My friend Judy brought me cupcakes from Bleeding Heart Bakery! Xo and thanks to her!

Julie Fillo takes on the Kathy Peterson Inspirations and CedarStore.com Blog Hop

This week on our CedarStore.com and Kathy Peterson Inspirations Blog Hop, Julie Fillo did an amazing job with her Cypress Adirondack Chair. You can have CedarStore.com ship it to you in any one of 16 available color options, or you can do what Julie Fillo did and paint it yourself.

Julie Fillo has been painting and loving birds and flowers most of her life. She paints in acrylics and mixed media and loves to splash color and portray exuberance in what she calls Contemporary Folk Art. She really enjoys making up flowers and plants and birds, but lately has been collaborating with a Taiwanese photographer, Sushyue Liao, using his bird images in her paintings.

She has been married 35 years, has 3 wonderful children and 2 beautiful grandchildren. She paints in a tiny studio upstairs that looks out on the back garden in a 105 year old home in the North Slope Historic District in Tacoma, WA.

Julie’s painting expertise is absolutely breathtaking. The way she tells a story with the bird’s facial expressions and charming little details makes you feel as if you’ve been transported into a magical children’s book full of secrets. She gives you steps, tips, as well as all the photos in her blog at Julie's Art Life, so make sure to hop over and check it out!

Also be sure to hop around to the other talented designers' blogs to see what they're saying about Julie's awesome creation!

Kathy Peterson, who designed the chair, blogs at Kathy Peterson Inspired

CedarStore.com, the e-retailer carrying Kathy's designs, writes at The All Outdoor Patio Furniture Blog

Margot, The Impatient Crafter, colors outside the lines at The Impatient Crafter Blog

Pat Sloan, quilt designer, offers her advice at Pat Sloan's Corner

and Julianna Hudgins, wire jewelry designer, gives her crafty expertise at Julianna Productions

And, once you’re inspired, don’t forget to order your own piece to get started on your own project at Kathy Peterson Inspirations: Outdoor Lifestyles. Whether you’re looking to add painted whimsy to your own Adirondack chair, or a dining set, coffee table, or porch swing… Kathy Peterson’s Inspirations: Outdoor Lifestyles is the absolutely perfect place to start. Finally, craft-friendly outdoor furniture for crafty people!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

Fuzzy hair, dyed hands, nice cleaning lady

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8asu0ykNGQ&feature=youtube_gdata

Kathy Cano-Murillo
http://www.craftychica.com
Http://www.chicawriter.com

*This message was exclusively handcrafted on my beloved
iPhone!*

My dress and shoes on display

Me w/ Liz fron Tattered Angels!

We met on the shuttle on the way to hotel!

She came from Puerto Rico to CHA!

She made a cool bag with our Tulip Fashion Dye Kit! Zebra stencil on top of fish net!

Tulip Fashion Dye (my crafty break!)

The Scrapbook King graced us with his presence! #chasummer

VIDEO: How to make a mini-zine!

Last week I posted about my altered Starbucks VIA box and how I turned it into a zine holder. I received so many emails asking for a zine tutorial, that I put one together!

I like BUSY, I like to make all kinds of layers on my work, as if you haven't noticed. But if you want simple, just take the idea and adapt it to your own style.

I made one mini-zine focused on my novel, each page has a quote for a different character, with the book info on back. The second one has inspiring quotes! I included other ideas in the video as well.

I used colored pencils, Crafty Chica® Mojito Papers™ and Aleene’s® Acid-Free Tacky Glue™ Glue Sticks.

Enjoy!


LINK

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

CAPTION CONTEST!

This is my desk at the iLoveToCreate design studio when I'm not there. This contest will run for 48 hours. I'll post the winner the week of August 2nd, 2010.

Winner receives a copy of the crafty mystery novel: Photo, Snap, Shot (A Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-N-Craft Mystery) by Joanna Campbell Slan. I've read it, it a riot - really good, juicy, funny and clever!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

I learned the proper way to emboss tin (thanks, Sarah!)

Late night coffee & crafts with @sarahndipitous !

Glittered wallets in our booth!

Sealed with Aleene's gloss spray...
These were made by one of our in-housedesigners to show off our glitter colors!

Recent Press!

Patrick's painting was in the background of a scene in Dad Camp on VH1! This is at our space at Handmade Galleries in Los Angeles. The painting has since sold.

Centerpiece for Crafty Chica display!

DIY Mannequin Jewelry Holder

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRyRs-sKeec&feature=youtube_gdata

Kathy Cano-Murillo
http://www.craftychica.com
Http://www.chicawriter.com

*This message was exclusively handcrafted on my beloved
iPhone!*

Bracelets for a mannequin!

