This is a project from my Crafty Chica Collection book, glittered soda pop bottles!

Here's how to do it:

Buy some glass pop bottles. I love the Mexican ones because they have raised designs or the labels printed directed on the glass. But you can also use flat paper label ones. It's all good!

You'll need acrylic craft paint, assorted brushes, and toothpicks for the micro spots.

You'll also need decoupage medium and ultra fine glitter in colors that match your paint colors.

First paint the entire bottle, and all the little details. Let it dry.

Next, working one area at a time, coat it in a thin layer of the decoupage medium and then pour on the glitter. Don't sprinkle the glitter - POUR it! If you sprinkle, you'll miss some spots. Trust me. Tap off the excess glitter and move on to the next spot.

Stop when it is all covered in glitter. Spray with varnish to seal it.

You could skip the paint part, but I like to do that step because it makes the glitter more vibrant. Red glitter on red paint, yah, baby, gimme more....

Now you can use your bottles as vases, centerpieces for a party, for a window sill, etc.


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* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

Labels: glitter, home decor, inside

I have embellishment-itis.

My hands quiver when I see raw wood furniture.

My left eye twitches if I even think about a solid- color canvas tote. And brand-new blank journals? Oh, Lordy, hold me back.

I'm the kind of wife/mom/friend/daughter who makes people hide their goods, because if I find them, I may just break out the sequins. I have the urge to decorate everything and anything possible - even down to our innocent dish towels.

I don't feel guilty, though. Life is too short to have plain white towels in the kitchen. With a bit of felt and embroidery floss, you, too, can discover the happy world of this colorful design disorder. By the way, this project can be made in any color combination and will make a great hostess or housewarming gift.


Fancy Felt Dish Towels
Supplies:


2 blank dish towels
Scissors
Straight pins
Assorted colors of embroidery thread, needle
Assorted colors of craft felt
Pompom trim

Directions
1. Cut six circles (or squares) 1 1/2 inches across, and six circles (or squares) that are 1 inch across.

2. Match up the shapes to make six contrasting sets that have one large and one smaller shape.

3. Use the straight pins to attach the sets where you want them. Thread your embroidery needles with a contrasting color and sew approximately 20 satin stitches in a pinwheel design. If you are using squares, you will need eight to nine stitches.

4. Continue sewing on the remaining pieces.

5. Embroider a line across the bottom and/or other designs, as desired.

6. Sew on a line of pompom fringe.

Variations: Instead of circles and squares, try cutting out letters, Picasso-like faces or other shapes. Sew on fabric to match the felt.



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* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

Labels: home decor, inside, 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.


***
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* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

Labels: food crafts, holiday, inside

Fall leaves are hard to come by in my neck of the city. So unless you are planning a trip up north soon, you'll have to check out the floral aisle at the craft store.

Whether they are the real thing or not, fall leaves are a lovely sign that fall is finally here. So why not incorporate them into your latest craft project?

This embellished frame is a wonderful way to embrace November and all it has to offer.

Fall Leaf Frame

Supplies:
1 wood picture frame
Gold paint, brush
Assorted silk fall leaves
Scissors
Hot glue
Gold micro stars
White craft glue
Green spray glitter.

Directions: Paint the frame gold and let dry. Snip the stems from the leaves and sort the large leaves from the small. Hot glue the large ones around the front of the frame in a random but balanced fashion. Hot glue the smaller leaves to cover bare spots. Apply a tiny drop of glue on one of the leaves and place a micro star on top of it. Continue until the micro stars are evenly distributed around the leaves. Let dry. Take it outside and lightly spray on a mist of glitter. Let dry.

Variations: If you have real fall leaves, place them inside a floating frame to preserve them. Use silk leaves to adorn napkin rings, lapel pins and more.



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Labels: home decor, inside, Thanksgiving

Hey, guys: Designs can be manly

Kathy Cano-Murillo
Special for the Republic
Oct. 6, 2007 12:00 AM

Every so often someone will ask me, "Do you ever do boy crafts?"

