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

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

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

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

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

Here is how you make them:

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Turn over and hot glue pinback.



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

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


***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

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

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

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

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

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

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


***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

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

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

by Kathy Cano-Murillo - Nov. 22, 2003 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

It's time to think about giving gifts. The first tier of presents goes to immediate family members, of course, but what about all those wonderful co-workers and acquaintances? This is where handmade journals come into play. Before December hits, take a weekend to create a batch of these stunning little books that can be tailored to each person's personality. The journals make great stocking stuffers for the kids. Pick up a box of whimsical postcards or greeting cards and add some micro-glitter accents.

Greeting Card Journals

Supplies
1 greeting card
4-6 sheets of handmade paper or cardstock
1 small hole punch or large paper needle (or quilting needle)
Quilting thread, embroidery floss or yarn
Optional: charm or tassel


Directions: Choose a greeting card that will look nice as the cover of a journal. Cut the paper or cardstock to the size of the opened greeting card, and then trim it one-quarter inch all the way around. Fold the paper in half (fold each sheet separately to ensure a crisp crease).

Thread the needle. Line up the pages inside the card. In the inside of the card's spine, poke the needle one inch from the bottom. Pull it through the outside, up the spine and back through so it is one inch from the top. Repeat twice. Snip excess and tie off on the inside. Tie on a charm or tassel to hang from the bottom or from the outside of the spine if desired.

If using thicker thread, such as yarn, use a small hole punch to be able to feed it through the spine.

Variations: Rip the outer edges of your inner pages for a more handmade look. Make one journal for each family at your Thanksgiving gathering and ask everyone to take turns writing down the things that they are thankful for in each other's books. Use them for vacation journals.

Use solid cardstock for the cover and embellish it with rubber stamps, glitter, grommets, vellum paper, ribbons, collage art and/or embossing powder.


***
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: kids, paper, recycled

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

If you don't want to tinker with your bag but still want to personalize it, a batch of these little pins to put on it will do.

What you need: 1-inch wood disks, magazine pictures, white craft glue, scissors, brush-on varnish, pin back, E6000 Extra-strength adhesive.

How to do it: Cut out small pictures or phrases from magazines and use the white craft glue to affix them to the disk. Trim excess. Apply a thin layer of white craft glue over the top of the picture and let dry until clear. Apply a layer of varnish. Let dry. Flip over and use extra strength adhesive to attach pin back. Let dry.

Notice how the backback is decked out? HERE is how I did it!
* 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: back to school, jewelry, kids, wearable art

Along with blooming flowers and sunny afternoons, spring brings up new entries on one's to-do list. Keep your spring-cleaning attitude fresh by creating one of these happy-reminder holders. Supplies are found at most craft stores.

SUPPLIES:
* Faux flowers
* Color copies of photos
* White craft glue
* Square tiles (4 by 4 inches)
* Thin fabric trim
* Hot glue gun
* E6000 industrial-strength craft glue
* Small acrylic standing frame (2 by 3 inches)
* Needle-nose pliers
* Colored wire (24 gauge)
DIRECTIONS: Adhere flower petals and photo to the tile in desired fashion. Add trim and other accessories around the flower. Cut petal from the flowers and use hot glue gun to attach to the back of the tile, creating a border. Use E6000 glue to adhere the tile to the front of the acrylic frame and let dry.
With needle-nose pliers, create a spiral with the wire and hot-glue it to the upper back of the tile. This will act as the note holder.
VARIATIONS: Replace the acrylic standing frame with a saw-toothed picture hanger or tile holder if you'd rather display your tile in other ways.

