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The Crafty Chica DIY Project Library: a collection of fabulous handmade ideas by Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica! Thursday, December 31, 2009iLoveToCreate: Chihuahua Pillow!  With five Chihuahuas in my house, it is no wonder that I designed a Chi Iron-on trasnfer for my product line!This is an adorable toss pillow made from a cloth napkin, fabric scraps and the transfer! Supplies: Flocked Chihuahua Crafty Chica™ Iron-On Transfer™ 1 cloth napkin Assorted fabric scraps 1 piece of fabric to go behind the transfer Pillow stuffing Straight pins Iron, sewing machine Directions: Sew the fabric scraps together into one panel that is 1/2" wider than the napkin. Hem the edges of the panel. Iron on the transfer to fabric and use your pinking shears to trim around it. Sew it to the center of the fabric collage panel. Line up the two panels of fabric (the napkin and the fabric collage), pin around the edges, and sew. Leave a 3" opening so you can insert the pillow stuffing. Fill with stuffing, pin and sew up the open area. Add trims or tassels if you want. ** 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: home decor, pets Monday, November 30, 2009Crafter's Holiday Wreath Guess what? I found a festive way to display all my colorful spools of thread!They look so pretty in my sewing box, I couldn't even think of keeping them hidden, so I slid them on a holiday wreath. Of course, I didn't stop there. I added embroidery thread, golden bobbins, beads, mini-mirrors, gems and all kinds of other doodads I could find. For the Merry Christmas title, I used a large glittery chipboard sticker I bought at the craft store. The cool thing - I can remove the title if I want and keep it up all year round. Now whenever I need a new spool of thread, I can just pull it off the wreath! ** 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: holiday, home decor, sewing Wednesday, November 04, 2009Embroidery Hoop Bulletin Boards  Can I just say I LOVE, love, love this idea?This is a large embroidery hoop that is covered in fabric, but wait - there is more! It is actually a corkboard! Ditch your boring rectangle board and add an artsy touch to your office decor! Supplies: Large embroidery hoop Corkboard to fit snug inside back (draw on paper to make a template and then cut cork board) Fabric Aleene's® Fabric Fusion™ Permanent Dry Cleanable Fabric Adhesive™ Aleene's® Tacky® Transparent Tape for Crafters™ Foam brush Clips Directions: 1. Open the hoop (paint it if desired). 2. Use a foam brush to apply Fabric Fusion inside both hoops. 3. Insert the fabric and replace back hoop. Pull until it is taut and apply clips all around, let sit for 30 minutes. 4. Remove clips and trim excess fabric. 5. Set the hoop right side down on table. 6. Apply Tacky Tape generously around inner areas of taut fabric inside the hoop. 7. Set the corkboard inside so it fits snug up against edge of hoop. 8. Press in place. ** 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: fabric, home decor Sunday, October 25, 2009Disturbing Doormat (for Halloween!) Any other time of the year, this idea would be sick. But hey, Halloween is all about the chills and thrills. This is a piece of canvas that I made into a doormat. It's a hit with our visitors, everyone gets a chuckle out of it.Supplies: 1 piece of heavy canvas in the size of a door mat Tulip Fabric Spray Paint (red) Crafty Chica Tango Permanent Fabric Markers (black) Rug grip for the bottom Directions: Pour the fabric paint (I like this one because it is thin and leaves a good "stain") on an unwanted cookie sheet or paint pan and step in it. Step on the mat and roll your feet so it makes a good footprint. Drip more paint around, and then add whatever phrases you want using the black marker. Add the rug grip for the bottom. Heh, heh, heh...enjoy! ** 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: Halloween, home decor Tuesday, October 06, 2009"Wake Up & Live" Alarm Clock Waking up to a new day is a good thing. It's a chance to start with a clean slate and make a difference in the world. Or at least our own little worlds. You have to wake up with a good attitude from the moment you open your eye lids. How about a little help with that? This is a basic alarm clock I picked up at a local store, but it was just too bland to hang out in my bedroom. It needed pizazz! I took a large strand of ball bearing chain and letters beads and gave it a chica-makeover! It says "wake up and live" - the exact message I want to see before I launch into daily activities! Try it! Look for a clock you already have, or buy a new one. ** 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: home decor Tuesday, September 29, 2009Embellished Candlesticks These were from our Heard Museum exhibit. I bought the bases on clearance and then sanded the edges to wear them out and then jazzed them up with paint and Crafty Chica Loteria cards. Further proof of why I love to cruise the clearance aisles!