These were made by one of our iLoveToCreate designers, Cheryl Ball!

Crafty Chica paints + Mandala Art = Awesome!

Christine Claringbold of Eye Pop Art recently taught a workshop at last month's Summit of Awesome where she shared her mad skills for record album mandala art - and she used Crafty Chica paints!

Here are some photos from her class. Thanks for the support, Christine, I'm a huge fan of your artwork!





Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

My checklist for CHA

I leave today for CHA. It will be my tenth visit (three times as a newspaper reporter, seven as a professional crafter), but I’ll be doing something new this time – helping to set up the iLoveToCreate booth from scratch!

The show doesn’t open until Tuesday, so that means our team will have two days to transform our space from concrete to craftabulous. That’s 48 whole hours! However, being a reality show junkie, I know those minutes will disappear faster than a tube of squeeze glitter in a kindergarten classroom. I’m bringing my Flip Video to film all the action. I know there will be plenty, I can smell it already. I’m preparing for this gig in many ways. I’ve already bought a pair of cushiony insoles for my sneakers. Not just any insoles, these were labeled “WORKER” for construction and factory workers!

Let me fast forward to my crafty checklist for when the show actually opens. I’m there to demo in the iLoveToCreate booth, teach a class at the Super Show Craft Academy, do a live web broadcast with Cool2Craft, sneak in all the make-and-takes I can, and of course mingle, chat, hug, joke, play and HAVE FUN!!

To reach my MHP (Maximum Happy Potential), these are the things I’m bringing. In no particular order:

Scissor necklace. This is a cord necklace that has a mini-set of scissors attached to it. You never know when you need to cut something! However, I learned at the last show that scissor necklaces are more sought after than the One Ring. My last set was misplaced. Somehow, some way, I’ll score a new one in time for the show.

Permanent markers. There are plenty of crafty people walking around asking for artful contributions to their clothing, books, fabric swatches, emergency signs, suitcases, etc.

Portable handiwipes. I have this bad habit of trying to walk from Point A to Point B, but get sidetracked with the awesome make-and-takes going on. So I’ll sit down and speed craft and then I have to remove the evidence from my hands before I get back to my assigned workstation. Handiwipes are perfect for this! They are also good because many times I’ll come across a fellow crafter who needs one badly, and it always feels good to help out!

Batteries for my Flip Video. They are so expensive at the hotel! I buy a big package before I leave.

Handmade goodies to give away and trade. I always make a batch of items to give away to people I meet, or to favorite friends, or even the clerk behind the coffee stand. One year I made bracelets. I’ve also made magnets, pins, rings, etc. It’s kind of an unwritten ritual that crafties do at this event. It’s a fun way to show camaraderie and a love for our community. It’s a great way to give shout outs when people ask “Where did you get that?”

Handmade show pieces to wear. I always like to wear new jewelry I made, or clothing items. Everyone does this, it’s a great way to express yourself and share your talents without even saying a word! They make great conversation pieces.

Crafty 911 Kit. Needle and thread, buttons, Band-Aid, glue, safety pins.

An artful apron. There is glitter, glue, and paint flying from every direction sometimes, it’s good to have an apron to protect your fancy wearables. (I make sure the apron has secret pockets to collect stuff!)

The Comfiest Shoes in the World. Heels – no. New shoes that need to be broken in – nada. Flip flops – nil. The best way to soak up all that the convention has to offer is to feel light, airy and springy like a ninja, and that only comes from good shoes.

Lots of business cards. Not just any business cards though. I make sure they are up-to-date and relay my “signature story,” so people will remember me long after the show has ended.

Press kit. You just never know who you will meet in the ladies room or in the coffee line. Editors, producers, retail buyers, movie stars, etc. I don’t suggest huge press kits though, people like sleek and light. Edit it down so it packs a punch!

One almost empty carry-on. This is because I always have gobs of samples, books, projects, and supplies to bring home.

Makeup to go. Lots of talking is going on, as well as pictures with friends that end up on Facebook and blogs. Lipstick wears off fast, so does eyeliner. I hate seeing pictures after the show, and thinking – “Geez! Why didn’t I freshen up my makeup?”

Mini-notepad. I always get inspired for craft ideas or for the novels I write. I also pick up many tips from my crafty comadres and know if I don’t write them down, I’ll forget.

Phone charger in my purse! I’m an iPhone addict for everything and I begin to twitch and itch once the battery goes below halfway. I plug my baby in wherever I can.

Okay, that’s it. Did I miss anything? What are your must-take items?

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. My publisher is sending a box of my new crafty-themed novel for me to give away all next week. Mention it to me, and I’ll give you one!

DIY Summer Pool Drink Floatie!

This is a project I did a few summers ago, but I'm reposting it because here in Phoenix, we still have many, many pool days left!

