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 or watch below...



***
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: crafty video, holiday, LifetimeTV, New Years

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

(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.





***
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, holiday, LifetimeTV

Never toss out a mistake! That is my lesson of the week.
I was so excited that my friend Vickie Howell launched her own line of yarns, called Craft. Rock. Love. - and that she even named one after me:


$10.50, Chica 775

She sent me a package with samples and I couldn't wait to crochet something. I happened to be leaving out of town that day, and took the yarn and a hook. I decided on a simple skullcap - something I could finish by the end of the plane ride. I must have been either too excited or too stressed, because the hat came out two times larger than I wanted. So much for my math skills. When I got home, I couldn't bear to unravel it all. A crafty friend suggested I turn it inside out and take it in with my sewing machine's overlock function. A risky move, but I went for it.

I loved the result! The effect was a small "ruffle" looking seam. So I repeated the stitch all around the hat. Not only did it make for the perfect skullcap, it also has a funky ribbed-like texture. My advice? The next time you think a craft project is shot, step back and look at it from a new perspective, see what you can do to make it work. Maybe you'll invent a new technique! As far as this cap, it's a great project to make as a last minute gift because it is super simple!

NOTE: I've been crocheting for years, but never use patterns, so I tired my best to type this out for you, but feel free to adjust as needed!

Supplies:
2 skeins of red cotton yarn
Red thread
1 H-8 crochet hook
Scissors
Sewing machine

Directions:
Round 1: Work 15 single crochet (sc) into ring. Round 2: Begin working through back loop only, 14 single crochet in each stitch (st) around. Round 3: Work 14 triple crochet in each stitch around. Continue until the hat is as long as you desire. I made my down to my eyebrows, so I could flip up the hem. Snip and tie off the end. Turn the hat inside out. Using the overlock or zigzag function on your sewing machine, sew seams vertically around the hat. Snip excess threads. Wear and enjoy!



***
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: holiday, sewing, wearable art

Homemade Christmas cards are a serious commitment. You have to come up with a brazilliant design, purchase all of the supplies and then set up an assembly line in your home. It's worth it, because in the end, each card is a heartfelt masterpiece of inspired art.

When it comes to card design, the obvious and easiest choice is to go with paper collages, especially because there are so many delectable offerings of rub-on letters, stamps, punches, stickers, papers and photos. I often make handmade cards, but this season, I wanted to try something different. So I settled on creating all my cards using fabric, yarn and thread. My mission was to create greetings that had a quilted, homespun look but were still slick enough for the recipient to hang in a frame as a decoration for their home.

To achieve this look, you'll need to convert your photos into fabric. There are many methods, but the quickest is to pick up a package of fabric sheets at the craft or sewing store. These are pieces of fabric affixed to paper that are stiff enough to run through your home printer. After printing your scanned or photocopied picture onto the fabric sheet, peel away the paper and voilà! You have your picture printed onto fabric! Fabric paper also can be made at home by ironing lightweight cotton to the shiny side of freezer paper and then cutting it to the size of 8 1/2 by 11 inches.


I went with a vintage theme with the help of old-fashioned collage sheets I found at artchixstudio.com. This project will take a bit of sweat and labor. If that is too much to tackle, you can settle on making one or two and then framing them and giving them as gifts, or make smaller versions for use as tags or place-card holders.

Fabric Quilted Christmas cards

Supplies

Photos

Color copier or scanner

White fabric sheets for the computer

Decorative-edge scissors

Assorted fabrics

Glue stick

Blank cards or cardstock cut and folded into cards

Sewing machine or a needle and thread

Batting

Straight pins

Yarns and fibers

Embellishments



Directions: Put your photos in the copier/scanner and set the print quality to the highest resolution. Insert the fabric sheet into your printer according to package directions (usually face down). Print the images, cut them out and remove the paper backing. Set aside.

