I sold my first painting!!!!! First EVER

She is getting married tonight and using it for their new house!

La muerta at Mesa Arts Center!

YOUR favorite Halloween costumes!

Earlier this week I had a contest asking for people to share their favorite Halloween costumes. The entries were great, so I thought I'd post them. Maybe you can get some good ideas!


Nicole Maki said...
My favorite costume was the Bride of Frankenstein on her wedding night - negligee, huge shock hair, black eyes. Loved it. The best part is that I entered a best man dressed as a woman contest (I am in fact female) just for fun and only came in second. LOL.

Janet Happy Girl said...
My favorite costume ever was 54 yrs ago when I was a tiny, naked newborn baby....Halloween is my birthday...happy birthday to me

Raquel said...
My favorite halloween costume was when my mom and I both dressed as Raggedy Ann...

Gbklyn said...
one year i dressed my husband up as a picnic table complete with red check tablecloth, disposable plates cups and table wear etc... he wore it as we gave out candy at my nanas house...

LunaGraphica said...
It was just me and my Mom living together. I was about 10 and she had recently got divorced. She was working, but we lived on a TIGHT budget. She was really creative and I am sure that's where I got my own craftiness from. On a tight budget she took a bright blue trash bag and cut holes for my arms and legs and stuffed it with newspaper so I was REALLY ROUND (and I was pretty round to begin with. lol). She painted my face entirely BLUE (it was blue for days after) and made antennae for my head. She found some brightly colored striped socks and dubbed me - 'The Blue Beetle'. It wasn't as cool as going as a poular character of the time like, 'Josie and the Pussycats', but I WON a costume contest at school because of it. I can't forget that costume. I thought everyone was going to LAUGH at it. lol.

Michelle said...
My favorite was in 7th grade when my friend Erika and raided my mom's sewing basket for remnants and her mom's linen closet. We scraped enough change for a bottle of green Rit dye and died one of her mother's old white sheets green, the cut holes for out heads and arms. We used the remnants to cut out fish and other water creatures. We found dried moss in the craft basket and put that on for algae. We used felt to cut out and attach human forms with yarn for hair (black for me, red for her) as swimmers, as Voila! we were pond scum. The idea came because Erika often said the phrase, "it is growing on me like pond scum". We won second place at the sock hop. I think the prize was candy and McDonald's gift certificates.

Liz said...
I was a "lady of the evening" while in College and my date was Superman!!

Softflexgirl said...
My friend Matthew dressed up as "God's gift to women". He basically wore a package with a big red bow and a gift tag that read "To: Women, From: God". It was pretty cute! :)

Patti said...
Favorite Halloween costume of all time had to be in about 1976, when I wore a gorgeous vintage silk kimono that my dad bought in Japan when he was in the Navy (late 1940's). My hair was in a classic bob w/ bangs already, & I did exaggerated geisha-style make-up and tottered around all night on vintage Japanese wooden geta (those sandals that look like wooden flip-flops on stilts), with a glass of champagne in one hand. Ooh, those were the days! :)

Juli's Jewels said...
One year, my parents forgot about Halloween. My big brother (who is 7 years older than me) took control of the situation and dressed my little brother and me as hobo/clowns. He used a combination of his and my dads clothes and our pajamas and then my moms make-up and a little burned cork to grubby us up. He then proceeded to walk us around our neighborhood trick-or-treating. All of our neighbors complemented our costumes and our "very nice" big brother for doig such a great job.

Bonney said...
Not very scary but my favorite costume was a store bought Little Lulu costume. I wore it for 3 years before I moved on to Minnie Mouse - also worn for 3 years. I love to see what people come up with!

Juli's Jewels said...
My favorite Halloween costume/memory was the year my parents forgot about Halloween. My big brother (he's 7 years older than me) took the situation in hand and with a combination of his and my dads clothes and my moms make-up plus a little burned cork, he turned my little brother and me into hobo/clowns. He took us out trick-or-treating in our neighborhood, and we received lots of compliments on our costumes and what a nice "big brother" we had. I was 6, my little brother was 5 and my big brother, Mark was 13.

