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The Crafty Chica DIY Project Library: a collection of fabulous handmade ideas by Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica! Tuesday, December 01, 2009Lighten Up Lampshade  Don’t keep your creativity in the dark; shed some light with a collage of color! Crafty Chica Tango Permanent Fabric Makers are perfect for taking a boring old lampshade from drab to fab; add spicy accents with Crafty Chica Little Chica Paint Packs and Paint Writers and display anywhere that needs a pop of personality!
Instructions
** 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: collage/paper, lights, paint Sunday, October 11, 2009Shimmery Skeleton Shadow Box  Give your home or office a touch of shimmery delight with a shadow box decorated in vibrant Crafty Chica Chunky Glitters! Add images from your favorite Crafty Chica Inspiration Cards for a daily pick-me-up!
Instructions
** 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: collage/paper, Day of the Dead, glitter, shrines Mixed Media Collages Collage canvases are a great way to express yourself and add a pop of color and design to your surroundings. Check out Google images for calacas to use as your focal point. Keep in mind, most images are copyrighted, but you can use them as long as you don't sell them! Supplies: Blank canvas Crafty Chica Tango Fabric Markers Aleene's Collage Pauge Tissue Paper Assorted images, stencils, stamps Crafty Chica Paints Directions: 1. Write a poem, phrase, or random words on the canvas. 2. Coat with a layer of decoupage medium and add a layer of tissue paper, add a coat over the that. Let dry. 3. Add images, stenciled designers, stamped words. 4. Add glitter accents if desired. TIP: Add painted designs to highlight certain areas.  ** 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: collage/paper, Day of the Dead, paint Matchbook Shrines  This is an exclusive project I made for dead.azcentral.com, CLICK HERE for printable directions and all kinds of other educational info about Dia de los Muertos! ** 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: collage/paper, Day of the Dead, party favors, shrines Thursday, April 16, 2009Artist Trading Card Mirrors Last month I lead a craft cruise of 50 women from all across the country. Few of us knew each other, so I suggested we all make artist trading cards to trade with one another as an artsy introduction. By the end of the first night, we bonded. We went on to glitter, paint, glue, stitch, giggle, and even sing for four solid days at sea. As with any vacation, the hardest part was saying goodbye. A month has passed since the trip, and I still think of these wonderful new friends every day. I took out the cards I received and decided to incorporate them into my décor so I could enjoy them daily. I still have four more frames to make, but I love how my first two came out. If you have never made artist trading cards, they are simply playing card-size works of art that you create. Use a glue stick to make fun collages that relay your personality. Add pictures, phrases, and motifs. Some people go as far as incorporating embossed designs, wax, fabric and more. You can make this a family project and have everyone decorate a card, or coordinate a secret mission and have them made for a loved one’s birthday or other celebration! While each one will be a stand-out piece, once you unite them on a frame, they will make for a stunning and sentimental collection. Artist Trading Card Frames Supplies: Malma mirror (from IKEA) Rubber stamps Ink pads Assorted artist trading cards Double-sided adhesive tape Assorted strands of fibers Eyescrew Picture hanger Directions: Use your stamp and ink pad to add a design to the front of the frame. Let the ink dry. Set out your cards and take time to arrange them in an appealing layout. Use decorative scissors to trim cards if necessary. Once you find a layout you like, apply the adhesive tape to secure them to the frame. Attach the eyescrew to the bottom of the frame. Cut 5-6 strands of assorted, contrasting fibers to 12”. Tie them through the eyescrew. Attach the picture hanger. Special thanks to all the cruisers who gave me one of their treasured cards! I love them so much!!!Peace, love, and glitter! Kathy :-) ** 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: collage/paper, home decor Friday, March 13, 2009"I'm Stressed, So I'll Glue Lots of Tiny Things Down!" Wall Art I made the base of this on the last day of the CHA convention in January (remember this frightening image?). The crowds had left and we had time to spend at other booths. The entire week