I have this thing about New Year's Eve.If I'm going to go out to party, I'm going to go out with some major sparkle. Ringing in the New Year is one of those over-the-top opportunities to scootch out of your comfort zone. So go big!
(SciFi Silver)
Chipboard numbers
Glittered ribbon, about 12-15" long
Clothespins
Plastic haircombs (medium)
Any other desired embellishments
Directions: Coat the letters with the Tacky Glue and then coat with glitter, set aside to dry. Fold the ribbon three times and glue the edges so it has a tapered bottom. Add glue to affix the ribbon to the front of the comb. Add the numbers, and then the embellishments. Use the clothespins to hold everything in place until the glue dries.
I know this is big and gaudy, but it is much classier than a huge pair of plastic 2011 fake eyeglasses, don't you think? You can actually carry on a serious conversation while wearing this!
1 plastic visor (you can buy them at the dollar store, or in packs of eight at the party store!)
chalkboard spray paint
chalk
Directions: Spray the visor with the paint, let dry, add two more coats. You can add a little piece of Velcro to the chalk to attach it to the base of the visor, or you can just carry it in your purse. This way you (and your guests) can keep everyone updated on how you are feeling throughout the night!
TIP: File the pieces of chalk to have a pointy tip so they write better.
One of my practice sketches. She looks like she's cheering!
I'm good with my resolutions for 2010. I don't specifically blurt out"Hello, world! This is my list of resolutions!" It's an ongoing thing for me, it's all about getting better. Here is my report card and some tips for you!
If learning about beading is on your to-do list for 2011, you need to check out Margot Potter's new video series on Jewel School!
I've always been a self-starter. I don't wait for classes or directions, I just dive right in. However, I've learned from experience that it's always a good idea to respect the craft and learn the right way. It will stretch your skills even further!
In this video, Margot explains the basic array of beading tools - their names, functions and even how to use them. I've been beading, crimping, and linking for years and had more than a couple "a-ha!" moments while watching this little lesson. I knew I had to share it with all of you so we can all learn together!
January 21-24, CALIFORNIA GIFT SHOW, Los Angeles Convention Center
I'll be on the main floor demoing my Crafty Chica product line to retail buyers, and I'll have an exhibit booth in the Beckman's Handcrafted Show.
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January 29-February 1, CHA WINTER CONFERENCE TRADE SHOW, Los Angeles Convention Center
I'll be in the iLoveToCreate booth demoing some sparkly new Tulip products, as well as in the Fiskars booth too! Also I'll be co-presenting a seminar with Pattie Wilkinson,Web Video DIY: Secrets to Creating Content People Will Watch and Share on Saturday at noon.
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March 8th, BOOK RELEASE OF Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing (Grand Central Publishing, paperback, $13.99). I'll have book signings this week, stay tuned for more info!
I'll be there both days for readings, as well as free craft workshops for the first 50 people each day. My daughter, Maya, will be there as well in the teen area!
We do Secret Santafor our extended family, but I like to get a little something for everyone. It's weird not having my dad's tamales around, and I totally cannot master the masa portion of the recipe, however, I rock at making the red chile! So I went with that! I made twelve jars of my dad's red chile sauce, and sealed them in jars and made labels for them. Everyone loved them! It was a happy way to celebrate his spirit and to incorporate him into the festivities! Read more after the jump...
‘Tis the season for tempting footwear! Brighten up holiday festivities in a pair of heels that twinkle with Crafty Chica® Chunky Glitters. Directions after the jump.
You don't need long hair to fall in love with Disney's “Tangled.” It's an instant classic that’s as funny and quirky as it is endearing and empowering. Mandy Moore lends her vocals to Rapunzel, a plucky princess hidden in a tower by an evil guardian. Instead of dreaming about meeting a handsome prince to save her, Rapunzel devises her own escape and passes the time in the most creative ways possible - sewing, reading, sculpting, cooking, writing, and painting every inch of every wall space she can find. It's here where the image of a sun comes into play. You have to see the film to find out why! Until then, here is a project inspired by Rapunzel's plight!
Directions and more photos after the jump!
It's always a good idea to have a stack of blank gift bags on hand - you never know when you'll need to put something together. But it will be pretty boring to leave the bag blank, right? Especially with your crafty skills!
Here's an easy way to add some sparkle! Read more after the jump...
If watching Christmas movies is a holiday tradition in your home, then you’ll love making these fun Color Bazaar™ ornaments with beloved movie lines. Whether your favorites are from timeless classics or laugh-out-loud comedies, you’ll smile every time you hang them on your tree. Directions after the jump.