Melissa said...
My best friends dad made her the most authentic looking darth vader helmet (before you could buy them). That had to be the best costume. It wasn't the best to go trick or treating with, however. It took FOREVER to get our candy because EVERYONE had to see the costume. So, lesson learned. Never wear a great costume when you are begging for candy.

Calamity Anne said...
A few years back I made a Statue of Liberty costume for Halloween. Being 5'10" you can just imagine how life-like I really was, especially having those rays coming out of the top of my head. This was by far the BEST costume I've EVER worn!!!

glorv1 said...
Actually I was Dracula once. hehehehe. I wasn't a kid either:DDD Another time I was Al Jolson. hehehehe. Have a great day.

Jen Minnis said...
i think the cutest i've ever seen/done was my 2 month old nephew dressed up as Yoda in a knitted/felted hat with ears.the yoda boy can be seen here:http://www.flickr.com/photos/esmecat/3355268565/ but when my parents dressed up one year in the 70's for a party, they really won my all time favorite award. when you first saw them, it just seemed like the had both cross dressed. he had a wig and gown... heels... etc. she was in a suit. but the real effect came when they turned and walked away. there was no back to the outfits! when they turned, you were treated to a view of their *ahem*unmentionables*ahem*, LOL!

Anonymous said...
I think I like this years the most. I am going to be the Quen of Halloween, and I'm making most of my costume. I even have the glue gun burns to show for it!After all the home-made costumes from when I was a kid that I hated, cause I wanted a store bought one like everyone else, its funny that I've gone back to home-made is best!

krissycupcakes said...
my favorite costume was a gypsy costume i had when i was about 9 or so. the reason it was so special is because my grandmother let me wear a bunch of her jewlery and scarves, and she made me this skirt that had coins and beads all over it. i was always dying to play dressup with some of these items, but they were fancier things and therefore forbidden for everyday play. i felt like the prettiest girl i had ever seen! mi abuelita has alzheimers now, and those memories are so precious to me. i also recently inherited some of those scarves and jewels and have vowed to save them to hopefully one day give my granddaughter the same beautiful memories!

Apron of the Month Club said...
I feel like we know eachother. I'm an arpon chica from deep south Texas. I'm love you stuff. Please drop by to to visit me at http://apronofthemonthclub.blogspot.com/ where "Mi Casa es Su Casa".Yoli Pena Kalkofen

Sylvia A.Rivera said...
My favorite was one year when my husband and I dressed up as tigers, it was so cute he look adorable! We had so much fun, I literally lost my tail that night at the party!! I had to turn in my costume the next day without the tiger's tail!!!

Carol P said...
I think my Favorite Halloween costume was a mermaid costume I went to a old costume shop and they were selling a mermaid tail and top for a few dollars . I attached seashells and beads decorations to the body and found an old fish net covered my head and to wrap around my body. I also added plastic sea animals to the fish net. Since my feet were enclosed a friend carried me into the party dressed as a fisherman.

Teesh said...
My Favorite Halloween costume was at our church Halloween festival a 40something man was Mr. T the had the mohawk, gold chains and ever thing it was awesome.

mechelle said...
I made a costume for a friends daughter, she wanted to be half angel half demon. We altered a vampire outfit pattern and made half in white material and half in red. We found a headband that had a red boa halo and little devil horns on it, and a set of white feather wings that we sewed onto the back. We made the bottom of the red side jagged to resemble flames. I never got to see her but her mom said she was a hit.

lajadedgrrl said...
My favorite costume was when my dear friend dressed up as a Yahoo Messenger status update. She has the yellow status for being online on the front and the grey status for being offline on the back. Her "status" was a smile when she was online and a frown when she was offline.

