Sometimes decoupage is too sticky to be fun, and stickers look less than classy. Thankfully, there is a happy medium - Lazertran transfer sheets - they are actually "water slide decals". It's a clean way to apply an image to any object without using glue.

Here's how it works: Photocopy a picture onto one of the sheets; soak it in water to see it turn into a thin, clear decal that can be applied to any surface. I have a soft spot for granny handbags that are readily available at the thrift store, so for this project I combined that with an old-fashioned valentine theme.

Supplies

1 vintage handbag with smooth side panels
1 sheet of Lazertran transfer paper
1 picture
1 small bowl of water
1 package of crystals, 4 millimeter
Ribbon
Extra strength glue
Toothpick
Crayon

Directions:

1. Photocopy the image onto the sheet transfer paper.
2. Cut out the picture and decide where you want it on the handbag.
3. Place the picture in the bowl of water and let it sit for a few minutes. The top layer of the paper will separate from the bottom.
4. Carefully pick up the top layer (it will have the picture on it) and place it where you want it on the handbag. Let the picture dry on the handbag for 24 hours.
5. Decorate the edge of the picture with red ribbon and let dry.
6. Dip the toothpick or chopstick in the glue and apply it in dots randomly on the purse. Pick up the crystals one at a time by using the crayon, place on the glue. Let dry.

Tips and variations: When applying the picture, remove any air bubbles by running your fingers over them. If desired, add a coat of varnish to seal the picture.

Water-slide decals work best on flat surfaces.

***
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Other links:
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* 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: Valentine's Day, wearable art

Put your love up in lights to celebrate Valentine's Day!

It's never too early to celebrate Valentine's Day. It's less than a month away, after all.

One simple way to add a dash of amore to your décor is to go with one of my favorite methods of crafting: embellishing goodies from the department store.

You can find a variety of heart-shaped patio lights in the seasonal section of retail outlets. Personalize them with rub-on letters or paint. I went with the rub-on letters because in the end, they have a polished look. If you feel frisky you can spell out a sentence, or decoupage love quotes or pictures on them. How about the word "love" in different languages? Either way, once they are hung, they can add a kissy-kissy mood to your room.

Flirty Word Heart Lights

Supplies
1 string of heart patio lights (glass, paper or plastic)
1 package of rub-on letters (or paint, brush or stencils)
1 Popsicle stick

Directions: Make sure the surface of the light casing is free of smudges. Write up a list of short words related to love (love, kiss, nice, hug, hot, yum, amour, etc). Lay the letter sheet over the area and use the stick to rub on each letter. Make sure to fully rub it, then carefully lift the sheet. Don't rip it off fast because the letter may tear. Repeat for the next letter. Continue until all of the lights are finished.

Tips and variations: To seal your letters, use a brush-on, water-based varnish. If you run out of letters, just touch it up with paint and a liner brush.

You can actually do t his project anytime of the year on any string of lights or lightlight - put your favorite all-time empowering words on each light!


***
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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, lights, Valentine's Day

I have embellishment-itis.

My hands quiver when I see raw wood furniture.

My left eye twitches if I even think about a solid- color canvas tote. And brand-new blank journals? Oh, Lordy, hold me back.

I'm the kind of wife/mom/friend/daughter who makes people hide their goods, because if I find them, I may just break out the sequins. I have the urge to decorate everything and anything possible - even down to our innocent dish towels.

I don't feel guilty, though. Life is too short to have plain white towels in the kitchen. With a bit of felt and embroidery floss, you, too, can discover the happy world of this colorful design disorder. By the way, this project can be made in any color combination and will make a great hostess or housewarming gift.


Fancy Felt Dish Towels
Supplies:


2 blank dish towels
Scissors
Straight pins
Assorted colors of embroidery thread, needle
Assorted colors of craft felt
Pompom trim

Directions
1. Cut six circles (or squares) 1 1/2 inches across, and six circles (or squares) that are 1 inch across.

2. Match up the shapes to make six contrasting sets that have one large and one smaller shape.

3. Use the straight pins to attach the sets where you want them. Thread your embroidery needles with a contrasting color and sew approximately 20 satin stitches in a pinwheel design. If you are using squares, you will need eight to nine stitches.

4. Continue sewing on the remaining pieces.

5. Embroider a line across the bottom and/or other designs, as desired.

6. Sew on a line of pompom fringe.

Variations: Instead of circles and squares, try cutting out letters, Picasso-like faces or other shapes. Sew on fabric to match the felt.