First I turned on the Hallmark Channel to watch holiday movies, just to get in the spirit. Next, I went with blank cards (how did we ever live without them?), a stack of glitter cardstock, color copies of pictures and my personal salutation that I printed from my computer. oh! And glue sticks!
I decided to tear off the edges of the glitter cardstock pieces so I could trim them with black ink. I ended up with a pile of luxurious scraps! you think I would toss these babies out/ Heck to the NO! I put them in Ziplock to use on my new mixed media canvas collages (that I'm going to make in the new year).
Here are the cards set out to dry. I made 30 and burned through three Aleene’s® Acid-Free Tacky Glue™ Glue Stick. I glued down the cardstock and then the picture in the center, but the cards still lacked that "pop." Therefore I added some swirly glittered accents.
Easy and heartfelt!! Is it just me, or is addressing the cards harder than actually making them?
Forget tinsel! Dazzle up your Christmas tree with these sparklicious Loteria Ornaments! Use your favorite Crafty Chica™ Paint Packs™ and Chunky Glitters™ with Aleene’s® Original Tacky Glue® to create ornaments with crafty flare.
Triple shine = bright colors, lots of glitter, topped with glossy varnish! Directions after the jump.
The other day I walked by Maya at the computer and she yells out "Duck lips!" - I leaned over and we posed for this picture. We've never spoke of duck lips before, yet we knew exactly what they meant. Too much Facebooking, I guess!
La Santita de mi corazon, digital illustration by Kathy Cano-Murillo.
It's a few days away from Christmas, but that doesn't mean everyone has that holiday glow. We've all been there at one time or another. I know I have. It's silly really, because it all comes down to one day out of the year that magic and miracles are supposed to happen. It has to with all the sparkly decorations, the chilly weather, the cuddling, parties and gift giving - it just feels special!
Truth is, magic and miracles can and do happen all year round. We have to make ourselves believe that every day is Christmas. Every day is the time to be cool, understanding, patient, to have faith and hope, to open our senses, and give unconditionally. Easier said than done, right? Regardless, this time of the year should be lively.
My holiday 'happy' alternates every other year. Right now, my heart doesn't feel as heavy as it did last year (the first holiday without my dad). This season, I can feel his spirit all around, and no matter what, I'm keeping my chin up and celebrating here on Earth in his honor. I'm even going to make his red chile recipe this week!
If you are feeling the slightest bit frumpy, lonely or sad, I'm sending love and light your way to lift your spirits. Based on my past experiences, here are some ideas for pick-me-ups to help add more zing to your gingerbread.
AND - if you have any ideas to share, please add them in the comments!
1. Listen to some new holiday tunes. Skip the tired songs, no matter how classic they are. Fresh vibes! Target has a FREE downloadable CD of indie bands singing NEW carols. I've been listening to it all day. Here is the link.
2. Write down happy fortunes and hand them out to strangers. The power of words is very strong, imagine being able to change someone's day or mood just by delivering an uplifting sentence. You can make up your own quotes, or cite your favorites. It feels soooo good to do something nice to someone who is not expecting it.
3. Remember that gift giving is about the sentiment, not the monetary value. If you can't afford fancy gifts, drop your pride and stick within your budget. You'll have less stress, and less resentment toward the person you splurged on! Gifts are not a scorecard, they are a symbol of personalized thoughtfulness. Think priceless. Here's an idea - print off photos (of you and the person) you took and put them in a painted frame. Another thought - write or use a fancy font to print a poem and do the same.
4. Participate in your local Christmas Angel program. This is where you go to the mall and take a tag off the tree and buy a gift for a child. Before you turn it in, slip in a handwritten note wishing them a happy day! If you miss the deadline, just get a gift and take it to a shelter or a drop off box.
5. Watch a cheesy holiday movie on cable. Hey, don't judge! It does wonders, trust me! You can even watch one online at Hallmark.com - HERE. I watched Farewell, Mr. Kringle the other day and loved it so much I baked gingerbread cookies right after! (Classic holiday flicks are okay too, but they are on every channel these days, so they don't seem as special).
6. Read a holiday book. Here is USA Today's list of their faves. If you are into romance and happy endings, Arizona (and best-selling) author, Lisa Plumley has a new romance book out, Holiday Affair. Gotta give a shout out to a fellow local author!
7. Cookie bomb your workplace. Buy a roll of cookie dough, bake it up and bring it into the most unlikely of work meetings - or even to a department other than your own. Smiles abound!
