These started as blank glass lanterns that I bought at IKEA and had planned to paint on them. They sat in my art room for months and finally, one day, I grabbed them and decided to vamp them up, right then and there. My mission for 2009 is to not abandon any orphan surfaces in my workshop. Because then they sit there for years and I'll end up tossing them down the road.

Back to the project...

I always happen to have a supply of papel picado banners on me, as well as Aleene's Crystal Clear Tacky Spray. Doesn't every girl?

What you do is snip off one of the panels from the banner and wrap it around the lantern. Trim as needed. Once you have the right size, go outside and set the banner face down and spray with the adhesive. Let it set for about 30-seconds and then wrap it around the lantern.

If it is crooked, no prob - just peel off and reposition it.

You can use any kind of paper/plastic designs - make your own from contact paper, use foreign newsprint, etc...
**
MY NEW BOOK: "Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-Low-Sew Ideas for the Everyday Crafter".

See the new line of Crafty Chica products at HERE Amazon.com!! All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2009.

Labels: Cinco DeMayo, Latin-inspired, lights, multi-culti

One of the reasons I started making Latin-inspired crafts was to counteract the goofy Mexican-themed projects out there. Especially around this time of the year (Cinco de Mayo). I swear if I see another clay sombrero guy climbing in a tequila shot glass - I will cry!

I'm not about the Haterade, instead let's think of some nice alternatives! Like the traditional tissue paper flower. They are bright, cheery and super easy to make!

I made these tissue flowers as pins to wear at Maker Faire this weekend. I love making them, but after I made the first one I thought of the cool, pretty kits that Martha has out.

"OK, I am the Crafty Chica, I HAVE to do make my flowers different than Martha's!" I thought.

After I cut the squares of tissue, I stamped them! High-five, por favor! I wish I had silver or gold ink, but black worked nice as an alternative. I think these are stunning. There are very Carrie Bradshaw-goes-south-of-the-border. A contemporary spin on tradition!

NOTE: These also make excellent Christmas tree decorations - all you have to do is glue an alligator clip or clothes pin on the back of each one and clip iton a branch!

Here is how you make them:

1. Cut 8 pieces of assorted party tissue in squares, about 6". Cut 4 squares that are 3" square. If you want to stamp the tissue, do that now.

2. Stack them, and set the smaller set in the center. Accordion fold the stack.

3. Snip little notches on each side in the center.

4. Use a piece of pipe cleaner to wrap around the notches to secure the flower.

5. Carefully separate the sheets, and fluff them as you go.

6. Dab white craft glue and sprinkle matching (or translucent) micro glitter.

7. Turn over and hot glue pinback.



If you are having a Cinco party, or going out to a fiesta, or maybe attending a friend's party - make these and hand them out. Your friends will love you for it!

There are so many variations on these that you can do. I would have made more, but I leave for the airport in the morning, and I still have to clean for the house sitters, and pack!


***
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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: Cinco DeMayo, flowers, glitter, holiday, kids, Latin-inspired, paper, stamping

Cinco de Mayo is this Monday, which means fiestas are already in full force. For me that means friends, a few margaritas, some Tacky Glue, scrapbook paper, and glitter for what I call "Crafty de Mayo".

Here's how you do it right. Gather up some friends and have a Crafty de Mayo party! Make it like a potluck, where everyone brings a dish, one type of craft supply to share, and an iPod mix to play. Practice speaking Spanish. Trade your projects at the end of the party.

If you are in need of what the heck to make for Crafty de Mayo, I've compiled some of my favorite Mexican-themed projects.


Frida Fiesta Place Mat


Reverse Painted Candy Dishes


Mexican Calendar Art Coasters

I'll be posting new ideas here all week, but in the meantime, you can check out my stock pile of Crafty de Mayo projects by clicking here.


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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: Cinco DeMayo

For normal people, margaritas and machaca are great ways to celebrate Mexican Independence Day this Tuesday. But if you are into handmade decorations, paper flowers are the way to go. Non-crafty types can even get into the spirit because it only involves simple accordion folding - a la kindergarten class. There are more elaborate, artistic ways to create paper flowers, but for starters this method is just right for adding a splash of vibrant color to a table centerpiece or place setting.

