This tote comes with a silk screened heart, but why color in th elines when you can let your pens explode all over the fabric! I decorated this from edge to edge and love the look of it!

• Crafty Chica™ Tango Permanent Fabric Markers™
  
  
• Crafty Chica™ Market Tote™
  
  

  Heart

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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: fabric, Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just a bit away, have you made a love shrine yet? Here are some pictures from the Crafty Chica Inspiration Gallery, where crafty peeps from all over the country have whipped up some beautiful creations using Crafty Chica products! It blows me away to see all the different things that come from using the same materials. Keep sending the photos!

If you want to make your own, start with a Crafty Chica Love Shrine Workshop-In-A-Box! I designed this kit and included everything you need to summon Cupid your way. All you need is to add are pictures!





Here are directions on how to make one, posted on the new, fabuloso website, ILoveToCreate.com.



It is chock full of projects, tips, features and more!
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Labels: shrines, Valentine's Day

If you can't see the video, click here.

NOTE: This part was trimmed from video - you plug the box into an extension cord!
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Labels: crafty video, LifetimeTV, Valentine's Day

I am a sucker for these dollar store bottles. I never have anything to put in them, but they just look so cute on a book shelf or in a bathroom, etc. Maybe you could put little love notes inside, or a wish list of what kind of partner you want to come into your life!

Supplies:
1 glass heart-shaped bottle
Crafty Chica Mojito Papers (newsprint design)
Crafty Chica Loteria (milagro heart image)
Crafty Chica Glossy Gloss Varnish (doubles as a light adhesive)
Crafty Chica Pink Glitter
A small chunk of cardboard (to make heart stand out)
A bead for the top of the bottle
hot glue

Directions: Cut a heart shape from the paper, glue it on the front, add the cardboard to the center. Cut out the heart from the game, hot glue it to the bottle to cover the cardboard. Add dots of glue, sprinkle on the glitter. Add the bead to the top of the bottle.

**
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: Valentine's Day

Last spring, my friend Susan Beal invited me to contribute a project to her new book, Bead Simple.

At first I was way nervous because Susan's designs are so crisp, clean, and gorgeous - and well, I always tend to go overboard. i can't help it, I get so excited that I can't stop myself. Every time I think I'm done with a design, I add three or four more elements. Sometimes Patrick will walk over to me at my work table, hold my hands and say: "Mujer, step away for a few minutes before you add that..."

I happily accepted Susan's offer! It also happened to be right around the time that I was going to New York City to teach a class, so I used my trip wisely and scoured the city for cool beads and charms. I knew I wanted to make a "love charm" that had lots of dangling doo-dads and such.

This is what I came up with!



Love is multi-layered and complex. So this wild and whimsical charm has everything you need to get lucky in the romance department: lots of hearts, milagros, and a few other surprises. You can show it off by wearing it as a necklace, a belt charm, or even a car ornament. Believe me - you will get noticed!

Congrats to Susan for a job well done on her book, I've seen it everywhere, everyone is raving about it and I am so proud to be on page 200!!! Thanks, Susan!

BTW: If you would like the directions and resources for this project, you will have to buy the book! The more that people buy books, the more we will have a lot to choose from. Eh, does that make sense? You know what I mean! Support your book authors :-)


CLICK ON PHOTO TO ORDER YOUR COPY!

***
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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: beads, jewelry, Valentine's Day

I leave for Cali in a few hours for CHA!! But before I lay my head on my fluffy pillow, I wanted to share this idea. I don't come back until the day before Valentine's, and that wouldn't give enough of a lead to make this.

And keep checking back here because I'm going to be photo blogging from Anaheim!!

OK, on with the show!



Valentine's Day Light Box

Use your favorite Valentine's Day card, or a personal photo, to make a dimensional lighted shadow box. Actually this concept can be used for any theme you want. I am so excited for when I have a break so I can make a whole bunch of these!

