May 31, 2009
Book Pocket & Bookmark
Labels:
books,
Crafty Lit,
Paper projects
I'm really into "crafty lit" - juicy novels that have characters who paint, bead, knit or sew. I'm the nerdy type who always has a book on me and I utilize every pocket of time to take in a chapter. Sometimes I'll lend a book, so for my favorite hardcovers, I make little borrowing pockets to keep track of who has it.
NOTE: IT is always better to BUY a book, that way the publishing industry will thrive and allow more scrumptuous titles for us to devour. However, it's OK to lend every so often. Therefore, this project is dedicated to book lovers who share their finds. These pockets and bookmarks are a fun way to add spice to your library, and keep all the titles in order. If you belong to a book club, think about setting aside a meeting so the members can whip up a batch!
Supplies:
Pockets
Book pockets and insert cards (one for each book)
Rubber stamps
Embossing powder and inks
Watercolors
Tape writer and tape
Beads
Yarn
Double-sided adhesive tape
Magnetic bookmarks
Card stock
Paper embellishments
Micromagnets
Adhesive
Directions: To make the pockets, work on a flat open surface. Before you begin to decorate the book pocket, think about the theme of the book, so you can make a card to match. Use the stamps, embossing powder, watercolor paints, beads and anything else that inspires you. Do the same for the card insert, but make sure to list the name of the book, and leave room for the name of the lender. Use the double-sided adhesive tape to affix the pocket to the inside of the book.
To make the magnetic bookmark, cut a piece of card stock measuring 2 inches square. Fold it in half and use a bone folder or other tool to make a sharp crease. Embellish the outside of the card as desired. Use adhesive to apply a magnet to the bottom of each inner flap.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
May 30, 2009
Finally
people in line behind each chair!
4th Annual Crafty Chica Art Cruise!
Labels:
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!
About the cruise! 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.
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
Average Jane Crafter's genius iPhone cover!
Glittered Canvases at Maker Faire
Labels:
glitter,
maker faire
While you are reading this, I am leading a massive make-and-take glitterfest in our ILoveToCreate.com booth at Maker Faire! I outlined designs on 300 blank canvases for this event. I hope 300 people come by!
If you are reading this, chances are you are not attending Maker Faire, so why should you be denied a fun project? It looks super easy, but there is a trick to it for maximum sparklyness.
Supplies:Blank canvas
Crafty Chica Glitters
Tulip 3D Fashion Paint, black
Crafty Chica Tango Markers
Decoupage medium (Collage Pauge or Aleene's Paper Glaze)
Brushes
Typing paper (to catch glitter overflow)
Directions:
1. Draw your design on the canvas, the bigger and bolder the better.
2. Use a marker to color in the area you want to glitter. DO NOT color the entire picture - only the first area you want to glitter. For example, for the heart picture you see above, you would color the crown yellow and stop.
3. Use your brush to coat the yellow crown area (example) with decoupage medium, and then pour the gold glitter over it. Tap away excess. Move on to the th next section, staying in the lines you drew.
4. When the entire design is covered in glitter, use the Tulip 3D Fashion Paint to draw over the outline. This will make the design POP out. The picture at the top doesn't show how cool it looks, so just trust me, okay?
TIP: You don't have to glitter the whole thing. You can glitter the main design, and then color patterns in the background with the markers. You can also sub paint for markers!
Have fun!
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
May 29, 2009
Plus-size chicas like tie-dye too!
Dye. Direx coming after I get home from Maker Faire!
FREE GLITTER TODAY
Labels:
crafty contests,
sewing book
It’s been almost four months since my book, Crafty Chica’s Guide to Artful Sewing, has been released. Within that time, I’ve heard from scores of women who had so many heartfelt and happy things to say about the book. And for very vast reasons too! For some, they cheered that the four-alarm contrast of colors and patterns made them giddy. Like Cyndi Garcia of the SantaClaritaCraftLab.com. Here she is showing off the Yarn and T-Shirt Skinny Scarf project she made!
Others said the book motivated them to break out their sewing machine and get busy, like Christy Petterson of GetCrafty.com.
“I had an idea the other day for a new little something that I want to sew, and reading Kathy’s book really sealed the deal for me,” she said.