of the show, I wanted triple-bad to visit the Liquid Fusion corner of our Duncan booth. There was this sweet glass artist (Ack! I forgot her name!!) who made beautiful collages in old windows, and her table was smashed with people everytime I looked over there. I wanted in onthe fun! I finally had my chance so I savored every second! Using Liquid Fusion and handfuls of micro beads and toys, the idea was to create a collage on glass. Well, mine kinda spilled out over to the wood. It had been such a busy week, every minute allocated to a meeting or demo - by the last few hours of the show, my eyes were glazed over and I could not stop gluing tiny trinket after tiny trinket. I even glued them on top of each other! It was such a pressure-release. A very relaxing expereince. So much, I could have smoked a cigarette aferwards. Alas, I don't smoke, so I ate a piece of chocolate. Once I arrived home, I had no idea what to do with this thing. I liked it, but I couldn't think of anything functional to make with it. A few ideas came to mind, but I just wanted EASY. I had been cleaning out my workroom, and one day I took a large tin milagro, glued it in the center and framed the whole deal in Mardi Gras beads. I drilled two holes on top, added ribbon and now I have a ridiculously funky door hanger. In case you are feeling stressed, and would like to make one for your home, here are some loose directions. Buy a wide, flat wood frame. Flip it over and glue the glass down from the back. Using all kinds of tiny found objects like beads, charms, letter beads, gumball toys, etc, glue them all down one by one on the glass and the wood. Let it dry. Flip it over and spray paint the back of the glass red to give it some contrast. Glue or hammer on a centerpiece design, hot glue beaded trim and drill two holes at the top and thread a ribbon through. Tie off and hang! FUNNY SIDE NOTE: See the squares of images glued in the upper left corner and bottom right? Those are from the bracelet I wore that day. I made it to wear for the convention and ended up "ripping" off the squares from the base, just so I could use them in this frame project. There are some people who will use anything that is NOT glued down. But there are those of use who WILL use stuff that is glued down! If you are one of those types too, here is a cyber high-five! Woot! Woot! Peace, love, and glitter! Kathy :-) P.S. Check out my new book and product line! Labels: beads, collage/paper Wednesday, February 25, 2009Safety Pin Bracelets
You made it through Adventures in Safety Pins, Part One.
Now you can see what I mean when I say my safety pin bracelet mojo has left the building. My building. I must have downed way too much java when I assembled these wrist monstrosities. I would have done away with them, but I spent so much time, I thought I'd share them. What the heck? I'm still on a mission to use up as much crafty leftovers as I can after cleaning out the art room. I have buckets of charms and beads. And safety pins. And bracelet findings. OK, on with it! 1. This first one I kinda of feel comfortable with, only because my daughter said she would totally wear this to school. I used too many odd sized beads and the pins didn't sit right. But she approved it, so we are good to go.  2. I strung the pins on vertically, and added yarn for more texture. My daughter hated the yarn. She said she would not wear this to school. Whatever! It is kinda spazzy though.  3. *Clear throat* This was after a quad mocha. My daughter refused to even let it touch her skin. It is level three "mixed media". You know what though? I like this one and am going to wear it! It has a chain base and I used the safety pins in place of jump rings. I added gobs-o-charms and yarn.  Peace, love, and glitter! Kathy :-) P.S. Check out my new book and product line! ** 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: collage/paper, jewelry, recycled Monday, December 01, 2008The Crafter's Good Energy Shrine  Here is a shrine I made to bring me (and my craft table) good energy. I used all kinds of crafty knick knacks to hopefully help me come up with clever ideas for you, and for my sewing machine never get stuck or the tension get messed up in the middle of a fabric collage, and for the glue gun not to freeze up and that most importantly, people (myself included) like the end result of whatever it is I'm making!! All hail the crafter's shrine! Here is how to make it: Right click on the image below and print it out. It is a collage I made! Affix the picture to foamcore. Add glitter to the edges. Gather up all kinds of craft supplies - mini versions. Take a cigar box, cut off the lid. Stand the box upright and glue the lid to the bottom of the box so it serves as a base. Cover the box with paint, glitter and scrapbook paper. Hot glue the picture in the center. Add the other embellishments. this is also a great way to use up your craft stash! Gather up those mini-flowers and put them to use! To make the peak at the top of the box, simply cut a triangle of foamcore and cover it with paper.  (Right click and print)*** Don't worry, be crafty! Buy Crafty Chica books & art supplies at Amazon.com! Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2008. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com Labels: collage/paper, empowerment crafts, shrines Monday, November 17, 2008Collage Watch Charms By Kathy Cano-Murillo Special for The Arizona Republic November 15, 2008 I’m a sucker for any kind of old jewelry, especially if it comes cheap. Recently I was at a thrift store and purchased a perky collection of unfixable men’s watches. Anything that has a deep-dish element is always considered an asset in my crafty mind. I converted my newfound treasures into wearable shadowbox-like pendants, rings, and bracelets. These can also be used as holiday ornaments, fan/light pulls, wall art, etc. Although, I love wearing them. They make me think about the dashing gents who originally splurged on the timepieces. It feels good to put the watches back in the spotlight! Collage Watch Charms Supplies: Old men’s watches (from flea market or thrift store) Extra strength adhesive Decorative art paper or paint Images copied to glossy photo paper Micro glitter Sequins, crystals or other tiny objects White craft glue Two-part resin 2 large jump rings Headpins, beads, needle nose pliers Necklace hardware, ring blanks, or pin backs Directions: Take apart the watch by removing the back. Keep a few of the smaller pieces for your design, and set aside the rest. Add a thin line of extra strength adhesive along the lip of the backing and replace it. Let dry. This will prevent the resin from seeping out of the seam. Line the back of the watch “window” with paint or white craft glue and art paper. Line the edges with glue and micro glitter. Cut out your image and set it inside. Add any other small items. Mix the resin according to the package directions and fill the watch. Let set overnight until the resin is hardened. Add the jump ring to the top, and then add the chain. Add ring another to the bottom. Slide the beads on the heads pins and use the needle nose pliers to attach them. Tip on resin: Blow out air bubbles with a straw. Variation: You can also thread a ribbon through the openings (or a watchband!) and wear it on your wrist. You can also use vintage women’s watches – they are much smaller but you can fit in a charm or button. *** See my new product line at select Michaels stores or buy online at Amazon.com! Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com Labels: collage/paper, jewelry, mantastic crafts, resin Wednesday, November 12, 2008Crafty lit: Mystery-inspired book! Originally published for MyLifetime.com.Needlepoint mysteries seem a little campy, maybe a bit corny. Think Scooby Doo meets Martha Stewart. Hello, guilty pleasure! But with titles like "Sins and Needles," "Knitting Bones," "Thai Die," "Framed in Lace" and "Crewel World" (all by Monica Ferris), who can pass them up? Here's the ideal project: Secret Book Box. Open the front cover of a vintage hardback book. Clamp the pages down to the back cover and glue edges; let dry. Keep the front cover open, draw a square on the first page and use a craft knife to cut through the pages all the way to the back cover. Depress the top page and brush white craft glue on inside edges of the square. Let dry. You've just created a secret compartment inside what looks like a regular book! *** See my new product line at select Michaels stores or buy online at Amazon.com! Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com Labels: collage/paper, crafty lit, empowerment crafts, recycled Saturday, October 11, 2008Storybox Shrine (Click on image for a closer view)This a shrine I made for our Heard Museum exhibit. I took a long wood box, added some walls to create "windows", and then added all kinds of little trinkets and things. First you want to base coat the entire piece, and then paint the outside edges in a contrasting color. I went with red and hot pink. Next you want to make a background for each window. you can use paint, glitter, textured paper, anything! Next, work on one little space at a time. I made each little window tell a story. It's a very personal piece, even though it just looks like a bunch of things glued in there! *** See my new product line at select Michaels stores or buy online at Amazon.com! Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com Labels: collage/paper, glitter, recycled Frida Power Journal Blank journals come in handy for everything from grocery lists to art collages, to writing down our lifelong wish list. But don’t you think the outside of your journal should be as exciting as what’s inside? If you take time to pretty up the cover, it will increase the chances of you taking time to write in it everyday. And only good things can come from that! Designed by Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica Materials List