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

Labels: collage/paper, kids, mother's day

Ask any teacher about chalkboards and you'll find they are outdated tools in modern day classrooms. But home design is a different lesson altogether.
Creative chalkboard paint ideas have been popping up far and wide in everything from the Learning Channel's Trading Spaces (used on top of a child's play table) to this month's Ready Made Magazine, in which a speech bubble was painted on the wall above the bed.
With colored chalk in hand, you, too, can enjoy functional art that can be altered at any moment to fit your mood. These chalkboard TV trays make great interactive conversation pieces when used at adult or kid parties. Speaking of teaching tools -- if you find another idea for chalkboard paint, feel free to share it with others on the Crafty Ideas message board at
home.azcentral.com.

Chalkboard TV Trays
SUPPLIES:
Folding TV trays with wood tops.
1 can spray primer.
1 can of green or black chalkboard spray paint.
Jute trim.
Hot glue.
Chalk.
DIRECTIONS: Work in a well-ventilated area. Lightly sand the top of the tray, then spray on a layer of primer and let dry. Spray on two to three layers of the chalkboard paint, letting each coat dry in between. Use hot glue to attach jute around the edge of the tray.
VARIATIONS: Other types of trim can be used in place of jute. Use the same method on 18- by 12-inch pieces of thin hardboard to make place mats. To make moveable speech bubbles for above your bed, cut out the hardboard into shapes using a jigsaw. Hang with picture-hanging attachments.

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

Labels: back to school, inside, kids

Duct Tape Handbag
Supplies:
Scissors.
Ruler.
Duct tape of assorted colors.
Cardboard (12 by 4 inches).
Directions: Work on a large flat surface. Begin by making "panels." Cut six strips of duct tape, each measuring 12 inches long. Lay one strip sticky side up. Lay another alongside it, with 1/4 inch overlapping. Attach the remaining four strips in the same fashion. Cut six more strips and lay them sticky side down on top of and perpendicular to the first six strips. Repeat the process two more times so that you have a total of three panels. Cut two 4-inch-wide strips from the third panel; these will be the sides of your purse. Cover the cardboard with tape. Neatly connect all the pieces from the inside and outside of the bag with tape. Use the remaining pieces from the third panel to make the handles. Make a separate panel and attach as a pocket for the front of the purse. Add colored tape trim to decorate.
TIPS AND VARIATIONS: For a more colorful bag, before adding the pocket, add rows of colored tape over the bag. Make other items to match, such as a wallet, bracelet or hat.

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

Labels: kids, recycled, wearable

Paint-by-number kits are one of the most timeless guilty pleasures of art projects. All of us have been there. It doesn't matter what age or skill level you are at, with a bit of numbered direction, even the worst of us can create a rockin' velvet or cardboard wall hanging that consists of a tiger, sad clown, fantasy face or, my personal favorite, the happy jumping unicorn. OK, so maybe it's not the classiest decor, but when you morph the idea into a wearable version, it can become a very hip party activity.
The concept is to apply the outline from a paint-by-number kit to a T-shirt and then give it as a gift along with the paint set from the kit. Better yet, whip up a batch of the shirts and let party guests decorate their own. While you're at it, make one for your own wardrobe. If you ever tire of it, you can always hang it on the wall.

Paint-by-Number T-shirt
SUPPLIES:
* 1 T-shirt, pressed
* 1 sheet of transfer paper, ball-point pen, masking tape and black squeeze paint OR
* 1 iron-on transfer sheet from computer
* 1 piece of cardboard to slide inside shirt
* 1 paint-by-number kit or coloring-book page
DIRECTIONS: Iron the shirt and then decide on one of the two methods to complete this project.
* TRANSFER-PAPER METHOD: Make a copy of the paint-by-number outline and set the hard copy aside. Slide the cardboard inside the shirt. Lay the sheet of transfer paper facedown on the front of the shirt. Lay the outline on top of the transfer paper, faceup. Use the masking tape to hold it in place. Trace over the outline with the ball-point pen hard enough so the design goes through to the shirt. When finished, lift the papers and go over the outline with black fabric pen or squeeze paint.
* COMPUTER-PRINTER METHOD: Scan the design and print it out on T-shirt transfer paper. You will need to invert the image on your computer screen so the numbers do not come out backward on the shirt. Apply to the shirt according to package directions.
To give the shirt as a gift, attach the paints that came with the set. They are water-based acrylics and will work on fabric. To wash, turn inside out and hang-dry. If using for a baby shower or children's party activity, put assorted paints/pens in the center of the table so your guests can decorate the shirts.
* TIPS AND VARIATIONS: Use coloring-book pages or draw the outlines freehand instead of using a paint-by-number kit. The transfer-paper method produces a longer-lasting design than the computer-printer method. Instead of a shirt, design a canvas tote bag, lampshade, pillow covering or hat.

