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The Crafty Chica DIY Project Library: a collection of fabulous handmade ideas by Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica! Monday, November 30, 2009Affirmation Advent Calendar This is an idea that Chica from Chica and Jo gave to me, and I LOVE it!! It is super easy and you can personalize it as much or as little as you like.The concept is to use envelopes as your gift holders. Just envelopes! How simple is that? You can go old school and use basic white ones, and decorate them with stickers or markers, or you can take it up a notch (waves hi!) and take apart an envelope to use as a template and make news ones from glittery scrapbook paper. I then wrote out the numbers with Aleene's® Paper Glaze and sprinkled on some magical Crafty Chica™ Chunky Glitters™! As far as what to put inside the envelopes - you can slip all kinds of things like gift cards, coupons, money, bookmarks, jewelry, anything else flat and light. My version? I'm thinking happy and uplifting. I am going to slip in a different affirmation for each day. Quotes, memories, jokes, photos, personal statements, etc. The most valuable gifts are priceless and come from within. Sure, you can use this idea for the holidays, but why not all year round? I would love to make one of these with 365 envelopes for each of my kids. To hold my envelopes, I used a wood cigar box that I embellished with a rubber stamp.   ** 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: empowerment crafts, holiday, paper Friday, November 27, 2009Advent Calendar Wreath Today for Inspiration Friday, we have a special guest post from my amigas at ChicaAndJo.com! They run one of the cutest, most resourceful, passionate, happy and innovative DIY sites out there! It is jammed packed with everything from crafting to cooking to organizing! I asked if they would want to contribute to I.F. and look what they came up with! OK, on to the show! (psst...don't forget: ChicaAndJo.com!) ** Advent Calendar Clothespin Wreath from Chica and Jo Hello, Crafty Chica readers! We are fellow crafters named Chica and Jo (no relation!), and we are friends of Kathy's. We are so honored that she asked us to share a project with you on her blog today, and we think you'll really enjoy it. It's covered in glitter, so what's not to love? Back before Thanksgiving, Jo came up with a really fun idea for making an interactive Thanksgiving wreath out of clothespins, which all of her friends and family could personalize with the reason they are thankful. It was such a huge hit that we decided to expand the idea for Christmas, and make an advent calendar using the same technique. The results are gorgeous and the project is SO EASY that you can do it in no time at all! Here's how: Supplies needed: 12" wire wreath frame about 50-55 traditional wooden clothespins red craft paint silver marker silver glitter glue 1 or 2 decorative wooden shapes (we used snowflakes) red and silver ribbon for a bow Directions: Start by painting your clothespins bright red with regular craft paint.  Then use a silver marker to write numbers 1 through 24 on the clip end of 24 of the clothespins.  Clip the clothespins onto the wreath, alternating between numbered ones and solid red ones. You should have a gap left that you can fill with four or five solid red clothespins. That's okay, these will be at the top and will look fine. Apply glue to the tips of the numbered clothespins and to the entire surface of the solid red ones. Then sprinkle liberally with some silver Crafty Chica Glitter. Ooh, so pretty!  Now take one or two decorative wooden shapes and paint and glitter them however you like. You can then add words to them if you like, such as your family's last name and the year. We chose to put "Christmas Means" on them, since this wreath is going to remind us of all the things Christmas means to us.  Tie a bow with the coordinating ribbon on top of the wreath. The wire frame makes this so easy to do!  The wreath is now done and ready to hang on the door. The fun part, though, is using it. It is an advent calendar, after all, so every day from December 1 through 24th, gather your family together and come up with something that Christmas means to you. Then use a silver pen to write that on the clothespin for that day. By the time Christmas comes around, you'll have a great collection of things that will remind you of the spirit of the season and how blessed you really are.  And besides, just look how gorgeous this thing looks on the front door!  We hope you enjoyed this project and big hugs to Kathy for letting us share it with you. May you all have a wonderful holiday season and may it be filled with glitter! Chica and Jo Would you like to submit an article for Inspiration Friday? I feature a different person every week! Click HERE for the guidelines   . -SUBMIT your piece with INSPIRATION FRIDAY in the subject line and email to kathy[at]craftychica[dot]com** 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: empowerment crafts, holiday Sunday, September 27, 2009The Light Within
This is for "The Mannequin is Our Muse" exhibit for Scottsdale Fashion Square. They had 100 artists each decorate a mannequin, and they will be displayed throughout the mall. It is to celebrate the grand opening of Barneys of New York in AZ!