Lisa said...
My favorite costume has got to be my fallen angel one. I was soooo excited when I got this idea in my head to be it. I knew exactly what I wanted and was really happy when I found the perfect giant black wings(they looked like crow wings) that would fit me. I wore dark eye-makeup,fish nets and boots all in black...and the best part was an older guy who answered his door to give me candy complimented on how much he loved my wings.

my favorite costume was one that I put together myself. I wanted to be pippy long stocking! I know she's an unruly child, but I just loved her flipped-up braids.
I wish I had a piture. I used a coat hanger to flip my braids upward. I drew freckles on my face, blacked out a tooth and darkened my eyebrows. I wore an apron style dress (i made it) with a patch work pocket and bermuda shorts, different colored socks and my brothers hi-top waffle stompers (remember those).
I loved my costume! I had a little stuffed monkey with me too!
ahhh....... remember it, like it was yesterday.
- Debra

When I was an assistant principal, I was in charge of dealing with all the difficult cases at our middle school. The first Halloween I selected a nun costume. The kids loved it and it helped to soften my role. To this day I will see former students and they still ask if I am still a nun.
--Lily

The best costume I saw was this weekend. A little girl had the cutest costume, she was a very pretty little cupcake, with frosting and sprinkles, cupcake liner and all, but the best part were her parents dressed as the bakers! They had on these giant bakers hats, aprons and one was holding a large mixing spoon and the other a large bowl. So cute and different.
Happy Halloween!
Amanda

The best costume I ever wore was in the 6th grade. I wore a soft plastic gorilla mask, a big scarf and my dad’s overalls. No one in the class knew who I was. As a 6th grade girl it was very HARD to be quite so that no one recognized my voice.
The best costume I ever saw was “Mr. & Mrs. Jolly Green Giant”. This was at a squadron officers Halloween party in the 70’s. They covered leotards with felt leaves, dipped themselves in green food color and wore vegetable necklaces…very cute.
- Sharon


Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CRAFT: How to Make a Dia de los Muertos Altar

My sister made this ofrenda to Barry White and she added all the basic elements for Dia de los Muertos. Over at http://dead.azcentral.com, click HERE to see an interactive display!

Disturbing Doormat (for Halloween!)

Any other time of the year, this idea would be sick. But hey, Halloween is all about the chills and thrills. This is a piece of canvas that I made into a doormat. It's a hit with our visitors, everyone gets a chuckle out of it.

Supplies:

1 piece of heavy canvas in the size of a door mat
Tulip Fabric Spray Paint (red)
Crafty Chica Tango Permanent Fabric Markers (black)
Rug grip for the bottom

Directions: Pour the fabric paint (I like this one because it is thin and leaves a good "stain") on an unwanted cookie sheet or paint pan and step in it. Step on the mat and roll your feet so it makes a good footprint. Drip more paint around, and then add whatever phrases you want using the black marker. Add the rug grip for the bottom.

Heh, heh, heh...enjoy!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Spent $3.50 on Via & one was missing!

Stringing bracelets in my hotel room

Sneaky peek of one of my new products!

winner of the drawing!

the winner of the drawing is luna graphica!!!


thanks for all the wonderful entries!

Gorgeous Mexican Tissue Flowers

I want to make a copy of this pic and use in collage art!

Sugar skulls for sale at Arte Americas!

Pattiewack makes a dog bed from a suitcase! @pattiewack

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CRAFT: Recycled Newspaper Pin

Being a former newspaper writer, I have a soft spot for each and every page. Here is a clever way to recycle with a Dia de los Muertos theme!

Supplies:

Newspaper (different pages for pattern contrast: sports scores, financial tables, colorful ads, photos, etc)
Base or large charm
Image (I used an image from the Crafty Chica Inspiration Deck)
Liquid Fusion Adhesive
Crafty Chica Markers
Crafty Chica Glitter
hot glue
pin back

Directions: Glue the image to the front of the base. Trim the edge in glue and then glitter. Cut three strips of the newspaper:
- 1 straight scissors, 1 zig zag, 1 ripped
- three widths: one skinny, one medium and one tall

Draw a different color on each edge. Start with the shortest piece of newspaper strip. Ruffle and glue on the back of the base using hot glue. Repeat with medium and then the tallest.

Glue pinback.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Fresno's Arte Americas Dia de Los Muertos exhibt

Terrorific Tuesdays, Week 4!

Thank you to Alexa, Swell Designer for compiling Terrorific Tuesdays for another year!!

From Alexa:

Well, it's the last week of Terrorific Tuesday 2009! I appreciate everyone
who have participated in this fun lil' roundup of craftiness! I think a lot of
people enjoy looking through these projects and getting inspired...that's why I
put it together :)
Now without further fanfare, I bring you week 4 of Terrorific Tuesday
2009!