(Crafty Barbara used my directions to make her own version. Soooo cute!)

Supplies

• 3 6-inch Styrofoam rings
• 1 15-inch Styrofoam star
• 1 12-inch Styrofoam star
• Aleene's Original Tacky Glue
• Crafty Chica Paints: Blue,white, red
• Paintbrush
• Star garland
• Foam stickers in star shapes
• 1 centerpiece decoration

Steps 1. Glue three rings together to create a ring holder. Let dry. Apply a generous amount of red craft paint to the outside surface of the ring holder. Let dry.
2. Apply a generous amount of blue craft paint to the larger star, leaving center bare. Apply a generous amount of white craft paint to the smaller star, leaving center bare. Let dry.
3. Center and glue the white star on top of the blue star.
4. Center and glue the red ring holder on top of the white star. Let dry.
5. Embellish the floater with star garland and foam stickers.
6. Place the centerpiece decoration in the ring holder.

Crafty Chica Tips: This patriotic pool floater can be used to hold a drink, a centerpiece decoration or a glass votive holder. Use the floater as a pool or tabletop decoration.

Choose round or star-shaped Styrofoam to create decorations for birthdays or other holiday celebrations. You can also make them to be decorations in your pool for patio parties all year round!



Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

PHX crafties! Call for artists!

Flower & Art Market

at 40th St & Indian School Rd.

Looking for some art instructors:

Lynn Roberts is the owner of the store and an artist herself.

She is looking for additional artists to teach classes at the store - day/night/weekend/weekdays -

she has most of the supplies on hand - except for kilns for ceramics or glass.

This is not a school, it's more for a social and hands-on kind of projects...

She would love to fill a calendar with classes for kids and adults...

artists who wish to do classes can do one a month, one a week, three a week....whatever!

Lynn is going to offer a Groupon coupon for classes to get things going - this should hit in August.

She can be reached by email lynnrobertsdesignsATgmailDOTcom

CALL FOR TRASHY ART

For more info:

Bragg's Pie Factory

2010 Trashy Sculpture Show Looking for submissions

As a fundraiser for the Grand Avenue Merchants' Association (GAMA), the Bragg's Pie Factory, 1301 Grand Avenue, will host the 2nd Annual Trashy Sculpture Show on Saturday September 25 as part of the quirky 2nd Annual Grand Avenue Festival. The Trashy Sculpture Show will be one of many events taking place during the all day event along the Lower Grand Avenue Corridor.

All work for the exhibit must be made primarily out of trash or recycled materials, with a limit of 3 pieces per contributor and an entry fee of $ 10 per piece. Works can be for sale (or not). The entry fees will go directly to GAMA, and if work is sold, 70% of the proceeds will go to the artist with 30% donated to GAMA. Children's projects are welcome; entry fees will be waived for school groups.

Beatrice Moore
602.391.4016
muppetsrealmom@earthlink.net

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

New art badges, Confetti Girl

I've been busy prepping for my trip to Chicago for CHA, as well as STILL working on the outline for my (hopefully) next novel, so I haven't had a lot of time to post. But I did want to share some new art badges I made recently. These are currently on sale at Tres Rebecas Boutique in San Antonio!

The top one says "laugh every day," and yes, that is a chandelier piece on top of a ribbon of emerald glittered canvas.

This one says "my heart," and is resting on the book Confetti Girl, which I loved, by the way! It was authored by Diana Lopez and is a wonderful story for grade school or even high school girls.



It's a funny, fast read - and it has lots of craftiness in it! Lina loves collecting socks and not only wears them, but also makes things out of them like scarves and such. Her best friend's mom is super crafty and always has a project going on.

Apolonia "Lina" Flores is a sock enthusiast, a volleyball player, a science lover, and a girl who's just looking for answers. Even though her house is crammed full of books (her dad's a bibliophile), she's having trouble figuring out some very big questions, like why her dad seems to care about books more than her, why her best friend's divorced mom is obsessed with making cascarones (hollowed eggshells filled with colorful confetti), and, most of all, why her mom died last year. Like colors in a cascarone, Lina's life is a rainbow of people, interests, and unexpected changes.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

Giving these a try tonight...see if they live up to the claim!

VERDICT: Didn't like them. Artificial sweetener just does not agree with me, it tastes...artificial! Honestly, I like slightly cooled plain water, no ice. I hate soda pop, rarely drink juice. I do love unsweetened iced tea with a lemon wedge or sliced cucumbers.

And coffee, of course!

At least I tried something new!

P.S. When the kids saw me open a pack, they both cried out "Noooo, Mom, you don't need extra energy!"

'Design My Adirondack' Blog Hop!

