Girly Girl Photo Shoot!

LINK

Last week we had a girly girl kind of day. My friend Dania came over and styled Maya's hair and make up. To get the juicy curls, she added gel and rolled the sections hair into pin curls. Later, I exercised my photography skills and snapped these photos. The inspiration was '40s pin up - classy style. It was fun to clear work assignments off my mind and just have fun taking pictures! As far as the black dress - it belongs to my mom from the early 1960s!


Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

This is how I know I have a coffee problem.

LINK

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

Amazing Paper Cuts (inserted in toilet paper rolls!)

The art of papercutting has so many possibilities. From papel picado (Mexican paper cutting) to silhouettes, there are many techniques to try. I love this concept by artist Anastassia Elias. She takes the knife and paper partnership to a whole new level. This is a vignette created inside a toilet tissue roll! Click the link below to see more of her amazing work.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE REST OF THIS POST

Read more from Micro Craft: TP-Roll Paper Vignettes at Anastassia Elias

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

Aw Yeah: My New Arrow Sewing Cabinet!

Last spring the fine folks at Arrow Cabinets asked if I'd like to try out one of their fancy-schmancy sewing cabinets. I've always been a "machine on the folding table" kind of chica and thought it would be fun to upgrade like a professional seamstress. I agreed!

However, I had a big problem - errr, perhaps I should say a small problem...

Crochet Bicycle Dress Guard

If you're a crafty type who loves to wear dresses and ride bikes, here is a project just for you! It's a crocheted dress guard! Not only is it beautiful and ornamental, but it also serves a great function. These have been featured all over the interwebs, but I happened to spot them on one of my favorite knit and crochet blogs, Las Teje y Maneje. I have yet to actually find a pattern, but below is a link where you can buy one from Semeli (manufacturers). If any of you do find a patern, please share!

From the blog:
"Simeli is a Dutch company that is dedicated to creating bicycle crochet ornaments, or what they themselves call "Dress Guard" (as the Dutch dictionary is a coating that partially covers the rear wheel of the bicycle to prevent it from catching with a jacket or a skirt). Thus, the "Dress Guard" is considered a symbol of the emancipation of women, power cycling even wearing long skirts."
CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL POST AND MORE PICTURES

Read more from Crochet Bicycle Dress Guard at Las Teje y Maneje

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

Love Haiku Affirmation Card

 

Helga at Art Chix Studio recently sent me a package of mixed media goodies to play with.  I had no idea where to start. Have you ever been so excited that you get overwhelmed? That's what happened. So I took a few deep breaths and went with a basic card. I cut a piece of cardstock in quarters and layered with papers and things until it came to life. I topped it off with a haiku in honor of love!

NOTE: Tonight is the Latina Smart Twitter Party - come join us! 6 pm PT. Use the hashtag #latinasmart See you there!

 Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

Latina Smart: Lessons For My Daughter

Recently I was asked to serve as a "Latina Smart Ambassador" for KMart. What an honor! It's a new initiative they have to celebrate and empower young Latinas to live smart, empower themselves through everything from education to fashion to travel and more. And it's all grounded in culture. Even if you aren't a Latina by blood, if you are in spirit or are close to someone who is - come join us at our Latina SmartFacebook page! And our upcoming Twitter party as well! Read through the end of this message to see an opportunity for you to be an ambassador!

No matter what your cultural background, I think it's smart to embrace your roots and be the best role model you can. Know your culture, know yourself!

My assignment is to write a post about what it means to me to be "Latina Smart." I decided to dedicate it to my daughter, Maya, who started college today. It's a whole new world for her, she even cut off her high school hair in order to bring on new energy and pride. Tonight I asked her if her boyfriend gave her a peptalk before she left for school and she replied, "I didn't need a pep talk, Mom. I was already amped and excited on my own!" Well, well, okay then! Rock on!
Here are some Latina Smart tips I've learned in my life. They can be used at any age!

To Maya:

- Respect yourself. Walk, talk, think, and act with dignity. Recognize and appreciate when you recieve respect.  Show respect and compassion to those you love. Next to love, respect is the best gift to give to another human. Give high value to it.

- If you're walking down a road with a lot of chuckholes, burning fires and red flags, it's likely time to choose a different path. Life already comes with challenges and struggles, but don't ever subject yourself to unneccessary headaches and/or heartaches. Life should be more about joy than annoyances. Think smart and remove yourself from the situation so you can seek a smoother, more gratifying journey!

