confectionery pit stop at our casa. But this year he didn't quite make it. A while back, DeAngelo told me (without me even bringing it up) that he didn't want an Easter basket. He is almost 14 now and I guess it's uncool. But Maya, at 11, is all about anything and everything that is trimmed in pink and purple with sugar on top. Yesterday she and I were at Target doing some shopping for - you guessed it - Easter baskets. I asked her if she *really* wanted one, even though she was already going to get other bigger and better ones from family.

She told me, "Nah, I'm kinda tired of chocolate right now".

"What a sweet little girl I have," I thought. So instead, I bought one basket and candy for it that whole family could munch on. With the money I saved from buying individual baskets for everyone, I went to the sports department and I bought myself a left-handed softball glove. This is Maya's first year playing ball and she needs a lot of practice! I haven't played since I was 13, but I was willing to give it a try to help her sharpen her line-drive capabilities.

We went to McDonald's and then stopped at the park by our house and began to play catch. I didn't care that there were a lot of families watching us as they ate at the picnic tables. I was doing pretty good and having a blast. (First the treadmill, now ball at the park - I'm freaking myself out!) All was well until Maya threw a high ball at me and I ran backwards to get it while throwing my hands over my head and leaping in the air.

My loose gauze shirt flipped up and covered my face. Even though all I could see was the bright orange fabric in front of my eyeballs - the horrified faces of the happy picnic people popped into my mind. They all caught a loooonnng glimpse of my fleshy belly and lime green push-up bra.

"Ok, let's go now!" I yelled to Maya.

We went to my parents and continued to practice in the backyard until the second ball went over the fence. I ended up going home and let Maya spend the night there with Theresa. The next morning I woke up with ultra-sore legs that were nothing compared to the drama to come. Theresa calls me and it goes like this...

Theresa: I can't believe you didn't get your kids Easter baskets!
Me: They didn't want them, I asked!
Theresa: (Yells over her shoulder) Maya! did you tell your Mommy you didn't want a basket?
Maya: (Yells back) What?I NEVER said that!
Me: Put Maya on the phone please.
Maya: Hi Mommy, Happy Easter. How come you didn't get me a basket? Grandma said she got you a BIG basket every year when you were little.
ME: Didn't I ask you at Target if you wanted a basket and you said no?
Maya: Ummm, noooooo. I don't remember that. It's OK, though. Grandma and Theresa said they would get me a basket today.

BETRAYED! What a conniving little minx! I drove right over there to give her a good guilt-laced lecture. She finally admitted to me that - yes, she now *remembered*. She apologized and I could tell she felt bad. Good! I made her march right in the house and tell my parents and Theresa. I needed vindication!

It sounds silly, but that episode threw my whole day out of whack. I know my family was kidding about it all and I take things so personally but inside I kept wondering if I am a bad mommy because I didn't go that extra step to break out with the pastel cello and basket. I kept crying about it. Not just sniffle crying, but like - "not-enough-Kleenex- in-the-house-so-go-get-the-roll-of-tissue-paper" kind of crying.

Don't those baskets always end up tossed in the closet? And don't we all end the day with a thick yellow residue of sugar on our teeth after eating all that candy? Hello? Bad breath? And the stuffed animal on the bed - it's a pain to take it off every night and put it back on the bed when you make it up. A big yellow chickie on the bed isn't so much fun in July, ya know? It's too big to stuff in the closet and you can't give it away or sell it at a yard sale because it was a *special gift* and your parents would yell "Hey Missy, I paid a lot of money for that!" - in which you reply :"But I thought the Easter Bunny got it for me?"

So maybe I just saved Maya a few ounces of future stress! Or maybe I just need to get an Easter basket of my own because it's been such a long time since I've had one.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

The cover of my debut novel!

It comes out March 3, 2010 from Grand Central Publishing! I know it sounds like a long time away, but I know the months will fly by.

Nov 2004: I wrote the first draft for National Novel Writing Month.
Jan-April 2005: I edited the mess in 2005, my agent sent me back to the drawing board.
May 05-06: I gave up.
June: Went to a writing conference and decided to take my agent's notes and revise.
Spring 2007: I submit again, my agent loves it! Gives me more revisions. I complete them.
July 2007: Manuscript sells in a two-book deal with GCP!

SYNOPSIS: Struggling domestic-goddess-in-training Ofy is determined to turn heads at this year's International CraftOlympics. To do that, she'll need the help of her best friend, Star. Considering herself a serious artist, Star is hesitant, but finally agrees to help as a way to end her own creative slump. Truthfully she thinks Ofy is a little loca about the whole craft thing - and about her idol: Local TV personality, Crafty Chloe. Star doesn't trust the bottle-blonde, even after she becomes part of their crafting team. As the competition heats up, Star will learn Chloe's dirty little secret, why crafting means so much to Ofy, and that beauty, art, and creativity can take many more forms than a canvas hanging in a gallery.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Peeps Shadow Box

Peeps are not just for chewing anymore. They have become pop culture icons of spring, even if they don’t rank high on the tasty list. They are colorful, cute, and packed with personality. Hello, craft project! After seeing a slideshow from The Washington Post recently of Peeps dioramas, I made my own simpler version to celebrate Easter. You can use any kind of small box as the foundation, and use up any excess craft supplies to use for accents.