** 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: home decor Sunday, May 17, 2009Textured Canvas Art This is a project from my Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul book. These are 8x10 canvases that I painted, and then cut out my own stencils for the words, put them over each canvas, and then used dimensional paint over the stencil to give the letters a "raised" look - almost like stucco!You can do the same concept with an image or other words or any other kind of design! ** 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: home decor, paint Thursday, April 30, 2009Resined table This is nothing new and fantastic, but I made it for my living room as an end table and I like it so, I'm posting a picture. I blew up the loteria game cards, covered them with a layer of Aleene's Tacky, and coated the whole thing in resin. I also added glitter inthere, but thepicture doesn't show it off very well...** 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: home decor, Latin-inspired, resin Mini-Canvas Pencil Cup  I recently bought a bulk load of adorable mini-canvases. But because I'm a chica who loves function, I decided to make something useful with them, like this little pencil cup! Supplies: 5 mini canvases Crafty Chica paints Crafty Chica Glossy Gloss Varnish Hot Glue Strand of party beads Four wood doll heads (balls that are flat on one side) Tulip White Glitter First paint your canvases, and then add a coat of Crafty Chica Glossy Gloss Varnish and while it is still wet, pour on some clear glitter. This will give it a cool, sugar-look! Use one of the canvaes as the base of the box. Add hot glue to the inside bottom frame and attach it to one side of the base. Continue all the way around. There will be gaps on the side seams, add a bead of hot glue to seal these. Hot glue the party beads between each side and along the top. Paint and hot glue the balls for the feet. ** 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: glitter, home decor, paint Crafty Chica Loteria Frame This project is inspired by the extra craft supplies in my art room. When Michaels first came out with the $1.00 picture frames, I bought every one they had (at my local store), never realizing that they would be carrying them as a regular item. That's what OCD (Obsessive Crafts Disorder) will do to you!This was the last frame I had from that pricey excursion. Inspired by the Loteria frames from Mexico, I used my Crafty Chica Loteria to make my own. I inserted some glittered fabric, with a DIY applique in the center. ** 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: home decor, Latin-inspired Sunday, April 26, 2009SIGNAGE: Tools for Sale! My dad is one-of-a-kind. He is on dialysis, lost his leg to cancer, wears a pacemaker, and recently fell and hurt his back. And he still keeps active with what he loves to do!! He has garage sale every so often to weed out his tools. He has hundreds of tools that he has used since he was a teenager for woodworking, car body repair, metalsmithing, jewelry making, and all kinds of other mantastic activities. Every Saturday, DeAngelo goes over to help him. Last Saturday after dropping off Deangelo there, I checked out my dad's buffer thingies (name?? heavy tabletop machines that have two wheels on each end - a buffer and a sander/grinder), which I've always wanted for my own workshop. As I scoured through the hammers and anvils, I noticed him sketching something. Tired of his boring marker-on-foamcore signs that he set in front of the house, he decided to upgrade his promotions and make a sign from wood. I watched as he drew the block letters and then talked about how he was going to use latex housepaint. My hands began to quiver... "Can I make your signs?" I asked. "Sure!" he said. He handed me pieces of wood and I asked how he wanted them painted. "Just make sure the letters are even and that they are colorful." Ooooh, little did he know that left it wide open for me to go to town! I used my Crafty Chica paints for the background and letters and then I outlined them with Tulip 3D Glittered Fashion Paint. I added a background of polkadots and then sealed it all in with high gloss varnish. I dropped them off, and my sister took them and goes, "Wow, these are colorful." "Dad said to make them COLORFUL!" I shot back defensively. (My parents house is decorated in nuetral shades.) "No - I mean they are really cool, he'll like them!" she said. I had so much fun with this project that I'm going to make my own version for my front door. It won't say "tools for sale", but something more like 'Home Sweet Home' - something along that line... So next time you need a yard sale sign, pick up some light wood fromt he craft store and give it a paint job. You can nail it to two stakes to insert into your lawn, or a folding stand if it is for the sidewalk. Have fun with it - if your sign looks exciting and happy, it will increase the chances of people stopping by. Everyone likes happy, right??? 