Trick or Treat!
Frame and post it note holder dressed for Halloween

Costumed Kokeshi DollsTry out a Halloween idea for a traditional Japanese doll with Crafterella

Halloween MaskPhyllis Dobbs created a fun and easy Halloween mask - great for adults and kids!

Fun Halloween LanternsStephenie Hamen accessorizes plain paper lanterns with her paper punches.

Black Widow & Bloody NecklacesPattie Wack uses 3-D paint to create chokers that will creep out your party guests!

Tutu Cute Halloween WreathVanessa creates an inspired wreath made of tulle!

Mad Scientist PartyAmy of Living Locurto shares a slew of fun ideas to host your own Mad Scientist Party.

Halloween Zombie DollsCrafty Chica shows how to add some zombie love to your decor!

Halloweenies!Boopsie Daisy shares some of the wonderful Halloween dollies that she dreams up!

Crafty Chica's Ghost Story!Kathy Cano-Murillo shares a haunted crafty tale!

Halloween Cone WitchesMake these cute little paper cone witches for Halloween!

Halloween LeftoversMel takes the leftovers from last week's project and makes a cool Goth choker!

Brenda Pinnick Halloween OwlsSeasonal Owls for Scaring or Delighting Trick or Treaters

The Impatient CrafterMargot creates another spooktacular mixed media necklace with a bite.

Halloween Batty WindchimeHeidi Borchers creates a super cute windchime with personality!

Kitschy Kitschy BOOAdd some Halloween flair to your day with this cute kitschy bracelet and earring combo!

Simple Halloween Gift TagsStudio Mama makes a strong impact with these quick and easy tags!

Strands of BeadsMelissa once again gives some pretty flower beads a Gothic makeover with this simple earring design

Costume FunSharron Westerfield shares her passion for costume-making and the joy it brings her grandchildren.

Return of the Birthday ZombieCandace is cracking herself up with this ghoulish gift box idea

Doodle PumpkinSwelldesigner a.k.a. Alexa Westerfield shows you how to make a fun pumpkin on the fly!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CRAFT: Resin Skull Bracelet

I'm always on the hunt for new silicone molds to use with resin. So when I came across a skull ice cube tray, I just about did a back flip at the craft store!

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CRAFT: La Calavera Lino Cut Memory Cards

Creating a linocut is an easy technique that gets a lot of mileage - and it is easier than you think. Once you create a design you can use it on poster art, wrapping paper, and in this case, greeting cards.

Ready to write!

(Pictured: Art collage by Kathy Cano-Murillo)

Today I wrapped up a three-week art-making marathon. Eight paintings, 12 fabric collage purses, 18 wood crosses, 150 magnets, and dozens of pieces of jewelry and collages. And a gob of other things I can't think of right now!

I'm done with art! (At least for a while)

This week I'll be in Fresno at the iLoveToCreate headquarters where we will work on the next phase of the Crafty Chica product line. (Exciting info to come!) That's during the day. By night, I will transform into a novel outlining machine. I have an overview, but I plan to gather as many plot puzzle pieces - starting as soon as I get to the airport. I make the most of every pocket of time and put them to good use.

Sunday is the first day of National Novel Writing Month and I plan to participate. That's how I wrote my first novel, and the timing is perfect for my second - so I'm going for it again. I'm a little worried about this second book. Wait...worried isn't the word.

Curious. I'm curious about it. The motivational factors are different now. I wrote Waking Up in the Land of Glitter as a fluke, a way to burn off insecurities and nervous energy. Zero expectations involved. I wanted to know if I could finish 50,000 words by the deadline. I have this term I use to describe the energy behind Crafty Chica - "enthusiastic desperation". Well, my fiction writing falls under that category too.

Writing is a hobby that doesn't cost a penny. Just time and effort. It was my way of proving that no matter how sucky the current situation is, options and opportunities are always there!