Cut a piece of fabric for the background of your card (use the decorative-edge scissors). Use the glue stick to lightly tack it to the front of the card. Sew the fabric in place. You can sew the edges in a curvy border or add dimension by sewing all over the surface of the fabric. Cut any loose strands.

Once you have the background in place, it's time to add the image. Cut a piece of batting to go under it to give it a quilted look. Pin and then sew the image to larger piece of fabric, with the batting sandwiched between. Pin and then sew the image to the center of the card. Sew designs inside the image to make it look puffier.

Sew yarn as a border, or add other kinds of embellishments.

Variation: To make your card stand out even more, package it with a frame that the recipient can use to display the card after they read it.

***
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: fabric, holiday, paper, sewing

Kathy Cano-Murillo
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 7, 2002 11:31 AM

Imagine Christmas Eve without candy canes or sugarplums. They are just two reasons why sweets are a staple of the holiday season. And there's no better way to appreciate the sugary stuff than to visit Dylan's Candy Bar in New York City. I stumbled upon it during a recent trip and was overwhelmed with its two colorful levels that were packed with enough candy treats. to make Willy Wonka melt in shame.

Aside from the usual chocolate bars and gingerbread houses, Dylan's was outfitted with rows upon rows of gorgeous candy trees in all shapes and sizes.

After my initial gasp of delight, I couldn't help but take a closer peek. And like all curious crafters, I quickly analyzed the structure - via a nonchalant eye scan. Here is my home-made version, but for the real thing, visit Dylan's Web site at dylanscandybar.com and order one pre-made.
Candy Christmas Tree
Supplies:
Gold-colored and other assorted acrylic paints and paint brush
Ribbon and hot glue gun
1 foam topiary tree, 18 inches tall
Newspaper
1 6-inch flowerpot
2 large bags of wrapped candies with sealed edges
1 box of straight pins
Toothpick
Wood, cardboard or papier-mâché star
Directions: Paint the flowerpot in desired colors and trim the lip with ribbon, using the hot glue. Crumple half a sheet of newspaper and place it at the bottom of the flowerpot. Paint the topiary gold or other preferred color.

When dry, insert it into the pot until it fits snuggly. Begin attaching the candies in rows around the bottom of the tree by poking a pin through the wrapper's edge and pressing it into the foam. Continue to fill the tree working in rows from the bottom up. Fill the base of the tree with candy in the same manner. Paint and decorate the star, adhere the toothpick with glue, and attach to the top of the tree.

Variations: Use other candies, such as peppermint twists or toffees. Instead of a flowerpot, use coffee cups or other types of containers. To give as a gift, wrap the tree in cellophane and add a bow.


***
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: food crafts, holiday, inside

December is the season of all things sparkly, so glitter is a must-have when it comes to crafting. Pair it with high-quality double-sided tape such as Terrifically Tacky Tape and you have instant access to embellishing cards, ornaments, boxes and other items with a smooth surface. After I finished these vases I thought of how cute the technique would look on colored wine or vintage soda bottles.

After you've finished and dusted the shiny granules off your work area (and body), use the vases and/or bottles as party centerpieces, candy dishes or lined up along a walkway. Don't forget to snip fresh poinsettias to put inside.

Glitter vases
Supplies
Glass vases or bottles, any color
Terrifically Tacky Tape, various widths, sheets or shapes
Loose glitter, medium flakes
Loose glitter in gold or silver, extra-fine flakes
Dimensional squeeze paint, assorted colors

Directions: Clean and dry the vase. Apply the tape in the desired areas until the jar is completely covered. Remove the backing to the tape only on the areas where you will be applying the same color. For example, if you are doing red and green stripes, first remove the backing for all the places where you will have red. Pour the medium-flake glitter over the exposed area of the tape and tap away excess. Repeat until the tape is completely covered. Remove the remaining backings for the other colors and repeat the process. To add extra shimmer, pour the extra-fine gold or silver glitter over the colored glitter. Outline and/or accent with squeeze paint.