Eek! I'm so addicted to glitter, bright colors and bejeweled trim that honestly, masculine projects are a challenge.

Not today.

I bought my 16-year-old son a new set of sheets and wanted to personalize it for him. I thought of a cool company - Stencil 1 (www.stencil1.com), and its specialty is hip stencils - I found at last year's Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn. No geese in bonnets or ivy vines here. I'm talking boomboxes, monkey heads, turntables, muscle cars and old-school banana-seat bicycles.

The stencils come in large and small sizes, perfect for walls or smaller projects. When using them, you can go with the traditional stencil pouncing method and fabric paint, or you can try fabric spray paint.

Using hip stencils on sheets creates a fun graffiti-style look that proves crafting can be cool even for boys.

However, if you want a cleaner, classier look, check out the craft store for other stencils.

My only quandary for these guy-friendly bedsheets was whether to add black fabric glitter. It took all my might, but (sigh) I decided against it.

I don't think my son would have appreciated the sparkles.

Stenciled Graffiti Bedsheets
Supplies

Sheet set

Plastic gloves

Assorted stencils

Stencil brush

Bottled fabric paint

Directions

Working in a garage, or someplace roomy, line the bottom of your work surface with plastic. Lay the sheet face up on the plastic. Put on the gloves.

Set the stencils where you want the images to be. Hold down the stencil with your hand and lightly dab stencil brush in paint, dab on paper towel and then pounce up and down on top of fabric, covering entire stencil area.

Remove stencil and continue on the remainder of the sheet. Repeat process for the edge of the pillowcases. Let dry. Wash as usual.

Fabric paint dries soft, but you can choose whether to just decorate the top sheet, or the bottom sheet as well. I went with just the top sheet.

Spray fabric paint works, too, but the previously mentioned method leaves much cleaner lines.

Variations: For more personalization, use foam letters, stamps and fabric paints, or draw your own designs using permanent fabric markers.


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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: home decor, inside

I'm a coffee fanatic, and I love me some Cafe Bustelo. I can't bear to toss out the cans after I'm done downing the java. I use these cans all over my workspace to hold my paintbrushes, pens, markers, etc.

This particular can I used to make an adorable clock for my kitchen. I loved it so much that I even included it in one of my books. Making it is as easy as dropping a sugar cube in a cup!


Supplies:

1 Cafe Bustelo can (or any other interesting looking can)
1 handheld rotary tool (Dremel!)
1 clock mechanism with arms (found at the craft store in the wood aisle)
4 round wood balls painted red
Hot glue

Directions: Simply drill a hole in the center of the can where you want the clock to go. Attach the clock. Glue the balls on the bottom. Put the plastic lif on the top of the can. Remove it when you need to change the battery.

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: home decor, inside

Lucy Lu magnets from FridgeDoor.com

I love me some Lucy Lu Mighty Magnets. They have that thick coat of shiny stuff on top and they look so pretty and cool. But at $13 bucks a pop, I can only afford to recieve them as gifts! Plus, maybe I want to mix and match my mighty magnets.

That led me to experiment with making my own Crafty Chica version. Mmmmmm, I love how they came out. Lookie here peoples:


(Some of these images are from Ken Brown wrapping paper!)


This is how I did it:

Supplies:

Wood pieces
Sturdy magnets
Envirotex Lite (2 part resin mixture)
paper cup, chopstick, drinking straw
Pictures
Aleene's Tacky Glue
Black craft paint
Waxed paper

Directions:

Line your work area with waxed paper. Glue the image to the wood piece. Paint the edges to seal the paper to the wood. Let dry. Apply a coat of Tacky Glue over the entire image and around the edges to again seal the paper to the wood - otherwise the resin will "seep" under. Let it dry until the glue is absolutely clear. Mix the resin in the cup according to the package directions. Use the chopstick to stir it. Apply a dollop on the wood piece and use the chopstick to push the resin to the edges without letting it drip. Blow out any bubbles with the drinking straw. Let it cure for 24 hours. Glue the magnet on the back. Enjoy!
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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: collage/paper, inside, paper, resin

Embroidery is one craft most crafters want to try. It's drawing with threads, and offers so many options. The easiest route is to start with a dish towel, pillowcase or hankie, but that's boring. That's why I was intrigued to discover African Folklore Embroidery from Arizona Republic reader Alexis Kjellstrom, 52. The Phoenix resident and AFLE-certified instructor wrote to me about the art form and the classes she teaches.

