Today I offer you not ONE crafty idea, but TWO! And on video so you can see the step-by-step action!

Last month I taped 10 new episodes for "Crafting With the Chica" for LifetimeTV.com. And two of them are up today for your viewing pleasure. Hope you like them!



1. Awesome Advent Calendar.
This is a fun way to treat your kids to daily doses of love and smiles. I like to use these little flower pots because they hold so much, and you can choose to remove them and use them in your garden, or keep the calendar intact for next year (just add new paper to the tops of them).
~*CLICK HERE TO WATCH IT!*~



2. Mini Mirror Garland
This is a super easy project that is short on time, but long on sparkle. You can hang these from your tree, front or back porch, or use them to drape over dressers or table tops. You can even make a bunch of strands and hang them from the ceilings for a swanky disco effect!
~*CLICK HERE TO WATCH IT!*~


***
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: crafty video, holiday

Word messages are a happy way to spread positive cheer, don't you think? Especially when they are delivered in glitter. This project is filled with good intention because you choose a favorite uplifting phrase and use some sparkle-licious glitter letters to relay it. Use the finished piece on your front door, the tree, a wall or even a desk.

1 canvas
glittered letters
Hot glue
Craft paint
Brush
Dremel tool
2 eye hooks
Matching ribbon

Directions: Paint the canvas in your desired color and let dry. Choose your phrase and remove the letters from the box to make sure you have what you need. Arrange the word or phrase on the canvas. If you don't have enough room, use a larger canvas, or use two canvases and break up the phrase. Use hot glue to affix the letters. Drill two holes at the top and add eye hooks, thread the ribbon through, tie at one end and hang.

Tips: You can make your own glitter letters with chipboard letters, white craft glue and microfine glitter. Use an oval canvas for use as a table centerpiece.


***
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: holiday

The holiday season is in full swing over here. Our whole house is tricked out in lights, trees, ornaments and all sorts of kitschy decorations. Speaking of kitschy - here is this week's video: Glittered Canvas Shadow Boxes!

I found a huge stack of small chunky canvases at the craft store in the clearance bin. They had pictures printed on them that were kinda cheesy - but alas, I turned them over and grinned in delight. There was a perfect spot to insert a small trinket! If you don't have such luck at your nearest clearnace b in, you can use regular canvases, they are only $2-3 bucks each.



If you can't see the video, click here to see it at LifetimeTV.com.



***
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: collage/paper, crafty video, recycled, shrines

These are so sweet and yummy! All you doing is use white melting chocolate, melt in microwave, pour in the molds and then sprinkle on crushed candy canes. Let it all cool, pop 'em out and enjoy! For wafer thin snowflakes, just add a thin layer of chocolate, for thicker add more.


***
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: food crafts, holiday

Wow, these weeks are just flying by! There is already a new Crafty Chica video posted on LifetimeTV.com!

Here is the insider scoop on this one - I'm uber-hammy in it because the day before was the horrible stretch without the air conditioner, my bad hair, lack of sleeep, cry, cry cry. SO - I had woke up early for the second day, relaxed, vibed up, and told myself no matter what, I was going to let myself have fun.

So I had a little too much fun, because I go waaaayyyy over the campy top with this one. At point I even danced and shimmied, thank GOD they edited that out! What the _____ was I thinking???

Overall, it is still super fun and a really easy project to whip out...Hope you like it!!

CLICK HERE to watch the video for "Terrific Travel Candles".


***
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 *

Labels: crafty video, LifetimeTV, lights

Collar your creativity for necklace

Kathy Cano-Murillo
Special for the Republic
Nov. 17, 2007 12:00 AM

Creating a necklace has never been easier, thanks to recent trends. The latest craze is mixing and matching contrasting chains, beads and papers to make a one-of-a-kind wearable statement.

Even easier, you can use an existing chain necklace and take it apart to make it your own.

Before you start, sketch out your design ideas to ensure you will have a cohesive look.

Paper and Chain Collage Necklace
Supplies
3 wood squares (1 inch each)
White craft glue
3 pieces of decorative paper (1 square inch each)
Silver paint pen
Dremel tool
Needle-nose pliers
12-inch medium chain
7 medium jump rings
6-inch chunky chain
1 multistrand connector
3 pieces of fine chain (1 inch each)
1 eye pin
1 bead
1 necklace clasp
Directions
1. Coat the wood pieces with a thin layer of glue and apply the paper. Draw a line around the edges with the silver paint pen. Using the Dremel tool, make two holes on each piece of wood so you can connect the wood pieces.

2. Using the needle-nose pliers, connect one of the wood squares to the medium chain with a jump ring. Add the other two squares in the same fashion, followed by the chunky chain.

Now add the connector, and the three strands of the fine chain. Thread a jump ring through all three strands of the fine chain and connect to the hole in the eye pin.