Supplies:
Small glass jewelry box (I bought mine at Michaels Arts & Crafts, locations Valley-wide at www.michaels.com)
Paint
Hand-held rotary tool
Hot glue
Decorative paper, pencil
Valentine image (I got mine from CandyCoated.org)
Foam core
Scissors
Glitter
Battery-operated strand of 10 mini lights
Sequin trim
Wood beads for feet

Directions:

Paint the box and let it dry. Turn the box over and using the hand-held rotary tool, create 10 holes in the back of the box. Blow off dust.

Open the box and hot glue decorative paper to the back of the box. Use a pencil to poke through the paper where the drilled holes are. Glue the valentine image to a piece of foam core and cut around the edges.

Coat the edges with paint and sprinkle glitter over it. Let dry. Cut a small piece of foam core and then hot glue the image to it. With the box upright and the lid open like a door, hot glue the foam core to the inside base of the box, and then glue the image on top of it. Insert the mini lights (one light in each hole).

Hot glue the battery pack behind the box. Hot glue the door closed. Add sequin trim around the front of the box, and any other decorations you want. Hot glue wood beads as the feet for the box.



***
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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: lights, shrines, Valentine's Day

Heart-shaped Sugar Cubes

These are great for serving up breakfast in bed in style!

Supplies:
1 tray of silicone mini-heart molds (I bought mine at Target’s Dollar Spot)
1 cup of granulated sugar
A few drops of water
Bowl and spoon
Index card
Plate
Icing
Edible decoration (M&M, heart candy, etc)

Directions: Pour the sugar in the bowl and add a few drops of water. Mix with spoon until sugar has the consistency of wet sand. Pack the sugar very tight into the molds (no more than two at a time). Place the index card over the mold and carefully turn it over so sugar hearts slip out onto the index card. Let harden for one hour. Decorate with icing and edible decorations.





***
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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: food crafts, Valentine's Day

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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* 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

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.

***
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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: 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.



***
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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

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.

CLICK HERE FOR 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: Valentine's Day

(lyrics from Cameo's song, Sparkle)

Don't you want to be the last thing on your significant other's mind before he/she falls asleep? Diamonds and roses are nice, but they won't do the trick. But a Love Song Pillowcase will. Choose your favorite tune - maybe one from your wedding or first date - write the lyrics on a pillowcase, then dye it whatever shade you want. Imagine your sweetie snuggling up to your sentimental, romantic verses long after Valentine's Day has gone.

This concoction uses fabric-friendly supplies to ensure the pillowcase will be soft and irresistibly huggable. Just like you!

This is also a fun project for kids to try. Let them draw on the pillowcase or scribble a love note. Resist medium and fabric spray paint can be found in the clothing aisles at the craft store.

CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE DIRECTIONS



I used Tulip Fabric Spray in bright red, and then covered with a coat of gold glitter fabric spray.


For the fabric resist, a couple people emailed me today that they could not find Batik EZ at the craft store. Lo and behold, I found that Tulip makes it too! You want to look for a label that says "fabric resist."


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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: Valentine's Day

Sometimes decoupage is too sticky to be fun, and stickers look less than classy. Thankfully, there is a happy medium - Lazertran transfer sheets. 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.

Valentine Granny Handbag

Supplies

1 vintage handbag with smooth side panels
1 sheet of Lazertran transfer paper for InkJet printers
1 picture
1 small bowl of water
1 package of Austrian crystals, 4 millimeter
Ribbon
Extra strength glue
Toothpick or chopstick

Directions: Photocopying the image onto the sheet transfer paper. Cut out the picture and decide where you want it on the handbag. 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.

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. Decorate the edge of the picture with red ribbon and let dry. Dip the toothpick or chopstick in the glue and apply it to the back of the crystals and then press them randomly all around the picture. 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.