"I became interested in this embroidery (technique) because of the brightness of the colors and the total artistic freedom and expression it offers," she says. "The designs are influenced by the Ndebele people, animals and flora of South Africa. Since the final outcome of the design is totally up to the embroidery artist, the sky is the limit. Applique and beading can be added to achieve the look you want as well as the use of a variety of threads and even ribbon embroidery."

The traditional South African craft is different from regular embroidery in that bright hand-dyed threads and beads are used on black fabric. The extreme contrast makes the end result pop. Artist Leona Raikin, a native of South Africa, used African Folklore Embroidery as a way to pass the time as a child. After moving to Southern California, she launched a line of do-it-yourself kits featuring designs inspired by the Ndebele people.

I used an AFLE kit to make this embroidered end table. For information on classes, visit the AFLE Web site, www.aflembroidery .com, or e-mail Kjellstrom at africafolk@cox.net.

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS
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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: fabric, inside, multi-culti, sewing

Remember last year when I got hooked on making No-Sew Napkin Pillows? Well, I'm still diggin' on it. Except now I'm adding pictures. I whipped up this fetching set over the weekend for Patrick's Auntie Angie. It was her birthday and she loves Cine Mexicano. So I took the postcards, printed them on InkJet fabric sheets and sewed them onto a bigger piece of background fabric and then stitched the whole dang thing to a napkin, did it again, stuffed the pillow and glued the seams shut.

If you aren't into sewing, pick up a bottle of Aleene's Fabric Fusion and just brush it on the back of your fabric and press it into place. There you go! Dos fabuloso cushinas!

Eee, that reminds me - I have to go practice for my Spanish class tomorrow!


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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: inside, sewing

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

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


Directions.


Directions.



Directions.
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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

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

This crafty chica is back in action!!! Thank you so much for all your awesome thoughts and support, I'm sending it right back at you 10 fold!!!

I hope you are as de-LIGHTed with this week's project as much as I am!

I like to knit and love to crochet, but hardly have time for either, yet that doesn't lessen my addiction to yarn. So when I came across the bewitching spinning skills of Austin, Texas, artist Amanda Jones, I was hooked. I used her yarn to make this frilly lampshade and you can too!

Jones' Hysterical Yarns start at $23.05 for 55 yards. To see more of her work, visit www.venusart.org or venusart.etsy.com.

Supplies:

Yarn
Fabric Fusion glue
Lampshade
Scissors

Directions: Work one section at a time on the lampshade. Coat a circle shape with the glue and snip a 15-inch piece of yarn. Lay it on the glue in a swirl pattern. Continue all over the lampshade. Trim the edges by going around and around.
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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: home decor, inside, lights

I was recently on HGTV showing how to make these fun knob pulls. In case you missed it, I'm posting the directions here. Yes, that's a cabinet from my kitchen!

Here are the directions.



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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: Cinco DeMayo, Craft Lab, inside, Latin-inspired, resin

The first goal of the year should be to take care of your mind, body and spirit. A big part of that is eating healthfully, exercising and practicing good karma.

Don't forget to take a break to relax and clear your brain. Because we're cleaning out our houses anyway, moving around furniture and such, this is a logical time to find a soothing corner in your living space and make it your own.

Take a day to paint and decorate an end table and comfy chair in your favorite fabric or paint color, crack open a new journal, a juicy ink pen and let your mind wander - even if it is for just 15 minutes a day. Part of that process should involve candles.

