These pictures do not do this project justice! When we overhauled our art studio, I didn't like that all my shelves of supplies were in plain view. Yes, it is a separate room with door, BUT I wanted the room to also have a comfy vibe to it. I have a cushiony chair and rug in there too, and wanted to be able to change the room from a workspace to an inspiration corner on a moment's notice. I needed to hide the supplies!

This is a total makeshift job, but I pulled it off for the amount of time I had to spare (1 hour). If I had the entire afternoon that day, I would have sewed on some trim, used different colors of paint, etc. But it's OK, this works perfect for what I visualized.

I screwed the hooks into the top of each end of the shelving unit and then hung a lightweight cafe rod. I picked up a $6 set of magenta curtains (they look red in photo), ironed them and hung them. But then they looked too bland for the rest of the room! I used my Crafty Chica Rose Stencil ($3.99) and Crafty Chica Paints ($12.99), and added designs all over the front using blue painter's tape and a makeup sponge.

But then I saw more spaces in between the roses...I have design OCD, I have a hard time stopping myself from adding the next layer, and the next, and the next... so I pulled out a prototype of a stencil that did not move forward in the line - it is a beautiful milagro heart design that is currently seen on the back of the Crafty Chica Loteria game cards.

OK, now that I said that, I know some of you will ask me "Kathy, when can we get the milagro heart stencil?" Well, you can get it now! Simply use a craft knife to cut it out of the Loteria game card (it is the same size as the prototype stencil if you use the large gamecard, as opposed to the caller's deck). The weight of the game card is thick and glossy and will work wonderful as a heart stencil too!

Back to the curtains - after I finished with the stencils, I added Tulip Permanent Fabric Glitter Spray all over it.

Because the curtains were longer than the shelving unit, I trimmed off the ends and stashed the extra away for a future project.

The moral of the story is that just because you have a so-called "craft room" or "craft corner" - doesn't mean it has to have supplies spilling out everywhere. Your creations will be much more fulfilling to make and give if you assemble them in a positive atmosphere. Decorate the boxes that hold your paints, make your own set of curtains for your shelves, or cover your jars and paintbrush holders with cheery paper.

Every little bit of happiness counts when it comes to crafting!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

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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: crafty advice, fabric

Here you see the Crafty Chica flocked Iron-on Transfer of a bird with a heat and rose - tattoo-inspired! Patrick drew this image and then we had the word "amiga" placed in the ribbon banner.

But what if you like the design, but don't want the word amiga? Easy! Flocked transfers are awesome because they can be easily hacked to your liking. You simply take a pair of scissors (smaller the better) and carefully snip away the part you don't want.

Here is the transfer iron-on, post-snip, to some fabric I dyed.


Now that the ribbon is a blank slate, I used my letter stamps and Tulip Soft Fabric Paint to put in my friend's name. Now I can cut this piece of fabric and give it to my friend so she can use it in her fabric collage art! You can apply it on a T-shirt, jeans, etc. The neat thing is that now I have an "amiga" flocked iron-on transfer that I can use on a different project.
Here is the skull version - you can snip off the heart, the flowers, etc. Isn't that so cool???


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* 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: crafty advice, fabric

by Kathy Cano Murillo - May. 5, 2007 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
Soldering irons. Electric sanders. Drills, heat guns and hot knives.

What were once manly gadgets in our dad's garage are now must-have supplies in our craft caddies. No matter what your hobby, there is a clever gizmo on the market to streamline your production - if you can get past the fear factor.

Many crafters like Kristin Shears can't.

"I'm afraid of glue guns or anything with a cord," the 39-year-old Phoenix painter says. "When I was 7, I tried to use my grandma's industrial glue gun and ended up burning the skin off my finger. It scarred me for life. Ever since then, I can't even use a drill to hang my curtains. I have tape-on drapes."

Shears embraces paintbrushes, scissors and adhesives - but shivers at anything beyond a schoolroom paper trimmer. With the craft industry ringing up more than $30 billion a year, industry professionals realize there are many artistic shoppers like Shears who are hesitant to plug in.

Walnut Hollow is just one of the companies to step up. Its recently debuted Designed for Her Tools is a female-friendly collection that includes an electric drill, screwdriver, soldering iron, sander and wood burner. The line won the Award of Excellence for innovation at the Craft and Hobby Winter Convention and Trade Show earlier this year.

"(Some women) might not understand that electric tools can be easy and safe to use," says Chris Wallace, marketing communications director for the company. "We provide the instructions and information; they will fit well in their hands and are safer to use with the non-slip grip. The Designed for Her Tools are not made to build a house, but to help crafters with their projects."

Michele Beschen, 37, creator and host of DIY Network's B. Original, uses everything from a benchtop drill press to a handheld rotary tool, and she uses her TV show to encourage others to do so as well. She not only feels empowered every time she flips the switch, but feels a rush of excitement with the finished project. Although she embraces many tools, she suggests newbies start with a variable-speed Dremel tool because of its versatility (the rotary tool has attachments for cutting, sanding, drilling and buffing).