Tips and variations: The tape also comes in sheets so you can cut out custom designs. Instead of glitter you can apply microbeads, colored yarn or any other lightweight item.


***
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: glitter, holiday

I knew it was only a matter of time before my two guilty-pleasure passions in life would collide: crafting and chocolate.

How fun would it be to make a fantastic holiday centerpiece that people ooh and aah over and munch on? And, even better, have it constructed from after-dinner mints, such as the yummy Andes brand.

That thought was the first stage of my confectionary challenge.

Overall, this mint tree project is a snap to create, but I must share a secret . . . I'm more of a crafter than a chef, so I learned the hard way that the Rice Krispies treat mixture is sticky. I was very proud to have molded my tree, but when I tried to remove my hands, they were stuck. I did manage to pull them away, but I took half the tree in each palm. Then I reached for the roll of paper towels, and it stuck to my hands, too. I had to call my husband into the kitchen to come clean me up.

Together, we tackled the rest of the process through trial and error. Our finding: Wax paper makes all the difference.

Chocolate Andes Mint Tree
Supplies:

3 tablespoons butter or margarine

10 ounces marshmallows

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Wax paper

1 bag of chocolate melts (found in the candy aisle of the craft store)

4 boxes of Andes mints

Red and green M&M's

White cake glitter

Saucepan, mixing bowl, spoon, frosting knife

Directions: Heat the butter and marshmallows in a large saucepan on low heat. Stir until they are melted into a thick sauce. Add the Rice Krispies, and mix until covered in the sauce. Let cool a few minutes, then scoop the mixture onto a decorative dish or cake tray.

Using wax paper on your hands, mold the mixture into a tall vertical tree shape that is smooth around the sides. Let cool.

Empty the package of chocolate melts into a mixing bowl. Heat on high in the microwave for one minute. Remove and stir. Heat it another minute if needed. Stir until creamy. Frost the tree. Set the remaining chocolate aside and place the tree in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.

Unwrap the mints. Take the tree out of the fridge. Reheat the chocolate in the mixing bowl until it is melted.

Begin to build your tree in circles from the bottom, going up. Take a mint and dab it in the chocolate sauce and place it vertically on the tree. Continue all the way around the base. Add the next layer of mints, making them overlap the first layer. You will be adding fewer mints as you go up because the cone tapers off at the top. Let cool until all the mints are "glued" in place.

Add red and green M&M's to look like ornaments. Sprinkle white cake glitter.

Variations: Use any kind of candy on your tree. Drizzle white chocolate over it for a different look.

Suggestion: Use butter on your hands to prevent Rice Krispies mixture from sticking.




***
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: food crafts, holiday

Sphere's a festive feature

If you are in search of a memorable tabletop adornment, the solution is easier than you think.

Next time you are at the craft store, pick up some round papier-mâché ornaments and use them as the foundation for festive holiday spheres.

Once decorated, they can be displayed in a large clear vase or box, a bowl, platter or basket. The idea is to decorate each one in a contrasting style.

This is a great way to make use of straggler supplies or even wrapping paper taking up space in your workroom.

I went with paint, crystals and decoupage, but you also could work magic with mosaics, dimensional paints and more.

Centerpiece Holiday Spheres
Supplies
5-6 papier-mâché ball ornaments
Assorted craft paints
Brush
Clothespins
Decoupage medium
White glitter
Foil leafing
Decorative paper
Adhesive
Small clear crystals
Metallic mini-stars
Scissors

Directions
Paint the ball ornaments with a base coat in the desired colors. Use clothespins to hang them by the thread to dry.

Decorate each ball in a contrasting design - for example, paint one white. After it dries, cover it with decoupage medium and pour white glitter over it.

On another, follow directions on the foil leaf package to make the ball silver accented. On another, decoupage with pictures.

Apply dots of adhesive on another and then apply small crystals. Continue decorating the balls until you like the results. Hang to dry, and then snip off the thread. Display in a pretty bowl or centerpiece dish.

