Tired of those free internet discs? Make a groovy disco ball!
Supplies:
1 large Styrofoam ball
Cut up CDs
e6000 glue
Loose silver glitter

Directions: Use a new pair of scissors from the dollar store. They'll be trashed by the time you are done, so don't use an expensive pair! Heat the discs for a minute in the oven (about 250 degrees), it will soften them and make them easier to cut. Cut them up in small pieces. Use the E6000 to glue them around the ball. The bigger the ball, the better it will look (I used a small ball). Let the pieces dry and then fill in the grooves with glue and silver glitter. To hang, cut a piece of wire and fold it in half. Add glue to the ends and insert it at the top of the ball. Let dry and hang, baby - now get on the floor till you just can't boogie no mo...
* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: New Years

Leave the pinatas for the kids and treat your New Year's Eve guests to another form of "break open" surprises: party poppers.
Officially, these little accessories are known as "Christmas crackers," and they were originated during the 1800s in England. But they also will liven up things at the stroke of midnight. The idea is for a person on each end of the popper to pull until they hear a "pop" -- and then all sorts of goodies will fall out. How much fun is that?
Party poppers are just as entertaining to make. For an elegant look, use wrapping paper -- perhaps metallic or glittered -- and then find tiny trinkets to go inside the tube. After the holidays, revamp the process to brighten a wedding shower or children's party.
New Year's Eve Party Poppers
SUPPLIES:
* 1 empty paper-towel tube
* Loose glitter, confetti, mints, funny notes, chocolate coins, small party favors
* 12- by 12-inch piece of wrapping or tissue paper
* Scissors
* Glue gun or tape
* Ribbon
DIRECTIONS: Cut the cardboard tube in half, then cut one of the halves in half. Fill all three pieces with glitter, confetti and other festive accessories. Lay the wrapping paper face down on a flat surface, then set the three cardboard tubes in an even row at the edge of the paper, leaving a 1/2-inch space between each tube. Carefully glue or tape the edge of the wrapping paper in an even line across the tubes. Roll the paper over the tubes once and trim excess paper (also on each end of the tube). Gently twist tubes at the disconnected points and add ribbon for flair. Add them to the table place settings, place a bunch inside a large glass bowl or hand out right before midnight.
TIP: Before giving poppers to guests, use a pin to poke holes around the edges of the tube so it will break open easier. For smaller poppers, use cardboard tubes from wrapping paper.

* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: collage/paper, holiday, New Years

* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: holiday

So much to do in so little time! Ditch the popcorn garland already. Try these holiday projects instead!

Tricked Out Christmas Shoes

Wish Upon a Star Bracelets

Crafty Chica Holiday Podcast

Quilted Christmas Card

Changable Art Purse

Superhero Ornament Set

Sassy Snow Bowls

Twinkle Canvas

Mini Mirror Garland
Awesome Advent Calendar

Party Poppers
Glittered Boxes and Ornaments

A Guide to Holiday Crafting
Gifts for the Crafter
Make it a Special Crafty Season
Tips for the Holiday Crafter


Andes Mint Tree
Glittered Vases

Ornament Centerpiece
Crystal Picture Ornaments

Hanging Card Holder
Embossed Cards
Matchbox Ornaments
Snickers Tree
Corn Husk Wreath
Elegant Silver Vases

* Designed by Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2007. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: holiday

People have been making necklaces with this concept, but I went a step bigger and made wall hangings. I took two pieces of frame glass, inserted a picture, sealed with copper tape, used flux and solder wire to trim the edge. I used some chain links to go with the silver effect. You can get all this stuff at any home improvement store. Except the pictures!
* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: collage/paper, inside

Every year around Dia de los Muertos I make a new set of Papel Picado banners. There is a traditional, painstaking way, but I go the easy route. You can either fold up the tissue like a snowflake and cut your shapes or you can lay a small stack and cut designs thrugh them by "drawing" with an exacto knife. I used stencils as a guide to get some nifty looking swirlies. I call it mixing the new with the old!

Use white tissue for wedding banners!

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

Labels: Cinco DeMayo, collage/paper, Day of the Dead, Latin-inspired, wedding

Coffee bean candles
MATERIALS:
* 1 oversize coffee mug
* 1 cup of whole coffee beans
* 1 short vanilla or cappuccino-scented candle
DIRECTIONS: Add a small layer of coffee beans at the bottom of the mug. Insert the candle and pour the remaining beans around it evenly.
VARIATION: Use containers such as clear candleholders, trays or decorative tins and fill with Red Hots, beads, beans or dried cranberries.
**
* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: home decor, inside, lights, outdoor

