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"Kathy Cano Murillo strikes us as one of those people who, stranded on a desert island with nothing but a volleyball, a deck of playing cards and some coconuts, would not only craft a rescue vehicle and distress signal but whip up a spiffy castaway-themed wardrobe to wear as she did so. And she would be having a great time. And so would you. Visit the Arizona Republic contributor's site to get the craft fever yourself."

– USA Today

The Crafty Chica DIY Project Library: a collection of fabulous handmade ideas by Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica!

Saturday, February 28, 2004

Springtime Tableware

Springtime barbecues are a must-have.

Before you break out the plastic tableware, think about jazzing up the party a bit. Here's a spunky way to celebrate the season, and it will take only a few hours of your time.

This idea came to me when I discovered that, throughout the years, I had collected a variety of mismatched silverware. Instead of donating the pieces, I decided to give each one a cheery face-lift that would make them a set. With less than $12 worth of polymer clay, I was able to cover a dozen utensils. I detailed the first set for spring, and I'm happy to say I have enough pieces left over for the Fourth of July.

If you don't have extra forks, knives and spoons hanging around, visit your local thrift or dollar store.

Springtime Tableware

Supplies:

Assorted forks, knives and spoons

Rubber mat

6 to 8 ounces of polymer clay in a variety of colors

X-Acto knife

Clay-crafting accessories (optional): presses, roller, squeeze tube

Water-based brush-on varnish

Directions: Wash and dry the tableware, then, using rubber mat for your work space, cover all the tableware handles with a layer of clay: Take approximately 1 ounce of the clay and roll it into a thin sheet. Cut it into strips big enough to cover the handle of each utensil. Use the X-Acto knife to trim edges. Bake in oven according to directions on clay package.

Remove tableware from oven and let cool, then repeat the process (but this time don't bake). Now that each handle is covered in two layers of clay, begin to add three-dimensional designs. Take pinches of clay and roll out strips, balls or other shapes. If using the clay accessories, punch out circles, squares, etc. Apply clay embellishments to each utensil and press into place. Once you've completed the set, bake in oven according to directions on package. When cool, brush on water-based varnish.

Washing instructions: After all this hard work, it's best to use this silverware only for special occasions. Gently wash the metal area with a dab of dishwashing liquid. Do not wash in dishwasher.

***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

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Sunday, February 22, 2004

Decoupage Heart Light String



These were paper lights that I knew were perfect for decoupaging!


***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

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Saturday, February 14, 2004

Bejeweled Champagne Flutes



Don't you dare use boring blank flutes for clinking the bubbly. Put a little effort into, alrighty? It'll be worth the trouble!

SUPPLIES:
Champagne flutes
4 mm Austrian flat-backed crystals (acrylic ones will work too, but they look kinda cheap)
Tweezers
Chopstick
e6000 glue

DIREX: Wash and dry the glasses. Squeeze a glob of glue on a paper towel or foam plate. Pick up a crystal and use your other hand to dip the chopstick in the glue and dab it on the back of the crystal. Place it on the flute. Keep an eye on it so it won't slide down. It's easier to lay the flute down and complete one side at a time. Let dry and go to other side. TIP: Don't put crystals too close to the top, otherwise it will be bumpy on your lips! Hand wash.
* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

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Friday, February 06, 2004

Crafty Chica's Home Decor Projects

Knick-knacks to spruce up your pad with.

Decorative Memory Bottles
Good Intention Candle
Cafe Bustelo Clock
Indian Paper Covered Plant Stand
Cupcake Collage
Coloring Book Pillow
World Traveler Hangin Mobile
Ribbon Pation Lights
Resin Magnets
Old School Photo Album
African Folklore Embroidery
Postcard Pillows
Custom Dyed Fabric
Collage Table, Rhumba Girl Lamp, Tissue Flower Topiary
Mixed Media Address Book
Yarn Mosaic Lampshade
Flamin' tin Vase
Resin Knob Pulls
Frida Pillowcase
Fabric Block Pillowcase
Crafty Time Capsule