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: home decor, paint Thursday, April 16, 2009Artist Trading Card Mirrors Last month I lead a craft cruise of 50 women from all across the country. Few of us knew each other, so I suggested we all make artist trading cards to trade with one another as an artsy introduction. By the end of the first night, we bonded. We went on to glitter, paint, glue, stitch, giggle, and even sing for four solid days at sea. As with any vacation, the hardest part was saying goodbye. A month has passed since the trip, and I still think of these wonderful new friends every day. I took out the cards I received and decided to incorporate them into my décor so I could enjoy them daily. I still have four more frames to make, but I love how my first two came out. If you have never made artist trading cards, they are simply playing card-size works of art that you create. Use a glue stick to make fun collages that relay your personality. Add pictures, phrases, and motifs. Some people go as far as incorporating embossed designs, wax, fabric and more. You can make this a family project and have everyone decorate a card, or coordinate a secret mission and have them made for a loved one’s birthday or other celebration! While each one will be a stand-out piece, once you unite them on a frame, they will make for a stunning and sentimental collection. Artist Trading Card Frames Supplies: Malma mirror (from IKEA) Rubber stamps Ink pads Assorted artist trading cards Double-sided adhesive tape Assorted strands of fibers Eyescrew Picture hanger Directions: Use your stamp and ink pad to add a design to the front of the frame. Let the ink dry. Set out your cards and take time to arrange them in an appealing layout. Use decorative scissors to trim cards if necessary. Once you find a layout you like, apply the adhesive tape to secure them to the frame. Attach the eyescrew to the bottom of the frame. Cut 5-6 strands of assorted, contrasting fibers to 12”. Tie them through the eyescrew. Attach the picture hanger. Special thanks to all the cruisers who gave me one of their treasured cards! I love them so much!!!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: collage/paper, home decor Lightswitch covers In order to live an artful life, you have to have ART all around you. Fromt he clothes you wear, to the words you use, and even little touches - like your lightswitch covers! Here is my assignment to you. If you have boring eggshell-colored lightswitch covers in your house, use the weekend to give them a new look. Decoupage images you love, or phrases cut from magazines. Use foamcore to add wings to the sides. Heck, just add paint to them. Seal them with varnish, let them dry and then hang them backup. See? That isn't so hard is it? These are covers that Patrick made. They look great in our house! 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: home decor Saturday, April 04, 2009Crafty Chica Loteria Wall Clock It's time to get crafty! Jazz up any room with a colorful Crafty Loteria Wall Clock, decorated with Crafty Chica Little Chica Paint Packs, Loteria Game and Picture Charms, adhered with Aleene's Liquid Fusion.
Instructions
Kathy :-) P.S. Check out my new book and product line! ** Labels: home decor, Latin-inspired, paint Monday, March 30, 2009Color-It-Yourself Lover Pillowcase (Photo by John Samora)Here is a project from my new book, Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-Low-Sew Projects for the Everyday Crafter. This is one of my all-time favorite projects because it is very clever (or at least I think so)! What we are doing is making a pillowcase from scratch. Don't shoo me away just yet - read on, please! Think about it - we are only sewing a rectangle. You can handle that. Pillowcases are a fast and fun way to use up excess fabric and give your bedding some customized design. But these are not just any pillowcases - these are pillowcases that you will stitch on an outline and then color in with markers (Crafty Chica markers, of course!). Here are the general directions below - you'll need to check out the book for the