The flickering flames of tea lights do wonders to set the mood, especially if you choose your favorite scent and dress up the tin containers with strips of decorative paper. Set the candles on a mirror and reflections will quadruple.

Always use caution around candles; extinguish them when you leave the area.

CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE DIRECTIONS

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: home decor, inside, lights, wedding

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: garden, inside, outdoor, wedding

Life is too short to have boring jars around the house. Dress 'em up with some of these soldered charms!

Here are the directions!

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: home decor, inside

I made a muertos altar in honor of Steve Irwin. Here is a story I wrote about it, and it tells all the details of how to make a shrine. I miss Steve. I hope he sees my altar on Tuesday, likes it and smiles my way.

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: collage/paper, Day of the Dead, inside

Here is a cheery way to add some art to you Day of the Dead altar. Reverse glass painted pictures!

While everyone else uses the same old decorations, you can add a distinctive touch to your altar by whipping together one of these cheery calaca frames. Visit the local dollar store to pick up a batch of small frames and some paint. Give them as gifts or use them at your next fiesta's table setting. You'll be the life of the Day of the Dead party!

Supplies:
1 small frame
Acrylic paints in assorted colors (most importantly, black and white)
Thin, liner paintbrush

Directions:
Take apart the components of the frame. Set the piece of glass on a flat surface. Using the liner brush and black paint, draw a skull on the glass. Let dry. Now paint on flowers and other decorations and let dry. Paint the entire face with white paint. Let dry and put the frame back together.

Labels: Day of the Dead, home decor, inside

Just say no to boring hanging light fixtures.

Use this weekend to enliven your ceiling with a dash of funky, handmade style. This project will add a new level of functionality to the standard photo frame. Print your favorite pictures on vellum paper and insert them in the frames for a translucent effect.
Photo Art Hanging Lantern
Supplies
• 4 wood frames
• Craft paint
• Brushes
• Photos color copied onto vellum paper sized to fit in the frame
• 8 small hinges
• E6000 Industrial Strength Adhesive
• Drill
• 4 eye screws
• Chain or cording
• Large jump ring
• Gallery Glass squeeze paint

Directions: Disassemble the frames. Set the glass aside and then base-coat and embellish frames with paint. Let dry.

Insert the vellum paper. Reassemble the frames and lay them face down. Use the glue to affix two hinges to each frame back and connect them until it forms a box. Let dry.

You also can use hot glue to hold the hinges until the E6000 cures. Let dry.

Drill a small hole at the top of each frame border. Add a dab of E6000 and attach an eye screw. Let dry and attach chain. Repeat the process. Connect the four chains at the top with a large ring for hanging. Use it with a hanging light (sold in home-décor stores with the Chinese lanterns) or skip the eye screws and use as a table lantern.

Variations: Add fringe or beaded trim along the bottom. Instead of photos, create a collage and color copy it on vellum for use inside the frame, or use glass paint to create a colorful design.


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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: inside, lights

Ihave a confession to make. I make a special effort to add to the kitchen junk drawer. I toss in matchbooks from nightclubs, notes from my kids, cool pieces of wrapping paper, punker pins, pretty sugar packets from vacations, trinkets, minidolls, postcards and - whew! - any other small items I come across.

This habit doesn't come out of laziness or lack of organization. It comes from the thrill of emptying the drawer after a couple of months and sorting through it to find a theme for a funky shadow box.

If you are a structured person who colors within the lines, this still is the project for you. It's a way to cut loose and make art in a fun, free-form fashion. And if you are loca - like me - you will appreciate the idea as another way to express your personality.