Instructions 1. Glue purple paper to the cover of the journal. Use your fingers to smooth out any bubbles. 3. Fill in the rest of the spaces with added swirls of yarn, more pictures, trims and glitter. Add white craft glue to the areas where you would like to place the glitter, then pour glitter over the glue. Pour excess glitter remaining on journal onto a sheet of paper. 4. Don’t limit yourself to the cover! There are plenty of supplies in the box, so have fun and use them on the inside pages too! *** See my new product line at select Michaels stores or buy online at Amazon.com! Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com Labels: collage/paper, paper Easy Love Shrine Materials List Instructions
*** See my new product line at select Michaels stores or buy online at Amazon.com! Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com Labels: collage/paper, shrines Yarn Heart Shadow Box Turn any wood frame into a glittery hanging of love! Supplies: 1 large frame 1 sheet of foam core 1 large Styrofoam heart Crafty Chica Paint Pack Aleene's Original Tacky Glue Chunky red yarn Crafty Chica Pop Star Purple Glitter Hot glue Collage Pauge Instant Decoupage Brushes Cut the foam core to fit the back of the frame. Secure it with hot glue. Use the Tacky Glue to adhere the heart in the center. Let dry. Paint the frame green, the inner background purple and the heart red. Work section by section and coat an area with the decoupage medium, and then the purple glitter. Do this until the surface is completely covered. Now add Tacky Glue to the front of the heart and wrap the yarn around the heart. Let dry. Add details to the frame. Use two eye hooks to hang to another decorated shadow box!  *** See my new product line at select Michaels stores or buy online at Amazon.com! Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com Labels: collage/paper, glitter, home decor Monday, September 22, 2008Fabric Collage Lantern I made this using unprimed canvas and fabric swatches. I added all kinds of other random elements. I sewed a hem on each end and used 1/4" dowels to slip in. Hung ribbon and yarn from the edges. It's very dreamy! On the other side I stamped words on it and used other stamps and chunky glitter for accent! And my Bollywood Blue glitter of course!! If you look close you can see the Crafty Chica Chihuahua patch and the cupcake one too! The star patch is a prototype that never made it to the final round. *** See my new product line at select Michaels stores or buy online at Amazon.com! Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com Labels: collage/paper, fabric Friday, September 12, 2008PROJECT: Latina Power End Table The picture doesn't do it justice!It took forever to make! I used all my Crafty Chica Mojito Papers and then sealed it all with Aleene's/Traci Bautista's Sparkles Collage Pauge. The glitter in it is amazing - all different shades of translucent heaven!  I sealed it all under a thick coat of two-part resin.To make this, I first basecoated the dresser with my Crafty Chica paints. Next, I painted over the inset of the drawer with the Collage Pauge and then covered it with glitter. I let it dry and then added swirls of Tulip 3D Fashion Paint (Ruby Glitter). I let that dry and then covered it with resin. I then used Aleene's Tacky Spray and covered the sides of the dresser with purple Day of the Dead oilcloth. Just to make sure it stuck well, I peeled down each edge and painted on a coat of Aleene's Original Tacky Glue. Next I made my paper collage on the top. I used paper images, glitter, stencils and even stickers. I then added two coats of Collage Pauge. Let it dry and then did a little (lot) resin action. I then used Aleene's Tacky Spray to add Indian paper to the shelves I (found it at IKEA). Next I used AOTG to glue down the flat backed cubes all around, and then trimmed the whole darn thing in Mardi Gras beads (red, teal and hot pink). Oh, and shells too.  