Note: Buy extra ball ornaments and use non-holiday paper and accents for a centerpiece to use in January.

click here for printable directions

***
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: holiday, home decor

I'm really slacking on the "40 Days of a Chica Christmas" thing. So I'm cranking up the speed tonight and posting some extras.

Around this time last year, I was sitting here talking in a microphone, recording holiday podcasts. I noticed they still get a lot of hits, so I think I'll repost them for anyone who has missed them!

Crafty Chica Holiday Podcast #1

Crafty Chica Holiday Podcast #2: Fat Girl Confessions

Crafty Chica Holiday Podcast #3

They are also on iTunes, in case you want to download them on your iPod! What do you think - should I record some new shows? Are you Crafty Chica'd out yet??


***
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: holiday, podcasts

As seen on Good Morning Arizona today!



I'll be giving away TWO of these trees this Friday, December 14th at 9 p.m. at my husband's concert at:

Cien Agaves Tacos and Tequila
7228 E. 1st Ave., Scottsdale

It's a party to celebrate my birthday, but I will be the one giving out gifts! I'll have some handmade ornaments that I'll be handing out to the first 25 people!



My husabnd's band is The Rastafarmers - Reggae - Latin style! There will also be paintings by our good friend Moises!



***
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: holiday, lights

Chica Christmas #12 of 40!


(Photo property of DuncanCrafts.com)

Last week when I was at Duncan, I was cleaning up my work area and came across these holiday canvases I made for a magazine assignment. I forgot how cute they came out!! I brought them home, hung them up and decided to share them with you! I have them hung on my wall in a block of four, but this picture gives them much more justice.

I just took four blank canvases, painted them in contrasting colors, glued on the Boho appliques in the center of each one and trimmed the backgrounds in glitter, and added dimensional accents with Tulip 3D Fashion Paint. The trick to this look is the contrast. Holiday decor doesn't always have to be only green and red. I added in white and gold and the colors really played off eachother well.

Click on the link below for the detailed directions and product list. I swear, you can whip these out in no time at all. I think they would make a cute hostess gift or party favor!

CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE DIRECTIONS!

***
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: holiday

12 of 40 for the Chica Christ series

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO ON HOW TO MAKE ONE!

Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm severly 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!

This video is part of the Crafting With the Chica series I filmed for LifetimeTV.com. Enjoy!

***
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: 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 ordnary 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 diffrent 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!

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, holiday, LifetimeTV

Turn your revelry into bottle-cap tree

Kathy Cano-Murillo
Special for the Republic
Dec. 8, 2007 12:00 AM

In our house the holiday season means lots of parties. Between family and friends, and imported beers and sodas, I'm always left with an abundance of bottle caps.

When you are a hopeless craftaholic like myself, you see each one as a mini picture frame. I can't even think of tossing them out. I recently arranged them all together and came out with this cool collage tree decoration.

I used vintage holiday images from ARTchixStudio.com, but you also can use personal photos, as long as you shrink them to fit in the bottle cap.

Bottle Cap Picture Tree

Supplies:

Holiday images (color copies of personal or other photos)
1-inch circle punch
Hot glue gun
75-80 silver bottle caps
Aleene's Paper Glaze (in bottle that has long skinny nozzle)
Micro fine gold glitter
1 foam tree, 10 inches tall
Micro fine green glitter
Red ball for the top of the tree
4-inch clay saucer to serve as pedestal for tree

Directions:

Cut out images with the circle punch, and glue each one into a bottle cap. Run a bead of the dimensional adhesive around the inside of the bottle cap (to frame each image with sparkle). Then, sprinkle gold glitter inside, and tap out the excess. Start at the bottom of the foam tree, and using the hot glue gun, affix the bottle caps in a row along the bottom. Repeat for the next row, working your way up.