***
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, inside, sewing

I've been so busy, I've been forgetting to post my LifetimeTv.com videos for Crafting With the Chica!


(This piece is not finished yet...)

This one is how I make use of my paper scraps. I'm a fiber junkie and won't even dream about tossing out my scraps. So this is how I pass the time when I'm nervous, bored, feel like sewing something easy, or just need cool paper for a project....



CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO!

***
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, LifetimeTV, paper, recycled

Since April, I've been dropping little bread crumbs about my new gig at Duncan Enterprises. They brought me into their magical manufacturing universe to create a brand new product line based on this very web site, my artwork that I've been making for years with my husband Patrick, as well as the happy philosophy behind it.

They have and and now...CRAFTY CHICA!

It's been equally exciting as frightening (in a good way!). It was so hard to come up with 100+ products and decide if they should be based on themes I know and love, or themes I think consumers would know and love. I followed my heart, did a LOT of research, and then did my best to come up with a shiny balance of the two. Basically, I dabble in all kinds of genres of crafty, so the line reflects that! :-)

I have four Chihuahuas, so you'll see their spirit in the line. I love roses, saints, skulls, and cupcakes. Color combinations of red, green, and purple. I've always been about "triple shine"action: bright colors, lots of glitter sealed with high gloss varnish! So that is all in there. I've always loved to collect and horde pictures to use in all kinds of ways, so Patrick drew dozens and dozens of gorgeous images for the line. I love world culture, pop culture, rebel culture! And of course traditional Mexican culture. So all of that is sprinkled in too! I designed everything to be mixed and matched. I made sure each product has a gob of uses! That goes back to the days when Patrick and I didn't have much money and we learned secrets for stretching our supplies.



I love glitter so much that I even talked Duncan into letting me mix my own glitter colors! At first I think they thought I was kidding, but one day my boss walked in on me working at my desk like a crazy crafty chemist - and she knew I was serious! The glitters are so beautiful and multi-dimensional! I could just eat them with a spoon. Take that, Ellen!



And then there are kits, that are just like the the art workshops I teach all over the country, except they come in a box so you can make it at home! And like my class kits, they are jam packed with supplies and ideas.

Aside from the bright colors and funky themes, the basis is all about self-empowerment, something I've always encouraged here. Overall, the Crafty Chica product line is VERY different from everything out there.



If you are a store owner or product buyer, we will have a HUGE display of every single product at CHA, February 10-13. Booth 4001!!

I will be there from dawn until dusk (Patrick will make an appearance too!). We'll be answering any questions you have, demoing the products, signing my books, and even passing out Crafty Chica bobbleheads (yes, seriously!) that Duncan had created for the event! Please come by and see me!

And if you are a glitter-friendly consumer, pass along this post to your local craft store and ask them to come by the booth so they can carry the line - that way you can buy the products and have fun using them!

And here is another sneak peek!! It is Duncan's page for CHA! It is supposed to be for the convention next month, but I got permission to post it here FIRST!

OK, I'm heading back to the art studio. Please pass along the good news. I'll post more info as it comes up!

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported my crafty endeavors, I'm sending you all happy blessings and good karma galore!

***
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: glitter, product line

A person can never say, "I love you," too much. In fact, I think we should come up with different romantic phrases, and deliver the message in any and all creative ways possible.

Skywriting, the JumboTron and singing telegrams are sweet, but kind of cliche. Think small and secretive.

Make a list of your favorite "love" phrases, quotes or fortunes, type them up and print them out on paper. Cut them to the size of small slips (fortune-cookie size).

If you don't want to go the predictable "Roses are red, violets are blue" route, use specific memories. Pick all the best moments from your relationship and summarize each one in a sentence or two.

Insert them into these cute little pouches made from heart-shaped doilies. Fill them with small Valentine-themed candy and then hide the pouches randomly around the house where your object of affection will find them.

If you want to make a game out of it, put a love-themed clue or riddle inside each one and make the person give you the correct answer so they can receive their prize!

I used paper doilies for this project, but you can use anything: fabric, card stock, scrapbook paper, vellum paper, even lightweight wire mesh.

If you are using solid color paper or doilies, make the most of the white space by embellishing with stickers, fibers, rubber stamps and embossing powder.

Doilies and paints can be found at the craft store. Romantic images seen in my sample project are from www.ArtChixStudio.com.