Most of the items from this box came from Hawaiian knickknacks I collected a few years back. I have yet to go to Maui, but at least I have a fabulous art piece for my home. And it's a creative way to clean the junk drawer.
Junk Drawer Wall Shrine (hula style)
Supplies
• 1 large wood box, wood fruit crate or old junk drawer
• Sandpaper
• Acrylic paints, brushes
• Adhesives: Hot glue, industrial strength, white craft glue, and double stick tape
• Decorative paper
• Assorted knickknacks
• Trims

Directions: If you are using a recycled wood box, sand it to soften rough edges. Paint the box in whatever color you like. Let dry. Use white craft glue or double-stick tape to affix paper to the back of the box. Sort your items according to size. Find one or two that will be the focal point. Arrange the other objects to your liking and then hot glue them in place, leaving room for the larger pieces (or vice versa, whichever way works best for you). Add painted decorations, trims or objects to the top and sides of the box.

Tips: If you are missing components for your box, visit a thrift or discount store to buy filler objects, or check out a paper-arts store for colorful papers, trims and findings.


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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: collage/paper, home decor, inside, multi-culti

Here's a crafty catastrophe if I ever saw one: Dropping an entire box of "sorted" beads on the tile.

When it happened, at first I fell to my knees, slapped my hands on my cheeks and screamed to the heavens (we artistic folks are dramatic). But then I took a series of deep breaths, calmed down and considered my options. I could either spend hours crying while putting the beads, one by one, back in their tidy compartments or I could make the best of a bad situation and create something with them on the spot. I opted for the latter and came up with this funky beaded mirror project.

I love it so much and totally agree with that "everything happens for a reason" philosophy. By being a bit of a klutz, I went from frustrated to fabulous with the help of a drill, wire and a wood mirror. Here is a tip: If you can't find a wood-framed mirror, you can always buy a piece of wood at the home-improvement store and glue on a mirror from the craft store. Let this be a lesson that any accident can be remedied with a bit of creative intervention.
Loopy-Do Beaded Mirror
Supplies
• 1 wood mirror or frame
• Paint, paintbrush
• Drill
• 1 spool of 36-gauge wire
• Assorted beads
• Needle-nose pliers
• Small crystals
• Craft glue

Directions: Drill holes around the edge of the mirror, leaving about two inches between each one. Paint the mirror in desired color and let dry. Cut a piece of wire about 24 inches long, insert the end into one of the holes and twist to secure. Feed the beads on the wire. The more beads you add, the bigger your "loop" will be, and the fewer beads, the smaller it will be. Insert the wire through the next hole and repeat the pattern. Keep going until you run out of wire. Repeat the process of adding more wire and beads until there are loops all around the outside of the mirror. Glue the crystals around the outside of the mirror. Hang and enjoy!

Variations: Use all the same kind of beads for a more uniform look, or use letter beads to spell out a phrase or family names. Decoupage the mirror or paint other designs on it.

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: home decor, inside

Fall is around the corner, which means we're approaching time for a wardrobe change. Why not perk up those hangers, too? This project would make Joan Crawford proud ("What's wire hangers doing in this closet when I told you: no wire hangers EVER?" - Mommie Dearest). This project uses sturdy wood hangers you can decorate to fit your style. Use them to hang coats, pants or T's or anything else that fits. Add your initials or favorite saying or even paint on the logo of your favorite designer. Another option is to decorate a hanger, screw in small mug hooks and use it as a jewelry or scarf holder.
Personalized Hangers
Supplies
• Wood hangers (available at Ikea)
• Painting: acrylic paint, brushes
• Woodburning: Pencil, woodburning tool, sand paper
• Decoupage: scissors, decoupage medium, lightweight tissue paper, brush
• Varnish

Directions for painting: Use the brush to basecoat the hanger. Make sure to cover the entire piece. Use stencils or freehand a design. Use squeeze glitters, too, if you want. Let dry and varnish. Allow 24 hours to dry before using.

Directions for woodburning: Use a pencil to sketch your design on the hanger. Plug in tool and when hot, go over the pattern several times to achieve the look you want.

Directions for decoupage: Cut out the paper shapes you want to put on the hanger. Brush the decoupage medium on the hanger surface and carefully apply the paper. Use the brush to remove any bubbles, working from the center, outwards. Continue the process on the rest of the hanger's surface. Let dry and varnish.

