One of the reasons I started making Latin-inspired crafts was to counteract the goofy Mexican-themed projects out there. Especially around this time of the year (Cinco de Mayo). I swear if I see another clay sombrero guy climbing in a tequila shot glass - I will cry!

I'm not about the Haterade, instead let's think of some nice alternatives! Like the traditional tissue paper flower. They are bright, cheery and super easy to make!

I made these tissue flowers as pins to wear at Maker Faire this weekend. I love making them, but after I made the first one I thought of the cool, pretty kits that Martha has out.

"OK, I am the Crafty Chica, I HAVE to do make my flowers different than Martha's!" I thought.

After I cut the squares of tissue, I stamped them! High-five, por favor! I wish I had silver or gold ink, but black worked nice as an alternative. I think these are stunning. There are very Carrie Bradshaw-goes-south-of-the-border. A contemporary spin on tradition!

Here is how you make them:

1. Cut 8 pieces of assorted party tissue in squares, about 6". Cut 4 squares that are 3" square. If you want to stamp the tissue, do that now.

2. Stack them, and set the smaller set in the center. Accordion fold the stack.

3. Snip little notches on each side in the center.

4. Use a piece of pipe cleaner to wrap around the notches to secure the flower.

5. Carefully separate the sheets, and fluff them as you go.

6. Dab white craft glue and sprinkle matching (or translucent) micro glitter.

7. Turn over and hot glue pinback.



If you are having a Cinco party, or going out to a fiesta, or maybe attending a friend's party - make these and hand them out. Your friends will love you for it!

There are so many variations on these that you can do. I would have made more, but I leave for the airport in the morning, and I still have to clean for the house sitters, and pack!


***
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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: Cinco DeMayo, flowers, glitter, kids, Latin-inspired, paper

For normal people, margaritas and machaca are great ways to celebrate Mexican Independence Day this Tuesday. But if you are into handmade decorations, paper flowers are the way to go. Non-crafty types can even get into the spirit because it only involves simple accordion folding - a la kindergarten class. There are more elaborate, artistic ways to create paper flowers, but for starters this method is just right for adding a splash of vibrant color to a table centerpiece or place setting.

Supplies:
1 package of multicolored tissue or crepe paper
1 package of green pipe cleaners
Scissors

Directions: Take four to five sheets of the tissue paper and layer them (if you want multicolored flowers, use different colors). Cut into 8-inch squares. Keeping the sheets layered, take one set of squares and fold it like an accordion so it looks like a thin rectangle. At the center of the rectangle, cut a small v-shaped notch on both sides. Take the end of a pipe cleaner and twist it around the notch. With the stem pointing straight down, gently pull up one layer of tissue into the center. Pull up the remaining layers, one by one. Repeat for the other side of the flower. Once all the layers are pulled up, fluff them in place to look natural. Continue making more flowers with the remaining stacks of squares.

Tips and variations: For sturdier stems, wrap two pipe cleaners together. Cut smaller or larger squares to change the size of your flowers. Add more layers for thicker flowers or less layers for thinner ones. For a shiny effect, dip the top edges in white glue and then dip in loose glitter. Glue a pin on the back of a flower for a fluffy lapel decoration. Make smaller flowers and string them together as garland.


***
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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: Cinco DeMayo, flowers, kids, Latin-inspired, paper

Take one of those mirrors from IKEA, paint it. The take some heavy-duty shears and cut off the top and bottom of a pop can. Smooth out the center, very carefuly so you don't cut yourself. In fact, wear garden gloves for this project just to be safe!

On the silver side, draw flowers with a Sharpie. Cut them out. Now repeat, making smaller flowers to go in the center of the other ones. Use upholstery tacks or short nails to secure them to the wood frame. Add crystals in between the flowers. And now you have a cute candle tray! I used Mexican juice cans, but you can use any kind you want.


***
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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: flowers, lights, recycled

Hot weather means summer, and summer means pool parties. Luau, anyone?

OK, it's only April, but it never hurts to kick off the season early and in style.

This cheery tropical table runner will do the trick when it comes to setting the mood for an outdoor soiree. The vibrant look is achieved by dismantling bunches of silk flowers, which are often on sale this time of year, or leis, separating the layers and then adhering them petal to petal in rows and columns. Once you've finished, top it off with a large pineapple or tiki god for a centerpiece. Silk flowers can be found at craft stores.