M&M's Wreath

Supplies:
* 16-inch floral foam wreath
* Red and green spray paint
* 2 yards of red ribbon
* 5-pound bag of holiday M&M's
* 3 jingle bells
* Cardboard
* Scissors
* Low-temperature glue gun
* 36-gauge wire and wire cutters
Directions: Spray-paint the wreath red and line with red ribbon around the front with glue gun. Beginning with the inner area of the wreath, add rows of the candies until the entire area is covered. Add another layer on top in a "pyramid" fashion. Next, cover the outside area of the wreath using the same procedure, followed by the front.
To make the leaves, use the pattern from Rosie magazine or draw your own leaves on cardboard and cut out. Spray-paint them green and line with the green candies. Glue a small piece of cardboard on the backside of the leaves for extra support. Attach the leaves to the top of the wreath. As a finishing touch, thread the jingle bells through a piece of wire, fold the wire and twist it off. Glue to center of leaves. Variation (shown in photo): Use silk greenery in place of green M&M's.
Tip: For more detailed directions, please refer to the magazine.

* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: food crafts, holiday, home decor, inside

This project comes from a friend, Lisa Poulin.
We've worked together at the paper for several years, and, during that time, we have always giggled over our contrasting characteristics. She's the hot-cocoa type, I prefer double espressos, etc.
One day, we attended a home show at Phoenix Civic Plaza. In one corner there was a bright faux fur comforter with gaudy trimmings. I squealed in delight as I ran my fingers through it. I think I embarrassed Lisa with my excitement because she disappeared into another exhibit booth.
The next aisle featured an Americana living room with red, white and blue rustic designs accented with country wildflowers. This time, Lisa's eyes were the ones that lit up. Throughout the rest of the show, we each began pointing out things we knew the other would like.
"Hey, look, Kathy! There's some weird barstools over here. They're covered in rhinestones!"
"Lisa! Come here!" I shouted back. "They have gobs of dried flower arrangements!"
It turned out to be a fun adventure. One thing we noticed was that despite our differences in decor, there is one passion we share: crafting. These days, whenever one of us comes up with a new idea, we share it. When I saw Lisa's sunflower-in-a-pot idea, I couldn't help but share it with you.
Supplies:
1 thin wood dowel, 6 inches long
1 metal tart pan
Yellow, green, red and brown acrylic paint
Paintbrushes
Thin black permanent marker
1 flower pot, 4 inches wide
Green foam
E6000 craft glue
Green moss
Thin scraps of fabric

Directions: Glue dowel to back of tart pan. Paint the tart pan in the following combination -- brown with red highlights in the center circle, yellow on the inside and outside ridges and green on the center back of the flower. Paint the dowel green. Set aside to dry.
Use the marker to draw small dashes around the top of the pot. Cut a piece of green foam and press firmly into the pot. Put a dab of glue around the bottom of the dowel and insert into the center of the foam. Spread glue on top of the foam and add moss to cover. Tie colorful scrap fabric around the stem for leaves.
Tip: Always glue materials before painting; otherwise the glue will not hold because you are gluing paint to paint. If you want multiple sunflowers, use a larger pot and an extra dowel and tart pan for each one.
* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: home decor, inside

Several weeks ago, I offered a project idea that sparked as much interest as it did fear -- the Handpainted Floor Cloth.
Many of you were excited at the thought of diving in but became hesitant at the thought of tackling a large project that involved a BIG blank canvas. This week I'm revisiting the idea, but in much simpler terms.
This idea doesn't come from the craft store but from the office supply aisle. Next time you are shopping for pens and file folders, pick up a package of canvas sheets from the computer paper section. The packet contains 8- by 10-inch sheets of thin, primed canvas. Meant to be used for a computer, the material works just as well for lightweight jewelry.
Start small with geometric shapes, lots of color, beads and imagination. Once you master the earrings, move on to designing your own line of gift cards and place mats, and then, of course, a large floor cloth.

Supplies:
Thin cardboard
1 package of canvas sheets
Pencil
Acrylic paints
Rubber stamps
Assorted fine-tipped brushes
Glitter, fabric paint and/or paint pens
Water-based varnish
Straight pin
Earring fishhooks
Colored beads
Head pins
Tweezers and nippers
Jump rings
Directions:
Draw patterns on the cardboard and cut them out; these will be the templates. Lay the patterns on one of the canvas sheets, outline with a pencil and cut them out. Base-coat the fronts and backs of the pieces. Let dry.
Paint or stamp design on the front of each piece. If you prefer, decoupage small images from fabric instead. Create highlights with glitter, fabric paint or paint pens. Use a brush to apply water-based varnish. Let dry, then use the straight pin to poke a hole at the top and, if you want to add dangling beads, to the bottom of each piece. Attach fishhooks.
String beads on head pins and use nippers and tweezers to attach to each jump ring. Attach jump rings to bottom of earrings. Note: The supplies can be found at any craft store.
* For more artsy goodness, check out http://www.CraftyChica.com *