Some said they even went out and bought a machine to get started from scratch! There were a few who admitted the projects strayed from their style, but still considered the book a gem thanks to the positive message and essays. Some of my favorites have been from kamikaze crafters like myself who picked up on the idea of personalizing their machine like the one on page 18 of the book! Check out Jean’s (Quilted Cupcake) work of art!
And then there is Stefani Gerard of SweaterSurgery.blogspot.com who made a coffee cozy inspired by the Kamikaze Scrap Belt project. So cute!
I wish I could post each and every picture and letter. I’m absolutely blown away by the kindness and enthusiasm from book readers and crafters. Keep sending pictures, I’ll share them on my blog and link to your site too!
As a way to say thank you, I want to give a little gift - a FREE jar of Crafty Chica Glitter. Now, I can’t find a reasonable way to give everyone a jar of glitter, but if you take the time to leave a review on Amazon or B&N.com today, Friday, May 29th, 2009, email me at kathy@craftychica.com, with your address and I’ll send one right out! It is my way of saying mil gracias - a million thanks!!!
Regardless, keep on stitching!
NOTE: If you already left a review on those sites, I'll send you glitter too!
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
Inspiration Friday: Mayra Calvani
Labels:
inspiration friday
Violin, My Muse Special for CraftyChica.com
By Mayra Calvani
Violin… The word brings such vivid images to my mind. A slender and graceful soloist performing on stage, her eyes closed with delirious ecstasy. The mysterious, dark, gaunt figure of Paganini, his long thin fingers racing up and down the fingerboard with demonic, preternatural speed. Tartini reclining in bed while handing the violin to the devil himself. Sherlock Holmes playing a tune in his small flat on 221b Baker Street.
The sound which comes forth from the violin stirs different emotions deep within my soul—sublimity, sweetness, passion, sadness, fear. Sibelius’ concerto is dark and mysterious; Beethoven’s is spiritual and noble; Brahms’ is earthly and passionate; Tchaikovsky’s is grand and dramatic.
It’s curious how, unlike other instruments, the violin seems to possess a dark, sinister quality. Surely no other instrument in history has been the ‘victim’ of such lore and legend. The violin is light and darkness. It has two faces, two personas. This is what makes the violin so intriguing. At the same time, it is associated with the feminine. I’m not referring to the shape and sound of the violin, but to the feelings it evokes on their owners. I’ve read that men violinists see the violin as a female companion, while women see it as an extension of themselves.
Another thing I’ve come to realize is that most people have intense emotions about the violin—they either love it or hate it. Interesting enough, for someone who hasn’t an affinity for music, the violin can be the most horrific, tortuous instrument to listen to.
I was a late starter. I began taking violin lessons in my mid thirties. Just as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde woke up one day and decided to become a lawyer, I woke up one day and decided I wanted to play the violin. For somebody like me, who had never had any kind of musical education, it was a great challenge. Four years since then, I can only say I don’t know how I could have lived without my violin for so long. A wonderful new dimension has opened in my life. Enveloped in music, surrounded by etudes and books, I wallow in the daily practice of this magnificent instrument, this marvel of ingenuity. But, most strange of all, this new dimension has extended to my writing as well. The violin has stirred my imagination and unleashed my creativity in ways that I never experienced before. A little orphan girl who wishes to become a violinist begs me to write her Christmas story; amateur teenaged violinists whisper in my ear that they wish to be the protagonists of my new mystery; a fragile, mentally unbalanced young violinist shares with me her horror tale, assuring me that her story would make a bestseller…
Always near my computer, my violin beckons me to hold it when I’m stuck in a scene or passage, as if only one embrace, one stroke, are enough to lift the dark cloud from my mind. And always in the background is the violin music, my muse and inspiration. I hope this gift will continue to be bestowed upon me for many years to come.
Would you like to submit an article for Inspiration Friday? Click HERE for the guidelines
. -SUBMIT your piece with INSPIRATION FRIDAY in the subject line and email to kathy[at]craftychica[dot]comPeace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
May 28, 2009
Like mother, like daughter. Is that bad or good?