Supplies:
1 package of multicolored tissue or crepe paper
1 package of green pipe cleaners
Scissors

Directions: Take four to five sheets of the tissue paper and layer them (if you want multicolored flowers, use different colors). Cut into 8-inch squares. Keeping the sheets layered, take one set of squares and fold it like an accordion so it looks like a thin rectangle. At the center of the rectangle, cut a small v-shaped notch on both sides. Take the end of a pipe cleaner and twist it around the notch. With the stem pointing straight down, gently pull up one layer of tissue into the center. Pull up the remaining layers, one by one. Repeat for the other side of the flower. Once all the layers are pulled up, fluff them in place to look natural. Continue making more flowers with the remaining stacks of squares.

Tips and variations: For sturdier stems, wrap two pipe cleaners together. Cut smaller or larger squares to change the size of your flowers. Add more layers for thicker flowers or less layers for thinner ones. For a shiny effect, dip the top edges in white glue and then dip in loose glitter. Glue a pin on the back of a flower for a fluffy lapel decoration. Make smaller flowers and string them together as garland.


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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: Cinco DeMayo, flowers, kids, Latin-inspired, paper

These are cards I made waaayyy back in 2004. I still have yet to actually send them out, because I love them too much. I'll probably end up framing them.

You can use this same concept with Japanese, East Indian, or all-American vintage comic book covers and pages.

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


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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: Cinco DeMayo, Latin-inspired, multi-culti, paper, party favors

If you plan on having a Cinco de Mayo fiesta, you can't have boring place mats to go with your fancy home cooked menu! Devote some time to creating these artful collages that are laminated. You can use them all year round and they will add so much more spark and spirit to your party. Trust me! This lovely project is from my book: The Crafty Chica Collection!

Supplies:

Large piece of art paper
Stickers, pictures, etc
Scrapbook paper
raffia
hole puncher

Make the collage on the art paper and get it color-copied (times how many place settings you have) and then laminated. Punch holes along the sides and tie pieces of raffia.

Use memory wire, beads and decoupaged wood charms for napkin rings.

***
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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: Cinco DeMayo, food crafts, frida, Latin-inspired, multi-culti

Do away with plastic bowls, and go fancy. This lovely project is from my book: The Crafty Chica Collection!

Supplies:
1 terra cotta large saucer
1 terra cotta bowl
water-based craft paint, brushed
water-based varnish
glass dish to go inside bowl
large wood balls for feet.

Paint the whole thing, let dry. Give it two coats of varnish, let them dry in between.
Glue on the feet. Put glass bowl inside for the salsa.


***
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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: Cinco DeMayo, food crafts, Latin-inspired, multi-culti, outdoor

Today, my Lucha Libre Craft Lab epsiode airs on HGTV! 7 am!

We trick out a wrestler mask and think of fun names for our lucha alter egos that fit our personalities.

This would be an awesome Halloween costume, don't you think? We also make mini-shaker wrestler heads (my friend Anita's idea!!!), and lucha placecard holders.

Directions for the lucha mask.


Directions for the lucha cascarone eggs.


Directions for the lucha place holder.

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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, Craft Lab, Halloween, Latin-inspired, wearable art

This is a project from "Crafty Chica Collection" book - what you do is paint small paper mache boxes and then line them with air dry clay. You then use rubber stamps and press on the clay. Let them harden and then use your finger to rub paint over the embossed areas. I used pretty metallics. For some areas, you'll have to remove the clay after it hardens and then glue it down. I then covered them with a high gloss varnish. It's all about the shine, baby!

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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, Latin-inspired

It's time to color your own fabric! I was inspired to share this idea after meeting with my friend Linda Young (organizer of Art Unraveled!) for coffee last week. She was so thrilled with some fabric she painted that she brought samples to share.

My suggestion is to color a large batch at one time so you will have it on hand for other projects. Aside from scrapping, use your custom fabric to make jewelry, embellish clothing, purses and anything else you can think of.

Sure, there are oodles of fabrics ready to go at the store, but think of how cool it will be to hold up something you made and say, "I even dyed the fabric for this project."

