It's been five months since my book came out and I want to celebrate. I know I've had other books released, but this one just feels different. I've never had such a huge response before. I've had sparkling reviews and articles on it in Editor & Publisher, Figure Magazine, L.A. Times, Newsday, Somerset Studio, Artist's Sketchbook, sheesh! I've had Latina crafting groups contact and invite me out to their meetings. Even a few celebs have taken a liking to it. The list goes on! And it doesn't stop there. There are several others coming up this summer like Adorn Magazine, Venus Zine, Cutting Edge, Knit1 and Seattle Times!

Currently I'm working on network pitches for my Crafty Chica show, and am "thisclose" to submitting my novel manuscript to my new agent, Erin. And in coming weeks, my next Crafty Chica craft book goes up for sale to publishing houses. It will be my best one yet. As soon as it is a done deal, I'll post all the details. I'm also gearing up for New York, California and Mexico. Life is glittery indeed. I never thought I'd be doing all of this. I always thought "Well, I'll try it and see how far it goes." And now look. Recently I had someone kid around and call me the Rachel Ray of crafting and it brought a tear to my eye. She started the same way as me, local TV and store demos. It would be my ultimate fantasy to have a career like hers, EVOO and all! But for now, I'm grounded and taking one fast step at a time, holding on for the surreal ride.

So I thought I'd share a project from Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul in honor of the anniversary and just because I'm feeling so perky. To think I was bummed because LOST, American Idol and America's Next Top Model have ended. I worried what I'd do with my Wednesday nights now. Um, jump on getting my orders out, that's what. I feel guilty posting here because Patrick and I still have so many packages to pack and mail to poor people who have been waiting forever.

This is a window shade that is so easy it should be a crime. You simply buy a window shade kit that comes with fabric fusing. Buy your fabric and follow the directions! I took it a step further and added some trim and a hanging tassel.

By the way, if you like the Mexicali fabrics I've been using, they are Alexander Henry. Today I met the head designer, Nicole DeLeon, and she is a genius! Anyway, you must try this project with your favorite material. It really does wonders for perking up a room!

Real quick - Did you see Game Show Marathon tonight? Love it! Talk about a guilty pleasure!

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: Cinco DeMayo, home decor, inside, Latin-inspired

Last week I bought an adorable 12" iBook G4 and I love it sooo much! I wanted to buy a little sleeve for it but all I could find were boring, expensive options. My little iBook is very special to me, it deserves better! So last night, I made my own.

I cut four pieces of fabric (two types) that measured a bit wider on each side to allow for my seams. I made two "sandwiches" that consisted of two pieces of contrasting fabric with a double layer of batting inside. And then I sewed loopey-loops all over each seamed sandwich to keep the batting in place and stitched the two together.



This is what you call homegirl crafting. I was so excited - plus I was delirious with a cold - that I didn't even measure anything. I eyeballed the whole thing. It's a little uneven in spots, but only I can notice where.

My original plan was to not have a flap, but to have the top come together with a zipper. But alas, my eyeball measurements needed glasses. I measured a bit too small lengthwise. So instead of crying and pitching it across the room in a Mariah Carey fit of rage, I relaxed and simply made one more fabric/batting sandwhich, stitched it on, added a button to the front and some ribbon to close it and there ya go! It's way better than any store bought sleeve! Now I have to go find a sturdy travel bag to carry it in!



TIP: This is a great project to use up fabric scraps. It will make the laptop sleeve more funky if you have all different kinds of patterns.

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: Latin-inspired, multi-culti, sewing, wearable art

Moms love sentimental objects, especially when they are presented in pretty packages. The idea behind these Mother's Day Trading Cards is that each is themed to a particular memory: maybe from a family vacation, a birthday party or a trip to the park. You get the idea. It works for kids of all ages and skill levels. They type or hand-write a memory and glue it to the back of a playing or trading card. On the other side, create a photo collage using personal pictures (color copies), rub-on letters and other goodies. Don't forget to dress up the box to match. Mom can keep them close by, and whenever she feels down, she can pull one out and read the memory, think of you and smile.