Stitched and Beaded Mirror
Happy Hangers
Glittered Rockstar Barstool
Frosty Glassware
Chile Can Candelarias
Splashy Summer Placemats
Scripted Frame
Pimped Out Tool Chest
Manly Soaps
Cafe Cultura Window Shade
Fiesta Barstool
No Sew Napkin Pillows
Old World Frame
Resin Coasters
Caramel Body Polish
Glittered Cactus Garden


India Mirror

Fake Embroidered Sheets
Wine Glass Charms
Fabric Bulletin Board

Collage Step Stool

Gaudy Mosaic Desk Set
Beaded Bottle Toppers
Fun Foam Bulletin Board
Kitchen Gadget Shadow Box

Embossed Velvet Pillow
Candy Coasters
T-Shirt Pillow
Mini-Mirror Garland
Embroidered Tea Towel

Star Spangled Soaps
Painted Soaps
Resin Drink Coasters
Puppy Paws Picture Frame

Stuffed Monster
Easy Baby Pillows
T-shirt Collage Quilt
Wedding Card Gift Box
Beady Book Marks

Mason Jar Snowglobe
Yellow Ribbons
Paint Jewels Frame
Tropical Table Runner
Clay-trimmed Boxes

Outlandish Ottoman
Desktop Fountain
Crystal Ornaments
Fall Foliage Frame
Springtime Table Ware
Daily Affirmation Soaps

Vintage-inspired Frames
Fluffy Fur Rug
Extreme Mosaic Frame
Patriotic Fabric Collage
Mailbox Makeover
Color-etched Glassware

Concrete Coasters
Chalkboard TV Tray
Sports Snack Tray
Sassy Sock Monkey
Rhinestone Frames
Metal Works Jewelry Chest
Faux Batik Pitcher
Wine Glass Charms
Fruit Crate Book Case
Flower Child Note holder
Desktop Zen Garden
CD Disco Ball
Painted Floorcloth
Power to the Flower Wastebasket
Applique Lamp
Clay Erasers
Wire Mesh Candle Holders
Soldered Wall Art
Tissue Paper Mosaics

* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

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Thursday, February 05, 2004

Crafty Chica's Fashion Accessory Projects

Crafty Chica's Paper & Assemblage Projects

Paper Crafts!

Next to chocolate, coffee, reality TV and glitter, paper is my ultimate guilty pleasure. There are just so many things you can do with it. Here are a few things I whipped up.

Hawaiian Shrine
Postcard Greetings
Americana Shrine
Mother's Day Trading Cards
Mint Tin Shrine
Framed Paper Art
Puppy Photo Album
London Calling Shrine
Collaged Paper Mache Torso
Resolution Collage Calendar
Cereal Box Books
Flirty Girl Necklaces
Fabric Self Portrait
Canvas Collage
Painted Paper Lanterns
Thanksgiving Cards
Good Karma Greeting Cards
Folk Art Frame
Snack Book
Twinkling H20 paints

Tin Trimmed Card
Spanish Language Pottery
Collage Step Stool

Scrapbook Purse
Blank Book Photo Journal
Transfer Paper Granny Purse

Gift Card Books
Paper-filled Pens
Exotic Fabric Journal
Photo Patio Curtain
Gift Bag Appliques
Record Album Scrapbook
Pop Up Greeting Cards
Altered Baby Books
I Love Lucy Mother's Day Plates
Soldered Frames
Treasure Trinket Tins
Papel Picado
Artist Trading Cards
Thanksgiving Place Mats

Match Box Ornaments
Wish Jar
Altered Books
Microscope Slide Necklaces

Cigar Box Memo Board
Mexican Tissue Paper Flowers
Comic Book Belt

Greeting Card Journals
CD Cover Clock
Party Poppers
Magnetic Scrapbook
Sports Snack Tray
Awesome Accordian Journal
Photo Gift Tags
Tissue Paper Mosaics
Instant Mini Scrapbooks
Daily Affirmation Soaps
Painted Puppet Lunch Bag
Postcard Switch Plate
Greeting Card Ornaments
Wax Paper Notecards
Laminated Earrings
Canvas Paper Earrings
Magazine Stationery
Fabric Postcards
Cigar Box Shrine
Tile Note Holders

* Designed by Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Crafty Chica's Jewelry Projects

Sunday, February 01, 2004

Other holidays