complete blow-by-blow. You'll start with a large piece of white cotton fabric and fold it in half to the size of your pillow - a little bigger. Use a disappearing ink pen and draw/trace your heart pattern on one side of the pillowcase (the book comes with the template of the sacred heart shown in picture). Use a tight zig zag to stitch around the design. Think of it as a coloring book, and you are sewing on the outline. If you don't want to machine sew, you can embroider the design. Once you have that, color the design in with the markers. Now fold in half and sew. The book has much more detailed instructions, like the exact measurements and how to add a cute border cuff. You can use this technique for other kinds of fabric projects too, like toss pillows, skirts, jackets, totes, etc. ** 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: fabric, home decor, sewing Friday, March 20, 2009Vagabond Lampshade   I needed a new lamp for my desk and couldn't find anything that excited me at the store. I settled with an old shade from the thrift store and decided to make use of my extra art supplies. Using hot glue and Liquid Fusion adhesive, I used striped trim for the borders, and then a different medium for each side - rubber stamping, buttons, applique and rickrack. I added trim on the edges. Now I have a lamp that inspires me. I like that I can turn it around for a whole new look.** 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: home decor Monday, March 02, 2009Rubber Cement Resist Pitcher Here is a picture of something I made a long time ago. It's a glass pitcher that I decorated with designs using rubber cement. Yah! rubber cement! After you doodle all over it, (I poured the RC into a squeeze bottle), you use glass spray paint to add color, and then wash off the rubber cement. It acts as a paint resist for hard surfaces! I like how the gold paint makes it look sort of retro-y. If you don't have rubber cement, you could use stickers.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: home decor Friday, February 27, 2009Bottlecap Marble Magnets If you want the look of resin filled bottlecaps, but don't want to mess with, well...the resin - here is an easy alternative. Glass pebbles!First cut out your images so they fit behind the flat, clear glass pebbles. Use Aleene's Original Tacky Glue to affix the picture frontwards on the back of the pebble. The glue will dry clear. Next, use Liquid Fusion to glue the pebble to the inside of the bottlecap. Use a liner brush to coat the remaining open areas of the bottlecap and then pour on the Crafty Chica glitter! Tap away excess, let dry and use Liquid Fusion to secure a mighty magnet to the back of the bottlecap! ** 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: home decor, recycled Thursday, February 26, 2009Loteria Flower Pot When Patrick and I first started to craft professionally, this flower pot was our top seller. We made hundreds of them for Bloomingdales, as well as Hallmark and many other stores. They were featured in Gourmet Magazine, Sunset Magazine and Latina Magazine! One difference - we used the Loteria cards from Mexico. Little did we know back then that someday we would have our own game that we designed ourselves!
Instructions
** 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: garden, home decor, paint Wednesday, February 25, 2009Mail Box Makeover Life is too short to have a boring mailbox. I'm not saying to glue plastic flamingos all over it with flashing lights (although that would be really cool!), but a little decoration wouldn't hurt! The key to this project is to use an ultra thick varnish to seal everything in! I made this for my friend, Sadie Jo.I used a metal box and covered it with spray paint and decoupaged stamp-themed wrapping paper. I added wire wrapped accents, colored marbles and sealed the whole thing in outdoor-proof varnish. It won't hold up forever, at least not in Arizona, but it'll be nice for a season or two. Then you can whip up a new version! If you don't want to use it as a mailbox, you can set i tin your garden or art room to use as storage. ** 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: garden, home decor, outdoor Monday, December 01, 2008Custom Dinnerware Set This is a dinnerware set my kids painted for our Heard Museum exhibit. So many people loved it and said they wanted to visit a local paint-on-pottery place and make a set. How fun would it be to surprise grandparents with a set painted by their grandkids?Or a mom and dad painting a set for their grown-up kids? Better yet - make a set for yourself! Fine china has nothing on this! To do this, you'll bisqueware, ceramic paints, glaze, brushes and a place to fire it