Originally published for MyLifetime.com. Scarf pattern and design by Kate Jacobs.

Knitting and reading go together like cappuccino and cookies. "The Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs, "The Shop on Blossom Street" by Debbie Macomber and "The Knitting Circle: A Novel" by Ann Hood all offer a wealth of stitches combined with straight-up tear-inducing drama. Gather up some friends, read the books and then work together to tackle a project that is perfect for newbies, like Kate Jacobs's Easy Scarf pattern. "Reading — and crafting — are about flights of fancy," says Jacobs. "Imagination. Creativity. When I need a break from my computer, I like to knit up something easy, like a hair band or a dishcloth, on big needles."

***
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: crafty lit, wearable, wearable art

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

Originally published for MyLifetime.com

Making chocolates certainly qualifies as a craft. Especially after reading the hilarious antics in "The Chocolate Lovers' Club" by Carole Matthews. In London, four friends meet every week at a gourmet chocolate shop for gossip and decadent desserts. Dozens of treats are described in so much detail that you can't help but be inspired to make a batch of yummy Chocolate Lollipops. Head to the craft store to stock up on candy-making supplies, then pour a bag of candy melts into a bowl, zap them in the microwave, pour the liquid into molds and then drizzle pops with icing. For a gourmet version, try premium melting chocolate.
***
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: crafty lit, food crafts

Originally published for MyLifetime.com.

"How to Make an American Quilt" by Whitney Otto is a must-read for crafty book lovers. It is filled with gushy romance, old-fashioned betrayal, sibling rivalry and lots of needle-on-fabric action. A sewing circle dives into a marathon session to finish a "crazy quilt" for a young woman who's about to wed (yet is tempted to sleep with another man). You don't have to make a full-on California king covering, but a Mini Collage Quilt will do just fine. Round up all your scraps and use them to make a small wall hanging to proudly display in your home.

***
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: crafty lit, fabric, sewing

Originally published for MyLifetime.com.

In "White Oleander" by Janet Fitch, Los Angeles teen Astrid Magnussen moves from one foster home to another while her poet mother serves time in prison for killing an ex-boyfriend. Astrid releases her anguish by drawing, painting, sculpting and assembling collages. In the 2002 movie based on the book, Astrid creates a Suitcase Shadowbox to represent her experiences. Her story is heavy on melodrama; you can make a lighter version based on your past travels. Take a small train case, or any kind of small box, and embellish the inside with personal pins, fabric and pictures.

***
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: crafty lit, empowerment crafts, shrines

Originally published for MyLifetime.com.

"Talk Gertie to Me." The title alone tells you this is going to be a fun read — even better with Lois Winston's sprinkling of crafts within the comedy. The life of our heroine, Nori Stedworth, is jolted when her boyfriend cheats around the same time that her sponge-painting craft-crazed mom moves in. Dear Mother has a weakness for decoupaging napkins onto any inanimate object. It's only fitting to whip up an easy Decoupage Napkin Journal to jot down all your secrets. Visit an import store for interesting paper napkins, peel off the first layer and use decoupage medium to glue it to the top of a hardback journal. Coat the napkin, let it dry and add a layer of varnish.

***
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: crafty lit, paper

Originally published for MyLifetime.com.

Avid scrapbookers know that shopping for paper and ribbon is as addictive as matching purses and shoes. And the way you arrange your pages speaks volumes about who you are. In "A Page Out of Life" by Kathleen Reid, three women lean on each other for support, as well as page layout ideas. Feeling inspired to reach out to your friends? Make and give out Artist Trading Cards. Pick up a pack of playing cards from the dollar store and use pictures and paints to decorate them. Seal with water-based varnish. Tell your friends to use them to design their own friendship-themed scrapbook layouts.

***
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: crafty lit, empowerment crafts, paper, scrapbook

Originally published for MyLifetime.com
Coming clean is the ultimate theme in Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez's "Dirty Girls on Top," a sequel to her best-selling novel, "The Dirty Girls Social Club." In part two, five years have passed and the six friends from Boston University are established in their careers and involved in serious relationships — their lives are as complicated as an international soap opera! One of the characters, Sarah, is a domestic diva who would likely whip up a batch of these cute Daily Affirmation Soaps. To make, print out your favorite quotes on stationery paper, cut them out and seal them in clear packing tape. Heat up some melt-n-pour soap (follow package directions), pour mixture into soap molds and slip paper pieces into molds facedown. Let cool. Pop soaps out.