Every night after pounding out 2,000 words, I plopped in my bed, said my prayers and then brainstormed the next night's chapter. I kept a notebook on my nightstand to jot down ideas because I knew I'd forget them in the morning. I could not wait to get back on the keys. There were nights when the storylines flowed like water and I couldn't type fast enough.

I thought about my characters' plights it while driving to work, waiting in the lunch line, when I scrubbed the lasagna pan after dinner, in the shower waiting for my hair conditioner to work its magic. I kept a micro-notebook in my bra at all times and scribbled in it constantly. Little did I know 3/4ths of that effort (and three characters) would be scrapped by the final draft. Heck, little did I know the book would be published!

This time around, the pressure is ON. There is a new kind of fear. I'm under contract. I don't have the luxury of sitting on my book for chunks of time, bouncing it off a monthly writers group or reworking it 25 times. My editor knows what I'm capable of and expects me to deliver 'the wonderful' on time.

That's enough motivation for me! My manuscript is due in January. That means I have to 100% come correct.

*Cue party music here*

Tonight I'm looking for a new micro-notebook. I set my iPhone on my nightstand (voice recorder). I cleared out the useless tchotchkes from my brain. I've opened a kitschy cool bed and breakfast in there, dusted the furniture, and put fresh flowers to welcome these new fictional guests.

People, this chica is READY TO WRITE!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

My seester, la luchadora!

My sister and her friend are going to spend Halloween in NYC. They decided to go as luchadoras, capes and all! Tonight I helped them make glittered knee pads and belt buckles. I'll have y sister send me pics of the finished look!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CRAFT: Skeleton Rag Doll

Anything goes when it comes to Day of the Dead. And it is all the better if it is handmade. Toys, frames, candles, food - even dolls! Here is an easy rag doll project, complete with a pattern! Make it to your liking!

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CRAFT: Mask-on-a-Stick

  

Make a mask on a stick!

tonight's batch: crosses

tonight's batch: crosses
Originally uploaded by craftychica

I made these last night. Horrible angle for the photo, but they are all crosses.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CRAFT: Embossed Tin Prayer Candle

altar. The flame represents eternal life, and often certain scents are used to lure the dead. Painting and glittering prayer candles are fun and cheery, but you can also venture into other supplies for an artful touch.

Crafty Chica Art Purses - pictures!

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PURSES!


Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CRAFT: Batik-inspired Skull Tote

Fabric painting is easy and colorful. But did you know there are all kinds of techniques you can use to create different effects? Batik - using hot wax as a fabric resist is one of them. However, there is a short cut method. Check your local craft store for fabric resist, this is a clear substance that you squeeze on your fabric before you add the paint. Everything gets covered except where you drew!

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CRAFT: Glittered Memory Ornaments

Busy days! Giveaway! Starbucks Via!

Howdy! Hope you are enjoying the new projects for the season, I had a hecka lotta fun making all of them. I'm finally getting the hang of my new camera and love taking pictures, can you tell? There's a lot of front yard action going on, that is my comfort zone. Soon I'll branch out to other areas of my 'hood - like the backyard! I still have a lot to learn, but I'm trying!

These days, I'm running on six hours of sleep, sheer enthusiasm, and double strength coffee. (I'm not mentioning the bad eating habits, whoops, I just did). You have no idea how many things are going on. Day of the dead events, custom orders, out-of-state appearances, books to write, plus my full-time job!

If I think about it too much, I'll have what Patrick calls A Hizzy Crafty Breakdown. So instead of worrying for too long, I jot down a daily to-do list and plow right through it. My eyelids pop open at 6 am for work, so that by 4 I can switch over to making stock for the upcoming festivals. I'm in full-on productive machine mode!

This weekend I made 15 amazing art collage purses. I'm proud because I worked really hard on the details and they look gorgeous. I made them all from scratch using recycled fabrics, fabric swatches, canvas paintings, embroidery, appliques and more. I want to put them on Etsy, but I need to save them for the festivals. I'll ask Maya to post pics soon if she has a chance, time is of the essence, otherwise I would.

Every project these days is tied to a tight deadline, so I have to weed out as many time suckers as possible. I even trimmed out my daily coffee run. I only have one week left to make merch for the upcoming festivals - and there three of them and they are HUGE. People come to our booth and expect to be blown away. We always try to take it up a notch and that requires mucho energy.