Visit your local scrapbook store today to partake in all kinds of paper-friendly activities.

CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE DIRECTIONS

Now for part two of this project...I didn't have room in my newspaper column to add this, so I'll post it here. I am now hooked on coloring my own fabric because of Tulip's One Step Fashion Dyes.



OK - before I go any further, I have to let you know that now that I'm part of the Duncan familia, I have full-access to any and all of their products. It's like crafty heaven because I can try out all the goods. and just like I've always done on this blog, whatever I make and play with, I'll post it here! So consider me your inside source!!

Back in the day, I used to tie dye Patrick's band shirts. I used watered down acrylics in spray bottles, as well as pickle buckets of dye for dipping. I used to have to make them in the back yard and I hated that our pretty green grass got tie dyed as much as the shirts. After a couple years of doing that, I gave up and swore off tie dye.

When I started working with Duncan, they gave me some of these One Step Fashion Dyes to try out. At first, I flinched. I didn't want to revisit the pickle bucket era! I tried it anyway, and dang - all those crazy steps are removed! It's all about shaking and squirting now!

The Fashion Dyes come in individual plastic bottles with gloves and rubber bands. At he bottom of the bottle is powered dye. All you do is fill the bottle with water and shake, shake, shake - and you are good to go!

I took white cotton fabric, wet it, cut it and rubber banded it. I lined my kitchen counter with a large plastic trash bag, set out the fabric and squirted the dye.



Custom Painted Fabric

Supplies
1 yard of white (patterned or plain) cotton fabric (make sure it has stain guard on it)
Fabric paints (any combination of): watered-down acrylics, squirt, squeeze or spray on fashion dyes, fabric markers
Medium resealable bags or plastic wrap
Water-based acrylic paints
Paintbrush
Sink
Plastic gloves
Rubber bands or string
Washing machine

Directions: Pre-wash the fabric (no fabric softener), but don't dry it, allowing the color to take. Cut into four pieces so you can dye each piece a different shade. Put on the gloves.

To create a tie-dye look: Put rubber bands or string around different sections of the fabric. Using the squeeze, spray on or squirt on dye, apply color to various areas of the fabric. I like to keep my colors in the same hue: for example, purple, fuchsia and pink for one piece of fabric, or blue, green and teal, or yellow, orange and red, etc. Once fabric is covered with dye, put each piece in a separate bag or plastic wrap. For intense colors, let set for several hours, less for lighter tones. Cut off rubber bands or string, rinse in sink, and then run through washing machine, followed by the dryer. Iron and use.

Hand-painted fabric: Work on a covered surface. Wet piece of fabric and lay it flat. Dip brush in fabric paint and apply to the material as desired. You can make stripes, circles, paint pictures, use rubber stamps, etc. Use gold paint with a thin liner brush to add accents. For shimmer, spray on permanent glitter. Let dry for several hours and then wash in machine. Dry and iron.

Variations: Use white fabric with black patterns, and your end result will have even more dimension. Buy a package of Inkjet fabric sheets and use them to copy your pictures, scrapbook papers, small trinkets, newsprint or wrapping paper. Peel off the backing and sew the sheets together. You can also make your own paper by color-copying your custom fabric onto paper.

If you want more of a painted effect, you can use the Tulip Soft Fabric Paint, which is very cool because it dries soft and light and doesn't crack. I combined my colors and watered them down just a bit to get that striped look in the top photo. I also used the gold paint and aliner brush to add some starbursts and squiggles.

Last time I was at Duncan's headquarters, they gave me fabric markers to try out!!! I have yet to use them, but when I do, I'll post the details here!

One more thing about custom-colored fabric. This is how I make the fabric for my purses! At first I didn't want to share how I did it, because it looks very labor intensive, when really it is pretty easy. But I'm here to share ideas and turn people on to new things, right? It's all about inspiring others! So maybe there is something new and wild you can do with your custom-colored fabric. Did you know you can also color copy it to make your own paper?

Stretch it, baby, stretch it!



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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, fabric, wearable art

One of my episodes of Craft Lab aired last week and I've recieved so many emails (OK - two) about it, I thought I'd post the projects here. First of all, thanks to Jennifer and the team at Screen Door Entertainment and DIY Network for inviting me on the show!!!