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

Labels: back to school, kids, wearable art

Blank books are lifesavers for creative types. One never knows where or when an intriguing idea will pop up. Having a clean piece of paper close by helps to capture the thought for later use. Sure, department and bookstores offer an array of ornately decorated journals, but you'll discover the most special ones are those assembled with your own hands and imagination.
Make this paper project as simple or complex as you wish. Once trimmed into strips, you can use one oversize piece of colored paper for several accordion books. Consider each one a reflection of the different sides of your personality. Set aside one for favorite comics or jokes, another for empowering phrases, poems, photos or doodles. When slipped into an envelope, these thin diaries also work as distinctive greeting cards.
Find materials at Valley arts and crafts stores.
Awesome Accordion Journals
SUPPLIES:
* 2 pieces of decorative stationery paper (6 by 9 inches)
* 2 pieces of cardboard or mat board (5 by 8 inches)
* Glue stick
* Card stock (4 3/4 by 7 3/4 inches)
* 1 oversize sheet of colored paper (25 by 37 inches)
* Rubber stamps
* Acrylic paints
DIRECTIONS (for a 5- by 8-inch accordion journal): Lay the stationery paper face down on a smooth working surface. Take one cardboard piece and apply the glue stick generously to one side and adhere to the paper. Set it evenly so the paper pattern will not be crooked on the front of the book. Smooth out air bubbles with your fingers. Cut out a square notch at each corner of the overlapping paper and glue down the flaps. Glue the card stock to the center of the inside of the cover to serve as a liner. Repeat the process for the other piece of cardboard to make two book covers.
Cut a strip of the colored paper measuring 7 inches by 37 inches. Make a fold 4 1/2 inches down and continue folding until the paper looks like an accordion. Trim any uneven flaps. Glue one of the flaps to the inside of one of the covers. Repeat on the other cover. Smooth any wrinkles.
Decorate the front with rubber stamps, paint, ribbon or other accessories.
TIP: Use as a card for someone. Just fill the pages with pictures or leave them blank for the recipient to fill. If using photos, make color copies rather than using originals. Use a glue stick, as liquid glue will make the paper wrinkle.
VARIATIONS: Feel daring? Substitute stationery paper with fabric, faux fur, wrapping paper, Astroturf, vinyl, a road map or some other creative covering.
**

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

Labels: collage/paper, kids, mother's day

This is the coolest stuff since squeezeable chocolate. It's Eraser Clay from the makers of Sculpey. I formed my shapes using soap molds and baked in the oven. It worked perfect!
* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: back to school, kids

Life is too short to go arond only wearing white sneakers. They're so cheap that anyone can afford to nab a set just to paint. I used regular acrylics and then added some squeeze paint, micro-glitter and I sealed it all with a brush-on varnish. I wouldn't suggest painting the rubber trim, it comes off very easy.
* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: kids, paint, wearable art

by Kathy Cano-Murillo - Jun. 26, 2004 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

There is a lovable, cuddly underground movement happening these days - stuffed monsters. I think of them as the next generation of the traditional sock monkey because they are little animals you can create to your liking. Stuffed monsters are so addictive to make. Once you draw a shape, cut and sew it and attach simple facial features, it will look cuter than a Hello Kitty Waffle Maker.

Shawn Smith, 28, of Chicago, has been making and selling monsters at www.shawnimals.com since 2001. He has a theory on why so many crafters are going soft.