My friend and fellow craftista, Kathy Peterson, asked me and a few other crafters to paint a chair from her new outdoor collection from The CedarStore.com. Um, YES!

Here is a teaser picture from Pat Sloan's piece. (My chair is scheduled for August 10th)
Pat was inspired by a quilting pattern. CLICK HERE to see her finished chair!

Please join us on this ‘CRAZY but CREATIVE” blog hop starting today.

Design my Adirondack Blog Hop July 20- Aug 17 (every Tuesday for 5 wks)
Here’s the schedule and bloggers in order :

7/20 Pat Sloan http://patsloan.typepad.com/

7/27 Julie Fillo: http://www.juliesartlife.blogspot.com/

8/3 Margot Potter http://margotpottertheimpatientcrafter.blogspot.com/

8/10 Kathy Cano-Murillo: http://thecraftychica.blogspot.com/

8/17 Julianna Hudgins: http://www.juliannaproductions.com/blog/

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

Picture Glass Tile Rings

This is the perfect party favor or make and take project!

Materials List

• Aleene's® Jewelry & Metal Glue™
  
  
• Aleene's® Paper Glaze
  
  
• Crafty Chica® Mojito Papers™
  
  
• Crafty Chica® Chunky Glitters™
  
  

  		25694 Glamour Queen Green
  		25700 Frida's Fuchsia

• Miscellaneous

  • Ring blanks
  • Scratch paper
  • Small glass tiles

Share:

Share

Email

Print

Instructions

1. Cut out desired images from Mojito Papers to fit tiles.
2. Apply a thin coat of Paper Glaze to the back of the tile, then press image face down into adhesive. Let dry.
3. Coat the back of tiles again with Paper Glaze (over images) then immediately pour glitter into adhesive. Tap away excess onto scratch paper and return to container for reuse. Let dry.
4. Apply another coat of Paper Glaze over the back of the tile to seal the glitter. Let dry.
5. Apply a generous drop of Jewelry & Metal Glue to the back of the tile and add ring blank. Let dry.
   

Variation: Skip glitter step to only have paper on the back of tile.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

New items posted in our store

My previous batch of bottlecap shrines sold right away, so I had a chance to make new ones! Click on the link to see all our items. Read the descriptions, each shrine tells a little story!

To celebrate my Etsy Virtual Lab today, I'm giving a free glitter sample to all orders placed today through tomorrow until 11:59 p.m.!

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade craftychica.etsy.com

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

Paper-lined envelopes

I'm a sucker for old school snail mail. Especially when it comes to sending letters or goodies to friends. I recently picked up a package of white envelopes and gave them some crafty love. Wouldn't you love to see one of these in your mailbox?

Materials List

• Crafty Chica® Mojito Papers™
  
  
• Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue®
  
  

• Miscellaneous

  • Scissors
  • White paper
  • White envelopes

Instructions

1. Cut a sheet of Mojito Paper to fit front of envelope.
2. Apply a generous amount of glue from the Original Tacky Glue Stick to the back of the paper and place in the center of the envelope. Rub over the paper with your hands to seal edges.
3. Cut small pieces of white paper for the “To” and “From” labels. Add glue from glue stick to the back of those and press in place as shown. Let dry completely.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

MY ETSY VIRTUAL LAB TODAY! "Growing Your Brand"

Don't be shy, come and join us on your lunch hour today!

I'm the guest speaker for a virtual Etsy Lab TODAY, July 15th at 3 p.m ET (noon AZ time). It's free - all you have to do is become an Etsy member so you can log in to the Virtual Lab.

1. Sign into Etsy.com (you have to have an account, it only takes a minute to register)
2. Click on community tab at top of page.
3. Click on virtual lab tab.
4. Click on the "Growing Your Brand" auditorium room on the left side of the screen.

This is what it will look like. I'll be in the center on video, and all the rectangles are "seats" - your avatar will go there, and you can switch seats if you want.

There is a chat feature where you can ask me questions and I'll read them and answer. You can also have fun with the little buttons and throw hearts or paper airplanes or laugh, etc. We're going to have a good time! TIP: If you are having trouble, try opening the link in a new broswer. I'm on a Mac and it worked better on Safari than Firefox for me. TIP 2: Arrive early to get situated!


Etsy and The Creative Connection, a three-day conference and crafting extravaganza taking place in Minneapolis, MN, September 15-18, 2010, will present a live workshop Thursday, July 15th at 3pm E.T. in Etsy’s Virtual Labs.