8. Light a sugarplum candle. Don't wait to buy a gourmet one. Act now, Christmas is Saturday! Next time you are at the grocery store, pick one up and light 'er up! (Never leave a candle unattended) You can even make a cool candle holder from embroidery thread and fabric stiffener!
9. Call an old friend or distant family member out of the blue. Make it someone who always cheered you up, but because of your busy life, you lost touch. It doesn't mean you have to clear your whole schedule, just a phone call or even an email. Heck, go on Facebook and leave them a happy comment.
10. Make a little tribute collage for a loved one who has passed. Write them a letter, decorate a candle, play their favorite music, watch their favorite movie. This is what I'm going to do for my dad!
11. Eat a candy cane. Seriously. Nothing feels like Christmas more than sucking on a bent over red and white striped minty confection!
12. Make or learn something new and out of your comfort zone. Make it a gift for yourself to break out of your funk and exercise some new artistic muscles. YouTube has a wealth of videos for tutorials! Learn how to draw a face, or play a new song on the piano.
Well, there is my list. Hope it helps! There are many more ideas I'm sure, please share yours, let's all do this together! If you know someone who needs a lift, print off this article for them! Please retweet!
P.S. And if it makes you feel better to skip the season altogether, it's cool too. I totally get that - been there...sometimes you just have to duck and cover!
If you think blinds are boring and curtains are too curvy, think flat...as in a roller shade that you can tug up and down at will. By adding your favorite fabric to the usual installation hardware, you’ll have a flavorful focal point in your kitchen or family room. Directions after the jump.
History of The Poinsettia: - Flor De La Noche Buena This article was written for CraftyChica.com by Natalie Anniston of flowerdelivery.net, which is a site that is dedicated to be an online flower delivery resource.
An integral aspect of Christmas holiday tradition worldwide, the poinsettia, or noche beuna, plant has a rich and interesting history. A shrub that grows to a height between 2 and 16 feet, the poinsettia plant grows wild in tropical forests down the Pacific coast of Mexico to Guatemala and Chiapas. There are over 100 varieties of poinsettia plants, and its scientific name is Euphorbia pulcherrima, which translated literally means, the most beautiful Euphorbia.
Celebrate the spirit of Kwanzaa with art tags that you can hang in your home or on gifts to family and friends. You can also make them just to pass out to spread positivity, or have family and friend make a set and then trade them. Turn canvas fabric into these colorful reminders of the seven Kwanzaa principles that are empowering for everyone!
Kwanzaa is December 26-January 1st. Read more about it here.
This is kind of a silly project, but it was fun to make. The idea is to take a band tee and add holiday hats to the members. Definitely a conversation starter! You can find band tees at Target or Walmart for about $10.
Here in Arizona, snowflakes are hard to come by. So we have to be creative and create our own faux-chilly version. Snowflake-shaped silicone molds will do the trick. Use them to create a serious collection of colorful decorations that can be hung in your house or outside on your patio, or even from trees. The trick is to use resin and mix in glitter, sequins or anything else to create an artful look that would make Frosty proud.
A quickie job made from five friendship bracelets tied together. You do whatcha gotta do, right? It makes for a cute necklace/holder for my crafting glasses!
The other day at the grocery store, there was a sale on huge tubes of cookie dough. What caught my attention was that they had gingerbread cookie dough. I usually bake my cookies from scratch, so I'm not sure if gingerbread tubes are a new thing - but they were new to me.
My iron and a tabletop ironing board are main staples at my sewing station. Having them close by saves me time from going into the laundry to press seams. But I don't just use them for that, I use the set to apply fusible webbing and iron-on adhesive in a lot of my fabric projects. No matter how hard I try to keep things clean and neat, my little ironing board ends up with sticky residue and it then transfers to my new projects. Grrrr!
Instead of whining, I refreshed it - and it only took a few minutes! Directions and more photos after the jump.
1. Trace the outline of the stocking onto paper.
2. Set the shirt out on a flat surface and set the pattern on top. Trace around it and cut out through both layers (NOTE: If you only want the front of the shirt, just use the top layer.
3. Do the same for the lining fabric.
4. Iron the stabilizer to both sides of the t-shirt cut outs. Iron to lining.
5. With both layers facing together, sew around the edges.
6. Take an 8x10 sheet of craft felt in a contrasting color and cut it in half width wise. Glue one at the top of one side of the stocking, and another on the other side. Trim up the sides so it is flush with the edges, hot glue the felt together up the sides.
7. Turn the stocking right side out and fold the felt over to make a cuff.
8. Hot glue trim as desired.
9. Add sparkle with glitter, crystals, and glitter spray!
10. Hot glue a ribbon so you can hang it.