Use the dimensional adhesive to squeeze glue in crevices between the bottle caps and pour on the green glitter. Tap away excess. Hot glue the red ball to the top of the tree, and the saucer (inverted) to the bottom.

CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE DIRECTIONS.

***
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, holiday, recycled

Today I offer you not ONE crafty idea, but TWO! And on video so you can see the step-by-step action!

Last month I taped 10 new episodes for "Crafting With the Chica" for LifetimeTV.com. And two of them are up today for your viewing pleasure. Hope you like them!



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).
~*CLICK HERE TO WATCH IT!*~



2. Mini Mirror Garland
This is a super easy project that is short on time, but long on sparkle. You can hang these from your tree, front or back porch, or use them to drape over dressers or table tops. You can even make a bunch of strands and hang them from the ceilings for a swanky disco effect!
~*CLICK HERE TO WATCH IT!*~


***
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: crafty video, holiday

Word messages are a happy way to spread positive cheer, don't you think? Especially when they are delivered in glitter. This project is filled with good intention because you choose a favorite uplifting phrase and use some sparkle-licious glitter letters to relay it. Use the finished piece on your front door, the tree, a wall or even a desk.

1 canvas
glittered letters
Hot glue
Craft paint
Brush
Dremel tool
2 eye hooks
Matching ribbon

Directions: Paint the canvas in your desired color and let dry. Choose your phrase and remove the letters from the box to make sure you have what you need. Arrange the word or phrase on the canvas. If you don't have enough room, use a larger canvas, or use two canvases and break up the phrase. Use hot glue to affix the letters. Drill two holes at the top and add eye hooks, thread the ribbon through, tie at one end and hang.

Tips: You can make your own glitter letters with chipboard letters, white craft glue and microfine glitter. Use an oval canvas for use as a table centerpiece.


***
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: holiday

These are so sweet and yummy! All you doing is use white melting chocolate, melt in microwave, pour in the molds and then sprinkle on crushed candy canes. Let it all cool, pop 'em out and enjoy! For wafer thin snowflakes, just add a thin layer of chocolate, for thicker add more.


***
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: food crafts, holiday

Leave the pinatas for the kids and treat your New Year's Eve guests to another form of "break open" surprises: party poppers.

Officially, these little accessories are known as "Christmas crackers," and they were originated during the 1800s in England. But they also will liven up things at the stroke of midnight. The idea is for a person on each end of the popper to pull until they hear a "pop" - and then all sorts of goodies will fall out. How much fun is that?

Party poppers are just as entertaining to make. For an elegant look, use wrapping paper - perhaps metallic or glittered - and then find tiny trinkets to go inside the tube. After the holidays, revamp the process to brighten a wedding shower or children's party.

New Year's Eve Party Poppers

Supplies

- 1 empty paper-towel tube.
- Glitter, fortunes, horoscopes, confetti, mints, funny notes, chocolate coins, small party favors.
- 12- by 12-inch piece of wrapping or tissue paper.
- Scissors.
- Glue gun or tape.
- Ribbon.

Directions: Cut the cardboard tube in half, then cut one of the halves in half. Fill all three pieces with glitter, confetti and other festive accessories. Lay the wrapping paper face down on a flat surface, then set the three cardboard tubes in an even row at the edge of the paper, leaving a 1/2-inch space between each tube. Carefully glue or tape the edge of the wrapping paper in an even line across the tubes. Roll the paper over the tubes once and trim excess paper (also on each end of the tube). Gently twist tubes at the disconnected points and add ribbon for flair. Add them to the table place settings, place a bunch inside a large glass bowl or hand out right before midnight.

Tips and variations: Before giving poppers to guests, use a pin to poke holes around the edges of the tube so it will break open easier. For smaller poppers, use cardboard tubes from wrapping paper. Use color copies of family photos for a personalized look.

***
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, holiday, New Years

There are two ways to approach this idea. You can do it yourself, or you can use it as a way to keep the kids busy so you can finish wrapping the gifts.