This episode is called "Latin-inspired crafts and I show how to make a Shadow Box Table, a Paper Flower Topiary and a Rumba Girl Lamp.


Directions.


Directions.



Directions.
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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, Craft Lab, flowers, inside, Latin-inspired, multi-culti

I was recently on HGTV showing how to make these fun knob pulls. In case you missed it, I'm posting the directions here. Yes, that's a cabinet from my kitchen!

Here are the directions.



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Labels: Cinco DeMayo, Craft Lab, inside, Latin-inspired, resin

Here is another sneak peek from my book (Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life )! Enjoy!

Bandera de Calaca

The purpose of hanging splashy banners for a muertos celebration is to show that the festivities are a celebration - not a mourn-a-bration. It's believed that the souls of the dead are hurt if they return and are greeted by weeping relatives. Traditional altars use Papel picado to signify the party, but you can be innovative by using this sassy substitute.

Supplies:
1 red cloth napkin with a patterned border
1 Clorox Bleach Pen
1 package of Creative Iron fusible fabric borders (or any other kind!)
1 piece of balsa wood
8 grommets and tool
Paints
Fringe
hot glue
small drill

Directions: Lay the napkin on apiece of cardboard. Shake the bleach pen and use the fine point side to draw on the skull design. Set aside for 30 minutes (until you can see that design has soaked thru to the other side). Rinse in warm water to remove bleach. Let dry. Iron on the fusible fabric borders. Paint the balsa wood, drill three holes at the bottom, and two at the top. Make three holes at the top of the napkin and connect to the balsa wood with ribbon. Add a strand through the two holes at the top to hang. Hot glue the fringe along the bottom of the banner.

You can go bleach pen crazy by making a whole bunch of these and tieing them together, or decorate napkins, seat covers, pillows, etc. Make sure the fabric you are using does not have ScotchGuard, otherwise the bleach pen won't work on it.

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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, Day of the Dead, garden, Latin-inspired, outdoors

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

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

These are some light switch covers that my husband, Patrick, decorated with polymer clay. He rolled and sculpted each and every one! This is exactly what you would call a texture craft! He also did a whole concrete bench in fired clay with the same concept. Gosh, I wish we had pictures of that too!

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


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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: Cinco DeMayo, Day of the Dead, Latin-inspired, multi-culti

Looking for something spectacular and special to wear for Dia de los Muertos on Monday and Tuesday? I know, I know - a calaca mask won'tr exactly be appropriate for the office or classroom. Instead, wear your skeleton style with this dangly charm bracelet!

Whatcha you need:
Chain link bracelet
Charms, beads
Eye pins, head pins
Needlenose pliers
White polymer clay, black paint
Glue

Whatcha do to make it:
Pinch off small bits of clay and shape into mini skulls. Clip an eye pin down so you can insert it in the top of the skull (so you can hang it from the bracelet). Bake per directions on package. Now feed beads thru headpins and attach to link bracelet. I like mine super dangly, so I add one or two charms/beads to each link. After skulls are done baking, use the head pin to paint on eyes, nose and teeth. Add a teeny drop of glue to hold eyepin in place, attach to bracelet.

This is a project from my La Casa Loca book. Thought I'd share it with you!


* 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: Cinco DeMayo, Day of the Dead, jewelry, Latin-inspired, wearable art

Decoupage Spanish language newspaper on the pots, coat with varnish, paint and seal.

* 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: Cinco DeMayo, collage/paper, garden, Latin-inspired, outdoors

My friend Kelly Hale made these for me for my book. They are so cute and take a few minutes to make. It is just wire with laminated Loteria cards, with beads attached.

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


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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: Cinco DeMayo, Latin-inspired, multi-culti, paper

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!


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

Easter isn't simply about hunting for treats and biting the ears off chocolate bunnies. It's also about having fun at other people's expense - if you are into confetti eggs, also known as Cascarones. You can buy ready-made eggs at the grocery store, but how fun is that? Part of the payoff is knowing that you made them. Visit a party store to choose from all kinds of confetti. I used small sequins in my eggs for a shiny effect. Confetti eggs also are great party favors all year. Paint them to match a baby shower or birthday party and fill them with small candies, a favorite quote or a small toy. But remember: When cracking them over someone's head, tap the egg and squeeze it with your hand to make sure it opens.