And here are some other pictures of painted hangers. I bought the wood hangers at IKEA.






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Labels: home decor, inside

Photo and text copyright Kathy Cano Murillo/The Arizona Republic

This is a must-have to take with you on road trips and even shopping trips. After you complete this project, store the bottle in the fridge or an ice chest. Use it to mist your skin for a sharp and tingly sensation.

Supplies:
1 new travel-size spray bottle
Distilled water
Essential oil of choice (lavender is nice!)
E6000 industrial-strength adhesive
1 package of Austrian crystals
Chopstick or toothpick

Directions: Using the toothpick or chopstick, dab the end in the glue and make random dots around the outside of the bottle. Apply the crystals, one by one, over the glue. Let dry. Fill bottle with water and add one to two drops of essential oil of your choice. Shake. Keep in the refrigerator to keep cool. To use, lightly mist face and arms for a tingly sensation.
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Labels: beauty, inside, summer/4th of July

First of all, this picture does not do justice to this project. Trust me. I took a barstool and used a star stencil and used wet paint and micro glitter to create a full-on disco/rock star look. I topped it off with a layer of Envirotex Lite (I'm addcited to this stuff, I'd coat my kids in it if they'd let me!).



Things that make me sad: Poverty. Crime. Undecorated barstools.

That last one is an easy fix. Barstools are so inexpensive and offer a slick, smooth surface to embellish. Paint and decoupage are the easiest options, but I say take it to the next level and cover the seat in an edgy glittered design. I went with a rock and roll theme, using stark color combinations of red, black and silver. However, you can use the process to fit whatever décor you prefer. The key to this idea is to find an image or stencil that is clean so you can color the open areas with glitter. A coat of resin will seal it forever and make you feel like the superstar you are.
Rock star glittered barstool
Supplies


• Wood barstool
• Spray paint
• Stencil or transfer paper with pattern (if desired)
• Pencil
• Assorted brushes
• Assorted paints
• Assorted colors of glitter that match the paint colors
• 1 package of Envirotex Lite (2 part mixture)
• Mixing cup, paper cup, chopstick, straw (needed to mix the above)
• Mask
• Rubber gloves

Directions: Spray paint the base of the barstool in the desired color and let dry.

Lay stencil or transfer paper pattern on top of barstool seat and use the pencil to draw out the pattern.

Working on one section at a time, use a paintbrush to color in the section. Make sure to use a paint color that matches the glitter.

Generously sprinkle the glitter on the wet paint. Tap off excess. Let dry. Continue the process for the rest of the seat. After it is completely dry, it's time to add the Envirotex Lite to the seat.

Wear the mask and gloves. Work outside, or in the garage, because the Envirotex Lite is stinky. Line your work area with wax paper, so the liquid will not get on the floor. Measure exactly 1/4 cup of each part of the Envirotex Lite and pour into the paper cup. Use the chopstick to stir vigorously for one minute until you see a lot of small bubbles in the mixture. Pour the mixture on the center of the seat and tip the barstool to move the liquid where you want it. For hard to reach areas, use your fingers to "push" the liquid around the seat. Be careful not to have too much liquid at the edge, otherwise it will drip. If there is excess, use your finger to wipe it away. Look closely at the liquid on the seat, and if there are air bubbles, point the straw at them and lightly blow until they pop. Leave the barstool outside in a covered area (away from flying insects!) and let it set for 24 hours before touching.

Tips and variations: To save time, start with a barstool that is already black. The most important key to working with Envirotex Lite is to use exact measurements, and thoroughly mix it. If you don't, the mixture will not cure properly. If you like your barstools, make an end table to match.