Either way, the result is a tasty, sinful and delectable treat for everyone to gobble up during family gatherings or parties of any sort.

Supplies

Sweets such as marshmallows, fruits, chocolates, licorice, fudge, pretzels, gums, soft-center chocolates, gummies, etc.

Paper plates

Bamboo skewers

1 block of Styrofoam (to hold skewers while preparing)

Squeezable frostings with assorted tips

Candy decorations such as sprinkles, edible glitter, etc.

Alternative: Baked goods such as minibrownies, banana bread, soft cookies.



Directions: Sort the candy pieces on paper plates. Slide the pieces on the skewers, alternating them for contrast in texture and color. Once all the skewers are filled, insert the skewers into the foam. Next, remove one skewer and use the frosting and small candy decorations to embellish the candies in red, green or any other colors you like.

Stick the skewer back in the foam so the icing will harden.

Variations: Use all the same candies for a uniform look, or just use marshmallows and paint them in desired colors with thinned icing.

You also can get creative and use a plastic foam tree as a base and cut the bamboo skewers in graduated sizes and insert them sideways into the tree base.

Tip: If you are having the kids make this project, use scissors to snip the sharp end off the skewer. The candies still will slide on easily. For smaller kebabs, cut the skewers in half or use toothpicks for miniversions.

Here are the directions.

***
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: back to school, food crafts, holiday, kids

You put all that effort into finding the perfect gift. Now, it's time to think about the wrapping. Sure, you could go the easy route and pick up a package of roll-o-wrap, or you can devote time to making a statement. If the latter is what you are aiming for, there are plenty of options from which to choose.

My favorite is to make custom collage paper. You cut out pictures and phrases and add small objects such as buttons, pins, charms and any fun memorabilia to fill in the white space, creating a flat assemblage. For a slick finish, have laser copies made (Staples' are 39 cents each), or if you are in a pinch, use your home computer printer. The paper can be used for anything from gift-wrap to card-making, scrapbooking, decoupage and more. Here are other methods to the madness of extraordinary gift-wrap.

Basically to make the collage wrap, I first laid items on my scanner and made a print. and then I made a collage on top of that and color copied it. Check out the link above for more specific directions on size and such.

STEP ONE:

STEP TWO:


***
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, holiday

Have you checked out Craft TV Weekly yet? It's even more addictive than Perez Hilton. CTVW is chock full of "webisodes" of step-by-step DIY ideas. It's mostly paper craft oriented, but if you are into that, there are lots of tasty nuggets to gobble up - especially at this time of the year! Here is a link to the archives.

Also, you must stop by Cathie and Steve's site for even more happenin' holiday inspirations!



This is a super swift trick for a gift (if you have a wannabe scrapper on your list). Instead of just giving him or her some supplies and an empty book, give them a head start by completing a few finished scrapbook spreads for them. You can make them with or without pictures. On this sample, I left it so the pictures can be plopped right in. If you don't have time, check out the pre-made goodies on eBay.

Have a great Monday. I'm off to celebrate the last few minutes of my birthday!
***
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: holiday, paper, scrapbook

Here is an article I did for Saturday's paper on throwing an ornament party!



Here are some branch-worthy ideas to get you started. The key to making this party a success is to think simple. Come up with designs that are easy, but still pack a holiday punch. Everyone brings supplies, makes the ornaments and then swaps them with each other.


This is my fave and you know why, don't you? Pick up a box of glittered chipboard letters. I featured these earlier in my blog and I've found yet another use for them. All you do is hot glue these little babies together to spell out your name. You can even create words and then hang a "sentence" on your tree or wall, or from the ceiling. Ooooo, I like that...


I had some faux fur scraps hanging around and I could not bring myself to chuck them. They were just the right size to make a mini pillow ornament. I used some other fabric scraps for the center and then added glitter for some twinkle power. This is a great way to make use of fun fabric that is too cool to toss out. I used the sewing machine, but you could also use fabric glue, like Aleene's No Sew Fabric Glue. Or heck, even hot glue if you are in a time crunch!