Tropical table runner

Supplies
4 bundles of silk flowers (or leis) in assorted bright colors
Hot glue

Directions: Remove the flowers and leaves from the stems. Take each flower and remove the back and front plastic centerpiece that holds the layers together. Working on a smooth flat surface, pick up one flower layer at a time and hot glue the edge of one of the petals to another layer's petal edge. Repeat the process until it measures approximately 12 inches across. Keep adding to the row lengthwise until it's 36 inches long. Use the longer shaped leaves for the border - glue them from underneath, sticking out all the way around the runner to achieve a framed look.

Tips and variations: Be careful when using the hot-glue gun - it's almost inevitable that you'll singe your finger at least once. This project requires a lot of time and patience; it took me 2 1/2 hours to complete. Use the idea to line a window, pillow, book or other flat surface.

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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: flowers, garden

These are the easiest things to make and they are fun to wear when you are going to an art walk, or crafty party - or even when you are just dabbling in your art room!

Supplies:

1 plastic headband, about 1" wide
Green ribbon
Assorted silk flowers and leaves
Hot glue
Small crystals

Directions:

Wrap the ribbon around the headband and glue the ends down, nice and even and flat. Glue your flowers to the top of the headband, not on the plastic base, but on the silk pedal, so it will grip to the ribbon. Add in the leaves. Glue on the crystals randomly. Let it all cool and wear it with style! Frida would be so proud! These are so pretty on little girls too!

Variation: You can use all roses, or mix it up with different kinds of flowers.


***
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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: flowers, wearable art

I was so excited to decorate my daughter's rooms. Well, that is, until I asked for her input.

All I wanted was cheery, kid-friendly inspiration. Instead I received an elaborate floor plan from my daughter, Maya. I should have known that letting her watch too many episodes of America's Next Top Model couldn't be healthy. She came up with a grand plan of lime-green walls, fuchsia furniture, and bright-yellow curtains -- all trimmed with glitter and flowers.

Maya's psychedelic setting wouldn't be so easy. We finished the fuchsia dresser and yellow curtains. I'm still working my way up to the lime-green walls. Until then, I'm devising a series of whimsical accessories to tie the wild colors together. One of which is this flower-power wastebasket.

As you can see, I'm only half way finished!

Flower-Power Wastebasket


Supplies:


Assorted colorful plastic flowers with leaves
1 wire wastebasket
Wire nippers
Glue gun
Clear, wide strapping tape

Directions: Cut apart the fake flowers and leaves into strands. Cut the bottoms so that each strand is no longer than 4 inches. Beginning at about the third row from the bottom of the wastebasket, insert a flower through a hole. Weave the stem out and then in through a hole underneath (for security). Fold the stem downward and snip the excess. Do not cut it too short, or it will leave a sharp edge. Seal the end down with the glue gun.

Continue working in a circular motion around the basket, skipping a few holes between each flower for a more balanced, even look. Use your hand to smooth down the stems inside the basket. Use leaves throughout to fill any bald spots. If you want to create a smooth surface inside the basket, use layers of strapping tape to cover the stems.

Variations: You can use a plastic wastebasket and hot glue the flowers on, but don't glue on the plastic part, glue from the pedals. Add sparkle to the flowers by gluing on small crystals or spritzing with fabric glitter spray.



***
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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: flowers, glitter, home decor

This is actually a project I posted in October, but after seeing Amy's spectacular 'do in her new video for Tears Dry on Their Own, I thought "Hey! I'm going to repost my wig project!"



So really, you'd want to do this project with a black wig, and then you will also an one more long-haired wig to hang down over your shoulder.

But you'll need to fend for the Cleopatra eyeliner all by yourself...

Beehive Wig
Supplies
• 1 wig, long straight hair
• Embroidery floss, needle
• 1 piece of batting (24 by 6 inches) rolled up
• Foam wig head
• Teasing comb
• 1 can of Aqua Net hair spray
• 1 package Fantasy Fiber
• Hair clips
• Hot glue
• Embellishments for hair: gems, flowers, leaves, plastic insects, etc.
• Spray glitter

Directions: Move the hair away from the crown of the wig. Using the embroidery floss and needle and working from the inside of the wig, hand stitch on the roll of batting so it stands up on the outside of the wig. This will give your beehive proper shape. Slip the wig on the foam head. Use the comb to separate a layer of hair at the crown of the wig. Holding one chunk at a time, bring hair up and swirl it around the batting, using the Aqua Net as the adhesive. Repeat until the batting is covered and the wig looks complete. Take the Fantasy Fiber and stretch it in random places around the wig for an extra shiny look. Let it set until firm. Embellish using hot glue. Add whatever decorations you want, such as flowers, plastic insect, gems, etc. Add a light layer of spray glitter for a finished look. Let dry and then use.