To see the slide show, visit: http://tinyurl.com/2co752

Supplies:
Shadow box (any small box will do)
Peeps
Spray varnish
Scrapbook paper
Flowers
Glitter in assorted colors.
White craft glue
Paints, brushes
Hot glue

Directions: Take the Peep outside and spray it with the varnish. Let dry and then flip it over and repeat. Let dry and repeat process one more time. Base coat the box in your desired color, and then coat with glitter. Let dry. Glue the scrapbook paper to the inside panel of the box. Decide how you want to stage your Peep. Mix paint to match the Peep’s skin color and coat over the dots for eyes so you can add your own. Glue all the pieces down. Add any other accents you’d like, such as a small bird on top, or dimensional squeeze paint on top.
Tip: You can personalize your box by making it to the theme of your favorite hobby!
If you are super proud of your Peep box, have a professional picture taken so you can make postcards.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Plastic Eggs 3 Ways

Every year at this time of the season, I can’t help but buy a bag of those colored plastic eggs. Anything that is under $1 and has secret compartment capabilities scores high on my supply list.
And…every year I have yet to open the bag. Therefore, I made it a challenge to come up with fabtastic, new uses for these timeless Easter containers (other than just holding jellybeans). Once I began to sketch, the ideas sprouted like happy daisies. Here are three of my favorites that can be used as party favors or decorations for the kiddies.


Bobble Eggs: The idea is to create a “bobble” effect by inserting a spring between the two halves of the egg. You’ll need a small base of thick cardboard or wood, a spring (I used the spine from a spiral notebook), hot glue, wire nippers, pipe cleaners, googly eyes and embellishments. Cut the spring at 3”, and hot glue it to the bottom portion of the egg, and then inside the top. Let the glue harden. Add eyes and other embellishments and glue to the base. Use the pipe cleaners to make funky arms!


Kitschy Chicks Candy Holder: These are adorable and useful. Make one for each guest and then hide a treat inside. You’ll need googly eyes, bamboo skewers, a wood or cardboard base, hot glue, scrapbook paper. Cut two legs from the bamboo skewers and glue them to the bottom of the egg. Glue on the eyes, and then cut two sharp ends from the skewers for the beak, and glue them below the yes. Add hair, and cut feet from paper. Glue on the base. Add glitter for plastic grass if desired.


Nifty Egg Necklaces: You’ll need a hand held rotary tool, large jump rings, needle nose pliers, paints for plastic, ribbon or cording. Open the egg so it is flat on the table, drill two small holes at the top, and use the pliers to insert and close the jump ring. Paint the outside of the egg with the paints, let dry. Thread a ribbon through the top, fill with treats and pass out to the kids!


Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

$3 Easter basket

Hello dollar store!

I bought a plain Easter basket, one batch of fake flowers and hot glue sticks.

Take all the flowers apart and hot glue the pedals around the basket and handle. Use the greenery to line "under the handle and inside the basket. You could also add fake butterflies, or little feathered foam birds, small decorative eggs, etc..

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Luchador Cascarones!

This is from a segment I did on DIY Network's Craft Lab! Way fun!

Materials:

1 dozen eggs
2 brushes
2 cups of water
black, red, green, yellow and blue paint pens
2 steak knives
confetti
1 bag of sequins
paper towels
colored tissue paper
white craft glue

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Lucha Libre-Inspired Decorative Eggs (cascarones) and Egg Holder

Steps:

1. Decorate an egg carton with glitter, glue and paint pens (figure A) and let dry.
2. Poke a hole on the bottom of the egg with a steak knife — just big enough to drain the egg (figure B). Be careful when poking the hole in the egg, the shell cracks easily. Always empty more eggs than you think you'll need just in case one breaks. Dry the egg, rinse out with water, turn upside down, and then let it drip over a paper towel.
3. Carefully insert a teaspoon of confetti inside the egg. Micro glitter will be hard to see once the egg cracks, therefore use glitter with large flakes.
4. Using white craft glue, glue tissue paper over the hole.
5. Draw an outline of the face with a paint pen.
6. With the paint pens, color inside the lines of your outlines on the shell (figure C).
7. Carefully set the egg in the carton to dry.

Tips:

• An easy way to make your own confetti is to hole punch metallic wrapping paper.
  
• Instead of paint pens, use permanent markers or a light coat of paint. If using paint, make sure it's not too thick.

Peace, love, and glitter!

Kathy :-)

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

DIY Iced Eggs

Use cake icing tubes to jazz up your chocolate eggs!


Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Something I always overlook.

In 2004 and 2005, I had the privilege to write and release two craft books (Watson Guptill) aimed at pre-teens. They were from "The Crafty Diva" series, and I loved, loved, LOVED writing and designing for that market. I relied a lot on Maya (she was 11 and 12 at the time) for input and approval for the projects. Once the first book came out, I began to recieve letters from young crafters on a weekly basis. That is still true! I'm so happy these books are still going strong, being enjoyed, and put to use! I feel guilty because I rarely post about these titles, yet they continue to sell. The tween market is ripe for creativity!!

Here is one that came in today.

Isn't it so cute??? I hope she keeps crafting and someday shares her favorite techniques with her daughter - and granddaughters too!

THANK YOU to all the crafty readers of these books!!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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