Next week I'm in Fresno at the iLoveToCreate headquarters (yay!!). Part of me wants to take stuff to make in my hotel room at night. I did that one year. I resined 200 magnets in the bathroom, and then the next day at work, I had a panic attack thinking that they stank so bad, the maid thought I concocted something illegal in there.

Hmm. Nah, I don't think I'll resin in the hotel room again, but I could write out my labels for my purses. Then again, maybe it will be a good time to shut down and let the creative juices flow. Or perhaps just let my brain be a blob and do nothing but watch movies at the multiplex. The world will not come to an end if I don't have an overflowing table of goods to sell. Life will go on.

I'm also gearing up to start on my next novel. Oh!

*Feels tap on shoulder...*

My main character wants me to introduce her to you! Her name is Scarlett Santana, but her friends call her Miss Scarlett. She's winking at you while she pushes up her pin up girl 'do with one hand and waves with the other. I'm excited to hang out with her when I start on her story on November 1st. Juicy adventures are in store!

Well, it's off to bed for me. I'm actually in a hurry to fall asleep because I'm excited to wake up to get going on these fabulous activities. I have a couple of biggie announcements to make - deets coming soon!

Real quick - I tried Starbucks Via Ready Brew the other day...LOVE IT! It is so dang tasty and EASY, I want to make a criss-cross holster to wear across my chest with little slots. That way I can wear the packets 24/7 for coffee in an instant. Ask your local Starbucks barista for a sample and he'll give you a handful. At least mine did.


OK, for making it through my ramblings - I have to permission from my book editor to give away two early proofs of my upcoming novel, WAKING UP IN THE LAND OF GLITTER.

Leave a comment telling me what your ultimate fantasy job scenario is: Crafting for the First Lady? Custom designing an Oscar gown for Eva Longoria? A globe trotting artist?

Be creative, have fun with it, pretend it is a TV sitcom! Those who add lots of details will have their name entered twice for the drawing!

Pssst...I do this all the time as a visual manifestation exercise, it really works!

Here is mine:

I walk into Target to buy school supplies for my kids and I see a big endcap display that says "CRAFTY CHICA for Target". It has all kinds of cool products - well what is left of them because a lot have sold out already. I'm excited because the display is in 1,000 stores and it is a week early! Because it was such a big order, I was able to donate a portion of the proceeds to my new foundation, Crafty Chica Charities. As I walk closer to the display, my cell rings and it is Patrick. He says Amy Sedaris called our house to invite us to NYC for a cupcake making party. She also wants to know about the best brand of edible glitter, can I help her save the day - and I tell her no worries, we just developed Crafty Chica Edible Glitter and I'll have some samples Fed Ex'd to her. My other line beeps and it is my boss. She informs me that the top secret varnish recipe I dreamed up has just been formulated in the iLoveToCreate chemistry lab - and is so ground breaking it has the potential to SAVE THE WORLD!

OK...your turn! Two entries will be randomly selected to receive one copy of the book!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Terrorific Tuesday, Week 3

From Alexa Westerfield, the compiler of Terrorific Tuesdays: Another week, another fun roundup of Halloween craft ideas! I want to give a shout out to everyone who has participated over the past few weeks! I can really tell that you guys have really enjoyed sharing and making your projects. I think there is something about Halloween that enlivens people and gets them excited about crafting throughout the holiday months! I know it puts some mojo in my holiday step!

Now onto the projects!

Spooky Spider House
Silvia creates a miniature haunted house that is spooky and oh-so fun!

Witchy Embroidered Postcard
Sharron Westerfield brews up a whimsical witch postcard

The Impatient Crafter
Vintage plastic owls become the focal point of a charming necklace you can wear for Halloween and all year round!

Pumpkin and cat felt treat bag
Felt bag that can also be made as a wall hanging or door hanger

Cheryl Ball's Halloween Door Hangers
Create these door hangers from inexpensive gloves for Trick of Treaters

My Big Mouth
Make a creepy wire tree just in time for Halloween!