The Creative Connection presents Growing Your Brand with Kathy Cano-Murillo (a.k.a. CraftyChica)

Workshop Description:

Join the conversation on building a successful brand and taking your craft to the next level with someone who has done it all--writer, artist, crafter, entrepreneur and creator of the CraftyChica product line--Kathy Cano-Murillo. Discover what it takes to establish a brand and ways to extend your franchise through book publishing, blog syndication, workshops, DVDs, retail and more. Kathy shares her personal experiences and offers first-hand advice on how you can do it too!


Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

Quote of the Day

"Every morning is a new beginning, a new chance for you to rewrite the story of your life."
~ Tina Su

Altered Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Box: Arte para llevar

Patrick has been making zines lately and I found the perfect container to hold them!

I buy packs of Starbucks Via like they are cigarettes. A pack a week. I love them! The boxes are really cool, because they are super sturdy and have a coffee cup shaped window on the front flap.

To make it, I sanded down the package, and then added a color wash to it using my Crafty Chica paints. I let it dry and added rubber stamped images, and then designs from my Crafty Chica Mojito papers. LINK

I used little letters to spell out "Arte para llevar" (art to go). Patrick makes his zines from sheets of typing paper, folded. Do you want a tutorial on that? I learned from my friend Alexa, who learned from her (and me) friend, Sylvia. Okay, I'll show directions in a future post!

These boxes are also the PERFECT size for holding artist trading cards.


Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

Starbucks VIA Iced Ready Brew & my love of coffee

I've been hooked on Starbucks VIA Ready Brew ever since it came out a few months back. And I'm using the word "hooked" lightly. I'm addicted. Heck, I even make zine holders out of the boxes!

Every morning I open my eyes, check to make sure I'm alive, give thanks - and then I think about fixing myself an iced coffee. It's a ritual:

1. Pour VIA in tall glass.
2. Fill halfway with cold water. Stir.
3. Add two capfuls of sugar-free vanilla syrup.
4. Add a pinch of 1% milk.
5. Fill with ice.
6. Stir it all up, and insert straw.

My only gripe is the powder takes a bit of time to break down in the cool liquid. Aside from that - Yum. I'm ready to take on the day's adventures!

Now imagine the sound of squeaky brakes coming to a stop when I heard the news that Starbucks had just released ICED VIA Ready Brew!


I located the closest location within minutes and bought a pack.

The overall package is much heavier than its older sibling. The sleeves are thicker and longer. Retail price is $5.95 for a pack of five, but there are coupons on the counter for $1 off. You can also get one here.

The good: It is lightly sweetened, just right for my taste. The powder dissolves right away when mixed with water.

The not as good: It only comes in medium intensity. I'm a hardcore coffee drinker and I like my java with a bite.

I'll likely buy it again, but mi corazon belongs to the bold VIA Italian Brew. Forget riding a mechanical bull or drag racing or wearing shorts in public - strong coffee is the kind of edge I need in my life!



Weird trivia about my love of joe: up until I moved away to get married, I made coffee for my dad every night after dinner. "Kathy! Make me a cup!" he'd say. I guess it was how he stayed up late to work on his hobbies in the garage. Coffee helped keep his flame burning, the same way it does for me! My love for coffee began when I graduated from high school and took a two-week trip to England. I had my first *real* cup and became smitten. I returned home in search of it - I called it "thick coffee" and no one understood me except my dad because he had traveled to Germany in the early 1960s. But in 1982, Phoenix - finding European grounds were as common as snowballs in August.

I went back to Europe at age 21 and savored every drop I could find in London, Paris, all over Italy and Greece. When I came back to the U.S., I took a gig as a weekend barista at one of Phoenix's few coffeehouses, The Phoenix Duck and Decanter. It was a 30 minute drive from my parents house, but I didn't care! I needed my fix! This was in 1986 - no Starbucks or Einsteins then! I loved meeting and chatting with all the coffee customers because they were all world travelers and had so many fascinating tales to share. I learned the art of mixing lattes, Americanos, frothing the milk for wet and dry cappuccinos, appreciating a demitasse of Espresso with bit of lemon rind, etc. I'll never forget the "coffee bar" chapter in my life.

- We would often receive sample bags of coffee beans, about the size of a toss pillow. I got so excited one time that I took a bag home and actually used it as a toss pillow for my bed. I lived at my parents house and two days later they busted in my room to see where the coffee smell was coming from. I showed them my "pillow" and my dad made me get rid of it. Our whole house reeked of Brazilian Santos!

- I have three different espresso/cappuccino machines at home, plus a Toddy maker, a European plunger, a Mr. Coffee and all sorts of small strainers. Patrick used to tease me when I used the frothing machine, he said I looked like a crack scientist. And what is my coffee of choice, these days? Instant! *Shakes head*

- Whenever I make chocolate cake or brownies, I always sub brewed espresso in place of water.

- I wrote a flash fiction piece called Christmas Kiss, themed around my experience as a barista at the Duck.

