Having a party and need some flashy decorations for your walkway or patio? Maybe you just want a little glitz for the season? Try this idea!



LINK

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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

We spend so much time and energy picking our the ornaments for our holiday tree - but what about what we hang them from?

Here is an easy idea that is literally off the hook!



LINK

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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

Need a colorful pair of danglys for the season? Check out this easy pair I made exclusively for MyLifetime.com's "Crafted" series!

LINK
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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

Click here to see the video if you can't see it above...

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See my new product line at select Michaels stores or buy online at Amazon.com!

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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: crafty video, holiday

Looking for a last minute gift to make that is easy and inexpensive? Do this:

Tomorrow look in the local paper for a 40% off coupon for Michaels. Use it to buy a jar of glass etching cream. Also pick up some mirrors and stencils. And then watch this video! I used mirrors from IKEA, stencils from Stencil1.com (along with a special rose one of mine).

If you can't see the video up there, CLICK HERE
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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

Make your own mask for Dia de los Muertos!



LINK

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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

Learn how to decorate the outside of a journal to match the dreams and inspirations you will put inside of it!



If you can't see the video, just clicky-click your fingers right here...

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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

Here is the link in case you can't see it!

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CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
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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

***
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

MyLifetime.com has a whole new crafts section up and it is called "Crafted" and features five artsy ladies sharing cool ideas for the holidays. I am so happy I got to be one of them!

Aside from moi, there is Vickie Howell, Pattie Donham, Leah Fung, and The O'Neil sisters.

Here is the page in case you can't see the video. CLICK HERE


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Other links:
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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: crafty video, LifetimeTV, summer/4th of July


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See my new product line at select Michaels stores or buy online at Amazon.com!

Other links:
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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

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

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CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
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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, crafty video, LifetimeTV, paper, recycled

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.



***
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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, crafty video, empowerment crafts, LifetimeTV

Here's a fun waaayyyy easy project to make for New Year's Eve. You simply decorate your champagne flutes with these pretty Tulip Glam It Up glass crystals! Sure you can use the crystals on clothing and paper arts, but why not drinkware too? Check out the "Crafting With the Chica" video from LifetimeTV.com to see how to make them!



CLICK HERE
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Other links:
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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: crafty video, holiday, LifetimeTV, New Years

(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:
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Other links:
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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, crafty video, holiday, LifetimeTV

Use a tomato cage to make a delightful, shiny light tree!!



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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: crafty video, holiday, LifetimeTV, lights

12 of 40 for the Chica Christmas series

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO ON HOW TO MAKE ONE!

Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm severely addicted to making anything and everything out of mini-match boxes. Including tree ornaments. This video is cute because it has my daughter Maya (the one in the glasses), as well as my friend Miriam Navarro (of Lola y Lola fame).

The images we used in the video are from ArtChixStudio. Thank you, Helga!

Other links:
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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: crafty video, holiday, LifetimeTV, recycled

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO ON HOW TO MAKE ONE!

I love this project because it is all about presenting ordinary gift cards in an unpredictable way. You simply buy a few, and then make pages (that are actually small envelopes) so you can slip them in.

This is a great project for teens because you can put $5 from Starbucks, $5 from Borders, $5 from Target and so forth. They will feel like they are rich!

Another idea: You can put different things in each envelope, like a gift card in one, and then a letter in another, a picture in another and so forth. Maybe even theme them all!

And it doesn't just work for the holidays, you can also make one for Valentine's Day with love letters, concert tickets, or St. Patrick's Day with good luck charms, and so forth!

The video is part of the "Crafting With the Chica" series I did for LifetimeTV.com. Enjoy!


***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

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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: crafty video, holiday, LifetimeTV

1. Awesome Advent Calendar.
This is a fun way to treat your kids to daily doses of love and smiles. I like to use these little flower pots because they hold so much, and you can choose to remove them and use them in your garden, or keep the calendar intact for next year (just add new paper to the tops of them).



Awesome Advent Calendar!
This is a fun way to treat your kids to daily doses of love and smiles. I like to use these little flower pots because they hold so much, and you can choose to remove them and use them in your garden, or keep the calendar intact for next year (just add new paper to the tops of them).
~*CLICK HERE TO WATCH IT!*~


***
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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: crafty video, holiday

Wow, these weeks are just flying by! There is already a new Crafty Chica video posted on LifetimeTV.com!

Here is the insider scoop on this one - I'm uber-hammy in it because the day before was the horrible stretch without the air conditioner, my bad hair, lack of sleeep, cry, cry cry. SO - I had woke up early for the second day, relaxed, vibed up, and told myself no matter what, I was going to let myself have fun.

So I had a little too much fun, because I go waaaayyyy over the campy top with this one. At point I even danced and shimmied, thank GOD they edited that out! What the _____ was I thinking???

Overall, it is still super fun and a really easy project to whip out...Hope you like it!!



LINK:

CLICK HERE to watch the video for "Terrific Travel Candles".


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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: crafty video, LifetimeTV, lights

Alrighty! Here is the new "Crafting with the Chica" LifetimeTV.com video. But please be gentle on me for this one - it was the first one we shot, I was SO nervous, I'm a little stiff in it. Plus we had to turn off the air conditioning in my house because it was so loud and the tech could hear it in the background.