- Make the most of every experience. Ditch routine when possible. Take in a deep breath when you walk outside, listen for the songs from the birds and crickets. Notice the eye color of that cute barista at Starbucks, flirt a little, try a weird salad dressing, choose a new album at random, get your makeup done at the department store, go to the library and check out a stack of books. Go to the park, sit under a tree, spread out the books and read them.

- Love hard, love a lot, and let it be your main fuel for life. Anything not involving love is not worth doing at all. Whether it is a relationship, cleaning, singing or choosing a career - always make sure there is  love, otherwise, what is the use? Don't overanalyze or overthink about the future too much, you'll miss out on the 'happy' happening right under your nose. Gobble up love now in all things you do.

- Take risks, keep the surprises coming. Bring on new experiences. People think they know you? Surprise them and show them you can be unpredictable. Reinvent yourself. Keep a journal of the amazing things you do.

- Trust your instincts! All the facts could add up to one answer, but if your gut is pulling you in a different direction, pay attention. Trust that burning feeling in your heart, it is there for a reason!
- Always, always, always, stay postive. You'll always have naysayers - some even in your inner circle -  who will thwart your confidence. Don't let them. Have faith that you can go after the craziest of goals, even when all the odds are stacked up against you! Know that what you think over and over in your brain is what the universe will manifest - so make it good stuff!

- Know you have the power to change any situation you are involved in. You can't change what others do or say, but you can change how you accept and respond. There is always a way out or up. Use your resources and creativity to find it!

- Embrace education. Not only from school, but from your peers, family, even strangers. Everyone has a lesson to teach. The more you open your ears to listen, the stronger and more worldy you'll become.

- Value people and relationships over things. Put that phone away when you are having private time with friends and family. It's a big part of respect.

- Give thanks every day and night. Acknowledge the blessings in your life, be thankful that your challenges are not worse than they are, because they can be!

- Think before you act on emotion. Sleep on a big decision. Trust me, if you act on emotion, you can't take back your actions or words. Write down a pros and con list if you have to!

- Focus on the big picture. Everytime you encounter a snarl, ask yourself how it applies to the big picture of your life. You'll find many times it doesn't and it's not worth worrying about.

- Don't let your fears take you hostage. OK, this is a line from a song you wrote, but it's a good one!

- Never, ever EVER settle. There are times to be humble and there are times when you know you can do - and deserve - better. This can apply to a living situation, a class, a job, a romance, or even a haircut! Love and respect yourself enough to rise up to the next level, move past it, push through.

- Ditch the excuses. If you want something bad enough, most of the time, you can find a way to make it happen. If you keep making excuses, you must not want it (whatever IT is) that much.

- Let out a good cry every now and then. It's a release! But don't let it go on too long or too frequently.

- Family first. This is one my parents always told me. People will come and go out of your life, but family will always be there!

- Help others, pay it forward. Don't keep scorecards, don't judge, give without expecting something in return. It will come back around and it'll be a nice surprise.

- Go for it! Think big and act on it. Want a job in New York City? Check the offerings. Want to travel the world? Find a way to do it. This is your one and only life. It's a big world out there, so many juicy, tasty experiences for the taking! Soak it all up and enjoy your life - make it memorable!

This list could go on forever!

If you are interested in being a Latina Smart ambassador - visit the page and leave a comment giving your own Latina Smart quip! The team is reading all of them to find and hire a new set of ambassadors!

Here is a cute video that Maya made before she left for school yesterday:

LINK

What kind of smart advice do you have?

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

Work-in-progress!

Wait until this is fired to see the art I created under the glaze! So excited to see how it turns out! Stay tuned!

HOW TO: Cut A Graffiti-Style Portrait

My first print from a Carmen Miranda stencil that I made.

This is a piece I did for Patrick's papercutting class and thought I'd share it here too. I have to admit, I am really digging this papercutting process. I'm going to do more. Portraits! It's so relaxing and the results are beyond satisfying!


LINK
Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

10 Tips to Artful Lettering

I love the art of Julie Fei-Fan Balzer. She combines colors, textures, images and lettering an bold, imaginative way. Her blog is a great stop for creative ideas! Not only does she share her own tips, but she also has guest artists as well.
Recently she had Joanne Sharpe of Whimspirations, who shared ten tips for bettering lettering. Whoa. GREAT stuff here. If you're into journaling, scrapbooking, cardmaking, sign art - anything like that, check out these tips. I've never been more inspired to practice drawing my letters!

