Dear Crafty Chica, I am 15 years old and have the Crafty Diva book. It is my favroite of all time. I would like to ask what you listen to when you are making your arts and crafts. My mom says you probably listen to rock and roll because all your projects are so bright and shiny. I would like to know the names of the bands so I can craft to them too.
Honey, Baltimore

Hi Honey!
I like that name! Actually I listen to all kinds of music when I'm in my art studio. If I'm mass producing a lot of the same items to fill an order, I usually put a movie on to keep me entertained. When I'm designing new ideas I leave the TV off and listen to digital radio. Reggae is my favorite. If I'm working on collage pieces that have personal themes I like to hear stuff like Fiona Apple and Rachel Yamagata. I like an artist named Manu Chao, and a band called Morgan Heritage. When my husband is working in the studio with me we listen to lowrider oldies. I wish I could say there is one kind of band or music, but really it all depends on my mood. Oh! I listen to a lot of Latin acid jazz and Salsa too, it really gets me going, especially with sprinkling the glitter!
Good luck! Let me know what you listen to and I'll post it here!
- CC
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http://www.CraftyChica.com

Hi Crafty Chica, I am Jazzmine and I love your site, I must say.  Since you are the one that knows all regarding crafts,...I had to come to you.  I was in this store and found purses made from newspaper articles.  Thing is,..they were all in some kind of asian script. I wanted something a bit more,...ME. So I decided to turn to you.  How are these people making this stuff?  Since then,...I have seen similar bags sell on ebay  and personal websites.  I have seen them done with newspaper, lp covers and photos. Please,...tell me how this is done. Please? =)
I am begging,...
--
JAZZMINE PHOENIXX / DANITA

Hi Jazzmine!
I know exactly what you are talking about, I've made them before. The trick is to laminate the paper and then use grommets to make the holes to thread the cording and handles. I've seen people use the clear shelf liners, but they aren't very sturdy. I would go for the lamination - you can get it done at your local copier center. If you are using thin paper, you can sandwich it around a piece of cardboard or cardstock for a sturdier bag.
In the meantime, check out Diana's tricked out site Not Without My Handbag.

Photo copyright Diana Goodman

- CC
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http://www.CraftyChica.com

Dear Crafty Chica,
First off, just want to say that I consider us kindred, since we're from the same generation, and the same culture. Anyhow, is there a substitute for gesso when it comes to paper mache? I'm low on funds right now, and I'd like to finish my project. Since I have your attention, there's one other thing.... do you have any suggestions on what I could use colored rice paper for? I bought a big pack of it when I went to Chinatown in San Francisco. Well, I look forward to your reply. Keep up the inspiration, sister! I'm a regular at your web site.
Thanks a million,
Denise

Hi Denise!
I've never used gesso for papier mache. I'm cheap - I mix 2 parts flour with one part water with a healthy squirt of Elmer's and it comes out perfect. Kinda like creamy Cream of Wheat. Yum. As far as the rice paper - oh lordy...If I had a big pack of it I would use it on altered book projects, decoupage, mini lights, or make little mini journals. I think I'm putting colored rice paper on my crafty shopping list. Thanks so much for writing and for the inspiration!!
- CC
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http://www.CraftyChica.com

Hello, my name is Tenae. I wanted to know if you knew how to make scented soap bars, perfume, lotion, or something of that nature. Thanks alot. Ohh yeah I love your book D.I.Y. Stylebook

Greetings Tenae!
I LOVE making soap bars. More than I love eating chocolate mousse. OK, maybe not that much. But I do especially love to make them with pictures and things stuck inside of them. Here are some links to previous soap projects I've done:

Daily Affirmation Soap Bars


Painted Soaps

To see the coolest soaps of all time, check out my friend Kerith's site. She did two projects for my books, Bubblegum Soap Bars and Skull Soaps. Here is her online store.
-CC
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http://www.CraftyChica.com

Kathy,
I've been following your work for several years now. I've also been reading your blog for some time, and even commented once or twice. Mostly when you talked about Maya playing softball for the first time. I doubt you'll remember, but I mentioned that my daughter also plays softball and how much we love going to the games. Anyhow, that's not why I'm writing.
I'm getting married in September and my daughter is a Jr. Bridesmaid in my wedding. I've been putting together the attendants gifts, and instead of the typical jewelry gift, I've been getting things that I know each person would like.
Well Caitlin, my daughter, is 9 and really getting into art. I'm a crafter and she tells her teachers every year during the first week of school that if they need help with projects, to call me because I'm "awesome at crafts." Her words, not mine.
So for her gift I piced up your crafty diva book and I'm picking several of the projects, getting everything she needs to complete them, and putting together a nice craft storage center for her.  I found your book (searched it out actually), looked through it and fell in love.
I know she'll love it too.
So basically I wanted to say great job on the book, and thanks for your inspiration.
Can't wait for a blog update to hear what's new with you all. I feel like I know you from reading your blog all the time. Silly, I know. But thanks.
Jennifer R.
Whittier, CA

Hi Jennifer!
You are sweeter than a bag of Jolly Ranchers! Speaking of Jolly Ranchers, did you know you can melt them in the oven into weird shapes and then take them out and poke a hole at the top to make an ornament? Just thought I would share that!! I'm so embarrassed it has taken me so long to write back, things have been crazy busy over here. I'm so thrilled you like the book. If you have pictures of the completed projects, please send me some and I'll post them here. i know other people would love to see them too! Thank you again so much - here is a big cyber hug to you!!
- CC



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http://www.CraftyChica.com

Hi Kathy! I just had a quick question and even though you might think I'm a bit strange to email you out of the blue like this...
Ever since I was little, my Spanish grandmother has called my "chopoline". I know, I'm not spelling it correctly, but that's my reason for emailing you! I always thought it meant 'grasshopper', but maybe I'm wrong.

My aunt & uncle are up visiting from Texas and it has rekindled in me the need to get in touch with my Spanish side. Could you help me out?! Translation, spelling - the works.

Thanks!!!
~Mary~

P.S. I absolutely love the Loteria Luminaria
I totally remember having a deck of those when I was little! I wish I knew what happened to them.

Hi Mary! OK, you have inspired me to brush up on my Spanish! As far as I know I think it means little bug. I think your grasshopper connection is right on target!
You should make a t-shirt with glittery iron-on letters as a tribute to your Grandma...
-cc
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http://www.CraftyChica.com

Dear Kathy,
I love your work and thank you for sharring it with the rest of the world! can you please give me a good resource for Milagro's
Also can you visit san diego
Kristal Molina

Hi Kristal!
eBay is a great source, there are several sellers that have up up for auction on a regular basis.
-CC
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http://www.CraftyChica.com