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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: Valentine's Day

It's been a long but rewarding nine months since I've been on the Atkins diet. But my real challenge comes at this time of year, when Valentine candy arrives. It seems that in every store, I'm faced with wondrous tiers of red, pink and purple heart-shaped packages of creamy chocolates and such.

This year, I'm using crafts in my defense: If I can't eat the sugar-laden treats, I can at least decorate with them.

These lovely drink coasters are made from terra-cotta saucers, resin and a sweetheart staple - conversation hearts. I'm planning to rest my low-carb chocolate shake on them.

Conversation Heart Candy Coasters

Supplies
4 terra-cotta saucers, 4 inches in diameter
Acrylic paints in red, pink, white and purple
1 bag of conversation hearts
E6000 adhesive
Resin
Paint brushes: base coat and liner
Protective felt tabs

Directions: Paint a base coat on the saucers; let dry. Add words or narrow designs around the border of the saucers with the liner brush. Glue the conversation hearts face up in the center area of the saucers (use ones that are of equal thickness); let dry. Mix the resin according to the package directions and pour over the candies until they are completely covered and the resin is at an even level. Put a dab of resin on your finger and rub it over the border to seal in your painted design. Let the saucers cure over night. Apply the protective felt tabs to the bottom of the saucers so they won't scratch your furniture.

Tips and variations: Pop any bubbles in the resin by carefully blowing on them through a straw. For more accents, drop some metallic stars or hearts into the resin after you pour it (push them down with a pin) or trim the saucer's border with squeeze glitter.

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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: food crafts, resin, Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day Projects
Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday of the year. All that red glitter...Hope you like these ideas!


Flirty Word Heart Lights
Lovely Vintage Hangbag
Soldered Heart Necklace
Sweetly Simple Valentines
Soldered Heart Necklace

Heart of Glass Ornaments
Valentine Granny Bag
Chocolate Box Valentine
Mighty Mosaic Magnets
Embossed Heart Pillow
Conversation Candy Heart Coasters
Glittered Love Box
Bejeweled Champagne Flutes
Queen of Hearts Window Box
Sweetheart Candy Box
Waxed Roses
Cigar Box Love Shrine
Valentine Collage Shadow Box



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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: Valentine's Day

Dive into luxury with honey and sugar this weekend! It's a gentle easy-to-make scrub.
Caramel Body Polish
From Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life

Supplies:
1 glass or plastic jar
1/2 cup of dark honey
1/4 cup of white cornmeal
1/4 cup of grape seed oil
1 tablespoon of sugar
20 drops of mint flavoring (if desired)
Mixing bowl and spoon
Assorted patterned papers, pictures, rubber stamps, glue stick

Directions: Combine the honey and cornmeal in the bowl and microwave for 15 seconds until the mixture thins. Add in the remaining ingredients and blend with spoon. You are ready to go! This is a simple, tasty sugar scrub that you can use straight from the bowl to rub on feet, elbows or other areas of your body that need softening. Apply in a circular motion. Rinse off with warm water.

Store excess in a jar with a rubber sealed lid. Use the glue stick, papers, pictures and rubber stamps to decorate the jar. Using a permanent marker, write the date on the bottom of the jar. Unopened, the mixture will keep for three months. If you plan to keep it by the tub, use a plastic jar for storage.




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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: beauty, food crafts, Valentine's Day

I'm not a diamond and roses kind of girl, but I'm a sucker for chocolate, especially the kind that comes in a big heart-shaped box. It's not about the flavor of the contents, but more the container itself. To me, it presents an opportunity for red-hot crafty pleasure.

Instead of ditching your box after the treats are eaten, vamp it up with fabric, texture cream, decoupaged images and altered art embellishments. Use it to store this year's rose petals, love notes, cards and any other little trinkets that you received. Or decorate the box and fill with cookies or other baked goods and give it as a gift. Even better, go for the 99-cent version, eat the confections while you craft , fill it with other candies and give it to the kids. It's a win-win situation.