Confetti Eggs
Supplies
1 dozen eggs with container
Water-based acrylics, brush, cup of water
Paint pen to draw designs
Steak knife
Confetti or sequins
Paper towels
Colored tissue paper
White craft glue

Directions: Working with one egg at a time, poke a hole at the bottom with the steak knife, just big enough to drain the egg. Let contents drip out. Rinse the inside of the egg and rest it, hole side down, on the paper towel. When the eggs are dry inside, decorate the shell with watered-down acrylics. Pour a teaspoon of confetti inside the egg. Glue a piece of tissue paper (matching the color of the egg) to seal the hole. Set the egg hole side up to dry. Paint and embellish the egg carton to match.

Tip: Only use a light coat of paint. Too much and the egg will be hard to crack.

* 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: Cinco DeMayo, Easter, food crafts, Latin-inspired

Here is a mixed media coaster design.
Supplies:

Tile or coasters
Spanish language newsprint
Color copy of Mexican image
White craft glue
Craft paint
Resin

Glue the newsprint to the top of the coaster. Now glue the picture in the center. Add painted accents. Coat with a thin layer of white craft glue. Mix resin according to package directions and coat. Work over a piece of wax paper so it won't stick forever to your table. Blow out gas bubbles with a straw. Let cure over night.

Put some felt tabs under the coaster so it won't scratch your table!

* 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: Cinco DeMayo, home decor, inside, Latin-inspired, outdoors, resin

From silver stars to pink flamingos, patio lights have become must-have accessories for indoor and outdoor recreation rooms. I first learned of this clever light-string idea from my Auntie Linda, who is the ultimate crafty lady in the family.
She has always had a magic touch when it comes to creating cozy and whimsical atmospheres in her house. Every time I visit, I'm awestruck by how many colorful creations she has come up with -- plant pokes, lawn ornaments, photo collages, table centerpieces, down to the handmade party invitations she sends us every year. However, it was these terra cotta patio lights that made me gasp in delight.
I used fabric scraps from a Mexican serape and raffia, but you can easily coordinate alternative fabrics and/or ribbons to match your decor. Supplies can be found at most craft stores.
Terra Cotta Patio Lights Supplies:
* String of white outdoor minilights
* Terra cotta pots (2-inch size)
* Fabric
* Ruler
* Scissors
* Fabric glue stick
* Newspaper
* Glue gun
* Raffia or ribbon
Directions: Count the number of lights on the string and purchase the same number of pots. Cut the same number of fabric strips measuring 6 1/2 inches by one-half inch so there is one for each pot. With the glue stick, attach fabric strips to the rims of the pots. Let dry, then go back and trim any excess fabric.
Place one light inside the hole of a pot so it goes all the way through but still fits snuggly. If the hole is not big enough, open a pair of scissors and use one blade to scrape inside the hole to enlarge it. Work on top of newspaper, because this will create a pile of terra cotta "dust." Do this to all of the pots until the lights fit firmly inside the hole.
Using a hot-glue gun, attach the lights inside the pots one by one. Let dry. If desired, add raffia bows in between the pots.
Tip: Don't have fabric scraps? Ribbon works even better!

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

Labels: Cinco DeMayo, garden, holiday, Latin-inspired, lights, outdoor

Lucky for us creative folks and cultural revelers, National Scrapbooking Day falls on Cinco de Mayo.
It's only fitting that we combine both events into one.
If you live for the moment and don't mind informal displays, I suggest "instant" MiniScrapbooks that can be assembled as you go, perhaps at a Cinco celebration this weekend.
Take along an I-Zone camera that produces minisnapshots. Ask a few friends to each pick up a package of film to share. Throughout the festivities, gather small mementos that you can incorporate when decorating the book. Take turns with your amigos snapping photos, pasting them on the pages, jotting funny captions, and you have an instant treasure of magical moments.
While the make-as-you-go idea sounds fun, Wendy Devenney, a scrapbook consultant for Creative Memories, recommends classes for those who are serious about picture preservation, page layouts and themes.
"Some beginners feel overwhelmed because they have so many photos," Devenney says. "Start with your current photos and then work your way back. This way you are able to do good journaling, since the information is fresh."

