"Kathy Cano Murillo is the renaissance woman of DIY Culture."
– Venus Magazine
Stumped on a project, application or product? Send me a note with your crafty crisis. I'll do my best to come to the rescue! AND - if you are a clever crafter and can offer a suggestion, please post a comment :-)
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Crafty coolness
Hi Kathy! First of all, I really love the new website. It's easier to find everything, good job on it! I was reading your "about" page and was intrigued by the quote you said when asked to write an arts and crafts column, "I don't do crafts, I do art". I know now you love arts AND crafts, but what do you think the difference is between the two? And why do you think the word "crafts" is looked down upon? Or am I the only one that thinks so? xoxo, Bridgette (a Vegas artist/crafter)
Howdy Bridgette! I just had to post your question here because this is the THIRD time this topic has crossed my path this week. Here's my two cents: I think many people think of art as something that makes a statement, perhaps something very thought provoking, original in design, one-of-a-kind. And maybe those same people think of crafts as something that is made more out of the pleasure of a hobby than sending a message. Some folks don't even take itthat far, they automatically roll their eyes and think of macrame owls, turquoise plastic canvas dolls or first grade art class.
As we all know - that has changed SO much. Crafts are so hip. Crafts are something anyone can do without technical or specialized training. Most projects are some what easy so people can take the basics of an idea and then alter it to fit their personality. I think crafts have a lot of meaning. It isn't just about decorating anymore, it's all about self-expression and love. Either love for yourself (doing something special just for you!) or love for someone else. It's about creating something from your spirit in the hopes of addng something beautiful or fun to the world.
I also believe that crafitness is more than glue and scissors. It's a lifestyle. Seeing positive potential in every situation you come across. In trouble? Think of your drama as a craft project metaphor and how it can be transformed into something magnificent!
I come across friends who giggle over the word "craft" or "crafty". Here's my repsonse!! I'm all about busting stereotypes and with everything I make I have a mental mission to make it cool so people will think twice when they hear the word. Look at these examples that prove how cool craftiness is these days:
There are women's groups: Austin Craft Mafia Portland Super Crafty Phoenix Fridas And more - Churchof Craft.org; Vickie Howell of Knitty Gritty who sells t-shirts that says "Craft. Rock. Live." Plus there are the web sites GetCrafty.com, Craftster.org, CraftPop.com, CraftRevolution.com.
Even the dictionary says good things about being crafty! Craft Definition: skill. Synonyms: ability, adeptness, adroitness, aptitude, art, artistry, cleverness, competence, cunning, dexterity, expertise, expertness, ingenuity, knack, know-how, proficiency, technique, workmanship.
I also found this thread on GetCrafty.com, very interesting! OK, please share your thoughts on the topic! I give two repsectful thumbs up to all thing craft-like, crafty and craftylicious! ********** http://www.CraftyChica.com
In a (hefty) nutshell: I'm a mom, wife, artist, author & left-handed middle-child binge crafter Sagittarian. We have 4 Chihuahuas. I designed a product line with Duncan Enterprises - it launches this summer nationwide!
I write a weekly nationally syndicated craft column for The Arizona Republic.
I've authored six books. My 7th is a sewing book for Potter Craft and it comes out Feb. 17, 2009.
I wrote and sold my first novel, "Love Shine". It comes out in summer 2009 (Grand Central Publishing).
I make and sell a line of "Chicano Pop Art" with my husband, Patrick Murillo. He does all my illos! We are currently prepping for a six-month art installation for the Heard Museum. It opens October 2008.
I have a web series with LifetimeTV.com called "Crafting With the Chica".
I love to read. I watch too much TV!
Are you a Crafty Chica? Wear a T-Shirt to prove it!
Note to visitors:
Hola! This site is the archive of all my past projects for Gannett News Service and The Arizona Republic. These ideas are for personal use only. I make a living as a craft designer, so I will be using these ideas in my published works. If you are thinking of selling or using these ideas for profit, please give respect and "twist" them to make them your own - put your own stamp on them to make them different. It will work out for the best for both of us! Thank you and much respect from one creative person to another! — Kathy