Labels:
maker faire,
maya in the moment
This weekend at Maker Faire, Maya will demo as a professional for the first time! Actually she once was a guest on Jackie Guerra's DIY Jewelry Making show, but that was when she was only 11. Anyway - last month, Maya made a tie-dye video and it has been getting a crazy amount of views. I think it is more than 16,000 now. And it was her first time trying the craft!My boss at Duncan Enterprises invited Maya to demo in the ILoveToCreate.com booth at Maker Faire this weekend! Maya practiced her tie-dye skills all weekend, and inspired from an idea that I totally forgot I did a long time ago, made her own business cards from scrap paper! (Here is an even better way from my pal, Alexa) While Maya is there, she wants to promote her web site, MayaInTheMoment.com. She stopped at 100 cards and konked out.
By the way, she is so dramatic, that is totally a staged photo up there!
Here are her cards. They came out so cute! She hand colored each one.
Come see us at Maker Faire!!
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
May 27, 2009
The Sugar Queen
Labels:
books
I'm traveling this weekend, which means I'm cracking open a new novel to read. I am so anxious to get started on The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen.
Product DescriptionSee? Doesn't it sound so enchanting??? Also seen on the bookstands - more knitting mysteries!
In this irresistible novel, Sarah Addison Allen, author of the New York Times bestselling debut, Garden Spells, tells the tale of a young woman whose family secrets—and secret passions—are about to change her life forever.
Josey Cirrini is sure of three things: winter is her favorite season, she’s a sorry excuse for a Southern belle, and sweets are best eaten in the privacy of her closet. For while Josey has settled into an uneventful life in her mother’s house, her one consolation is the stockpile of sugary treats and paperback romances she escapes to each night…. Until she finds her closet harboring Della Lee Baker, a local waitress who is one part nemesis—and two parts fairy godmother. With Della Lee’s tough love, Josey’s narrow existence quickly expands. She even bonds with Chloe Finley, a young woman who is hounded by books that inexplicably appear when she needs them—and who has a close connection to Josey’s longtime crush. Soon Josey is living in a world where the color red has startling powers, and passion can make eggs fry in their cartons. And that’s just for starters.
Brimming with warmth, wit, and a sprinkling of magic, here is a spellbinding tale of friendship, love—and the enchanting possibilities of every new day.
Peace, love, and glitter!Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
Let your fiction grow out of the land beneath your feet!
Labels:
family life,
send prayers
I took this photo last Saturday while at the Farm at South Mountain. They have a huge "wishing tree" that is covered with knitted pieces in a rainbow of colors. There are huge pockets so you can write down your wish and tuck it in. My favorite? The tags with engaging quotes that hang from each branch.This one by Willa Cather was the first I read and it really struck my heart. These days I've been thinking and praying so much about my dad and his fight with cancer. He truly has lived up to this quote. He is filled with so many funny stories about his travels and experiences.
It is a crime for any of us to even think we lead a boring life. If you really stop and break it down, each portion of the day can translate into a juicy slice-of-life tale to share on your blog, at the dinner table, for a class assignment, a scrapbook, for your (future) grandkids, etc. Don't be shy! Write down the scene, save it for the right time to share it. Keep it in your journal, or your computer files. It will be your own little time capsule, that will make a priceless gift!
I've spent the last six years blogging about my husband and kids (and pets!), but I've decided to also write down all the memories I have of my pop. Don't get me wrong, despite the health issues, he is always up and about doing his thang. Nothing will slow him down! But I know someday my brain is going to fry and I don't want the life projector in my head to go fuzzy before I journal all my favorite flashbacks.
Think about it. We are currently experiencing an amazing journey, first hand. Document it. You don't have to be a glorious writer or storyteller. All you have to do is take account of the moment. Share it in a tape recorder, on video, or scribble it down on a piece of paper.
Another idea is to make your own wishing tree. Beautify a tree in your back yard with handmade tags with inspiring words and ornaments. Add a knitted or crocheted belt with pockets, so you can jot down and plant your wishes.
Do me a favor and savor this quote by Willa Cather: Let your fiction grow out of the land beneath your feet!
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
May 26, 2009
Say hello to our new personal assistant!
Labels:
crafty life,
family life
For the past two years, I've dreamed about having someone to prep my work table, sort my emails, pack boxes, take pictures, sort paperwork, make me a double mocha when I really need it...