Supplies:
I-Zone camera with sticky-back film
Scissors
4- by 4-inch scrapbook
Colored markers
White glue or E6000 glue
Dimensional squeeze paint
Assorted jewels
Glitter or confetti
Mexican- or fiesta-themed pictures
Cornhusk
Mexican beer bottle caps
Directions: While the party is happening, take pictures of your friends and family (compromising situations are best!). Trim edges off the photo and peel off the back to stick it to a page in the book. Immediately write a caption that goes with the mood of the photo with the colored markers. Continue this throughout the party, until you fill up the pages or run out of film.
The next day, use a variety of mediums to decorate the covers of the books and attach with white glue or E6000. Embellish with dimensional squeeze paint, jewels, glitter and other objects. On the inside cover, write the details of the party: location, date, high point, low point, foods eaten, number of celebratory toasts, etc. Hopefully you will have enough books to pass out to the people who were at the party.

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

Labels: Cinco DeMayo, collage/paper, Latin-inspired, other holidays

Repost from 2001, The Arizona Republic

Just because you can't whip up a batch of orange marmalade doesn't mean you shouldn't purchase a case of Mason jars. They're useful in plenty of ways.

Sure, you can fill them up with goodies and give them as gifts, but duh, everybody knows that. But when was the last time you saw a Mason jar morphed into a snow globe?

And with a luchador inside?

We rest our case.

Supplies:
* 1 Mason jar with lid
* loose translucent glitter
* glue gun
* E6000 glue
* Waterproof ornament or action figure
Separate the lid from the outer ring. Glue an ornament or action figure to the underside of the lid and let dry. Fill the jar with water 1 inch from top, sprinkle the glitter in it and set aside.
Take the lid with the ornament glued on, flip it over and place inside the jar of water. Press down firmly to seal. Using your finger, spread a thin layer of E6000 glue around the seam and press firmly until it sets. Tightly screw the outer ring onto the jar.
Let dry for two hours before flipping. Don't stop there -- decorate the outside with paint pens, beads, ribbon or raffia. A little flair doesn't hurt!
Other ideas for Mason jars:
* Walkway luminarias: Fill the bottom of each jar with 1 1/2 inches of colored sand or Epson salt. Set a votive candle inside. Finish with a festive ribbon or raffia around the ridge.
* Forget the walkway and use the same concept for a table centerpiece. Gather them on a mirrored tray.
* Decorate the outside of jar, fill jar with water and colored glitter and place a floating candle inside.

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

Labels: Cinco DeMayo, holiday, Latin-inspired, recycled

Red alert: Mexican Independence Day is on Saturday.
How do you plan to celebrate?
Before you head out to your fiesta of choice, make sure you have some cultural accessories to go with that spicy shot of Jose Cuervo. By following our project plan, you'll not only have agreat gift for yourself but for your amigos as well.
Get out your scissors, class, because it's time for our Kitchsy Kraft of the week: Mexican-inspired laminated accessories. Don't worry, working time is only a few minutes, and it' nothing you couldn't assemble after a shot of tequila!
Before starting, you'll need to visit the local joyeria (Mexican gift shop) for some cool images, from items such as loteria: Mexican food labels (reduced in size), postage stamps, prayer cards or comic books.

Supplies:
Colored card stock
Small pictures
Glue stick
Pin-back or fish-hook earrings
Laminating sheet
Colored ribbon (optional)
Directions: Glue your images on the sheet of colored card stock with enough space in between to cut them out. Laminate. Cut out your images in desired shapes and sizes. Glue o the pin back or punch a hole at the top for earrings.
If you feel inspired, glue some colored ribbon around the edges for a polished look.
**

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

Labels: Cinco DeMayo, jewelry, Latin-inspired, wearable art

Half of the fun of gardening is in finding creative ways to display the goods. These days, ordinary terra cotta planters don't cut it. While some people prefer to make over the planters with paint or mosaics, others are content with keeping their traditional look.
Enter DAS terra cotta air-dry clay. It's easy to use, dries fast and adds a whole new, subtle dimension to terra cotta planters and accessories. Other uses include making ornaments, covering picture frames, boxes, candleholders and more.