My theme: "the light within". As long as you keep positivity and empowerment under your skin, your true colors will shine through - coated with a layer of glitter and varnish, of course! On the front is a wonderful quote by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. I added my own "crafty chica'isms' as well as quotes from Maya Angelou and Eleanor Roosevelt. This is another one of my micro collages - layer upon layer of details all crammed together for one big statement about squeezing the most you can out of life! ** 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: empowerment crafts Monday, August 17, 2009Journal pages in progress  Heavy watercolor paper, Crafty Chica paints, Crafty Chica papers and DIY Appliques. I folded the pages in half and threaded yarn and fibers through them. I added random decorations and then will journal with metallic pens whenever I'm inspired to do so!I like having half-made journals around because I can work on them whenever I want, and I feel like the hardest part is done, the foundation.Click on images for a closer look. 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: empowerment crafts, paper Crocheted Flower Pin At one of our Phoenix Frida meetings a while back, my friend Anita sat and (speed) crocheted each member a classic red flower pin. I took mine home, Maya swiped it, and then I scored it back.The week my dad died, I tried to spend time in the art room to clear my head. Nothing could keep my attention. I found the flower pin Anita made me and without even thinking about it, I added an orange blanket stitch around the pedals. I then spent almost two hours hand sewing seed beads all over it. I then stitched a little Virgin of Guadalupe bead in the center. It turned out to be the best therapy I could find. Anita is one of my best friend's and little did she know her little gift went a long way to helping me get through a difficult time! Take this as inspiration to look around your jewelry or clothing and see what little touches you can add to them. Maybe stencil on a rose to a worn out tee, or trim a pair of earrings in a new color. Add some beads to a scarf you crocheted or knitted. In my world, nothing is ever complete, there is always room for more embellishment. I'm not a minimalist, what can I say? Oooh, wait! Here is a better idea - do like Anita and crochet flower pins for your crafty friends. Ask them to embellish it in their own way, and then you can get together when everyone is finished and do a trade. Wouldn't that be cool? 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: empowerment crafts, jewelry Saturday, April 25, 2009"Indulge" Treasure Box After juggling so many chores, duties and responsibilities, we all need a little bit of indulgence, don't you think? I do. That's why I made this box to remind me of that. I took a plain wood box and decorated it with paints and glitter and used the "indulge" card from one of the Crafty Chica Inspiration Decks.After you have based coated the box, glittered the edges and glued down the card, add a layer of Aleene's Original Tacky Glue over the image and around the seams of the card. This will prevent seapage of the next step, plus make everything melt together for a polished, finished look. Now add a couple coats of high gloss spray varnish to seal it all in. So what do you put inside the box? This is what I do - I write down little notes of things I like to indulge in and fold them up and put them in the box. Things like "Go get a fruit smoothie!" or "Go ask Patrick for a back rub!" "Step away from your current task and read one chapter of the book you are currently reading."Go take two bites of whatever dessert is in the fridge." "Go for a walk around the block for fresh air." You get the idea. This is a fun project to make for Mother's Day too! In fact - make one for you and your mom! 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: empowerment crafts, mother's day, paint Thursday, March 12, 2009Women's History Month Pocket Book March is not only National Craft Month, it is also National Women's History Month too. Of course I had to craft something dedicated to women! This is a pocket book I made from a large poster board. It's designed so you can store your dreams and goals in a safe place that has lots of great energy. I picked Frida Kahlo, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mother Teresa and Maya Anjelou. Supplies: 2 mirror image copies of 4 women who empower you A quote from each one Contrasting paper Trims Crafty Chica glitters in assorted colors Crafty Chica papers 1 large poster board Glue stick Sewing machine (optional) ribbon or yarn Directions: Fold the poster board in half horizontally, one-inch from the top. Now, on the shorter side, fold over a flap, about 1-1/2" . Accordian fold four times, crease. Sew up the creases, if desired. Use the glue stick to cover the pockets with paper. Add the quotes on the folded over flap. Glue the cut out woman on the top of the book on each panel. Glue the mirror image too - that way no matter what direction you look at it, you will see the image. Embellish with glitter, sequin trim, or anything else. Glue long strands of yarn on the last panel so you can wrap it around your book to keep it closed. 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: empowerment crafts, paper Thursday, February 26, 20092009 Wish Shrine