Because I work at home, I couldn't grasp someone coming over here, I would be too worried about all the unexpected activity that goes on! I also had no idea how to break down what I needed to be done, specifically. Therefore, I set my internal energy clock on HIGH and buzzed around the house trying to meet all my deadlines and still keep everything fluffy and creative until my battery gave out. Sure, I ask the kids for help, but their enthusiasm doesn't come easy. After arm twisting and bribing, I can squeez a few tasks out of them, but the ordeal is exhasuting.
DeAngelo finished up his semester at college and has been job hunting with no luck. Last week while on a plane ride home from Fresno, it hit me - I should hire him as a personal assistant for Patrick and myself!
When I arrived home, I presented him with my job offer and he excitedly agreed. I spent Thursday night forming a list of duties. I set up a CraftyChica.com email account for him. Friday morning, I spent an hour training him and he stayed busy for the next six hours! He had the weekend off, and today he woke up and got busy.
I can sum it up in one word: HEAVEN!!!
What a world of difference! Before when I asked for a favor, I felt like I was Naggy Mom, but now that it is his job, I feel like the Rockstar Craft Lady of the house. He is so efficient and thorough. I've seen a whole new side to him and I'm so proud! I encouraged him to keep looking for a job outside of our house, but in th emeantime, he can gain a world of experience right here.
Here is what he is doing: Changes the office and art room trash, preps our work areas, goes through emails, updates my blog feed to my MySpace page, screens our friend requests, changes my paint water, inputs my notes into Word, scans and re-sizes my photos, packs and labels boxes, and all kinds of other things like asking me if I'm thirsty and need water.
He helped me prep 300 canvases for my Maker Faire make-and-take, realized what all goes into my day. At one point, I took a break and plopped down on the bed. He came over and massaged my left wrist with lotion because earlier he witnessed me drawing over and over on the canvases.
DeAngelo has never really been into crafting (except for hand painting his Warhammer army guys). But today, he watched Maya tie dye some shirts and asked if he could try too. Next thing I knew, he was getting down and dirty with a t-shirt! When he saw the final result, he was so proud!
If you are super busy with your art and crafts business and need a little help, check within your family for help. If not your kids, ask your nieces or nephews, aunts, uncles or even neighbors. I am amazed at how much more time I have to do other things, even though it's only been two days!
DeAngelo's name translates as "of the angels" - and he sure does live up to that!
I'll keep you posted how it develops!
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
May 25, 2009
Comfort Zone: Tips for marathon crafters!
Labels:
tips for artists
Me, sporting my new purple specs!At first, crafting seems light, fluffy, and fun. One day you are designing a beautiful necklace and the next you are cranking out two dozen of them for an art fair. The more you get into handmade arts on a regular basis, the faster you'll realize how important it is to prep your work area.
May 24, 2009
Terra Cotta Tea Light Holder
Labels:
garden
Chunky handmade candles are common fare for setting a mood. However, when revamping your humble abode, don't underestimate the power of tea lights. When used creatively, these tiny twinklers make a dazzling display of romantic or relaxing radiance.
A simple terra-cotta dish garden will raise an ordinary cluster of these peewee flames to a new level. You'll find that the finished piece works wonders as an elegant centerpiece for the patio, coffee table and more. And because terra-cotta pots and saucers are inexpensive, readily available and come in a range of sizes, a "one-candle" version is a spiffy take-home gift for party guests.
(this is my version of simplified!)SUPPLIES:
* 1 terra-cotta planter
* 1 terra-cotta saucer a size larger than planter
* Assorted acrylic paints
* Assorted craft brushes
* Matte or gloss spray varnish
* Extra strength adhesive
* Colored sand
* 1 box of tea light candles
DIRECTIONS: Paint the inside and outside of the planter and saucer in desired colors. Varnish. When dry, turn the planter upside down and apply a thick bead of glue around the base. Turn the saucer upside down and lay it on a flat surface. Set the planter with the glue-side down in the center of the saucer and press firmly. Let it cure for 24 hours. Fill the saucer with colored sand and set multiple tea lights on top of sand.
TIP: Add clay, florals, greenery, stencils, mosaics or photo appliques if desired.
VARIATION: For a traditional look, use a deep saucer or bowl to house a cactus garden.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new book and product line!
May 23, 2009
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