I'll spare you all the other tidbits!

Today is the one-year anniversary of my dad's passing. It's with a lump in my throat that I think of him right now, likely reading this over my shoulder while drinking his "cup." I wonder who made it for him...

Someday, I hope to work at a coffeehouse again! I loved it!

Coffee, like crafts and chocolate, makes me happy!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

Craft Super Show Craft Academy: Crafty Chica Paper Flowers!

ATTENTION CHICAGO CRAFTIES!

Are you coming to the Craft Super Show later this month? If so, come join me at the Craft Academy. On Friday and Saturday from 4:30-5 p.m., the FIRST 16 people will receive supplies and instruction from me on how to make my glittered paper bag flowers.

As a special gift, my publisher is also giving each participant a FREE copy of my novel, Waking Up in the Land of Glitter. I'll sign it for you! *Remember, it is only the first 16 people each day, first come, first serve!*

CHA Craft SuperShow
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Rosemont, IL, USA

About Craft Academy: Class is now in session! Take your seat and pay attention as expert crafters teach you basic skills and techniques and introduce you to must-have products at the SuperShow Craft Academy. Seating is available for the first 16 students to arrive who will participate in this hands-on educational experience. Come to the Craft Academy to see if your skills will get you on the Dean’s List!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Friday, July 30
Saturday, July 31

The events are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Open during show hours.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

The Creative Connection presents Growing Your Brand with The Crafty Chica

This fall, I'm am a panelist for one of the biggest art events ever - The Creative Connection!

"… a 3-day conference, crafting extravaganza and shopping emporium for creative women, women entrepreneurs and “mompreneurs”, created by Nancy Soriano and Jo Packham of WHERE WOMEN CREATE.

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION will bring together women who are passionate about being creative in their everyday lives as artists, mothers, bloggers, cooks, business owners and crafters. Come learn, create, market, shop and connect with like-minded women from all across the United States!"

As part of the event - I'm the guest for a virtual Etsy Lab this THURSDAY, July 15th at 3 p.m ET (noon AZ time). It's free - all you have to do is become an Etsy member so you can log in to the Virtual Lab.

The Creative Connection presents Growing Your Brand with Kathy Cano-Murillo (a.k.a. CraftyChica)

Workshop Description:

Join the conversation on building a successful brand and taking your craft to the next level with someone who has done it all--writer, artist, crafter, entrepreneur and creator of the CraftyChica product line--Kathy Cano-Murillo. Discover what it takes to establish a brand and ways to extend your franchise through book publishing, blog syndication, workshops, DVDs, retail and more. Kathy shares her personal experiences and offers first-hand advice on how you can do it too!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

ScrapTime reviews Crafty Chica Markers

The lovely Christine Urias did a demo and review of my Crafty Chica® Tango Permanent Fabric Markers™ on her blog, ScrapTime.ca! She likes them, she really likes them! Thank you, Christine!

Scrap Time - Ep. 521 - Fabric Markers by the Crafty Chica from Mark Giles on Vimeo.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

This is what our kids do when we are away...

LINK

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

INSPIRATION FRIDAY: Life in a Day

Let's do this! Every breath we take is verification that you we alive and making our mark on this world.

So why not partake in this cool project? I know I am!

Look at this amazing jewelry at Tres Rebecas boutique!

Spent the day in dwntwn SA. Art everywhere! This is from a bathroom door!

I'm featured on BlogHer.com today!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

See you in San Antonio THIS WEEKEND!

Patrick and I are making a special visit to San Antonio! Remember when I went last November and loved it? Well, I'm muy excited to be headed back!

FRIDAY, July 9th - noon-6 pm:

We are being hosted by the lovely Rebeca and Aida at Tres Rebecas (a Latino art boutique and book store). We'll have a trunk show, book signing, and reception. Patrick and I will have things we made for sale and there to chit chat all day long. (I'll have a little giveaway gift for you!)

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, July 10 and 11th - 10:30 - noon:

We will be at the NCLR National Latino Family Conference at the Tres Rebecas booth (#733). Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center 200 E. Market Street. I'll be selling/signing books. I'll have little Crafty Chica sacred heart temporary tattoos to give away too!

Purdy please, come see us!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

VIDEO: DIY Easy Tin Earrings

LINK

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

Grown-up piñata ideas!

This past weekend, my sister-in-law threw a birthday party for her husband. Last year for his celebration, she had a piñata filled with mini-liquor bottles. It was such a hit with the guests, it has now become an annual tradition!


What a brilliant idea! It got me thinking of other grown up piñata themes. I'm sure I'm late to this altered-pinata party, so forgive me if these are already on the market or have been done before.