This one I used iron-on appliques and applied them to sheets of starched paper. You could also make your own appliques with Heat N Bond. I am a total HNB junkie. I have rolls of the stuff. It is paper-backed adhesive. However, this week, I got some of Aleene's new Fusible Web that is an alternative to HNB, no iron needed! I'm excited to try it out on some more of these ornaments! By the way, use a fabric pen, and these ornaments make great gift tags!



This is the easiest yet, and looks great. All you have to do is buy some snowflake ornaments (I got this one at Michaels) and then hot glue whatever you want on the front of it. For this picture, I have an original pair of Goldie Garcia bottlecap earrings with pretty guardian angels in them. I sacrificed one of the earrings for the front of this ornament. After Christmas is over, I plan to turn it back into an earring because they are one of my favorite pairs and I miss them. Anyway, you can glue anything, like an antique button, a small toy, photo, mirror, etc. If anything, you can always buy some of Goldie's earrings!


My friend Judy Walker sent me this lovely treat. An artist made it in New Orleans. It's a seashell! It has a picture decoupaged in the center and it is trimmed in gold paint. Genius! I have been wanting to make a seashell shrine for ages, maybe this dangling bauble will motivate me to actually do it.


And last, this is just a piece of cut embossing tin that I glue a picture on and then coated with transparent glitter. Photo is from ArtChixStudio.com.

OK, go have your ornament party!!

***
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: holiday, paper, recycled

This is the project I did on Good Morning Arizona this morning. What you do is take two 2x3 inch trading cards, and then accordian fold a strip of card stock seven times. Glue each end flap of that to the edge of the cards. Take some coin envelopes or any other kind of mini envelopes and glue them inside the folds. Insert gobs of gift cards!

The fun thing about this project is that you can make a little look and feel like a LOT! Buy three or four gift cards and put $10-15 bucks on each. It will make the gift recipient feel rich!! Better yet, you can also insert happy notes, cash, small gifts, etc.

Here are some pictures of the "love letter" version I did for my Art de la Soul book. It has specific instructions and even templates!






Me with Brad Perry!


***
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, holiday

More holiday craftiness from Kathy Cano Murillo, the Crafty Chica!

CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.

***
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: holiday, podcasts

Patrick and I are so slammed with orders right now it is not even funny. We seriously need to hire some help to keep up with everything. It's difficult because I'm in the mood to create new things, but customer orders come first. Luckily, I had an opportunity to slip in a little sumpin' sumpin' the other day. I had to pose for a photo shoot for a new ad campaign I'm doing for Duncan Crafts and I needed some serious shoe help. But not any foot covers would do.

Recently I made some Crafty Chica collage paper and have been using it in my shrine making classes. So far, my students love it. I'm not sure if I will be selling it yet, or just keeping it to my own work. Meanwhile, I used it to funk up a pair of heels. I bought these shoes (when they were blank) at a thrift store last year. The smooth wood platform heels lured me in. I was going to woodburn them, but opted for tried and true decoupage and I'm glad I did. I used Aleene's Tacky Glue to adhere to paper, and Tulip fabric paint for the band that goes across my foot. I'm going to cover them in a thick coat of varnish next.

Anyway, it felt so good to vary away from mass producing, even if for a couple hours. These are my Christmas shoes and I *heart* them!

***
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: holiday, wearable art

(Photo copyright Arizona Republic, 2006)

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.

***
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: holiday, wearable art

This podcast offers a few nifty ideas for the season.

CLICK HERE to listen to this show.
***
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: holiday, podcasts

(Photo: Carlos Chavez, The Arizona Republic, copyright 2006)

HERE ARE THE DIRECTIONS. I got the cool picture fromArtChixStudio. Make sure to visit them to see all the other fabulous collage sheets they have!!
***
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 *