Tip: Flatten your hair so the wig will fit your skull better.
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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: flowers

One of my episodes of Craft Lab aired last week and I've recieved so many emails (OK - two) about it, I thought I'd post the projects here. First of all, thanks to Jennifer and the team at Screen Door Entertainment and DIY Network for inviting me on the show!!!

This episode is called "Latin-inspired crafts and I show how to make a Shadow Box Table, a Paper Flower Topiary and a Rumba Girl Lamp.


Directions.


Directions.



Directions.
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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: Cinco DeMayo, Craft Lab, flowers, inside, Latin-inspired, multi-culti

This is a great project if you want to cheat a little, but still make something by hand. Buy a scarf or a hat and then make a felt flower and sew it on! You can also use the felt flowers to sew onto a pair of socks, a handbag, a sweater, a journal, etc. I love the concept of buying something and then embellishing it. It's kinda like going to the bakery and buying two dozen cupcakes unfrosted - that way you can put all your time into decorating them! I often look for items with smooth surfaces that I can paint or decoupage on. That way it is still one-of-a-kind but it won't kill you time wise to add a handmade touch!

* 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: flowers, sewing, wearable art

This is a really fun project that is perfect for patio parties, table displays, or just to give your room a fantasy flair!

Supplies:

1 light string strand of 50 or less.
Silk flowers
Scissors
Hot glue

Directions: Remove the flowers from the stems. Start with one flower at a time and take it apart, but keep all the pedals together in proper order. Now snip the holes at the bottom of the leaves and pedals, just big enough to slip over the casing of the light bulb. Hot glue the leaves, and then the pedals to the plastic casing, not on the glass bulb. Basically what you are doing is putting hte flower back together over the bulb, exactly as it was. Once the flower is rebuilt over the bulb's casing, add a hit of hot glue inside the inner pedal to the plastic.

Glue on crystals to the pedals if desired.

Continue until they are all done!

NOTE: Always unplug your lights when not in use! You can also use battery-operated light strings. For a really cool look - use the battery-operated strand and insert the whole floral light strand inside a large glass vase!


***
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: flowers, lights

Every spring I get bored with our screened-in patio and try to mix things up. This photo curtain I made from a box of greeting cards I found at Target. I affixed them to colored card stock and laminated them and then punched holes and string them together. It did so much to POP our patio!
While I was making it, I kept thinking of how cool it would be to rubber stamp designs or use family photos.
* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: collage/paper, flowers, garden, summer/4th of July

Don't be sad when the roses your lover gave you begin to wilt. Keep the buds in your vase - and your relationship - intact by waxing your roses. Not only do they look as gorgeous as that Victoria's Secret nightie you bought, they'll last a long time!

Supplies:
Double boiler
Paraffin Wax
Paper towels
Oven mitts
Large wood or metal spoon
String and clip (like a clothesline)

Directions: Place the paper towels under the clothesline so the wax won't get on the floor. Heat the wax in the double boiler according to package directions. Put on the oven mitts and pick up one of the roses and insert it in the wax. Use the spoon to drip it on hard-to-get areas (like the center). Clip it upside down on the clothesline. Note: Strip the leaves ahead of time, or wax them too. Who wants a perky flower with saggy leaves? Not us!
* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: flowers, Valentine's Day

Chunky handmade candles are common fare for setting a mood. However, when revamping your humble abode, don't underestimate the power of tea lights. When used creatively, these tiny twinklers make a dazzling display of romantic or relaxing radiance.
A simple terra-cotta dish garden will raise an ordinary cluster of these peewee flames to a new level. You'll find that the finished piece works wonders as an elegant centerpiece for the patio, coffee table and more. And because terra-cotta pots and saucers are inexpensive, readily available and come in a range of sizes, a "one-candle" version is a spiffy take-home gift for party guests.

SUPPLIES:
* 1 terra-cotta planter
* 1 terra-cotta saucer a size larger than planter
* Assorted acrylic paints
* Assorted craft brushes
* Matte or gloss spray varnish
* E6000 glue
* Colored sand
* 1 box of tea light candles
DIRECTIONS: Paint the inside and outside of the planter and saucer in desired colors. Varnish. When dry, turn the planter upside down and apply a thick bead of E6000 glue around the base. Turn the saucer upside down and lay it on a flat surface. Set the planter with the glue-side down in the center of the saucer and press firmly. Let it cure for 24 hours. Fill the saucer with colored sand and set multiple tea lights on top of sand.
TIP: Add clay, florals, greenery, stencils, mosaics or photo appliques if desired.
VARIATION: For a traditional look, use a deep saucer or bowl to house a cactus garden.

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

Labels: candle, flowers, garden, lights