It was 113 degrees outside that day, so imagine what it was like inside the house!

The next day the production crew rented a 5 ton air conditioning unit to chill the house in between shoots. so it is just the first day that I have a totally frizzed coif. There are two other eps that followed where you can see my hair get progressively worse.

At least the project rocks!! Hope you like it!

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2006. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: beauty, crafty video, LifetimeTV

Here we go, time for another video!!!



How are you liking these? I have some really bad hair ones coming up, I tell you about them later. At least the craft projects are good!!!





Here is the link to watch!

enjoy!!

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2006. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: crafty video, LifetimeTV, wearable art

This is a project I've featured before, but I love it so much, I wanted to share it in video form. All you need are two cloth napkins and a glue gun!



Click this LINK to watch the video at LifetimeTV.com!


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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2006. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: crafty video, fabric, home decor, LifetimeTV

There is a new Crafty Chica video posted on LifetimeTV.com today! This was the very last video we shot and boy, were we zonked. My make up had come off because I had been sweating outside painting the fan. But it is all about the project, right??

This one is a stenciled fan project. I made it for my husband's music studio. I used all "manly-man" colors (blue, brown and red) to make it look macho enough for Patrick's decor and topped it off with this set from Stenci11.com and another one that I made myself.


(Mini music set)

There are some things that got edited out of the video, however they are listed in the printable directions.

- It's easiest to start with a brand new fan, right out of the box because it is already in easy-to-paint pieces.

- Tape off any vent holes if you plan to spray the whole thing.

OK, click here for the link and to watch the video!

Hope you like it, and please spread the word or leave a comment there!



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CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2006. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: crafty video, home decor, LifetimeTV

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!!


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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: collage/paper, crafty video, empowerment crafts, LifetimeTV

These laminated placemats are a great way to liven up your turkey meal! The idea is to create a scrapbook layout and then make copies, laminate and use.

The beauty of Thanksgiving is that it's not about shopping, gifts or blinking lawn ornaments. It's about eating, family bonding and more eating. Make that bonding more entertaining by adding a personal touch to your table setting with these family scrapbook place mats. Incorporate pictures, phrases and, best of all, a list of family trivia questions that is sure to bring up those classic side-splitting memories of turkey dinners from years past. They'll also work wonders for those who have ho-hum feasts that could use a bit of fun. This idea works great for any holiday and even in between seasons. It's just a matter of creating a collage of your favorite pictures, color copying it and sealing it with lamination. You can take a shortcut and color copy scrapbook pages you already have or use the kids' school artwork.

Thanksgiving Trivia Placemats
Double-side tape or glue stick

1 piece of patterned scrapbook paper, 12 inches by 10 inches

1 piece of heavy paper, 11 inches by 17 inches

Printout of fun family trivia questions that you write

Color copies of family photos

Paper frames for the photos

Assorted embellishments: decorated tags, stickers, die cuts, etc.

Directions: Tape or glue the patterned scrapbook paper onto the heavy paper, leaving a border all the way around. Affix the trivia questions to the other side, also leaving a border. Attach the photos and top with paper frames. Add embellishments in the open areas. When finished, take the mat to your neighborhood copy center and have it color copied and then laminated. Make as many copies as needed.

Variations: You don't have to laminate the place mat, but if you do, your guests will be able to take it home as a keepsake. Add speech bubbles with funny sayings to the photos. Repeat he process to create a two-sided place mat, or use black-and-white drawings with no lamination so kids can color.

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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: crafty video, LifetimeTV, Thanksgiving

LINK

Patio season is in full swing. These outdoor covered soirees unite friends and family, inspire hearty conversation and promote an agenda of lip-smacking foods -- we're talking fun and festive to the extreme. If you throw your own backyard bash, make your decorations the "light" of the party. Twinkling bulbs add the perfect accent, and, thanks to the new book Decorating With Mini-Lights (Lark Books, $19.95), there are an abundance of bright ideas to choose from. The 112-page book offers quick and impressive projects for a variety of occasions.
I couldn't resist the one that gave new life to white table-tennis balls. The balls can be found in the sporting- goods department, and the minilights and other materials at local craft stores.
Ping Pong Rainbow Lights
SUPPLIES:
* Acrylic paints in desired colors
* Paper plate
* Cup of water
* Small paintbrush
* 15 table-tennis balls
* Paper towels
* Paint pen
* Craft knife with several sizes of blades
* 1 strand of 15 clear minilights
* Hot glue gun and glue sticks
DIRECTIONS: Add a drop of one of the colors of paint to the paper plate, and add a few drops of water. Mix with the paintbrush until paint becomes watery. Dab your finger in it and lightly pat it on the surface of one of the balls. Continue the process on the remaining balls. Repeat process with other colors. Rest the balls on the paper towels to prevent spreading the paint on your work surface. When the paint is completely dry on all the balls, add accents with a metallic or black paint pen.
There will be a logo on each of the balls. This is where you will poke a hole with the craft knife. Cut hole just large enough to fit over the light bulb. Add a small drop of hot glue to hold it in place.
VARIATION: Make your lights look elegant by using gold or silver metallic paints as a base coat. Food coloring can be used instead of paint as a coloring medium, see book for directions.

* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: crafty video, garden, lights, outdoor