I still need to add a flashy adornment to the drawer knob! I had such a blast making this! To think I bought this dresser at Goodwill for cheap! It is sturdy, chunky and was even made in Mexico! I'm going to use it in my "inspiration corner" in my room.  (before) *** See my new product line at select Michaels stores or buy online at Amazon.com! Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com Labels: collage/paper, furniture, Latin-inspired, paint, paper Wednesday, August 13, 2008VIDEO: Glittery Shadow Box Here is the link in case you can't see it! **** *** CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com! Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com Labels: collage/paper, crafty video, LifetimeTV Monday, June 23, 2008Postcard greetings Have craft supplies, will travel. Just because you are going on vacation doesn't mean you have to leave your scissors and glue stick at home. Pack a thin minicrafting kit so you can whip up custom greeting cards to send to friends and family back home. As you buy your postcards, take a minute (honest, that's all the time this project will take) and glue them to the front of blank cards so you have more room to share your getaway adventures. This project is a great way to pass the time on the road and is mess-free. To make it even speedier, prep the blank cards with scrapbook paper and foam core before leaving on your trip. Postcard greetings Supplies Postcards Blank notecards (jumbo size) Scrapbook paper Glue stick Thin sheet of foam core Scissors Directions: Cut the scrapbook paper to fit the cover of the card. Affix in place with the glue stick. To add a lifted "dimension" to the card's look, cut a 1- by 3-inch piece of foam core and glue it in the center. Trim the white edges from the postcard and glue to the foam core. You can embellish with eyelets, decorative staples, brads, small crystals, ribbon and rubber stamps. Variation: Make a set of cards, wrap them in a ribbon and give them as a gift. Instead of using them as cards, insert in matted frames and hang as wall art. Look for gift shops that carry boxes of postcards. That way all the cards will have a similar theme.  AND - if you like the postcards (Romance Pulp Postcard Box) I used, here is where you can buy them! *** 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: collage/paper, summer/4th of July Monday, February 25, 2008Mexican Cowgirl Collage I was going through old photos and came across this one I made a few years back. It's an altered vintage Mexican cowgirl postcard layered (foam core in between) on top of collage paper I made. Add a frame, and boom! Instant art for your walls! *** CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com! Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com Labels: collage/paper, multi-culti Thursday, January 24, 2008VIDEO: Patchwork Paper
I've been so busy, I've been forgetting to post my LifetimeTv.com videos for Crafting With the Chica!
 (This piece is not finished yet...) This one is how I make use of my paper scraps. I'm a fiber junkie and won't even dream about tossing out my scraps. So this is how I pass the time when I'm nervous, bored, feel like sewing something easy, or just need cool paper for a project.... LINK *** CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com! Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com Labels: collage/paper, crafty video, LifetimeTV, paper, recycled Sunday, January 20, 2008Love Pouches A person can never say, "I love you," too much. In fact, I think we should come up with different romantic phrases, and deliver the message in any and all creative ways possible. Skywriting, the JumboTron and singing telegrams are sweet, but kind of cliche. Think small and secretive. Make a list of your favorite "love" phrases, quotes or fortunes, type them up and print them out on paper. Cut them to the size of small slips (fortune-cookie size). If you don't want to go the predictable "Roses are red, violets are blue" route, use specific memories. Pick all the best moments from your relationship and summarize each one in a sentence or two. Insert them into these cute little pouches made from heart-shaped doilies. Fill them with small Valentine-themed candy and then hide the pouches randomly around the house where your object of affection will find them. If you want to make a game out of it, put a love-themed clue or riddle inside each one and make the person give you the correct answer so they can receive their prize! I used paper doilies for this project, but you can use anything: fabric, card stock, scrapbook paper, vellum paper, even lightweight wire mesh. If you are using