TIPS:

- You don't necessarily have to hang it up, it could be in the center of the party table.
- You can open the little hatch and have people close their eyes and pull out a treat.
- If it is an artful gathering, have everyone bring a few items and insert them in the piñata.
- Instead of hitting/smashing the piñata, maybe you could design so the guests have to "shake" an item out.

Here are some ideas to get you thinking! (How to make a piñata.)

Design: Latte cup-to-go (office, brunch, networking)
Fill with: Starbucks VIA packets, coffee flavorings, decorated coffee sleeves

Design: Princess Tiara or cake (bridal, quince, birthday)
Fill with: Party favors, plastic tiaras, garter belts, candies

Design: Scale (weight loss support group)
Fill with: Affirmation cards, mini-nutrition bars, measuring tapes

Design: Frida Kahlo head (craft night)
Fill with: mini-canvases, watercolor paint sets, packs of brushes, mini-sketchbooks

Design: Book (book group)
Fill with: Mini notebooks, funky pencils sets, mini-bags of magnetic poetry words

Design: Cupcake or empanada (any gathering)
Fill with: Mini-cupcakes that are individually wrapped, Starbucks VIA

Remember my last piñata post? Heh-heh.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

PHX: Grease Sing-a-long movie passes (Free)

Either you like this kind of thing, or you don't. I'm a sucker for it!


I've always, always, always been a big fan of the movies. I spent years reviewing and writing about them at The Arizona Republic as an entertainment reporter. After I quit, I kept in touch with the ad agencies from the movie studios. Why? So I could offer my blog readers a chance to attend advance screenings.

FRIDA KAHLO'S BIRTHDAY: Make a Flower Crown

Happy birthday to Frida today! She was born on this day in 1907.

How Frida inspires me:

I love that Frida made every moment an artful one. Even on her deathbed, she was surrounded by beauty and art. Aside from painting, she embroidered, sketched, cooked, doodled and wrote. She spoke up for what she believed in and was very passionate about love and life. I love that she took control of her own inventory and selling her own work. Except for her heart, she did not depend on anyone for anything, she was very independent.

Here are some of my favorite Frida quotes. Use one or more of them to create your own work of art!

"Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?"

"I leave you my portrait so that you will have my presence all the days and nights that I am away from you."

"I love you more than my own skin."

"The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration."

"I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone, because I am the person I know best."

I think in her honor, we should paint our own self-portrait while wearing a beautiful flower crown. If you want to make a real one, awesome. But if you want a silk version to keep on hand at all times, here is an easy way to make one. Wear it today while you create, see if it brings you new energy! Tell Frida thank you for the inspiration!

Supplies:

1 plastic headband, about 1" wide
Green ribbon
Assorted silk flowers and leaves
Hot glue

Directions:

Wrap the ribbon around the headband and glue the ends down, nice and even and flat. Separate the flowers from the stems. Glue your flowers to the top of the headband, not on the plastic base, but on the silk pedal, so it will grip to the ribbon. Add in the leaves. Let it all cool and wear it with style!

NOTE: To use real flowers, simply use floral pins to connect the flowers to the headband.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new novel!

"I need a little sun, a little wind, a little rain..."

(My nana, scoping out the purse racks at the mall)

Yesterday I took my nana, 92, out on the town because she needed to go on a "quick run to the store." I left at 11 a.m. and returned at 3 p.m. I'm not complaining, we had a good time, as always.

At lunch, I told her about a dream I had recently about my dad. She told me about when her own parents passed away. She was in her mid-thirties and her mom had a sudden heart attack at age 67. She said my great-grandfather was crushed because he was so in love with her and couldn't image life without her. He told his kids that since she died, he would hear my great-grandmother calling out to him "te quiero...te quiero..." ("I want you") and how she was waiting for him.

Nana said three months later, her father was driving in downtown Mesa and was hit by a drunk driver - a man in Shamrock truck that he saw everyday at the same intersection at the same time. My great-grandfather made it to the hospital and relayed every last detail about the man to help with the arrest. Sixteen hours later, my great-grandfather passed away at 68-years-old from a head wound. He was reunited with my great-grandmother.

Nana said many years after, she would be sitting by her living room window and she would look up and see her parents walking down the carport, all dressed up, as if they were going out for the night.

She also told me about my Nana Cano. After my parents were married, both my nanas got to know each other. Nana told me about my Nana Cano's love of sewing. Nana told me that my Nana Cano would always offer to sew anything she needed. My nana said she declined because my Nana Cano would never charge for her time and would say "My sewing machine is my life! I love to sew, it makes me happy, please give me things to sew!" Nana told me that my Nana Cano told her that having ten kids to raise, her time on the sewing machine was her little escape. I don't have ten kids, but I can certainly relate!

