This lovely project is from my book: The Crafty Chica Collection!

Supplies:

4 pieces of glass (you can use from dollar store picture frames)
duct tape or silver tape
stamps
craft paint or inks made for glass
brush
water-based varnish
4 wood balls for feet.


Wear gloves if you are afraid to work with the glass. Start with one piece of glass, face down. Ink or add paint to your stamp and press on the glass.
IMPORTANT: Remember, it is going to be presented on the other side of the glass, so your image will be backwards!

Let dry. Use a liner brush to fill in any missed areas. Add other designs around the glass. Let dry. Paint over the entire surface with a contrasting color. Let dry, coat with water-based varnish.

Assemble the glass in a box shape by using the tape to joint them. Make sure to seal off the top edges. Glue the painted wood balls for the feet.

Fill with candy, cotton balls, licorice, anything groovy!


***
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: Cinco DeMayo, home decor, Latin-inspired, multi-culti

You've ordered the flowers and bought the jewelry and think you're set with the Mother's Day checklist.
Now, take it to the next level by incorporating a handmade gift that is picture perfect.

"I'm a sucker for anything handmade," says April McConnell, 34. "Especially if it has a picture on it, I love that! It's like a little time capsule, and if it is functional, it's even better. My son has made me things for years. Sometimes it's pictures frames, other times it's key chains or pouches. Every year it gets better and better."

Moms love to reflect on memories and coo over family snapshots.

Book artist Kathie Shepherd, 47, realized that and designed a Mother's Day Envelope Book. She combines mat board, library book pockets, decorative papers, tags and spiral binding to create a chunky page-turner that holds messages, charms and photos. The book is such a hit that she is teaching several classes over the next week at her Glendale paper arts store, the Creative Quest.

"Making a gift for a mom can sound intimidating, but my advice for people is to just jump right in," she says. "Part of the problem is that there are so many materials to use, and it gets overwhelming. If you can, pick a project and take a class somewhere. That way you can learn the step-by-step process."

And don't feel pressured.

McConnell's excitement comes from the love that went into it, not how balanced the corners are. It also makes her feel good knowing her son used his creativity and imagination in her honor. She's crossing her fingers that he carries on the tradition, pictures and all.

"It's perfectly OK for grown-ups to make Mom gifts," she says. "Why should it stop? When does a mother ever stop loving to receive something that her child put so much thought into?"

But as adults, it's hard to focus on that when we are busy with jobs, bills and the occasional yearning for diamonds, candy and flowers.

"There is a misconception with handmade things that you didn't spend any money on it," Shepherd says.

"We still hear things like, 'Oh, she couldn't go buy something, she just made it.' When you put the time into making something, it's actually much harder and takes much more of you than going and shopping for something. I'm not saying store-bought gifts aren't nice, but adding something handmade is a compliment.

"It's the best gift you can give a mother."

* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: collage/paper, mother's day, wearable art

Looking for a method of meditation, but don't have time for yoga? Pick up a crochet hook.

If you stick with a simple pattern, the process of weaving yarn will clear your head of the daily slush and force you to reflect on personal issues, goals or favorite memories. Another plus is that crochet is a portable project. All you need is a needle, tiny scissors and a ball of yarn. It can be stashed in your purse or pocket. And when you're hookin' in the name of iPods, like this week's project, crochet becomes even more meaningful. iPod socks and covers sell for $20 and more at retail stores, but with a hook and some fancy fiber, you can make one for less than five bucks.

If you are new to the hobby, pick up a copy of Cozy Crochet Kit, by Melissa Leapman (Chronicle Books, 2005, $22.95 hardback). The boxed kit comes with an instruction manual, yarn, assorted hooks and photos for 25 easy, hip projects such as Flower Motif Appliqués, Springtime Purse, Baby Booties and a Hippy Belt. Be the 10th caller to leave me a voicemail at (602) 444-8618 and you'll win a free copy of the kit.

Cozy Crochet iPod Cover
Supplies
1 skein of yarn
1 crochet hook (5.5)
Scissors

Directions: Make a slipknot and latch your hook onto the yarn. Make a strand of 18 chain stitches. When you get to the end, crochet up the opposite side using your preferred stitch, such as the single or double half. I used the latter for the samples in the photograph.

Once you reach the end of the row, add a chain stitch and crochet around the opposite side of the original strand of chain stitches. When you reach the end, add a chain stitch and continue to crochet on the opposite side. Keep crocheting around each side and eventually the sides will begin to curl up. Continue to crochet until you've built up 18 rows. At that point, make the flap. Do this by crocheting on the same side, about eight rows. Tie off the loose strands, and snip. Turn the piece inside out if you like. Embellish your cover by using matching embroidery thread to sew on beads, or add a button so you can close the case.

Tips: If you are just starting, use traditional yarn as opposed to novelty yarns. If you're a pro, choose ribbon or a feathered yarn for a more textured look.


* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: wearable art

This is a really fun project that is perfect for patio parties, table displays, or just to give your room a fantasy flair!

Supplies:

1 light string strand of 50 or less.
Silk flowers
Scissors
Hot glue

Directions: Remove the flowers from the stems. Start with one flower at a time and take it apart, but keep all the pedals together in proper order. Now snip the holes at the bottom of the leaves and pedals, just big enough to slip over the casing of the light bulb. Hot glue the leaves, and then the pedals to the plastic casing, not on the glass bulb. Basically what you are doing is putting hte flower back together over the bulb, exactly as it was. Once the flower is rebuilt over the bulb's casing, add a hit of hot glue inside the inner pedal to the plastic.

Glue on crystals to the pedals if desired.

Continue until they are all done!

NOTE: Always unplug your lights when not in use! You can also use battery-operated light strings. For a really cool look - use the battery-operated strand and insert the whole floral light strand inside a large glass vase!


***
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: flowers, lights

Click here for instructions!

* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: collage/paper