solid color paper or doilies, make the most of the white space by embellishing with stickers, fibers, rubber stamps and embossing powder. Doilies and paints can be found at the craft store. Romantic images seen in my sample project are from www.ArtChixStudio.com. Supplies 4 white paper heart doilies per pouch 1 glue stick Assorted paper dyes, rubber stamps, embossing powder, colored markers, etc. (I used spray-on glass paint) Choice of: hot glue gun, double-sided tape, needle and thread or sewing machine Small lightweight candies Love fortunes printed on small pieces of paper Directions: Using the glue stick, affix two doilies together for the front, and repeat for the back of your pouch. This is to make sure the pouch is sturdy enough to hold the candies. Decorate as desired using rubber stamps, inks, embossing powders, etc. Let dry. Line up the doilies that will be the front and back, and seal the edges all the way around, except for a small portion at the bottom, so you can pour in the contents. Add the candies in the pouch and insert one of the love notes. Seal the opening. Repeat to make multiple pouches. Hide them, or arrange them in a pretty box and give out as favors. You also can present them in small gift boxes for the recipient. Alternatives: Instead of doilies, use painted watercolor paper, with holes punched in it. To make your doily pouches even sturdier, line with tissue or vellum paper. *** CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com! Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com Labels: collage/paper, Valentine's Day Wednesday, January 02, 2008Resolution Collage Calendar That's really not me in that calendar picture. But sometimes visualization is the only way to reach your goals! Especially when it comes to weight loss. I made this calendar in 2006 and am working on a new one! Like everyone else and their grandma, I'm set on shedding some extra poundage. I'm breaking a sweat to lose weight in time for the huge Craft and Hobby trade show next month when my product line debuts to the industry. However, I need to prepare for the oncoming plateau. Maybe if I could see what I'd look like thinner, I wouldn't be as tempted to suck down that triple venti mocha. So it has come to this. Pasting my head on someone else's body for motivation. And what better place to keep it on display than on a wall calendar? Especially now when you can find them at the dollar stores, or discounted at bookshops. I call it my resolution collage calendar. I've decorated each month with an inspirational altered art assemblage themed to my New Year's resolution. You can do the same. If you want to write a book this year, make a collage of yourself sitting at a typewriter, or a cut out a picture of a book and put your name on the cover. It can also work for redoing a house, traveling, romance and more. Not to sound like Tyra Banks, but if you can see it, you can do it! Supplies 1 2008 calendar from the discount bin or dollar store 12 pieces of scrapbook paper cut to fit the size of the calendar page Assorted pictures, or scrapbook embellishments A headline you want printed out from your computer, or handwritten Glue stick Scissors Directions: Remove the centerpiece of cardboard that comes with the new calendar and cut 12 pieces of scrapbook paper to fit it. Use a glue stick to attach one to the top of each month's spread on the calendar. If you want to get fancy, you can cut the edges of the scrapbook paper with decorative edged scissors or just rip it with your hands. Starting with the first month, assemble your collage on the blank space of the scrapbook paper. You can use ink, dimensional embellishments, anything you'd like. Give your page a headline by printing out your resolution for that month. Hang your calendar up in a place where you'll see it all the time. Variations: There are so many ways to alter a calendar. You can take pictures from an old calendar you love and use them as the centerpiece for your collages on the new calendar. Make little windows and flaps that have secret messages. *** CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com! Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com Labels: collage/paper, crafty video, empowerment crafts, LifetimeTV Friday, December 21, 2007Mini-Toy Wreath (video)(Yes, that is my front door, and yes it is teal.) Here is a new "Crafting With the Chica" holiday video that went up this week on LifetimeTV. I'm just not into "pretty" decorations when it comes to decking out my house in December. This wreath proves that. I actually got inspired for this project last year when my friend Margot sent me a bag of crafty goodies. There were mini-tubes of toothpastes, plastic lemons, etc. I added in some of my own items too and the result is a kooky, kitschy, but still quite festive holiday wreath. And half way through, I even give a shout out to Margot! Thank you again for the treats, I love them!! Here is the video. If it does not play, just click here to see it on the LifetimeTV.com site. Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com Labels: collage/paper, crafty video, holiday, LifetimeTV Saturday, December 08, 2007Bottlecap Tree! Turn your revelry into bottle-cap tree Kathy Cano-Murillo Special for the Republic Dec. 8, 2007 12:00 AM In our house the holiday season means lots of parties. Between family and friends, and imported beers and sodas, I'm always left with an abundance of bottle caps. When you are a hopeless craftaholic like myself, you see each one as a mini picture frame. I can't even think of tossing them out. I recently arranged them all together and came out with this cool collage tree decoration. I used vintage holiday images from ARTchixStudio.com, but you also can use personal photos, as long as you shrink them to fit in the bottle cap. Bottle Cap Picture Tree Supplies: Holiday images (color copies of personal or other photos) 1-inch circle punch Hot glue gun 75-80 silver bottle caps Aleene's Paper Glaze (in bottle that has long skinny nozzle) Micro fine gold glitter 1 foam tree, 10 inches tall Micro fine green glitter Red ball for the top of the tree 4-inch clay saucer to serve as pedestal for tree Directions: Cut out images with the circle punch, and glue each one into a bottle cap. Run a bead of the dimensional adhesive around the inside of the bottle cap (to frame each image with sparkle). Then, sprinkle gold glitter inside, and tap out the excess. Start at the bottom of the foam tree, and using the hot glue gun, affix the bottle caps in a row along the bottom. Repeat for the next row, working your way up. Use the dimensional adhesive to squeeze glue in crevices between the bottle caps and pour on the green glitter. Tap away excess. Hot glue the red ball to the top of the tree, and the saucer (inverted) to the bottom. CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE DIRECTIONS. *** CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com! Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com Labels: collage/paper, holiday, recycled Friday, November 16, 2007Chain & Paper Collage Necklace Collar your creativity for necklace Kathy Cano-Murillo Special for the Republic Nov. 17, 2007 12:00 AM Creating a necklace has never been easier, thanks to recent trends. The latest craze is mixing and matching contrasting chains, beads and papers to make a one-of-a-kind wearable statement. Even easier, you can use an existing chain necklace and take it apart to make it your own. Before you start, sketch out your design ideas to ensure you will have a cohesive look. Paper and Chain Collage Necklace Supplies 3 wood squares (1 inch each) White craft glue 3 pieces of decorative paper (1 square inch each) Silver paint pen Dremel tool Needle-nose pliers 12-inch medium chain 7 medium jump rings 6-inch chunky chain 1 multistrand connector 3 pieces of fine chain (1 inch each) 1 eye pin 1 bead 1 necklace clasp Directions 1. Coat the wood pieces with a thin layer of glue and apply the paper. Draw a line around the edges with the silver paint pen. Using the Dremel tool, make two holes on each piece of wood so you can connect the wood pieces. 2. Using the needle-nose pliers, connect one of the wood squares to the medium chain with a jump ring. Add the other two squares in the same fashion, followed by the chunky chain. Now add the connector, and the three strands of the fine chain. Thread a jump ring through all three strands of the fine chain and connect to the hole in the eye pin. Add the bead and use the needle-nose pliers to bend the wire over onto another jump ring. Connect that to the medium chain. Decide how you want your necklace to hang, and then use the pliers to make a break in the desired chain and add the clasp. Click here for printable directions. *** 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 * Labels: collage/paper, jewelry, wearable art Thursday, October 11, 2007Dream Journal I've been blogging about this all summer, and now finally - the day is here! The first of many episodes launched today! The series is called "Crafting With the Chica" Here is a link to the "Lifetime Portrait".  Here is the link to the first segment - the Fabric Collage Dream Journal.  