all. Look in your local directory for a pottery place to do all this! If you don't want to go freeform, you can use stencils. Special thanks to Duncan Enterprises for springing for all the supplies, bisqueware, and paints! *** 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: food crafts, home decor, kids, paint Revamped Chandelier (This picture is of it still on my work table) By Kathy Cano-Murillo Special for The Arizona Republic I've discovered a new hobby I love: revamping chandeliers. It's simple and makes for an impressive home decoration. Check out local flea markets, or go the quickie route and visit IKEA. I found several chandeliers under $50 that come with embellishments that can be removed, revised or replaced. The finished piece makes a great gift because you can alter it to fit any personality. I made this holiday version in red and green for my entryway. It is the first thing my guests see as they enter my house, and sets the tone that fun times are ahead! Tip: Remember to add the bulbs after it has been decorated. Here are ideas: Leave it silver, but add extra trims and crystals. Wrap the arms and base in ribbon or fabric strips. Wrap it in mini-lights. Spray paint all of it (body, arms, crystals) one bright color - or all different colors! String beads and have them drip from the arms. Decoupage pictures on the body and arms. Revamped Chandelier Supplies: 1 chandelier Needle nose pliers Green spray paint Red glass paint Clear sealer Assorted charms and beads Medium jump rings Directions: Use the needle nose pliers to remove the crystals from the chandelier. Hang the chandelier outside and spray paint it green, or any other color you want. Set the crystals on a flat surface and spray with the glass paint. Let both dry for several hours. Spray the chandelier and crystals with clear sealer, let dry for several hours. Reattach the crystals. Use jump rings to embellish further with beads and charms. *** 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: home decor, lights Glittered Bird in a Cage Everyone has a friend or family member who likes offbeat accessories. Like a glittered bird in a cage! To make this, you'll need: A small bird cage Crafty Chica paints Crafty Chica Glitters Crafty Chica Glossy Gloss Varnish Tulip 3D Fashion Glitter Paint High gloss spray varnish Hot glue  Decorate the cage with the paints and varnish. While it is drying, visit your corner dollar store and look in the ceramic area. They always have little birds there! Take it home and paint it with acrylic craft paint, and let it dry. Use a thin liner brush to go over each painted area and add matching glitter. Continue until the entire bird is covered in glitter. Next, add accents with the #D glitter paint. Let dry and then hot glue it to the center of the cage. For a more personalized look, add a banner to the cage that has your friend's name! *** 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: glitter, home decor Saturday, November 29, 2008Mirrored Mission Ornaments This is a project from my Crafty Chica Collection book. All you need is tin, a ballpoint pen, a magazine, glass paint pens, crystals and small purse mirrors.You cut the tin to look like a mission church (there are templates in the book), set them on a magazine, emboss designs using the pen, color the areas, add the crystals, and then glue the mirror to the back. Don't forget to punch a hole at the top so you can hang it!I made these for the holidays, but you can do larger versions for your home decor. *** 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: holiday, home decor Friday, November 28, 2008VIDEO: Memo & Photo Holders
Dress your desk, or someone else's with these personalized photo cubes. Great for holding messages, notes or pictures. LINK *** 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, home decor VIDEO: Terra Cotta Candle Stakes
Having a party and need some flashy decorations for your walkway or patio? Maybe you just want a little glitz for the season? Try this idea! LINK *** 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, holiday, home decor, LifetimeTV VIDEO: Glass Etched MirrorsLooking for a last minute gift to make that is easy and inexpensive? Do this: Tomorrow look in the local paper for a 40% off coupon for Michaels. Use it to buy a jar of glass etching cream. Also pick up some mirrors and stencils. And then watch this video! I used mirrors from IKEA, stencils from Stencil1.com (along with a special rose one of mine). If you can't see the video up there, CLICK HERE *** 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, holiday, home decor Wednesday, November 12, 2008Crafty 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 