Supplies

4 white paper heart doilies per pouch
1 glue stick
Assorted paper dyes, rubber stamps, embossing powder, colored markers, etc. (I used spray-on glass paint)
Choice of: hot glue gun, double-sided tape, needle and thread or sewing machine
Small lightweight candies
Love fortunes printed on small pieces of paper

Directions: Using the glue stick, affix two doilies together for the front, and repeat for the back of your pouch. This is to make sure the pouch is sturdy enough to hold the candies.

Decorate as desired using rubber stamps, inks, embossing powders, etc. Let dry.

Line up the doilies that will be the front and back, and seal the edges all the way around, except for a small portion at the bottom, so you can pour in the contents. Add the candies in the pouch and insert one of the love notes. Seal the opening. Repeat to make multiple pouches.

Hide them, or arrange them in a pretty box and give out as favors. You also can present them in small gift boxes for the recipient.

Alternatives: Instead of doilies, use painted watercolor paper, with holes punched in it. To make your doily pouches even sturdier, line with tissue or vellum paper.

***
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, Valentine's Day

It's mid-January and I haven't posted new projects in a while, shame on me! I haven't had time to tinker with new projects yet, but will very soon. In the meantime, here is a golden oldie. I love this idea because it is just five inexpensive picture frames transformed into a box to hold all your treats from candy to cotton balls!

SUPPLIES:

5 picture frames w/ glass (buy at the dollar store!)
Sandpaper
Red spray paint
Deck of cards
Chip or cardboard
Red squeeze paint
Red mardi gras beads
Dice
Extra strength adhesive and hot glue
Large doll head (wood ball with flat side)
Felt tabs

DIREX:
1. Remove the glass and spray paint the frames, let dry.
2. Arrange the frames in the way they will be assembled. Use the sandpaper to remove paint from the sides that you will be gluing together.
3. Replace glass.
4. Use extra strength adhesive and hot glue to glue the frames together in a box shape. The hot glue will allow them to secure while the other glue dries.
5. Glue on the chipboard, trim any excess.
6. Set box upright and use the squeeze paint to affix the playing cards to the glass, add beads to borders, etc.
7. Decorate the top frame and glue a ball to the top.
8. Add felt tabs to the bottom side of the top.
9. Glue dice for feet.



***
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: Valentine's Day

That's really not me in that calendar picture. But sometimes visualization is the only way to reach your goals! Especially when it comes to weight loss. I made this calendar in 2006 and am working on a new one!

Like everyone else and their grandma, I'm set on shedding some extra poundage. I'm breaking a sweat to lose weight in time for the huge Craft and Hobby trade show next month when my product line debuts to the industry.

However, I need to prepare for the oncoming plateau. Maybe if I could see what I'd look like thinner, I wouldn't be as tempted to suck down that triple venti mocha. So it has come to this. Pasting my head on someone else's body for motivation. And what better place to keep it on display than on a wall calendar? Especially now when you can find them at the dollar stores, or discounted at bookshops. I call it my resolution collage calendar. I've decorated each month with an inspirational altered art assemblage themed to my New Year's resolution. You can do the same. If you want to write a book this year, make a collage of yourself sitting at a typewriter, or a cut out a picture of a book and put your name on the cover. It can also work for redoing a house, traveling, romance and more. Not to sound like Tyra Banks, but if you can see it, you can do it!


Supplies
1 2008 calendar from the discount bin or dollar store
12 pieces of scrapbook paper cut to fit the size of the calendar page
Assorted pictures, or scrapbook embellishments
A headline you want printed out from your computer, or handwritten
Glue stick
Scissors

Directions: Remove the centerpiece of cardboard that comes with the new calendar and cut 12 pieces of scrapbook paper to fit it. Use a glue stick to attach one to the top of each month's spread on the calendar. If you want to get fancy, you can cut the edges of the scrapbook paper with decorative edged scissors or just rip it with your hands. Starting with the first month, assemble your collage on the blank space of the scrapbook paper. You can use ink, dimensional embellishments, anything you'd like. Give your page a headline by printing out your resolution for that month. Hang your calendar up in a place where you'll see it all the time.

Variations: There are so many ways to alter a calendar. You can take pictures from an old calendar you love and use them as the centerpiece for your collages on the new calendar. Make little windows and flaps that have secret messages.



***
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, empowerment crafts

I have a very busy couple of weeks - two trips to prepare for, and a book to finish - but I'll be back my usual blogging schedule very soon! 2008 is definately starting off with a sprint. Oooh, one thing. I started my NYR (New Year's Resolution) early and have lost 8 pounds. And it is only January 1st! Yay!!!

OK, be back soon, have a good one!!


***
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