Labels: collage/paper, jewelry

As a kid I used to come up with some of the best ideas in the middle of the night. But I could never wait until daylight to launch my plan. Instead I opted to work quietly and furiously in my dark bedroom during the wee hours of the morning.
My parents were too busy snoring to notice.
That memory came back to haunt me recently. One night when I was exhausted, I couldn't fall asleep because this idea of making a bell out of a coffee mug popped into my head. I tossed and turned all night, stumped as to how to drill a hole through the cup.
As I discussed it with a friend the next day, we managed to find a clever alternative. Just in time for the warmer weather.
Now that spring is here, you'll want to clear out some of those coffee mugs or teacups -- seeing that hot drinks aren't in high demand anymore.
Select a few of them that look good upside down and follow the directions to transform your drink ware into cheery "drill-less" hanging bells for your porch or patio.

Supplies:
2 pieces of twine or thin, colored cording (12 inches each)
2 medium buttons
E6000 glue
1 coffee mug or teacup
Pencil
2 washers (1 inch wide)
Decorative item to dangle
Large wood bead
Directions: Thread the twine through one of the buttons. Repeat for second button.
Apply a dollop of glue to the bottom of one of them. Attach it to the inside center of the mug. Use the pencil to press it into place. Let it set for 30 minutes.
Turn the mug over so the bottom is facing up. Apply another dollop of glue to the second button and attach it to the top of what is becoming your bell. Let it set for 30 minutes, then lay the mug on its side for 24 hours so the glue will cure.
Stack the two washers (they act as the ringer), string through the twine hanging inside the mug, and tie a knot. You may need to glue the washers to the knot. Tie or glue on a decorative dangling item to the twine. At the top of the bell, slide the wood bead through the cording.
Tip: You can also drill a hole through the mug; use a diamond or masonry bit.
* For more artsy goodness, check out http://www.CraftyChica.com *

Labels: outdoor

When I became a proud homeowner, the first duty on my renovating list was to rip out the bland-looking carpet and replace it with beautiful Saltillo tile.
However, I sadly discovered that there were other projects that took precedence. You know, little things -- such as furniture, cookware and bedroom sets. But I wasn't about to let that carpet get the best of me. Being a devout DIY-er, I conquered my disappointment with a shabby chic favorite: a hand-painted floor cloth. The key is the primed canvas. Craft stores sell a project kit for less than $10 that is perfect for novices. An alternative is a bulk roll (approximately $60) that leaves material for more projects. Tips: Make sure the canvas is primed; otherwise you will have to apply gesso, which translates into unnecessary costs and time. Sketch a draft of your design before beginning. Work in a shaded outdoor area for extra room and ventilation. The result will liven up any room and hide less-than-perfect carpet. Chances are it will even look great on Saltillo tile!

Supplies:
1 piece of primed canvas measuring 50 by 74 inches (alter size if necessary)
Chalk
Ruler
Scissors
Iron
Rubber cement
Spray adhesive
1 piece of rubber rug backing to fit
Acrylic paints
Paintbrushes and/or stencil brush
Decorative rubber stamps and/or stencil templates
Large sponge brush
32-ounce can of polyurethane gloss varnish
Fabric cutouts (optional)
Heat N' Bond (optional)
Directions
With the cloth right side up, use chalk to outline a 1-inch border all the way around. Snip off the tip of each corner where the chalk lines meet. Flip the cloth over and fold over at the border lines, then iron flaps to create a sharp crease.
Use rubber cement to glue the flaps in place. Spray a layer of adhesive and attach rubber backing.
Turn your cloth right side up and dust off the chalk lines. Apply base coat with desired primary color. Let dry, then use chalk to lightly outline the general layout of your pattern. Use rubber stamps and/or stencil brush and templates to complete your design. You can also apply fabric cutouts with an iron and Heat N' Bond. After Heat N' Bond is cool, use the sponge brush to add the first coat of varnish. Apply a thin, even layer until the floor cloth is covered. Let dry, then repeat six times. The varnish layers will ensure a long life. You will eventually see it wear down. Repeat the varnish process.

* For more artsy goodness, check out http://www.CraftyChica.com *

Labels: home decor, inside, outdoor

What you need:
* 1 heavy-duty lined place mat
* 1 yard of solid-color trim
* 2 yards of colorful trim for borders
* Heavy-duty thread
* Straight pins
* Scissors
* Charms or fringe (optional)
How to make it: Fold the place mat in half to see what the front of the purse will look like. Pin the trim to your liking, then sew it in place. Flip the mat over, fold it (lining should face out). Pin the sides together, then sew them in place.
Shoulder strap: For a more detailed strap, pin, then sew the colorful trim to the solid color trim on either side. Attach by sewing an end to each side of the purse. Trim all loose threads. Flip the purse right-side out. To add more flair, hand sew charms or add a row of fringe to the bottom.
*For more artsy goodness, check out http://www.CraftyChica.com.*

Labels: wearable art