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: home decor, inside

I made this shrine from all kinds of Americana knick-knacks and assembled them into a California wine crate. Basically, to make it you need to:

Paint your wine crate, line the back of it with fabric (I went with red w/ white stars). Next you want to add flat objects to the sides. Magnets (glue them on) work perfect for this! In the center I used a note holder and inserted a picture to serve as my focal point, and then I continued to add other objects around it. I even added some eye screws at the inside top so I could have Elvis's glittery blue jacket dangling! I also placed several miniature toys and pictures. On the outside top, I glued down what used to be holiday ornaments. Oh, I almost forgot - I painted some wood stars and hearts and sprinkled them throughout. This is my version of "folksy", therefore I really didn't use any glitter, except for what might be in the objects (like the jacket). If you look close at this piece, you will see all kinds of things like perfume bottles, Mardi Gras beads, a Tabasco sauce bottle and a button from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Click on the picture for a bigger view.

Let's talk glues. I used several. I mostly used hot glue, but sometimes hot glue is not strong enough to hold heavy objects. In that case, I put a dab of E6000, and then put a dab og hot glue and it worked as yummy as hot apple pie with whipped cream. Dang! speaking of apple pie, I should have included that in there somewhere...Maybe I can go through a McDonald's drive-thru and buy a mini-apple pie, come home and eat it while smiling at my Americana Folk Art Shrine.

Happy 4th of July to you!
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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: collage/paper, home decor, inside, recycled

It's been five months since my book came out and I want to celebrate. I know I've had other books released, but this one just feels different. I've never had such a huge response before. I've had sparkling reviews and articles on it in Editor & Publisher, Figure Magazine, L.A. Times, Newsday, Somerset Studio, Artist's Sketchbook, sheesh! I've had Latina crafting groups contact and invite me out to their meetings. Even a few celebs have taken a liking to it. The list goes on! And it doesn't stop there. There are several others coming up this summer like Adorn Magazine, Venus Zine, Cutting Edge, Knit1 and Seattle Times!

Currently I'm working on network pitches for my Crafty Chica show, and am "thisclose" to submitting my novel manuscript to my new agent, Erin. And in coming weeks, my next Crafty Chica craft book goes up for sale to publishing houses. It will be my best one yet. As soon as it is a done deal, I'll post all the details. I'm also gearing up for New York, California and Mexico. Life is glittery indeed. I never thought I'd be doing all of this. I always thought "Well, I'll try it and see how far it goes." And now look. Recently I had someone kid around and call me the Rachel Ray of crafting and it brought a tear to my eye. She started the same way as me, local TV and store demos. It would be my ultimate fantasy to have a career like hers, EVOO and all! But for now, I'm grounded and taking one fast step at a time, holding on for the surreal ride.

So I thought I'd share a project from Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul in honor of the anniversary and just because I'm feeling so perky. To think I was bummed because LOST, American Idol and America's Next Top Model have ended. I worried what I'd do with my Wednesday nights now. Um, jump on getting my orders out, that's what. I feel guilty posting here because Patrick and I still have so many packages to pack and mail to poor people who have been waiting forever.

This is a window shade that is so easy it should be a crime. You simply buy a window shade kit that comes with fabric fusing. Buy your fabric and follow the directions! I took it a step further and added some trim and a hanging tassel.

By the way, if you like the Mexicali fabrics I've been using, they are Alexander Henry. Today I met the head designer, Nicole DeLeon, and she is a genius! Anyway, you must try this project with your favorite material. It really does wonders for perking up a room!

Real quick - Did you see Game Show Marathon tonight? Love it! Talk about a guilty pleasure!

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: Cinco DeMayo, home decor, inside, Latin-inspired

Cinco de Mayo is next week, and that means party time. If you plan to have a salsa-tinged bash at your place, add some Latin flair to your setting.

Barstools are a great place to start. You can buy them for less than $20 at any discount department store and have your way with them.

They make a great outlet for functional art because decoupage, mosaics and tole painting are simple ways to make them your own.