Wednesday, November 05, 2008PROJECT: Diced Up Duvet Twin duvet is full of pillow possibilities, any way you slice it by Kathy Cano-Murillo - Nov. 1, 2008 12:00 AM Special for the Republic Recently, I was at a bedding store and came across a twin duvet on clearance. The price was right, as was the fabric design. There was only one setback: I didn't need a twin duvet. I bought it anyway, having faith that I would think of a creative way to make use of it. The conclusion came faster than I expected. I whipped out my pinking shears, used some Fiberfill and transformed it into a cozy floor pillow and two matching pillows. You can cut up a duvet into any size you want - two large floor pillows (which could also double as a comfy dog bed) or four large bed pillows, whatever suits your needs. Diced-up Duvet Supplies 1 duvet 2 large bags of Fiberfill or other fabric stuffing Scissors Sewing machine Straight pins Directions To make one large floor pillow and two matching bed pillows, fold the duvet in half horizontally and then cut all the way across. Take one half and fold it horizontally and cut. Now you will have three large pieces. Starting with one of the smaller pieces, fold and pin in the edges on one of the raw sides. Sew. Use the remaining open side to fill with stuffing. Repeat seam closure. Now sew a 2-inch seam all the way around the pillow. Repeat for the third and larger piece. Variations: Add trim around edges if you want, or tuft by adding buttons. *** 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: fabric, home decor, recycled Saturday, November 01, 2008Dreamy Pillowcase Set Blank pillowcases are like crafty crack. There is sooo much you can do with them. OK, the first picture you see - I found a set of outlined pillowcases at Urban Outfitters. All I did was a take a set of Crafty Chica Markers to them and liven them up. They are machine washable and the color does not fade at all!  For this one, I drew a design on a blank pillowcase and then embroidered it. You could also use just markers, but I love the texture of the threads. These would be great to go on top of abed as opposed to drooling or snoring on them... Materials: 1 white pillowcase 1. Lay the pillowcase on a flat surface. If it's a brand-new one, iron it so it's flat. Using a freehand design or stencils, use the fabric marker to draw on the design, big and bold, all over the pillowcase. You can outline with flowers or vines and in the center write your favorite phrase. 2. Use the embroidery thread and a split chain stitch to outline all the lines. You can use either different colors or black (fill in with satin stitch). 3. When you finish embroidering over the design, add sequins or beads in empty spaces, if desired. Pin the first row of fringe in place along the seam of the opening of the pillowcase and sew in place. Repeat to add second row of fringe, just above the first. OK, here is one more idea. Can you tell I really dig decorating pillowcases? Don't you want to be the last thing on your significant other's mind before he/she falls asleep? Diamonds and roses are nice, but they won't do the trick. But a Love Song Pillowcase will. Choose your favorite tune - maybe one from your wedding or first date - write the lyrics on a pillowcase, then dye it whatever shade you want. Imagine your sweetie snuggling up to your sentimental, romantic verses. This concoction uses fabric-friendly supplies to ensure the pillowcase will be soft and irresistibly huggable. Just like you! This is also a fun project for kids to try. Let them draw on the pillowcase or scribble a love note. Resist medium and fabric spray paint can be found in the clothing aisles at the craft store. What you need - Tulip One-Step Dye and Tulip Cool Color Block. Draw your design with the Color Block and then dye the pillowcase. Wash and the block comes out and leaves the white behind. Muy fantastico, si?? *** 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: fabric, home decor Saturday, October 11, 2008La La Lanterns Lanterns are like sugar cookies. It should be a crime if they are left undecorated! Pick up a big jar of decoupage medium and go crazy with ideas! I used glitter, tissue paper, yarn (you need white craft glue for that) and even paint drippings, which I covered with glitter. you can add crystals, foreign newsprint, stickers, etc... *** 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: home decor, lights, paper Chica-ized Craft Supply Boxes I always get tempted to splurge on those pretty supply boxes that so many polished crafters display in their pristine studios. Just as I'm about to buy them and fell all professional - my mind switches gears and I think of how I could use that money to buy