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The Crafty Chica DIY Project Library: a collection of fabulous handmade ideas by Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica! Saturday, February 28, 2004Springtime 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 Labels: home decor Sunday, February 22, 2004Decoupage 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 Labels: lights, Valentine's Day Saturday, February 14, 2004Bejeweled 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 * Friday, February 06, 2004Crafty 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 * Labels: home decor Thursday, February 05, 2004Crafty Chica's Fashion Accessory Projects
I'm hardly the fashion plate. But I can dream! I have a thing for glitz - well I don't even need to explain. You can tell by these ideas...
Beach Towel Tote Ice Cream T-Shirt iPod Holder Home Girl Laptop Sleeve Reconstructed T-shirts Fabric Collage Jacket Stenciled Tees  Crystal Cell Phone Covers Puppy Paw Protectors Painted Cell Phone Placemat Purses Hot Glue Eye Mask Shower Curtain Tote Fabric Transfer Totes Soothing Eye Bags Tuxedo Jeans  Wood Burned Purse  Transformed Tote Transfer Paper Granny Bag Painted Dr. Scholl's Duct Tape Hand Bag Beaded Jeans Paint-By-Number t-shirt  Jewelry Box Purses Baby Tee Painted Sneakers Bleached Jeans  Seashell Sandals Glamoricious Belt Buckles Sisterhood Friendship Jeans Scrapbook Purse  iPod Cozies Easy Silk Screen Shirts * By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * 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
Here are some funktabulous ideas to make and wear!
Reconstructed jewelry Sassy Spool Necklace Gliiter n Glam Ring Bohemian Ankle Bracelet This Charming Ring Embossed Jewelry Specatular Sweater Clips Dia de los Muertos Charm Bracelet Flirty Girl Retro Picture Necklaces Glamazon Belt Buckles Beaded Flip Flops Punker Pins Ice Age Bracelet  Hot Glue Eye Masks Jump Ring Jewelry Canvas Earrings Laminated Earrings Word Power Pins Bottle Cap Jewelry Beaded Bobby Pins Day of the Dead Pins Jangle Dangle Necklaces Jewelry Hanger Elastic Beaded Bracelets Shrink Plastic Jewelry Microscope Slide Necklaces Comic Book Belt Junk Box Charm Bracelet Celtic Clay Choker Domino Necklaces Guitar Pick Charm Bracelet Baby Bracelets  Felt Flower Pins * By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * Sunday, February 01, 2004Other holidaysNew Year's Bejeweled Champagne Flutes CD Disco Ball Party Poppers St. Patrick's Day Faux Silk Screened Shirts St. Patrick's Day ideas Claddagh Necklace Celtic Clay Choker Easter Iced Chocolate Eggs Easter ideas Cascarones Foam Easter Chocolates Mother's Day Mother's Day Trading Cards Scrapbook Purse Accordian Journal Mother's Day Plates Father's Day Tick Tack Toe Game Cigar Box Memo Holder Scripted Frame Pimped Out Tool Chest Manly Soaps Fourth of July  Americana Folk Art Shrine Statue of Liberty Crown Super Star Snack Book Pool Floatie Thrillin' Grillin' Serving Tray Patriotic Fabric Collage Red, White & Blue Soaps Tin Star Lights Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Placemats Fall Leaves Frame Cinco de Mayo Spanish Language Pottery Cinco Shakers Papel Picado Cinco Mini Instant Scrapbooks Margarita Candles Wedding Wedding Card Cake Box * By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * About Me
I'm a mommy, wifey, artist, author & left-handed middle-child binge crafter Sagittarian. I love chocolate, coffee, and I collect Chihuahua stuff (we have 4 live ones). I have a new product line! I write a syndicated craft column for The Arizona Republic. My 7th craft book comes out next year, as well as my first novel. I make a line of Chicano Pop Art with my hubby and we have sold it all over the country since 1990. Doing my best to live in the moment and savor it all!  
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 Have a burning crafty question? Visit my Ask Crafty Chica blog or drop me a line! Project Categories
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