"The more tools and new things I can introduce to people, the better," she says. "People just need to take the time to learn, ask questions of someone they know who is familiar with that tool, and have a go at it. Investing in tools can open so many creative doors for people. The key is to take your time, be safe and don't be afraid."

Chris Wass, 33, of Scottsdale has been wielding torches, soldering irons and Dremels for years to make her jewelry and lamp-work beads. But even she admits to waving the white flag now and then.

"I once took glassblowing to make goblets and larger items, and I was frustrated because I couldn't conquer it," she says. "I had a hard time keeping the heat even. When I'm ready, I'll try again. People should know that's OK if (a tool) doesn't work out, just move on to something you feel comfortable with."

Shears understands that. She acknowledges that her fear limits her creativity. She has always had a curiosity for soldering and welding, and she is considering taking a workshop someday.

"I'd never just buy an electric tool off the shelf for fear of ending up in the emergency room," she says with a laugh. "But I think if I took a class with a skilled instructor, and everything was perfectly laid out for me, maybe if the tools were cordless so I wouldn't knock anything over . . . I think maybe it would be doable."

More on this topic

Thinking about expanding your crafty universe? Check out these tools that will make your life easier and add a new dimension to your creative options. These products are for beginners, but higher-grade models are available as well. It's best to read a book or take a class on the topic, and to exercise safety precautions at all times.



Dremel cordless rotary tool (starts at $40): A must-have for all general crafters. This is a multipurpose tool that has a spinning jaw at the top. Attachments are available for drilling, engraving, sanding, buffing and more. Comes with a rechargeable battery. Tip: Visit www.dremel.com to see video of how it works. Available at home improvement stores.


Beginners sewing machine (about $100): You have to start somewhere, so why not right here? Basic machines such as the Bernina Bernette 55 or the Brother XL2600i will get you on your way. Simple functions make it easy to use for fabric collage, mending and clothing construction. Also, pick up a copy of Teach Yourself Visually Sewing, by Debbie Colgrove (Visual, 2006, $24.99 spiral bound).


Walnut Hollow Designed for Her Creative HotKnife ($19.90): Slices easily through foam core, cardboard, plastic foam and thick paper objects. Comes with two knives, a stand and a non-slip grip. Visit www.walnuthollow.com for other Designed for Her tools, such as a rotary tool, electric screwdriver, drill, sander and mini vac.


Walnut Hollow Creative Craft & Home Tool Kit ($39.99): Perfect for the all-around crafter because this toolbox is loaded with helpful items such as staple gun, screwdrivers, cutter, pliers, hammer, scissors, level, measuring tape, hangers, nails, screws, brads and wire. www.walnuthollow.com.


Creative Woodburner pen ($13): Works just like a pencil except it is heated and indents into soft wood. Great for creating embellished clocks, boxes, even wood purses. Available at local craft stores.


The Simply Solder Art Kit ($49.99): Soldering is the process of melting metal to join metallic surfaces. In the craft world, soldering is used to create picture jewelry and other art pieces. Lisa Bluhm and Melissa Wood are pros on the topic, and they have a new kit that has everything you need to get started: a solder iron, glass, flux, copper tape, lead-free solder wire, clamps, two tips and more. They even have a book to go with it, Simple Soldered Jewelry & Accessories: A Crafter's Guide to Fashioning Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets & More (Lark/Chapelle, 2007, $24.95 paperback). www.simplyswank.net.


Electric Bead Reamer ($44.95): Comes with a diamond tip and is used to smooth and enlarge the holes in beads. Available at www.thebeadfactory.com or local bead shops.


Not ready to plug it in? Here are electric-free options:


Cutterfly Utility Tool ($19.99): This pocket-size gem contains several tools that fit neatly within a hot pink plastic casing. Perfect for on-the-go crafters. Features spring-action scissors, rotary blade, distress tool (can be used as a rub-on tool and screwdriver), paper piercer, needle-nose pliers, retracting 13-inch ruler, tweezers, embossing stylus and key chain. www.eksuccess.com.


1-2-3D Paper Crafting System ($39.99): This DVD and paper tool set allow you to whip up boxes, envelopes and pop-up cards in a variety of shapes and sizes. www.eksuccess.com.


Craft hand drill ($19.25): No power needed! Works for small projects such as paper crafting or light woodworking. www.fiskars.com.


Dremel Multi-Vise ($34.99): If and when you decide to go electric, this vice tool serves as a holder and clamp for your projects. Use it to secure your piece, enabling your hands to concentrate on the craftwork. www.dremel.com.

Bind-It-All ($59.99): Bind your own hardback books, journals, scrapbooks and photo albums with this nifty contraption. www.binditall.com.

Precision Paper Trimmer ($49.99): A professional 12- by 12-inch paper trimmer that folds up for on-the-go crafting. www.makingmemories.com.

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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: crafty advice