There are printable instructions so you can get started right away! By the way, I designed all the projects for this series to be super easy! Hope you like them! Don't forget to check back every Wednesday for the latest project! Please help spread the word! I want to send a shout out to my dear friend and Erica Konz for the fabulous make up job - she turned me on to false lashes, yay!! And kudos to the team at Bungalow 3! Oh my gosh, and to Lifetime too!!!Thank you!! While you are there, don't forget to check out my friend, Pattie Donham's videos too! Ok, now I have to get back to work!!! Happy crafting!! *** 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: collage/paper, crafty video, empowerment crafts, LifetimeTV Saturday, September 15, 2007Decorative Memory Bottles Recycled bottles get arty touch Kathy Cano-Murillo Special for the Republic Sept. 15, 2007 12:00 AM Some may think my love of recycling objects into art has gone too far. But I'm not alone in my discovery of the beauty of glass jars as a means to display artifacts and mementos. There are many other creative people out there who have been using glass bottles in their crafts. Have you ever polished off a Frappuccino and thought, "Wow, this is a cool bottle!" Well, I have! I've done the same with mini ketchup and tequila bottles. The trick is to find a bottle that has character and a big enough opening to drop in the goodies. Once you have the inside filled, you can embellish the outside. Think of it as an untraditional picture frame, or a reverse shadow box. Either way, you'll have an amusing piece of art for your home. This idea would be cute for party favors, gifts or invitations, too.< Decorative Memory Bottles Supplies 1 chunky glass bottle with lid Glass paint Colored sand or pebbles Color copy of a photo or written poem or verse Small silk (or dried) flower Small objects that will slip easily in the bottle Ribbon Handmade label Directions Thoroughly wash and dry the bottle, removing the label and glue residue. Apply the glass paint at the top of the bottle around the inside rim so it dribbles down the sides. Pick up the jar and move it around so the paint is equally distributed. Let dry completely. Pour in the colored sand or pebbles at the bottom. Slip in the picture and other objects. Add the lid and decorate the outside of the jar with the ribbon and label. *** 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: collage/paper, empowerment crafts Wednesday, September 05, 2007Indian Paper Covered Plant Stand
While I was shopping at IKEA recently, I came across these delicious rolls of handmade wrapping paper from India. You know - the thick, textured kind that have been stamped with metallic inks?
 Kinda like this but in brighter colors. I can't find them on the IKEA site. Hold on a sec, speaking of paper for decoration purposes - you MUST check out PaperMojo.com. (*fans face with hand*) It has exotic paper beyond your wildest dreams... Back to the point - I bought a couple rolls, and when I got home I found a wood storage box I had hanging around the workshop (that's my new term for our art room, by the way). I decided to cover the box with the paper so I could have a nice plant stand for the corner of the family room.  STEP ONE: Admire the supplies for this cool idea!  STEP TWO: Lay a sheet of the paper face down and rest the box on top. Trace with pencil. Repeat for the three other sides. Cut out pieces. Repeat for the top of the box.  STEP THREE: Use Aleene's Crystal Clear Tacky Spray to coat the side of the box. Lay the paper flat and smooth out any bubbles. Repeat for remaing sides. Add paper to the top. Add trim as desired.  STEP FOUR: Step back and admire this cool project! *** 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: collage/paper, home decor, multi-culti About Me
Mommy, wifey, artist, author, left-handed middle-child Sagittarian. Craft designer, product developer, former newspaper columnist. My first novel, WAKING UP IN THE LAND OF GLITTER debuts March 1st!  
Note to visitors: Hola! This site is the archive of all my past projects for Gannett News Service and The Arizona Republic. These ideas are for personal use only. I make a living as a craft designer, so I will be using these ideas in my published works. If you are thinking of selling or using these ideas for profit, please give respect and "twist" them to make them your own - put your own stamp on them to make them different. It will work out for the best for both of us! Thank you and much respect from one creative person to another! — Kathy Have a burning crafty question? Visit my Ask Crafty Chica blog or drop me a line! Project Categories
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