Instructions1. Using scissors, cut the word “amiga” from the Amiga Heart Flocked Iron-On Transfer™. Iron the heart portion of the transfer to your fabric of choice, following package instructions. Apply Soft Fabric Paint™ to the “2009” number stamps and stamp paint inside the ribbon portion of heart transfer. Refer to photo. Let dry. Remove the plastic sheet from the inside of the shrine box. Use the glue from the Empowerment Shrine™ kit to affix fabric with transfer to the inside back panel of the shrine box. Let dry. 2. Using the Little Chica Paint Packs™, coat the shrine box in desired colors of paint and let dry. 3. Turn the box so the protruding side is facing you, and the back is flush. Glue papers from Empowerment Shrine™ Kit to the shrine box flaps. Coat the inside of the box with glue and add glitter from kit, tapping away excess. 4. Glue the yarn around the front frame of the box and along the top. Refer to photo. Trace edges of side panels with glue and sprinkle on glitter. Let dry. 5. Cut out your favorite image from the Mojito Papers™ and glue in the center of the top panel of box. 6. Cut out a piece of paper to fit front of spice jar and use adhesive-backed letters from kit to spell out “wish” on the paper. Glue paper to front of spice jar. Write down your wishes for the New Year and put them in the spice jar. Set the jar inside the shrine. Glue the leaves and flowers in desired locations on shrine. Replace plastic sheet so that the transfer design shows through. ** 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: empowerment crafts, shrines 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 Saturday, November 29, 2008Warrior Angel Shadow Box This is from a book I contributed too, Angel Crafts. I call it an Angel Warrior box because I believe we all have powerful angels flying around us, that are soft and pretty - but they can also kick butt to protect us, just like warriors! To make this project you need: Crafty Chica Paints Crafty Chica Rockabilly Ruby Glitter 1 shadow box bottle cap Decorative paper Wood heart Milagros Tulip Crystals Hot glue Markers, scissors Sandpaper Cotton balls Scrap fabric Yarn Paint the box and then sand the edges. Paint and glitter the wood hear and glue it to the back of the box. Paint the bottlecap as a face, glue it to the wood heart. Make the dress and wings out scrap fabric or paper, glue in place. Add yarn for hair. Paint accents around the border and glue down milagros and crystals. *** See my new product line 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: empowerment crafts, holiday 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 Crafty Lit: White Oleander-inspired shrine 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 Crafty Lit: A Page Out of Life-inspired Trading Cards 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 Crafty Lit: Dirty girls on Top-inspired soap 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 Crafty Lit: Interruption of Everything-inspired frame Originally published for MyLifetime.comIn 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 Saturday, October 11, 2008Empowerment Guardian Angel We could all use an angel looking over our shoulder 24/7/365. This lovely guardian angel will do the trick! Just choose your favorite colors, then add layers of glitter and crystals to make sure her light shines bright! Keep her for yourself or give her to a special friend. Designed by Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica 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: empowerment crafts, holiday Dream Big Empowerment Shrine This project is all about what you want or need most in life. It’s about pinpointing your wildest dream and then making a visual representation of it. Maybe it’s having a baby, scoring a cushy gig or landing your first record deal; it’s okay to want that and even better, to picture it happening. So give this project a try! Just as important as making a visual of your goal is to put it in a place where you will see it everyday so that you’ll be reminded of the steps you need to take to reach it. Once you do that, get ready for everything to fall into place! Materials List * Crafty Chica™ Empowerment Shrine™ Workshop-in-a-Box™ * Crafty Chica™ Little Chica Paint Packs™ Instructions 1. Paint box using the black paint included in the kit or with the colors of your choice from the Crafty Chica Little Chica Paint Pack. 2. Using one of the pictures included in the workshop box or one you’ve printed or created to showcase your goal, apply glue to the non-image side and place in the center of the shrine. Cut out additional images from the Crafty Chica papers included in the kit and glue them onto the side panels of the shrine, as well as inside each of the bottle caps. 3. Using the white craft glue, coat areas of the shrine where you would like to apply glitter. Working over a sheet of paper to catch the excess glitter, pour the glitter over the wet glue. Tap off excess glitter. 