Here are the 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: Valentine's Day

I can't stress enough how proud I am of these cards. This is restraint people. You have no idea how much I wanted to load them up with paint and sequins, but I held back. This is Crafty Chica gone minimalist. What do you think?

Anyway, I made these sweetly simple cards from The Valentine Kit by Chronicle Books. Fun stuff!

Sometimes I don't want to start from scratch. That's where crafty kits come into play.

I recently discovered The Valentine Kit, by Carey Jones (Chronicle Books, $12.95), and my life hasn't been the same since. The little box is stuffed with 10 cards and envelopes, 10 sheets of patterned paper, a sticker sheet, stencil and three yards of ribbon.

An included color booklet has design recipes, instructions, ideas and my favorite - trivia! Did you know that, according to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated 1 billion valentine cards are sent each year in the United States? I wonder how many are handmade.

You can think about that while cutting and pasting your way to love. I made these cards using everything in the kit (except the glitter; that was my added touch). The Valentine Kit is available at local bookstores or at amazon.com or bn.com.
Handmade Valentines
Inspired from The Valentine Kit, by Carey Jones

Supplies
1 blank card
2 sheets of patterned paper
Heart stencil/template
Envelope
Ribbon
Ruler
Pencil
Scissors
Craft knife
Glue stick or double sided tape
Hole punch
White craft glue
Loose glitter

Directions: Take one sheet of patterned paper, measure and cut to fit the inside area of the card (this will serve as the lining). Open the card so the inside is face up and adhere the paper using a glue stick or double-sided tape.

Flip the card over, trace the heart stencil on the front and cut out with craft knife. Run a thin bead of white craft glue around the outside edge of the heart and sprinkle glitter over it. Let dry.

To line the envelope, cut the other piece of patterned paper to fit inside the envelope from the top of the flap to about halfway down. Affix in place and fold flap on crease. Embellish the inside of the card as desired.

Tips and variations: It's good to keep the card lining a light shade so you can write on it. By using an array of red and pink papers you can mix and match to make a collection of similar looking cards.

* 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: collage/paper, 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.

Crafty event of the week: Red Scarf Project. The Orphan Foundation of America has teamed with Einstein Bros. Bagels to collect 2,500 knitted or crocheted red scarves (or other unisex color, such as black, blue, green or yellow) so they can be distributed to college-attending foster youth for Valentine's Day. Donate a handmade scarf and receive a free bagel. Scarves should be approximately 60 inches long and suitable for male or female. If possible, each scarf should have a tag securely attached that reads: Handmade for You (with your name, city and group affiliation, if any). Drop off at any Einstein's shop during regular business hours, Sunday through next Saturday. For more information, visit orphan.org.

***
* 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: lights, Valentine's Day

Every week I get dozens of e-mails from curious crafters from all over the country seeking tips and techniques.

So imagine my delight last year when Kitty Harmon and Christine Stickler contacted me for a brief interview for their new book Wild With a Glue Gun: Getting Together With Crafty Friends (Northlight Books, $19.99). It's bright, vivid and playful, and celebrates the global village of crafting with 65 creative projects.
Chocolate Box Valentine
(from Wild With a Glue Gun)

Supplies
Heart-shaped chocolate box
Assorted acrylic paints and brushes
Collage materials
Found objects and scrapbooking embellishments (see below)
Copper tape
Mod Podge
White glue
Seed beads
Rickrack ribbon
Angel wings (can be found in doll-making supplies area).

Gather collage materials: clippings of images and words from magazines, wrapping paper or old books, stamped images, dried flowers, tissue paper, etc. Focus on items that will convey a message of love. Remove the chocolate from the box and eat it as you apply a layer of acrylic paint over the inside and outside of your box. You can use the lid to make another Valentine, but for now set it aside.