We finished up our lunch and went shopping at Sears. My nana LOVES to shop for new purses and blouses. She always wants to look her spiffiest. She picked up a lavender blouse and told me, "This color is really in right now, all the young girls are wearing it."

Here is where I get stressed with Nana - leaving the stores. I tell her to PLEASE wait inside by the door until I bring the car up to the curb and help her in. She is 92 and uses a walker! I don't want her walking across the parking lot when she doesn't have to. So I sprintwalk to my car and before I can even pull out of the parking space, I catch a glimpse of her in the rear view mirror walking onto the parking lot to meet me. And she's smiling and waving. All I can think about is her getting hurt!

After the mall, she wanted to return a case of Ensure at the grocery store. But not just any grocery store, the one by her house because, she said, "they know me there." However, she kept giving me wrong directions and we drove in three different directions (30 minutes and uncountable amounts of U-turns) until we finally found it - two minutes from her house! Now I'm chuckling, but while it was happening I could feel my temples throbbing! Nana is always used to her retirement resort shuttle driving her around, so she must have lost her sense of direction. Bottom line? We got there.

On our way out of the store, she pointed at some senior citizens sitting by the doors and told me "Those are people that live at the resort too. They are waiting for the shuttle to pick them up and take them back. But I don't need the shuttle because I have you, mijita." Then she yelled "HI!!!" at them, and they didn't hear her. She flicked her hand and told me "Eh, nevermind, they're old. They can't hear a thing. Come on, let's get out of here."

Oh. And it was 110 degrees outside! I worried about her fragile body being out in such crazy heat. I told her next time we need to leave earlier in the morning. She waved her hand at me and said "I can take it. I need a little sun, a little wind, a little rain...it makes me feel alive!"

Here is the takeaway: Next time I'm feeling lazy or frumpy, I'm going to think of Nana and her ability to offer a juicy round of storytelling, plus power shopping, grocery shopping and getting lost - and still having a positive attitude!

Glitter as high art: Tlisza Jaurique

Glitter has always been a main staple in the crafty world. You've seen me and a gazillion other crafters use it along with gems, crystals and sequins on everything from scrapbook pages to jewelry to clothing.

But did you know glitter is also regarded as a form of high museum-worthy art thanks to a former Arizona artist?

Yup! Phoenix was once lucky enough to be home to the fascinating, talented, beautiful and brilliant artist, Tlisza Jaurique, who is famous for incorporating in glitter in her art. I'm not talking paper crafts or covering ceramic Chihuahuas or shoes in the stuff, I'm talking about this:

(Mayahuel, Click HERE to see close ups)

isn't it incredible? ...and she started this work looonnnggg before glitter hit the mainstream art, craft, fashion world. Her paintings and installations have been carried in the Smithsonian in DC and NYC, as well as Metropolitan Museum Of Art.

I'm always talking about glitter as a happy metaphor for life, but Tlisza takes it to a much deeper level:

"Through trial and error, glitter has become a definitive element in my work. Because my work centers on interpretation and identity, specifically the re/construction of complex, buried, hidden iconography, glitter allows the images to be translatable to others. Glitter is recognizable and is also able to restore the grandeur of an almost annihilated culture, while retaining a hint of irony and my genetic nihilism.

In effect, I use glitter as an extension and continuation of the mesoamerican sense of rococo, where pigment is pushed to such visual extremes--an aesthetic which has not easily been displaced by time. Glitter also fulfills my needs for a medium to address the concepts of reflection and multiplicity. The philosophers of the Mexica were thought to be able to place mirrors in front of an individual in order to reflect their true identity.

Glitter conceptually reflects the viewer. The imagery is physically composed of thousands of individual pieces, but only in unity are these images formed, and only in unity are a culture’s symbols narrated and preserved by individuals. Glitter also echoes the small metallic flecks rubbed onto the bodies of Mexica priests used in ritual."

- Tlisza Jaurique, 2004, WomenArts.org

Respect! I bet I sound like a geeky craft glitter-loving nerd for saying this, but I bow to Tlisza's sparkle-infused visual messages. She rocks. :-)

She and her husband, Marcus Zilliox, also a very talented artist, worked on all kinds of community projects in AZ and all over the country. If you've been following this blog, you might remember them contributing projects to my first book, Making Shadow Boxes and Shrines. I also own apiece of Tlisza's art that I won in a silent auction. I'm glad I had those experiences because this power couple moved to New York City where they now reside as full-time artists. (I just learned they do still visit AZ in the summer!)

I recently re-discovered them on Facebook and it brought back a lot of memories of their time in town. I'm telling you, if you EVER get a chance to see one of their shows, go for it.

Here is the link to Tlisza and Marcus' web site to get more info!