***
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: beauty, crafty lit, empowerment crafts

Originally published for MyLifetime.com

In Terry McMillan's "The Interruption of Everything," Marilyn Grimes works at a craft store, where she experiments with every art form possible. It's her way of dealing with a chaotic but always comedic family life, which includes her neglectful "chubby hip-hopper" husband, her nosy mother-in-law, her spicy love life and a surprise pregnancy. All Marilyn wants is to follow her dream of going back to school. Let's help her out by making an Empowerment Frame in her honor. Pick out a postcard with an empowering saying and insert it in a picture frame. Embellish your work of art with stickers, and then display the frame where you can read it every day.
***
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: crafty lit, empowerment crafts, home decor

Originally published for MyLifetime.com
In the "Jane Austen Book Club" by Karen Joy Fowler, six fans of the beloved author meet to discuss her works and how they relate to their lives. Coincidentally, each of Austen's plots relates to those of the book characters. For the young Allegra, it means being strong enough to leave her flaky lover, help her parents through a crisis and earn a living doing what she loves most: making jewelry. To capture some of that wild energy, make a Luck of the Draw Beaded Bracelet. Close your eyes and choose 6 to 10 chunky beads from your collection. It doesn't matter if they match; it's all about embracing spontaneity. Thread a bead on a piece of 22-gauge wrapping wire. Use needle-nose pliers to close ends with simple loops. Thread a second piece of wire through existing loop, and, with needle-nose pliers, close end with a loop. String bead onto wire and close other end with loop. Continue process until all beads are strung. Close off your creation with a lobster clasp.
***
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: crafty lit, jewelry

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

A few weeks back, I mentioned my love for crafty cinema. Well, you should know I'm also into "crafty lit" - juicy novels that have characters who paint, bead, knit or sew. I'm the nerdy type who always has a book on me and I utilize every pocket of time to take in a chapter.

These days, I'm toting around The Friday Night Knitting Club, by Kate Jacobs (Putnam Adult, 2007, $22.95 hardback). I'll admit it took a few pages, but now, I'm hooked. Lots o' drama. The book centers on a small New York City knitting shop and the women who meet to knit and share their stories of woe. Look for a film version, starring Julia Roberts, in June 2008. Another crafty lit book I recently finished reading is The Interruption of Everything, by Terry McMillan (Signet, 2006, $9.99 paperback). Often hilarious and sentimental, our protagonist, a 40-something wife and mom, works at a craft store and questions her life decisions. But what she is sure of is her ability to make impressive crafts.

This project is dedicated to book lovers who like to share their finds. These pockets and bookmarks are a fun way to add spice to your library, and keep all the titles in order. If you belong to a book club, think about setting aside a meeting so the members can whip up a batch of these items. Supplies were purchased at Lucky 15 Paper Arts, 4216 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix, (602) 466-2736. Other local paper arts stores should have them as well.

Book Lover's Set


Pockets
Book pockets and insert cards (one for each book)
Rubber stamps
Embossing powder and inks
Watercolors
Tape writer and tape
Beads
Yarn
Double-sided adhesive tape

Magnetic bookmarks
Card stock
Paper embellishments
Micromagnets
Adhesive

Directions: To make the pockets, work on a flat open surface. Before you begin to decorate the book pocket, think about the theme of the book, so you can make a card to match. Use the stamps, embossing powder, watercolor paints, beads and anything else that inspires you. Do the same for the card insert, but make sure to list the name of the book, and leave room for the name of the lender. Use the double-sided adhesive tape to affix the pocket to the inside of the book.

To make the magnetic bookmark, cut a piece of card stock measuring 2 inches square. Fold it in half and use a bone folder or other tool to make a sharp crease. Embellish the outside of the card as desired. Use adhesive to apply a magnet to the bottom of each inner flap.

***
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: crafty lit, paper