Sort through the collage pieces and lay out the ones you intend to use. Begin fitting them into the box, cutting the pieces to size. Begin with the walls of the box and apply a layer of Mod Podge. Apply the pieces and smooth them with your fingers from their centers outward. Overlap edges if you wish or leave gaps where the painted surface can show through. Cover the inside bottom of the box, using typical collage techniques; build up several layers in imagery in places to make it look more interesting.

Finish with collage materials around the outside of the box. Let dry for several hours. Seal the box by coating with Mod Podge. Let dry. Run glue around the inside edge of the box and press in a string of seed beads. Cut excess bead string after the glue has dried. Use glue again to attach rickrack around the edge of the box. Trim the edges with copper tape to give it a finished look.

String a piece of copper wire for hanging through two holes drilled in the flange. Cut the angel wings in half and glue to the back of the box on both sides. Glue or tape excess wire to the back of the box and hang.

* 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: collage/paper, Valentine's Day

Here's something I made in a cinch. I took a frame and glued the glass intact. I measured and cut a piece of mat board to fit the outer edges of the frame and created a layered, dimensional collage (you can't really tell it is dimensional by the picture, but trust me!). I then sealed the backing to the frame and attached a saw tooth picture hanger. Any frame will work, it's a super way to transform it from bland to beautiful in just a few minutes! Every year Patrick leaves me a Valentine's love letter under my pillow. I plan on framing them all in this way, along with a picture in there too and maybe a sugar packet or matchbook from the restaurant we dine at that night.
* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: home decor, Valentine's Day

You can never have too many boxes! This one, made from picture frames, is great for holding candy on the coffee table or cotton balls in the ladies room.

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 gra beads
Dice
e6000 and hot glue
Large doll head (wood ball with flat side)
Felt tabs

DIREX: Remove the glass and spray paint the frames, let dry. 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. Replace glass. Use e6000 and hot glue to glue the frames together in a box shape. The hot glue will allow them to secure while the e6000 dries. Glue on the chipboard, trim any excess. Set box upright and use the squeeze paint to affix the playing cards to the glass, add beads to borders, etc. Decorate the top frame and glue a ball to the top. Add felt tabs to the bottom side of the top. Glue dice for feet.
* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: Valentine's Day

Awwww...Don't you just love old-fashioned Valentines and candy? Here's a way to make them last forever. Use the box to store love notes and such. BTW - I got the v-card at Archie McPhee.

SUPPLIES:
Cigar Box
Paint, brushes
Old Valentine (make a color copy)
Various candies
White craft glue
Varnish

DIREX: Paint the box. Glue the picture on the top and apply a thin layer of white glue on top of the picture as well. Use hot glue or ultra tacky glue to attach canies all over. Seal with varnish. It'll look nice and shiny!
* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: food crafts, Valentine's Day

Don't be sad when the roses your lover gave you begin to wilt. Keep the buds in your vase - and your relationship - intact by waxing your roses. Not only do they look as gorgeous as that Victoria's Secret nightie you bought, they'll last a long time!

Supplies:
Double boiler
Paraffin Wax
Paper towels
Oven mitts
Large wood or metal spoon
String and clip (like a clothesline)

Directions: Place the paper towels under the clothesline so the wax won't get on the floor. Heat the wax in the double boiler according to package directions. Put on the oven mitts and pick up one of the roses and insert it in the wax. Use the spoon to drip it on hard-to-get areas (like the center). Clip it upside down on the clothesline. Note: Strip the leaves ahead of time, or wax them too. Who wants a perky flower with saggy leaves? Not us!
* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: flowers, Valentine's Day

I love making cigar box shrines! Especially when love is involved!
Supplies:
Cigar box
Scrapbook papers
Pictures
Small objects (glitter, sequins, etc)
Romantic epherma
Glue gun, paper glue stick, E6000

Directions:
Line the back of the box with the paper. Center your favorite picture in the center. Add other objects all around.
* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: Latin-inspired, recycled, shrines, Valentine's Day

These were paper lights that I knew were perfect for decoupaging!


***
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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: lights, Valentine's Day