4. Add stick-on letters to the inside of bottle caps to spell out a word that is important to you and glue the bottle caps along the top of the frame on the shrine. Glue the roses and charm at the top of the shrine. 5. Glue the sequin trim along the edges of the photo frame. Add crystal embellishments for extra sparkle! *** 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: empowerment crafts, shrines Wednesday, October 01, 2008Customized Empowerment Guardian Everyone can use a little divine intervention! These are statutes I designed for the Crafty Chica product line - they are blank "guardians" that you decorate and embellish however you want - and for whatever reason!Make one all about writing if you want to finish a book. Make one for romance and love. School. Eating healthy. Saving money. Finding your life's path. An angel to watch over your house. Time management. Standing up for yourself. Cooling a temper. Peace and love. Travel. You get it, right? These are all about visual manifestation - pretty reminders (that you decorated) of what you want and need to accomplish in your life. They are much better than plain old sticky notes! Think of them as a your Vision Board Cheerleaders! *** 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: empowerment crafts Friday, September 05, 2008VIDEO: Fabric Collage Dream Journal 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... *** 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 video, empowerment crafts, fabric, paper Sunday, August 10, 2008Inspiration Ribbon Frame This is an inspiration frame I made using one of the cards from the new Crafty Chica Inspiration Card Decks. (Click on photo for a larger view) Each deck is comprised of paintings that Patrick and I made. Each card is double sided and comes with an artful affirmation on the back!  Show me a blank frame and I’ll show you a good time craft project. I recently came across some large matted frames on clearance at the store. I brought them home and showed them the love with a little help from my ribbon basket. This idea serves two purposes: it will clear your stash to make room for new trims, and it will add a textured look to your home decor. You can use the same technique on wood blocks, boxes, pillars and any other large smooth surface. I used the "indulge" card to remind myself that it is A-OK to dive in every so often! Supplies: 1 11x14” frame with a flat base and 5x7” mat Assorted trims and ribbons, at least 1 yard of each Aleene's Original Tacky Glue Scissors Directions: Separate the frame, setting aside the backing and glass. Take the mat and using flat ribbons, lay them down in various patterns until you like what you see. Start from the center and work your way out. Work one side at a time, and add a thin line of glue. Set the ribbon down on the glue, and run your fingers over it so it lays flat. Continue adding the ribbon and trims all around the mat. Add ribbon around the outer border as well. Set aside to dry. Repeat the process for the outer frame. Let dry and then add your picture and reassemble the frame. **** *** 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: empowerment crafts, fabric, recycled Wednesday, May 28, 2008VIDEO: Save Glitter!
*** 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 video, empowerment crafts, glitter Tuesday, April 29, 2008Self portrait in paper This is a really wild project to try, and it makes really good use of your paper scraps - note cards, postcards, wrapping paper, notebook paper, Post Its, magazine pages, etc... You start with a blank 16x20 canvas, and layer it with paper, using decoupage medium. Use all kinds of contrasting papers to make your face, eyes, nose, and mouth. And just keep it going until you have an abstract-type of self portrait. If you are a fiction writer, you can make one for each of your characters in the way they would make it, and hang them up so you can see them as you write. Hang it proud and loud! *** 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: empowerment crafts, paper, recycled 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 Monday, December 24, 2007Selfish surprise
Last week I recieved an email from my cousin Stephanie about "random acts of kindness". We've all heard about it and probably have 'paid it forward' many times. But what I thought was so cool was her example of a Starbucks where one person paid for the person's coffee behind them - just because!