I covered mine with colorful oilcloth and used contrasting paint colors to pull it all together. If you don't want the Mexican theme, use any other kind of fabric that makes you happy.
Fiesta Barstool
Supplies
1 wood barstool
1/2 yard of oilcloth fabric
Assorted acrylic paints, brushes
Varnish (spray or brush on)
12 upholstery tacks, hammer
Thick upholstery foam
Felt marker
Scissors
1 yard of fringe trim
Hot glue gun
Medium-grade sandpaper

Directions: Lightly sand the barstool's legs. Turn the stool upside down and place on the piece of foam. Use the marker to trace around the seat of the stool on the foam. Cut out the shape and set aside.

Choose a color and base coat everything except the seat, let dry. Add painted accents on the legs. Let dry and then add multiple coats of varnish, letting each coat dry in between applications.

With the barstool upright, apply hot glue on the seat and attach the piece of foam. Make sure the foam is secure around the edges. Trim any excess foam; you want it to go to the edge of the seat.

Turn the stool upside down again and place on the piece of oilcloth fabric. Pull the fabric up around the edges, leave an extra 6 inches all the way around and mark the fabric there for cutting. Toss excess.

Apply a generous amount of hot glue underneath the seat of the barstool, tug the fabric over it and press down with your hands to seal it. Continue all the way around the seat, gathering the fabric at the edges so it looks even and taut. Make sure all the fabric is glued to the surface.

Flip the barstool over and hot glue the trim around the edge. Apply tacks evenly around the border of the trim.



Project courtesy of my La Casa Loca book. Photo by Bobbie Bush.

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: Cinco DeMayo, inside, Latin-inspired, other holidays, outdoors

Don't these pillows look like they came from a home design or department store? They kinda did. They are napkins! I took some large cloth napkins and used my heavy duty glue gun and made them into stury sofa pillows. What makes this project so dang cool is that the napkins already have crisp seams, so you just glue them together inside the hem. This idea came to me because I love the different kinds of napkins that are for sale, but we are just *not* a fabric napkin kind of family. We're like the Viva paper towel family. So at last, my soul is at peace because I found a way to have my napkins and use them too.

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: home decor, inside

I'm in this kind of a mood today. Lots of thoughts, phrases and tiny objects all stuck inside my head, any which way they will fit. I made this suitcase shrine a few years back and I just felt like sharing it tonight. The actual case came from my dad. For years he used it to carry all his camera equipment. One day he gave it to me to carry my art supplies. Of course, being the weirdo I am, I made it into a piece of art instead.

London is this crafty chica's favorite city in the universe. I've been there three times and I gathered up all my souvenirs and assembled them on this case. Yes, it opens and is fully functional, I can thank e6000 glue for that. This is proof that I'm not at all one of those minimalist artists. Either you like clunky stuff or you don't.

I do. So there. Have a nice week!

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: collage/paper, inside, shrines

Do you have a can of old coins hanging around? I did. I used them to make this frame go from blah to bam! By the way, if you ever want to remove the coins undamaged, you can.

What you need:

- Old chunky frame
- 4-5 acrylic paint colors
- sandpaper
- assorted old coins
- e6000 glue

First you want to take a chunky wood frame and distress it with a meat tenderizer, etc. Choose four-five colors of contrasting acrylic paint colors and apply them TWICE, one, by one, letting each coat dry in between layers. Now use the sandpaper over the whole thing - you want to bring up those different layers of paint colors. Distress the frame more and sand more. Think you are done? Sand again. OK, now glue on the coins. You're done, mama!

Want more crafty goodness? Check out my NEW book! See below...

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: home decor, inside, recycled

These are goblets I bought for a buck at a garage sale. I was and sterilized them and used glass paint to add some fun decorations to them!

* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: holiday, home decor, inside

This is a kinda wacky idea I came up with when I gathered a gob of odds and ends together. I incorporated them into a mosaic. I made it the traditional way with adhesive, followed by grout.

* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: collage/paper, home decor, inside

Using fabric transfer paper and lots of notions & scraps (even some from a favorite pair of jeans), I came up with this. Here are the directions. And you can use anything you want in the center, I just happen to love the prayer card images!