Mel's Day of the Dead Necklace
Linked chain, skulls and spiderwebs for Dia de los Muertos

Crafty Chica's Matchbook Shrines
Adorable little folding shrines that fit in your pocket!

Paper Pumpkin
Make a plump paper pumpkin from some strips of paper plus a little Halloween craftiness!

Polymer Clay Zombie
Candace's diabolical plan to populate the world with zombies continues!

The Impatient Crafter for iLoveToCreate
Make a retro style styrofoam ornament into a fab Halloween Party centerpiece! Madge shows you how using iLoveToCreate products!

How to Make a Spooky Spice Rack
Come make a spooky spice rack with Crafterella, she's sharing her unique labels with everyone!

Halloween Treat Tote
Conjure up a quick Halloween cupcake basket using new ScoreBoard dies!

Brenda Pinnick's Halloween Banner
A little scary, a little fun, this delightful banner celebrates all things Halloween. Made using Brenda Pinnick Sizzix dies, glitter and ribbon.

Creepy Candlesticks
Pattie Wack turns mini pumpkins into a boo-tiful Halloween lighting idea!

Strands of Beads
Melissa explores the holiday possibilities in a black and white checkered bead

Glow in the Dork Wall Hanging
Turn off the lights and have a laugh with this goofy wall hanging from Alexa Westerfield!

Picture Perfect Pumpkin
Vanessa Coppola turns a traditional pumpkin into a decopauged masterpiece!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Vampire Rose Bouquet

If you are hosting or sporting a vampire theme this year for Halloween, you'll need some of these. These are red silk roses. I used my Crafty Chica Fabric Markers (black one) to color the pedals, and then I brushed on some Aleene's Paper Glaze and loaded them up with Crafty Chica Be Bop Black glitter!

TIP: You can do this any time of the year, just change the color of the flowers and the glitter accordingly. You can theme them to parties, anniversaries, etc.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CRAFT: Felt Flower Headband Hat

Supplies:

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CRAFT: Matchbook Shrines

Upcycling is taking items that you would normally toss out and doing something new with them. Even down to matchbooks. The smooth cover flap can be transformed into an artful doorway to a mini-masterpiece.

Purse-making in action!

Mixed Media Collages

Collage canvases are a great way to express yourself and add a pop of color and design to your surroundings. Check out Google images for calacas to use as your focal point. Keep in mind, most images are copyrighted, but you can use them as long as you don't sell them!

Supplies:
Blank canvas
Crafty Chica Tango Fabric Markers
Aleene's Collage Pauge
Tissue Paper
Assorted images, stencils, stamps
Crafty Chica Paints

Directions:
1. Write a poem, phrase, or random words on the canvas.
2. Coat with a layer of decoupage medium and add a layer of tissue paper, add a coat over the that. Let dry.
3. Add images, stenciled designers, stamped words.
4. Add glitter accents if desired.

TIP: Add painted designs to highlight certain areas.


Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

Met Simon Doonan!

My 1st purchase at Barney New York: Deborah Lippmann polish!

Gothic Skull Princess Crown

If you want something a little dark and creepy for Halloween, but not too dark and creepy, this might be for you!

Supplies:

1 plastic tiara (found at party store)
Silk red roses
Greenery
Skull beads
Mardi Gras beads
Plastic twigs
Crafty Chica Glitter
Crafty Chica Little Paint Pack
Aleene's Easy Flow Tacky Glue
Round wood disc
Hot glue

Directions:

1. Hot glue the leaves and roses to the base of the crown.
2. Paint the wood disc and hot glue the skull beads on it.
3. Using the Tacky Glue, coat the twigs with glitter and hot glue to back.
4. Hot glue the Mardgi Gras beads around the wood circle.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CRAFT: Shimmery Skeleton Shadow Box

Give your home or office a touch of shimmery delight with a shadow box decorated in vibrant Crafty Chica™ Chunky Glitters™! Add images from your favorite Crafty Chica™ Inspiration Cards™ for a daily pick-me-up!

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CRAFT: Cycle of Life Face Painting

Many schools are teaching students about Dia de los Muertos and are on the hunt for cool crafty ideas. This is a good one that is often found at many muertos fiestas - face painting!