This is something I always wished I could do, but usually every single penny (I'm not kidding) is allocated to the essentials - family, roof over our head, meals, etc. But this year, the Murillo household has had many blessings. We haven't exactly hit the jackpot, but we are able to buy namebrand cereal these days! Yay, Kelloggs! Who knows what the future holds. In the crazy state of this world, anything can change on a moment's notice. So if there was ever a time for me to splurge for someone else's Starbucks, it is now. In past years, I've passed out handmade ornaments during the holiday season to anyone who was nice to me. This year because of lack of time to make merchandise, I went for gift cards and cold cash. And I didn't do it to people who were nice to me, but people who I thought deserved a happy surprise during their Christmas Eve work day. So here is how I distributed them!  Meet Wanda. This morning at 7:30 Patrick and I took the kids to breakfast at the Denny's by our house. Wanda was soooo sweet. She has a grey beehive, bright red lipstick, super flashy sequined earrings, and a Christmas pin that had blinking lights. After our meal, we paid and left her a 20% tip. I signed the slip, and asked the cashier if I could talk to Wanda. Wanda came over to the counter looking a bit frightened, wondering what the heck I wanted. I told her I was practicing random acts of kindness today, and I handed her a $10 bill. "Merry Christmas!" I said. She squealed as if I were Oprah handing over a million dollar check. Wanda wove the bill in the air and annouced it to those around her. She thanked me over and over.  Here is Sandy. I went to Target to buy the last of my gifts and chose four of the niftiest gift cards they had. The kind that play music and have games built into them. Sandy was my cashier and I asked her to ring up $5 on each one. The line was gawd awful long and I noticed the beads of sweat trickling just under her hairline. I paid, and she handed me the reciept with a cheery "Merry Christmas!" I reached in the bag and pulled out one of the gift cards and presented it to her and gave my RAOK spiel. She threw her arms in the air and went "Woo-eeee! Thank you!!" She then looked around sneakily and stuffed the gift card in her pants pocket.  Here you go, pretty Starbucks girl. I was at Starbucks and I saw the girl on the left making a coffee drink. Watching her was a guy with a scowl on his face and two bitchy-looking chicks next to him - all giving the barista stink eye. Pretty Starbucks girl's face showed she felt their hatred. She finished the drink and set it on the counter and told him: "Here you go, Sorry about that, I hope this one is better..." Dude snatched the drink and said "It better be right, I can't believe you can't even make a f...... coffee drink!" He then stormed out with his chicks behind him, giving her dirty looks the whole time. She blinked away tears and proceeded to tell this other man that the guy didn't think his drink had enough espresso in it, even though she made it the right way. She said she made him a whole new drink with an extra shot just to please him, at no charge, and he still was mad. She was super shaken up. Three drinks later, she called out my name and I gave her the card and told her not to let that guy ruin her day, that she was doing a great job. She relaxed in that instant, giggled and thanked me. I think it was her dad standing near by because he came over and told me thank you too. I asked to take her picture for my blog and she said "Here, let me get my friend in the picture too!" The next card I gave to my sister Theresa to give out. As of this moment she said she hasn't found anyone worthy of the card yet, and that is after along day of shopping. Sometimes it is not about finding nice people, it can be about seeing someone who could use a little pick-me-up. Maybe one little gesture will help them change their 'tude. OK, the last card was kinda, um, uneventful. When I was in high school, I used to work at a Jack-in-the-Box and always got stuck working on Christmas Eve. So I decided to visit that same JITB and give a card to the window clerk. I ordered our food (it was a very unhealthy Christmas Eve in case you didn't notice) and pulled up to the window. ME: "Hi! When I was in high school, I used work at this very window on Christmas Eve! Here is a $5 gift card - just because! Merry Christmas!" HIM: "Oh. Ok. (he tosses it on the cash register) Can you pull to the side and we'll bring your order out to you." So that one didn't exactly have the Frank Capra holiday magic, but it's cool. Maybe he'll buy something that makes him happy, and he'll think of this random act of kindness that came his way I titled this blog post "selfish surprise" because it totally is selfish, just like Oprah says. It feels so GOOD to do something nice just out of the blue. The rush on people's faces when you tell them what you are doing...dang, you just want to do it over and over. I truly hope someday I reach a position where I can give more than $5 gift cards!! Until then, they will