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!

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, kids, Latin-inspired, paper

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

I scored some gorgeous coasters on eBay, and they were direct from Spain. I love the flamenco dancers on them! I picked up on the style to embellish this jewelry box. This lovely project is from my book: The Crafty Chica Collection!

Supplies:
1 large wood jewelry box
1 large wood plaque
1 flamenco girl coaster (eBay!)
Paint, mini mirrors, black lace
Hot glue gun

Paint the whole thing, let dry. Glue the coaster to the plaque, and then glue it in the center of the box. Glue the mini-mirrors in the corners. Paint accents all over, and then glue on the lace. Add wood balls for the feet.



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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: jewelry, 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

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.


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

1. Plaster skulls.
Today is Halloween (Yay!), so that means all the decorations will be marked half off tomorrow.

Here is a tip: If you celebrate Day of the Dead, go early to the stores and scoop up some of those light up sparkle skulls - you know, the ones that are made of pitted rubbery plastic? Peel off the felt eyes and nose. Buy some plaster wrap from the craft store, cut it in strips and cover the skull with one layer. Let dry. Now take some decoupage medium and white gift tissue and cover it with that. Let dry. Paint white, and decorate as desired!





2. Sugar skulls.
Every year I get oodles of e-mails asking about sugar skulls. Used in Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations Nov. 1 and 2, the sugar represents the sweetness of life, while the skull signifies that the body has passed on.

The sugar skulls are colorful and bright and are used in altars to honor loved ones who have passed away. The trick to the skulls (and the icing) is the meringue powder. Mixed with water, it hardens the sugar for the skulls. It also works for the icing, but it is a long process. I have a shortcut, which is why I use mini-tubes of frosting from the grocery store. When all is said and done, they look just like the real thing and are simple to use. And you can learn more about Day of the Dead, its history, traditions and local celebrations at dead.azcentral.com.

Supplies:
1 set of plastic skull molds
Mixing bowl and spoon
2 cups of granulated sugar
2 teaspoons of meringue powder
2 teaspoons of water
1 piece of cardboard, approximately 5" x 5"

Mix the dry ingredients together in the bowl. Sprinkle the water in and continue to mix until the sugar is completely moistened and becomes the consistency of moist sand. Scoop some of the mixture into the mold and pack it evenly and firmly. Place the piece of cardboard on top of the mold and quickly flip it over so the sugar skull pops out. Very carefully slide it onto a flat surface.

Continue making the rest of the skulls. Let them dry for 24 hours in a dry place (indoors so ants won't get to them!).

Traditional icing (I prefer mini-icing tubes from the grocery store instead!):
2/3 cup of water
1/2 cup meringue powder
2 pounds of powdered sugar
Electric mixer
Concentrated food coloring (the kind professional cake bakers use)
1 pastry or Ziploc bag
Plastic cups
Spoon

Blend the ingredients with an electric mixer until the peaks form in the icing. If using assorted colors, scoop the white icing into separate bowls and add a dab of different colored food coloring in each one. Mix again. Scoop the icing into the pastry or Ziploc bag (snip the corner for the latter). Continue until you have several bags of different colors. Keep sealed and refrigerated until use.

Makes four small skulls

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

Send a free Dia de los Muertos e-card featuring Patrick's paintings!

Below is a picture of some sculptures he has been making for our upcoming events. They are about 4 feet high and he has four of them. Yuppers, these went over real nice when our neighbor came over the other day to ask about our tile floor. He was like, "Um, nice dead people you have in your living room..."

Nah, he didn't really say that, but his expression kinda did. We don't know what we are going to do with these yet - use them in one of our gallery exhibits, or at a fiesta, or heck, just sell them? They sure are fun to have around the house - except one night when I got up in the middle of the night for a drink of water. The lady scared the bejesus out of me! I hadn't seen that Patrick finished her clothes, so I thought she was a real midget - only dead.



Here are the events we will be at this year. There are only two - we are just too swamped with other projects:
-
Desert Botanical Garden: Oct 27-28.
- Vision Gallery: Exhibit Oct 22-Nov 3. Fiesta on November 3rd.
- Oh! I also have a book signing at the Mesa Arts Center, I'll check on the date and post it here.

I'm surprised I didn't post about Dia de los Muertos sooner! Every day I get at least 3-4 emails asking for info. So here are some links for you:

Crafty Chica Dia de los Muertos Podcast!

Next is my favorite. It is dead.azcentral.com - it is a web site for The Arizona Republic and AzCentral that Patrick and I helped put together. Patrick did all the illustrations and I wrote many of the stories.

- The history of Dia de los Muertos.
- Glossary of terms associated with the celebration.
- Food and recipes.
- Photos.
-
Videos.
- How to build an ofrenda (an altar).

CRAFT PROJECTS:

- Egg shakers, sugar skulls, paper flowers, reverse glass painting.
- Cigar box shrine, white chocolate sugar skulls, felt banner.
- Funky Fantasy Skulls.
- Bleach Pen Skull Banners.

- Clay Pin.
Steve Irwin Altar
- Plaster of Paris Skulls.
- Calaca Charm Bracelet.