actual supplies, rather than boxes to hold them. That's what happens when you have a glitter fetish.My solution was to go with these cheapie cardboard boxes from IKEA. I used the Crafty Chica Tango Markers to spruce them up. I drew freehand on them, but you can also decoupage images or even cover the whole thing with wrapping paper. I like that they have my personality and they look so fun and artful! *** 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: home decor, paper Bollywood Wall Design This is a fantasy room I made for our Heard Museum exhibit. I wanted to create a colorful, yet relaxing spot to chill. To create this wall effect, I first painted the room in a bright teal, and then bright red about 3/4ths down. Next, I lined the bottom of the walls with handmade wrapping paper from India (purchased at IKEA). I then added painted swirls with flat, metallic and then with glittered paint. I added a variety of sizes of mini-mirrors all around the red area to pull it all together.*** 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: home decor Yarn Heart Shadow Box Turn any wood frame into a glittery hanging of love! Supplies: 1 large frame 1 sheet of foam core 1 large Styrofoam heart Crafty Chica Paint Pack Aleene's Original Tacky Glue Chunky red yarn Crafty Chica Pop Star Purple Glitter Hot glue Collage Pauge Instant Decoupage Brushes Cut the foam core to fit the back of the frame. Secure it with hot glue. Use the Tacky Glue to adhere the heart in the center. Let dry. Paint the frame green, the inner background purple and the heart red. Work section by section and coat an area with the decoupage medium, and then the purple glitter. Do this until the surface is completely covered. Now add Tacky Glue to the front of the heart and wrap the yarn around the heart. Let dry. Add details to the frame. Use two eye hooks to hang to another decorated shadow box!  *** 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, glitter, home decor Wednesday, September 17, 2008Etched Star Mirror I picked up three of these star mirrors and thought they needed immediate crafty attention. I took a package of star stickers from the school aisle at the office supply store and stuck them all over the surface. Then slathered on a thick layer of glass etching cream. Let it set, and then rinsed it all off. And there you have it! Embellished star mirrors!   *** 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: home decor, summer/4th of July Tuesday, April 29, 2008Mini Mosaic Magnets by Kathy Cano-Murillo - Feb. 15, 2003 12:00 AM The Arizona Republic Mosaics are a love it or hate it art project. Many artists can create intricate pieces that make most of us shiver at the thought of even attempting. Why? Because there are so many elements that can burn through an expensive materials list faster than hot glue through plastic. I call it EMA - Extreme Mosaic Anxiety. If you suffer from EMA, take a deep breath, relax and focus. This teensy weensy project is a great way to loosen up grouted tension and have a lot of fun. We're using all the basic elements of mosaic art but applying them in a singular fashion. The result is a set of fun, chunky magnets, as well as a newfound confidence. Supplies: industrial strength adhesive Small glass mosaic shapes (hearts, flowers, stars, etc.) Chunky wood cutouts (approximately 1 1/2 inches wide) Grout Plastic gloves Small sponge Gloss or matte varnish and brush Extra-strength button magnet Directions: Using the adhesive, attach a glass mosaic shape to the center of a wood piece and let dry. Mix a half cup of grout according to package directions. Wearing plastic gloves, use fingertips to apply grout around the glass mosaic shape. Let dry a minute or two and then use a small sponge to wipe off excess grout to leave a clean, smooth look around the glass shape and the rim of the wood. Let dry, then seal grout by brushing on a layer of varnish. Add a dollop of glue to the back of the wood and adhere the magnet. Make more magnets the same way. *** 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: home decor Friday, April 25, 2008Ice Cube Candles Cool idea: Ice-cube candles by Kathy Cano-Murillo - Apr. 26, 2008 12:00 AM Special for the Republic Ice-cube candles are a craft from our parents' generation, but it's about time this obscure technique was resurrected. The process is very old-school - all you need is candle wax, a milk carton and ice cubes. The end result is a candle that has textured holes and grooves, so the light shines through as it burns. There are all kinds of variations, but we'll start with the basics. I had a hard time with this project. It took five tries until I came out with something passable, so don't