do just fine. *** 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: empowerment crafts, holiday Sunday, December 23, 2007Wish Upon a Star Bracelet This is the season for magic, dreams and wishes. Everyone has a secret plan they hope will come to fruition some day. This little bracelet will help. The idea is to give the bracelet to someone and tell the person to wish upon the star and then tie the bracelet around the wrist or ankle. When the thread wears down and breaks, the star charm will be released into the universe and soon the recipient's wish will come true! Supplies: 1 long piece of thread (about 24 inches) 1 star charm 1 piece of colorful card stock with the directions written on it Small bracelet gift box Craft paint Directions: Paint and decorate the box and set aside to dry. Double the thread and slide on the charm. Leave the ends open so the person can tie it on. Place the bracelet in the box with the directions. Tip: Instead of just one bracelet, give your friend two so they can pass one on as well. Better yet, give them several to use throughout the month. *** 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: empowerment crafts, holiday, jewelry 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 Monday, February 20, 2006Collaged Torso  March is National Women's History month. I know it's still a couple of weeks away, but this is a good time to plan your course of action. Every city has some kind of event going on. If not, maybe you can find something online pertaining to this muy importante month. Here in Phoenix (and Tempe, Gilbert, Glendale, etc), a local paper arts store, Ink It!, is holding an auction for decorated torsos. Mary Ellen Fresquez, the owner of this lovely shop invited me to load one up, Crafty Chica stylee, for the event. Here is my finsihed piece.  And here is some info on the event: "AUCTION-Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Artists have been busy with the theme "Cherechez la Femme" (translated: "Search for the Woman"). 6" paper mache torsos, decorated and embellished will be on display and up for bid on Saturday, March 4th, 5-8pm. Join us, put your bids in for your favorite torso(s) and enjoy great desserts catered by our own downtown Gilbert restaurants--and you already know how yummy their food is! 100% of the profits from the auction will be donated to the Susan K. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation." Ink It! is located at 225 North Gilbert Road - Gilbert, Arizona 85234. Phone: 480.632.6801. Be sure to check it out! and if you live outside the area, organize your own event at your favorite local art store or boutique!  Or, just buy a blank torso from Stampington.com, and embellish it for your own personal sense of empowerment! Now aren't you glad you have two weeks notice? Viva la mujer! P.S. If you like the paper I used, I'm going to be selling it in collage sheets very soon! *** 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, mother's day Friday, January 13, 2006Resolution Collage Calendar Need a little help with your resolutions this year? Try morphing an old calendar into a piece of inspiration! I'm on a mission to lose weight, so I took an old calendar and altered for my resolutions. One each month! Now I won't ever lose focus! Here are the directions! * By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * Labels: empowerment crafts Saturday, August 06, 2005Creativity articles Feel like you need a boost to your spirit? Here are three articles to help ya out! 1. Finding your signature style. This is about coming up with a line of designs that are all YOU and no one else! 2. Connecting with your alter ego. This is about tapping into your hidden voice and bringing it out intothe open. It will give you a fresh perspective! 3. Living an artful life. This is a special piece I wrote for GetCrafty.com about adding dashes of beauty to your world. * By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * Labels: empowerment crafts Thursday, July 21, 2005Good Karma Greeting Cards Make someone's day by giving them a happy card! Just because! Here are the directions! * By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * Labels: collage/paper, empowerment crafts Sunday, February 06, 2005Wish Jar I got this idea from Keri Smith's wonderful book, "Living Out Loud". It was one of the projects. Basically you paint an old jar, cut a slit in the lid and insert your secret wises and desires. Unless you wish to win the lottery or something crazy like that, it really works! Rock on, Keri! * By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * Labels: empowerment crafts, inside Saturday, February 05, 2005Blank Book Dream Journal It seems all year round, blank books are always on clearance at the book store. I use blank books for, like, um...everything! I mostly love to write down story ideas, random thoughts and lots of doodles. i often tear out pages from magazines, or catchy headlines, or phrases I like and use a glue stick to put them in my book. Lately I've also been making quick scrapbooks from them. I'm not