by Kathy Cano-Murillo - Mar. 22, 2003 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

Everyone knows that reading books is more than just turning pages. It's also about finding the perfect spot to relax and soak up the topic du jour. So how does this relate to crafting?

Bookmarks.

There are so many ways to make these marvelous markers that it should be a crime to buy one or - even worse - fold the corners of the pages. Before you crack the spine, take an artsy break to invent your own bookmark. Painting on watercolor paper or adding fabric stiffener to strips of material are great methods, but they can be time-consuming. After all, you do have a book to read.


Here's a fun method to make handmade bookmarks that can be classy or colorful and is simple enough for kids. These markers also make great gifts for friends and family.


Beaded thread bookmarks

Supplies
Embroidery thread in assorted colors
Assorted beads
Scissors

Directions: Cut three to four strands of embroidery thread in desired colors, each measuring 12 inches long. Gather them in your hand so the ends are even. Tie a knot in the center of the strands to connect them. Tie a knot 2 inches down on each strand on both ends. Take one strand and string two or three beads, and tie a knot to hold them in place. Repeat the process for the other strands.

TIPS AND VARIATIONS: For beads with small holes, separate the strands of embroidery thread into thinner lengths. If you are making a bookmark for a particular book, cut thread into longer or shorter strands to accommodate the size. Use letter beads to spell out a name or word that goes with the theme of your book. For a fancier look, use embellished threads from a scrapbook store.


***
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: beads, crafty lit

by Kathy Cano-Murillo - Sept. 14, 2002 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

Bernie Lawitz can always tell when someone enters his store for the first time.

“There's always that of look of confusion,” he says.

Then they say, “Oh my God.”

The name of his outlet — Beads Galore — explains why. The multiroom warehouse houses has thousands of beautiful baubles that are ready to be strung, threaded, crimped and woven. Although the shop has been an artistic mainstay in Tempe for more than 16 years, beading has only recently emerged as a popular mainstream activity. It's not just artists who are designing wearable art nowadays, it's also the part-time crafter.

“I'm not at all intimidated at the thought of designing my own accessories,” says 30-year-old Minnie Torres-Andrade, a full time marketing consultant. “I always steal ideas from things I see in stores. I'll think, ‘That looks so simple. I bet I can make my own for a lot less money in the exact colors I want.' Especially if I have an outfit and I want something to go with it that is unique and different.”

Lawitz welcomes those fresh faces that cross his threshold day after day. Many novices to Lawitz's store find their initial introduction overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. A safe — and fashionable — place to start is with elasticized bead bracelets that are a hot item in boutiques and department stores.

The first step is to decide on a color scheme and the number of bracelets you'd like, and then survey the goods before making a selection. Lawitz suggests a budget of approximately $30. He adds that those who feel they are creatively impaired should just relax and enjoy the process.

“Buying enough materials to make six bracelets equals the cost of buying one from someplace else,” he says. “It's silly to buy a pre-made bracelet. If you can dress yourself in the morning and choose the right colors, you should be able to string a bracelet the same way. There is no right and wrong.”

Phoenix artist Jennifer Meyers is a shining example of his mantra.

Her passion for beading began 10 years ago when she needed a special accessory to match an outfit. Nothing at the store appealed to her, so she took matters into her own hands (literally). The experience led to a new endeavor future. She now works full time producing beaded jewelry that she sells on the Internet and at local jewelry shows. Her work is so appealing that she often sells pieces she's wearing. right off her arms.

“I was at my own baby shower, and I had my beaded bracelets on, and the women were like, ‘Oh where did you get that?'” she says with a laugh. “I ended up selling them off my arms at my own shower.

“I also once sold earrings from my ears to a cashier at the supermarket. Of course, I cleaned them for her first.”

The 32-year-old considers beading a mess-free method of self-expression. It takes several cases to hold her materials, which are sorted according to size, shape and color. In addition, she has portable boxes that allow her to work while when she is away from home.

“It's so easy to get addicted to all the supplies,” she says with a tone of caution. “You start amassing all this stuff before you can even use it all. It can get expensive. I say, try to set limits when you go into a supply store. Tell yourself you are only going to spend ‘X' amount of dollars. Remind yourself that you can always go in again.”

Elastic bauble bracelets

Supplies:
1 package of Stretch Magic elastic cording
Assorted beads
Small jump rings
Assorted charms
Scissors
Needle-nose pliers

Directions: Use the needle-nose pliers to attach the charms to the small jump rings. Measure your wrist, cut a piece of the elastic two inches longer, and tie a knot at one end. Begin to string the beads in your desired pattern, interspersing the charms as you go. When you reach the desired length, tightly tie both ends of the elastic together and trim excess.

Variations: For a more refined-looking bracelet, use wire, thread or memory wire and secure with crimps and clasps.


***
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: beads, jewelry, wearable art

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!

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

It was a tiny secret that took years to be revealed.
When my Patrick and I first dated, I had just purchased a new perfume. I loved it and used it lavishly. Our relationship flourished and I connected my eau de toilette with the passion. But when the romance ran out, so did the fragrance.

Patrick and I eventually reunited, and it was five happy years into our matrimony when I came across a beauty catalog. There on the front cover was a promotion celebrating the relaunch of some old favorites -- including my saucy scent.
I was so excited. This was my chance to right the wrong. I bought the huge economy size, spritzed it on and waited for any retro romantic reaction.

He didn't mention a word, much less come near me.

Figuring his allergies were acting up, I went for another round of the perfume, but I couldn't find it.

"Have you seen my new perfume?" I asked.

"Hmmm, it's not there?" he innocently replied. "Oh, just let it go, honey, I like the perfume you have now."

"But I got it as a surprise for you!" I said, with a big smile. "Don't you remember the smell? It's the one I used to wear when we were first dating!"

There was a pause, and then the horrifying reply.

"OK, I hid it," he confessed. "I never wanted to hurt your feelings then, or now, but dang! That perfume is skanky-smelling! The whole time we were dating I dreaded it, but you liked it so much. ... Please don't put me through that again!"

So I found out the hard way that if only I had asked him long ago, perhaps we would never have ended our courtship the first time. You think?

Anyway, I dedicate this Beaded Bottle Topper project to my hubby. May he find the perfect perfume to go with one of these bottles.

Supplies
* 3 glass, painted or wood beads in assorted sizes
* 3 seed beads
* 1 hatpin
* 1 bag of assorted-size corks
* Glass bottle (any size)
Directions: Match the beads' color scheme with the room where you will display your bottle. Arrange the beads on the hatpin, leaving 1 inch at the bottom. Choose a cork that fits your bottle. Carefully push the beaded pin into the middle of the cork and place into bottle.

Tip: Fill with colored mouthwash for added dimension, or glue other beads around the lip.


***
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: beads, home decor, recycled

Hand stitch beaded fringe to the top of your jeans!

***
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: beads, wearable, wearable art