I used chunky coral beads and turquoise balls to make this set inspired by Frida Kahlo's jewelry. For the images, I wanted to try something different so I used liquid Sculpey to transfer the images, and regular Sculpey for the background. You can also use decoupaged wood pieces too!

This is beautiful set to make for a friend or family member who loves Mexican culture, Frida, or big jewelry. Of course, you can make it for yourself too! And if you don't like Frida, you can use any kind of image...

For complete directions, see my Art de la Soul book!
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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: frida, jewelry, Latin-inspired, wearable art

I was so delighted to be invited to contribute to CraftStylish.com as a guest blogger!

I knew I had to do something totally uber-spectacular, so I hope this does the trick! It is a wall light made from a Mexican tote.

I've posted directions below, but PLEASE visit the link here to see a gallery of step-by-step pics!

1 large Mexican grocery tote
1 wood frame, 16 inches x 16 inches
1 piece of white art paper, about 14 inches x14 inches
Scissors
Staple gun
Ribbon
Sequin trim
Liquid Fusion adhesive
Hot-glue gun
1 set of mini-lights (50)
Tulip 3D Glitter Fashion Paint, black
Crafty Chica™ Paint Pack™
Crafty Chica™ Chunky Glitters™

1. Cut the handles off the bag, then remove stitches from the sides. Cut along the bottom of the fold. Keep that main piece and set aside the rest of the bag for another project.

Cut up your tote bag so that you preserve the image or design that you want to feature on your wall.

2. Take the cut piece of bag, stretch it over the frame, and staple along the edges. If the piece will not fold over the side, just staple along the front edges. Trim off the excess.

You can center (or not) the bag image as you stretch your cut piece of bag over the frame.

3. Outline the image design with Tulip 3D Glitter Fashion Paint. Let dry.

Have fun highlighting and giving definition to the image with glittery paint!

4. Using Crafty Chica Paint Pack, paint inside the lines, and add Crafty Chica Chunky Glitters over the wet paint. Let dry.

5. Embellish the sides and front edges with trims and sequins, using the Liquid Fusion adhesive.

Paint inside the lines and embellish the sides and front edges with colorful sequins or other sparkly trinkets.

6. Flip the frame over, and slip in the white paper so it sits under the frame and serves as a backing for the image. This will allow maximum glow!

7. To add the lights, keep the frame flipped over right side down. You will want to secure them within the inside of the frame's border so your wall light will rest flush against the wall. Use a staple gun to secure the lights—staple over the cording, making sure not to puncture it! If you do puncture it, you cannot plug in your light; you will need a new strand of lights!

8. Plug in and hang!

Variation: Use a strand of battery-operated lights if you don't want the cord to show.

* Remember always to use caution for any electrical craft project!

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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: frida, Latin-inspired, lights

If you plan on having a Cinco de Mayo fiesta, you can't have boring place mats to go with your fancy home cooked menu! Devote some time to creating these artful collages that are laminated. You can use them all year round and they will add so much more spark and spirit to your party. Trust me! This lovely project is from my book: The Crafty Chica Collection!

Supplies:

Large piece of art paper
Stickers, pictures, etc
Scrapbook paper
raffia
hole puncher

Make the collage on the art paper and get it color-copied (times how many place settings you have) and then laminated. Punch holes along the sides and tie pieces of raffia.

Use memory wire, beads and decoupaged wood charms for napkin rings.

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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: Cinco DeMayo, food crafts, frida, Latin-inspired, multi-culti