Mother's Day Trading Cards
Supplies
1 deck of playing cards and box
Color copies of photos
Paper accessories: scrapbook paper, rub-on letters, paints, markers
Printed memories, sized to fit on card
Glue stick
Scissors
Directions: Give each kid (and Dad, too) an equal number of cards. Leave part of the deck blank so Mom can decorate her own later. Cut out the printed memories and mount them to a piece of scrapbook paper. Use the glue stick to attach one to each card. On the other side of each card, glue a picture and embellish it with a headline and other details. Decorate the box and put the finished cards inside, gift-wrap and give them to her.

Variations: If you run out of memories, print Mom's favorite quotes, poems or passages from books.

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: collage/paper, mother's day, other holidays

Sandal season is in full swing, which means it's time to flaunt those ankles. What better way than to combine ribbon and charms for an earthy, East Village bohemian look? My best tip for this project is to work under good lighting because you will be stitching small jump rings to a thin piece of velvet ribbon. It's worth the detailed effort: The end result is a colorful, dangly anklet that is all about movement and sass!

Supplies
Thin velvet ribbon
Small charms, faux coins, beads, etc.
Assorted multicolored beads
1 package of small jump rings
Embroidery thread (same color as ribbon), needle
1 medium jump ring
Bracelet clasp
Needle-nose pliers

Directions: Measure your ankle, add 1 inch to the number and cut a piece of ribbon to that size. Find the middle of the ribbon and attach a small jump ring to it by hand-stitching it on with the embroidery thread and needle. Add jump rings to the left and then to the right so you have a row of jump rings sewn onto the ribbon. Using the needle-nose pliers, open each jump ring and attach a charm.

If you want to add beads, put them on head pins and attach to jump rings. Close each jump ring so charms will not come off. On each end of the ribbon, add a medium jump ring by feeding the ribbon through and sewing the end. Add clasp.

Variation: Use different kinds of ribbons to vary looks. Make a choker or wrist bracelet to match. You can sew the charms right to the ribbon, but they won't dangle as much.


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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: jewelry, summer/4th of July, wearable art

Cinco de Mayo is next week, and that means party time. If you plan to have a salsa-tinged bash at your place, add some Latin flair to your setting.

Barstools are a great place to start. You can buy them for less than $20 at any discount department store and have your way with them.

They make a great outlet for functional art because decoupage, mosaics and tole painting are simple ways to make them your own.

I covered mine with colorful oilcloth and used contrasting paint colors to pull it all together. If you don't want the Mexican theme, use any other kind of fabric that makes you happy.
Fiesta Barstool
Supplies
1 wood barstool
1/2 yard of oilcloth fabric
Assorted acrylic paints, brushes
Varnish (spray or brush on)
12 upholstery tacks, hammer
Thick upholstery foam
Felt marker
Scissors
1 yard of fringe trim
Hot glue gun
Medium-grade sandpaper

Directions: Lightly sand the barstool's legs. Turn the stool upside down and place on the piece of foam. Use the marker to trace around the seat of the stool on the foam. Cut out the shape and set aside.

Choose a color and base coat everything except the seat, let dry. Add painted accents on the legs. Let dry and then add multiple coats of varnish, letting each coat dry in between applications.

With the barstool upright, apply hot glue on the seat and attach the piece of foam. Make sure the foam is secure around the edges. Trim any excess foam; you want it to go to the edge of the seat.

Turn the stool upside down again and place on the piece of oilcloth fabric. Pull the fabric up around the edges, leave an extra 6 inches all the way around and mark the fabric there for cutting. Toss excess.

Apply a generous amount of hot glue underneath the seat of the barstool, tug the fabric over it and press down with your hands to seal it. Continue all the way around the seat, gathering the fabric at the edges so it looks even and taut. Make sure all the fabric is glued to the surface.

Flip the barstool over and hot glue the trim around the edge. Apply tacks evenly around the border of the trim.



Project courtesy of my La Casa Loca book. Photo by Bobbie Bush.

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: Cinco DeMayo, inside, Latin-inspired, other holidays, outdoors