SHOPPING:

- MexicanSugarSkull.com
- Day of the Dead Wedding decorations.

- Rubber stamps and more rubber stamps!
- home decor items from Mexico.

OK, that should be enough to keep you busy for a while! Look for more projects daily!


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

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

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

I love finding multiple uses for products. When I first discovered Mexican sugar skull molds, I became addicted to making sugar skulls for everyone. Next, I filled them with white melting chocolate and used cake icing to decorate them. Now, I've moved onto plaster of Paris. Of course, the skulls are not edible, but they look just as yummy on projects such as this wall display and will last forever.

You can use any candy molds and achieve the same effect. However, once you use the molds for this project, you can't use them again for food.

Skull molds can be found at ABC Cake Decorating, 2853 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix; Suenos Latin American Imports, 6035 N. Seventh St., Phoenix; www.mexicansugarskull.com.

Dia de los Muertos Wall Ornaments
Supplies
Paper mask, plastic gloves
1 bucket of plaster of Paris, sold in 4-pound containers
Mixing bowl and spoon (not to be used for food consumption after use)
1 set of plastic skull molds
Acrylic paints, brush
Wood plaque
Hot glue

Directions

Wearing the mask and the gloves, mix the plaster of Paris in the bowl according to package directions. Spoon the mixture into the molds. After the molds are filled, tap the tray on the counter so the mixture settles in all the grooves. Let sit for 40 minutes, then flip over mold tray and skulls will pop out. Paint the skulls and the wood plaque as desired. Let dry. Use the hot glue to affix the skulls to the plaque. Attach sawtooth picture hanger.

Variations

You also can use the ornaments for paperweights or other kinds of decorations.

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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: Day of the Dead, Latin-inspired

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

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

In Show 15, I read an excerpt from my new book, "Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul" - about the time I hit a respectable news anchor on the head with eggs on live TV. I also share a nifty "Mexicali Shabby Chic" crafty idea for your flower bed or garden. Peace, love and glitter from the Crafty Chica!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Show links:
Buy Kathy's book here

How to make casarones
American Idol blog
Stylelicious TV show
Creative Juice TV show

Photo of "Wonderfully Worn Flower Fence"

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STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* 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, podcasts

Dia de los Muertos special edition! Kathy Cano Murillo, the Crafty Chica chats about the history of Day of the Dead, explains the basics of building an ofrenda and shares her favorite muertos craft - White Chocolate Sugar Skulls! This episode is a sneak preview of Kathy's new book, "Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul", due in February, but available for presale at Amazon.com

Show links:
Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul

CraftyPod interview

Dead.AzCentral.com (Kathy's hubby, Patrick, did all the artwork.)

To hear this episode, CLICK HERE.

*~Peace, love and glitter from Crafty Chica!*~
Subscribe to Crafty Chica Podcast

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

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

by Kathy Cano Murillo - Oct. 15, 2005 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
Sometimes all we want is easy. No directions, no thought of goof ups, nothing too detailed. That's when it's time to head to places like Target or Wal-Mart and pick up some ready-to-go Halloween decorations. But you don't just buy them and put them out, silly. I spotted these plastic light-up skulls and they looked so sad and well, plain. They were crying for color, especially for this time of the year. So I picked up a batch of them and embellished them with acrylic craft paint and added glittery accents with squeeze paint. No muss, no fuss and not too gory or scary. The skulls come in various sizes and price ranges ($2.99-4.99), which make them even more appealing. If you have kids, line the kitchen table with newspaper and set out a shoebox full of craft supplies and let them go at it. You can then use them to light up the front porch, the fireplace mantle or use as centerpieces for a party.

Supplies:

1 plastic skull light purchased from a discount department store
Acrylic paints
Assorted small paintbrushes
Dimensional squeeze paints in assorted colors and textures (shiny and glittered)
Loose glitter, sequins, gems, etc.

Directions: Using a paintbrush and paint, add designs around the eyes, mouth, cheeks and top of the head. Use different colors for the various areas. Let dry. Use the squeeze paint to outline or accent the areas of dried paint. Keep the designs big and bold for a more vibrant look. Add gems, sequins or loose glitter over the wet squeeze paint. Let the squeeze paint dry (about an hour) and then "brush" on the glittered squeeze paint over the flat paint to make it sparkle and look varnished.

Variations: You can also find light up pumpkins to be decorated as well. Write words on the forehead or even glue pictures on.

And I have a new Podcast! CLICK HERE to learn all about it!

* 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: Day of the Dead, Latin-inspired, lights

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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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, 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!


***
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

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

In the early 2000's (that sounds so weird!), these bags were all the rage. Nowadays people have carried the idea even further by making books, paper sorters, bowls, clutches, and all kinds of other things out of old LPs. I still like this one! You take vintage album covers, laminate them, create side panels, punch holes, insert grommets, and lace it all up together. Feed Mardi Gras beads inside clear tubing (found in the aquarium supply aisle). Use grommets to attach to the bag.

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


***
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: Latin-inspired, multi-culti, wearable, wearable art