Materials:
* 1 package DAS air-dry terra cotta clay
* Cardboard for work surface
* Small rolling pin
* Small cookie cutters
* Decorative stamps
* Craft knife
* Toothpick or ball-point pen
* Rubber clay molds
* E6000 glue
* Terra cotta planter pots
* Water-based brush-on varnish
* Brush
Directions:
Pinch off a small lump of clay and roll it into a ball; keep the remainder of the clay tightly sealed in its package to prevent drying out. Flatten the ball with your fingers, place it on your work surface, and smooth and flatten with the roller.
Punch out shapes with the cutters, then press a rubber stamp firmly in the center to create an indentation. If using a large stamp, skip the cookie-cutter step and press stamp directly onto clay, then cut around the stamped shape with the craft knife. Use a toothpick or ballpoint pen to press designs and dots into the clay.
If you prefer to use a mold, pinch off a small piece of clay, roll into a smooth ball and press firmly into the mold. Press the opposite side of the mold so the piece will pop out.
To apply to the pot, spread a thin layer of E6000 glue on the back of the clay surface. Gently apply it to the pot and hold in place. Hold the two pieces until they are secure. After you've applied all of the pieces, let the pot dry for several hours. Brush on a layer of varnish.

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

Labels: Cinco DeMayo, garden, Latin-inspired, outdoors

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

Festive shakers
by Kathy Cano-Murillo - May. 4, 2002 04:16 PM
The Arizona Republic
Here's a wonderful and easy craft for kids (and anyone else) that will help put the whole family in the fiesta spirit.

At a glance, it's hard to tell that these musical shakers are created from your average plastic drinking cups.

That fact won't even come to mind once you see how well they enhance the rhythm of the music, spirit and celebration behind the holiday.

Musical Cinco de Mayo Shakers

SUPPLIES:
• 2 colored plastic cups (8 ounces each)
• Scissors
• Assorted acrylics
• Paintbrush
• Assorted Mexican-theme stickers
• Miscellaneous embellishments: beads, glitter, sequins, etc.
• Party streamers in bright colors
• Hot glue
• 1/8 cup of sand, uncooked rice or seed beads

DIRECTIONS: Use the edge of the scissors to poke a 1/4-inch hole at the bottom of each cup. Decorate the outside of the cups with painted designs, stickers, glitter, sequins or beads. Turn the cups upside down and let dry.

Cut eight strips of party streamers, each 10 inches long. Fold four of the strips in half and use scissors to make vertical snips to create fringe. Twist the top of the fringed crepe paper (the edge that is not snipped). Add a bead of hot glue around the hole in the bottom of the cup and slip the twisted end of the crepe paper through it. Repeat process for the other cup and let dry.

Pour the sand or rice into one of the cups, then attach the two cups by adding a bead of hot glue around the rim of one of them. Press the other cup's rim onto the glued rim and hold firmly in place until the glue sets. Add a string of beads around the glued seam if desired.

TIP: Have Mom or Dad help with the glue gun and scissors.

VARIATION: While you're at it, make an extra set of shakers to take to Diamondbacks games. Decorate in purple and teal and add rattlesnake designs with paint pens or stickers.


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

Labels: back to school, Cinco DeMayo, Latin-inspired, multi-culti, recycled

These look good enough to drink! This lovely project is from my book: The Crafty Chica Collection!

Supplies:

Mexican margarita glasses
Creme-based candle wax
A wick
Candle scent
Candle coloring
Double boiler
White craft glue and glitter


Melt, color and scent the wax using a double boiler according to the package directions. USE CAUTION, it's hot! Insert the wick in the glass, and then carefully pour in the wax. Let cool. Run a bit of paint around the rim, let dry, and then a coat of white craft glue.


***
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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: candle, Cinco DeMayo, Latin-inspired, lights, multi-culti