From Joanne:

"I've had a love affair with lettering since I was in Catholic grade school where the sweet nuns made sure we had perfect penmanship every single day.  As an art form, I began collecting quotes and journaling with creative lettering in my teens.  Over the years my “font” has evolved and as my signature style is easily recognized.  It’s nothing magical, it’s comfortable, my interpretation of the alphabet and creatively writing consistently in my own style."

CLICK HERE TO READ 10 TIPS TO ARTFUL LETTERING

Read more from How to: Artful Lettering at Balzer Designs

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

PAPERCUTTING: Mermaid-in-progress!

 Patrick has been cutting all kinds of cool designs for the class he's teaching on papel picado and papercutting. This is one of the designs he is demoing for his students. Isn't it sweet? They are getting the pattern too!

I love papercutting because it's so relaxing. No paint or glue, just paper and a craft knife..well a design too. Once you get used to it, you can "see" through every image to know where to cut. I should take his class, lol!!

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

Introducing...FontCrafts.com!

My friend Alexa from SwellDesigner just launched a new site this week called Font Crafts!

It's exactly what you think - a site dedicated to DIY projects themed around letters! You'll find highlights of other blogs, tutorials, free fonts, printables and Alexa's shiny personality to tie it all together.

To celebrate she is doing a giveaway this week! Click here to enter!

Congrats, Alexa!

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

A very personal story that I almost didn't share!

I've been blogging about my kids since 2003. Any of you who have followed this blog know that I've shared all kinds of stories about DeAngelo and Maya. There was a new one I began to write a few weeks ago, but I couldn't finish it. I couldn't figure out why. Writing has always been my way to express my feelings, but for some reason, my fingers froze over the keyboard.

You see, Maya started dating this guy this summer. She really likes him a lot. It all happened very fast and kind of out of nowhere, isn't that how it always is? Anyway, through a series of unexpected circumstances this weekend, I was able to sit and talk with him, and really got to see his true character. (He's a great guy and I totally give them my blessing for whatever the future brings!) The next day, I woke up, sat at my computer and the article spilled out...


Here it is - on Mamiverse.com. I hope you like it. 

Please leave a comment over there to share your own memories on the topic of young love!

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

My week at Art Unraveled 2011

 This is from the Shoe Shrine workshop I taught. These are some of my students!

Papel Picado Online Workshop Starts Monday!

Click for a larger view of the information!

This is going to be such a fun class! Check out the flyer above to see all the details of what is included, it's a great deal for all you will receive!

- Work at your own pace.
- Lessons uploaded every week.
- Receive feedback and tips on your work.
- Learn all about supplies, safety, techniues and Patrick and Kathy's secret tips!
- Create your own beautiful papel picado designs.
- Receive a free e-book with prjects ideas for your work!
- Much more!

$40, Papercutting/Papel Picado 101

Instructions:
1. Click the above button to pay for your class.
2. After payment is collected, you will be taken to the Crafty Chica Online Classroom.
3. Please request membership and I will approve you. You can then fill out your profile and interact with all the other classroom members!
I will then send you a personal invite to the Papercutting 101 classroom! Yay!

NOTE: Please make sure your PayPal email is working and that you can receive email at it, that is the only email I'll have to be in touch with you! Once I receive your payment, I'll contact you within 48 hours to make sure you get into the classroom and workshop room A-OK!

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

MAYA IN THE MOMENT TEEN CRAFT: Neck Tie T-Shirt

 I found a box of old neck ties that I thought would look cool on a shirt! I decided to use Aleene's Fabric Fusion to glue the neck tie to the shirt! After a while I thought it was waaaay too plain, so with my mom's help, we used Tulip Shimmer Sheets and a stencil to spice it up!

LINK TO VIDEO

Stencilize a Ceramic Mug

Have you ever been at the paint on pottery shop and can't decide what to put on your bisque? How about a stencil from the craft store? It's a sure path to colorful success. I like to buy sticky stencils and use them for all kinds of crafts and home decor projects. This is a cute mug that proves how easy it is! Imagine a set of these! Here's how I made it...

A Week in Pictures; Giveaway Winner (And Another Giveaway!)

I spent all of last week in Fresno at the iLoveToCreate studios working on a top secret project that involved a LOT of color, glitter and fringe. Here are some pictures I snapped along the way. Read all the way, there is a contest at the bottom of this post!

 I bought these before I left. They are called FitFlops and my life is changed because of them! They are super comfy and the sequins sealed the deal. I'm so ready to invest in other pairs. Yah, my glory days of high heels are long gone, I'm all about the comfort.