get discouraged. Supplies 1 cardboard milk carton 1 taper candle Large pot filled halfway with water 5 pounds of candle wax 1 candle-making metal pitcher 1 candle thermometer Candle scent Candle coloring 1 throwaway stirring stick 1 cookie sheet lined with foil Safety gloves or potholders Ice cubes Knife Directions 1. Cut the milk carton so it's 1 inch taller than you want the candle to be. Now, cut the taper candle so it stands 1 inch below the edge. 2. Put the large pot with water on the stove, bring water to a slow boil. Cut up two handfuls of the wax, put it in the candle-making pitcher and set inside the pot of water. Turn heat to medium high. Clip the thermometer on the inside of the pitcher. Stay and watch the wax liquefy. Add desired amount of scent and color according to package directions. Stir until mixed. 3. Set the milk carton on the foil-lined cookie sheet. Put on the gloves. Pour a 1-inch layer of wax into the carton. Let it set 5 minutes, and then set the taper candle inside. Hold in place until the wax hardens. Fill the rest of the carton with ice cubes about one-inch from the top of the taper candle. 4. When the wax on the stove reaches 180 degrees according to the candle thermometer, carefully pour into the milk carton, covering the ice cubes and the taper candle (but not the wick). Let cool 30-40 minutes; take the carton to the sink and cut and tear off the carton from around the candle. The melted ice cubes will drain through the holes. Do not use until the wick is dry. Tip: Start with quart-size milk cartons because it may take a couple of tries to get the process down. Caution: Never leave a burning candle unattended, and watch the stove while the wax is melting. Keep small children away while working, as candle wax is very hot. Crafty event: Stop by today's Phoenix Indie Craftorama, an urban craft fair that celebrates and promotes local craft collectives. Seven groups and more than 30 artists will be on hand to share their work and give craft demonstrations. Plus, there will be prizes. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Duck and Decanter, 1651 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. Free. Call 602-274-5429 or visit www.myspace .com/craftyphoenix. *** 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: candle, home decor Thursday, April 17, 2008Concrete Coasters Everyone and their puppy's cousin has made personalized stepping stones for their gardens and lawns. Making the decorated discs is as easy as buying a kit-in-a-box at the local craft store. But why be limited to grass and tootsies? Here's an idea that breaks the plastic mold: Shrink the concept. In an afternoon, you can whip up mini-versions that work wonders as playful drink coasters that carry the fun to patio parties, backyard bashes and the family room. Escalate the whimsy by gluing small pictures under clear, flat pebbles, and then embedding them in the wet cement. It's easy enough to follow up with a whole new set of the concrete stepping stones to match. Wilma Flintstone would be impressed! Supplies: 1 bag of large, flat-sided, clear glass pebbles. Small pictures or stickers. White glue. 1 box of cement mix. Plastic disposable bucket. Popsicle sticks. Plastic coaster molds. 1 bottle of water-based varnish. 1 sheet of colored felt. Optional: acrylic paints and brush. Directions: Add a dab of glue to the flat side of the pebble and set it on top of the picture. Have both on a flat surface so the pebble won't slide. When dry, trim the excess paper. Add a layer of white glue to the back of the picture to secure it and seal the edges. Each coaster will hold eight to nine large-size pebbles, so be sure to fashion enough pebbles for the number of coasters you wish to create. Mix the cement in the plastic bucket (or bowl) according to the manufacturer's directions. Pour the mixture into the molds and let set for five minutes. Press the pebbles into the wet cement in desired pattern and let dry for 24 hours. The glue under the pebbles will turn white but will eventually dry clear. Carefully remove the coasters from the molds. Turn them over and let them dry from underneath for several hours. Add a coat of varnish to the visible cement areas on top and sides. Apply felt to the bottom of each coaster to protect furniture. Variations: Instead of clear pebbles, press colored pebbles or other objects into the wet cement. Add a layer of paint on the back of each pebble so the color will show through or paint borders around the coaster edges for a brighter look. *** 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: home decor 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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