into heavy high-priced add ons like brads, die cuts and all that stuff. With a family of four to feed, all our extra change goes to groceries it seems! I like to do things like have fun with my computer, do some Andy Warhol spins, glue clunky things on. Anyhoo...Here is a spread I did of my sister and my kids. Work that home computer, baby! How to do it: Use a glue stick to line the pages with background paper, or you can paint on the pages. For an even simpler method, use photo corners and slip in a photo. Don't forget to add a caption. Another great idea is to put a picture of a goal you want to achieve, and write down a paragraph why you want this to happen in your life. If you put it in words, it is like putting the order out in the universe - you never know what will comeback around! * By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2006. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * Labels: collage/paper, empowerment crafts Desktop Zen Garden After a week of stressful activities, the thought of relaxation time sounds pretty good. However, if you are out of Calgon bath beads and the balance in your checkbook rules out a day spa, a clever alternative will have to do. This meditation garden will do the trick. These soothing, sand-filled boxes often are found at high-end shops and chic gallery stores. They also are sold as pricey do-it-yourself kits. Here is one example of how to assemble your own dry garden as a gift, or to keep in a special area of your home. The idea is to focus on creating balance and harmony with the use of a small rake, sand and rocks. I used three rocks and one item for a focal point. However, the possibilities are nearly endless. Gather several rocks in diagonal corners, or use seashells and starfish for a beach theme. There are no rules, just as long as it helps you relax. SUPPLIES: * 1 wood serving tray (9 1/2 by 13 inches) * Patina paint set * Stencil brush * Asian-inspired coins or accessories * Hot glue * 2 strings of gold-tone beads * 3 pounds of craft sand * 1 Asian-inspired focal point * 3 rocks * Small rake or mini-back scratcher DIRECTIONS: Stipple the tray with layers of Patina paints, using the stencil brush, and let dry. Affix the coins to the sides of the tray with hot glue. Repeat process to add beads around the top of the tray. Pour in sand and shake tray until the sand settles evenly. Turn tray lengthwise, and place focal point at the top. Add the rocks in a balanced design. Use the rake or back scratcher to make patterns and lines in the sand. * For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * Labels: empowerment crafts, garden, inside, multi-culti Daily Affirmation Soaps
Do you ever think about spaces of time that are taken for granted?
In our busy daily routines, there are certain minutes of blankness that pass. Going through the carwash, chopping lettuce, brushing teeth and washing hands are just a few of them. Wouldn't it be great to slip in a positive subliminal message in there somewhere? Start with a batch of Daily Affirmation Soaps for use in your bathroom and kitchen. They also work nicely as a cozy housewarming treat or as a gift for someone who needs cheering up. Begin by collecting motivational thoughts from favorite authors, or jokes that will force you to smile. Heck, even some campy bumper-sticker sayings will do the trick. However, I don't recommend working on this project at the same time you are chopping lettuce. Some blank moments of time are best left that way. Supplies: Colored paper, markers, stickers Laminating sheets Scissors Butter knife 2 pounds of clear glycerin soap, fragrance optional Plastic pitcher and spoon Rubbing alcohol Soap coloring (optional) Soap mold trays (smooth tops only) Small spray bottle with rubbing alcohol Clear plastic wrap Directions: Create messages by writing or printing them from a computer. Decorate with markers and/or stickers. Laminate and cut them apart to fit the molds. Chop the block of glycerin into 1-inch cubes. Separate the cubes into piles if you are going to color them (see note). Put a handful of cubes in the plastic pitcher and melt in microwave according to directions. Remove pitcher and stir contents until completely liquefied. Pour a 1/4-inch layer into each of the molds. If tiny bubbles appear, spray with rubbing alcohol. Next, set a message facedown on the layer. If it falls crookedly, do not lift or move it or your soap will become cloudy. Melt another batch of squares to top off the molds. Place the filled mold tray in the freezer for 30 minutes. Remove and pop soaps out by twisting the tray. Wrap each bar in clear plastic wrap. Use a colorful sticker on the bottom to seal the ends. Note: To color and scent the soap, add desired number of drops to liquid after removing from microwave and stir. Don't use too dark a color, because you want to see the messages clearly. ** * For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * Labels: beauty, empowerment crafts, inside 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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