Add the bead and use the needle-nose pliers to bend the wire over onto another jump ring. Connect that to the medium chain. Decide how you want your necklace to hang, and then use the pliers to make a break in the desired chain and add the clasp.

Click here for printable directions.


***
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 *

Labels: collage/paper, jewelry, wearable art

Alrighty! Here is the new "Crafting with the Chica" LifetimeTV.com video. But please be gentle on me for this one - it was the first one we shot, I was SO nervous, I'm a little stiff in it. Plus we had to turn off the air conditioning in my house because it was so loud and the tech could hear it in the background.

It was 113 degrees outside that day, so imagine what it was like inside the house!

The next day the production crew rented a 5 ton air conditioning unit to chill the house in between shoots. so it is just the first day that I have a totally frizzed coif. There are two other eps that followed where you can see my hair get progressively worse.

At least the project rocks!! Hope you like it!

***
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, 2006. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: beauty, crafty video, LifetimeTV

Fall leaves are hard to come by in my neck of the city. So unless you are planning a trip up north soon, you'll have to check out the floral aisle at the craft store.

Whether they are the real thing or not, fall leaves are a lovely sign that fall is finally here. So why not incorporate them into your latest craft project?

This embellished frame is a wonderful way to embrace November and all it has to offer.

Fall Leaf Frame

Supplies:
1 wood picture frame
Gold paint, brush
Assorted silk fall leaves
Scissors
Hot glue
Gold micro stars
White craft glue
Green spray glitter.

Directions: Paint the frame gold and let dry. Snip the stems from the leaves and sort the large leaves from the small. Hot glue the large ones around the front of the frame in a random but balanced fashion. Hot glue the smaller leaves to cover bare spots. Apply a tiny drop of glue on one of the leaves and place a micro star on top of it. Continue until the micro stars are evenly distributed around the leaves. Let dry. Take it outside and lightly spray on a mist of glitter. Let dry.

Variations: If you have real fall leaves, place them inside a floating frame to preserve them. Use silk leaves to adorn napkin rings, lapel pins and more.



***
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, 2006. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: home decor, inside, Thanksgiving

Here we go, time for another video!!!



How are you liking these? I have some really bad hair ones coming up, I tell you about them later. At least the craft projects are good!!!

Here is the link to watch!

enjoy!!

***
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, 2006. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: crafty video, LifetimeTV, wearable art

It's officially Dia de los Muertos 2007!

The first night of the two-day event begins at midnight, and it's the spirits of the babies and children who come to visit their former homes or gravesites. By this time tomorrow, they will have returned to the afterworld, and the adults will arrive.

Dia de los Muertos isn't just about cute skeletons, gallery-worthy altars or fun crafts. It's about respecting our ancestors and loved ones who have crossed over. It's welcoming their spirits back with open hearts and arms. That's why we create ofrendas at home or at gravesites with all the things that will make their senses tingle. Things that will make them feel alive on Earth again. If your Aunt Mary used to love bottled Coca Cola, imagine how big she will smile when she gets to taste it again! Make Dia de los Muertos be a personal experience for you, especially if you have recently lost someone you care deeply for.

Don't cry for them today or tomorrow. Do not let yourself feel regret or sorrow. They are here, tell them what you need to tell them, because they are listening. They hear you. Close your eyes and feel them beside you, enjoying the treats you set out for them. They are happy because you care enough to remember the joyful times, the smiles, the love and warmth they brought to your life, and you to theirs. That's what they want you to think of! This is a time to party with them again!

Remember Dia de los Muertos is about celebrating life - not mourning death. We celebrate the cycle of life. not only the deceased, but our own lives right now too. Let these days remind you to count your blessings. To try new things. Take chances. Meet new people. Let yourself experience goosebumps galore! That is truly living. Give your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren something to remember you for!

Whew. That was intense, I get like that around this time of the year. But as with so many things these days, it's easy to forget the true meaning. There are calaca clothes, shoes, jogging suits, barrettes, candy, posters, you name it! That's all cool, because it hopefully will motivate people to learn more about what Dia de los Muertos is all about. But just in case, I wanted to send out my little reminder :-)

OK, let me share some altars and shrines I've made so you can get ideas to make your own!



This mint tin shrine I made for Patrick's Grandpa Greg. He was such a cute man, so dapper and downright lovable. He was in his mid-80s and he would still flirt with the young girls and faithfully watch Sabado Gigante every weekend. He always had Jolly Ranchers in his pockets and passed them out to everyone from his grandkids to the pharmicist at the drug store. There are other little personal objects in this shrine that he would enjoy.

When it comes to making your ofrenda, it can be as simple as a photo and a marigold flower, or an ornate display. Even if you haven't lost anyone, make a shrine for victims of violence or disasters, your favorite movie star, pet or someone who really inspired you.









La vida es dulce.


***
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, 2006. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: Day of the Dead, Latin-inspired, shrines