"The abundance of fantastic characters and creatures in cartoons, comics, video games and movies right now may be stoking the desire," he says. "Sewn plush is a really direct way to turn doodles and sketches into real-life things."

For more inspiration, here are some other Web sites to check out:


• uglydolls.com
• peg-legstudio.com
• biggerkrissy.com
• mypapercrane.com
• littleandthegirl.com


Stuffed Monsters

Supplies:
1 piece of typing paper and a pen
Scissors
2 pieces of felt, 9 1/2 inches by 12 inches
Straight pins
Needle, thread, sewing machine or fabric glue
Buttons or googly eyes
Trim, fringe, beads, embroidery thread, ribbon, sequins, yarn or any other embellishments
Fiberfill stuffing



Directions:

Fold the piece of paper in half. Use the pen to draw half of the outline of a creature (just as you would draw half a heart) and then cut out the shape with the scissors. Unfold it and lay it on top of the two pieces of felt. Lightly trace around the shape with the pen. Pin the pieces of felt together in the center area of the creature. Sew around the outline of the shape, but leave an opening at the top. Trim the excess felt from around the shape, leaving a quarter-inch halo. Decide whether you want to flip the creature inside out or leave it with the seams showing. Sew or glue on the face (eyes, nose, mouth, cheeks, teeth) using buttons, felt, beads or embroidery thread. Stuff the creature until it is firm. Use the chopstick to move the stuffing into pointy corners. Sew or glue the top closed. Add any extra embellishments you like.

Variations: Use other kinds of fabric, such as faux fur, velvet, fleece, satin, denim or cotton. Make some creatures abstract, without arms or legs, and just add eyes to give them character. Use embroidery thread to add more detailed features to their expressions. Insert a dryer sheet as part of the stuffing to use as a room freshener.

***
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, kids, sewing

They are cute, cuddly and easy to make -- we're talking sock monkeys. Throughout the years, they have been seen alongside everyone from David Letterman to Catwoman in Batman Returns and have become the object of affection in paintings, advertisements, comics and fan Web sites.
Although the classic version is the most popular, there are many kitschy crafters who are whip-stitching a variety of sassy sock monkeys.
Visit www.sockit2me.com or www.sockmonkey.com for inspiration. Fox River Mills Inc. keeps the spirit alive by producing a do-it-yourself kit, and it has shared a pattern and instructions. Sock monkey kits are available at Cracker Barrel locations.

Sassy Sock Monkey
SUPPLIES:
* 1 pair Original Rockford Red Heel socks
* Stuffing (nylon stockings, unwanted hosiery or cotton batting)
* Heavy-duty thread, red knitting yarn and needle
* Sewing machine
DIRECTIONS: Take sock No. 1 and turn it inside out. Sew seam (A) 1/2 inch on both sides of center of sock, starting 3 inches from the white heel and across the end of the top. Cut sock between seams and to within 1 1/2 inches of white heel. This will leave an opening in the crotch. Turn sock right side out and use the opening to stuff head, body and legs.
For the rest of the monkey, use sock No. 2 and refer to the pattern:
* Arms: Cut the upper part of the sock into two pieces. Seam the edges, round the ends and then stuff the arms.
* Mouth: Cut the heel from the sock, leaving a brown edge around the white. Fasten on the lower part of the face, whipping around the bottom; stuff and finish sewing around the top. The mouth can be improved by running a stitch of either black or white across the middle of the lips.
* Tail: Cut a 1-inch strip from the sock, taper to end of cuff on length of front of sock. Seam the edges and stuff.
* Ears: Cut the ears from the remaining brown part of the sole of the sock. Seam and hand-sew onto the head.
* Eyes: Sew or glue on wiggly eyes, buttons, felt, embroidery thread or sequins.
* Cap (optional): Cut off the toe from another sock, leaving 1/2 inch of brown to roll for a brim. Sometimes a fez is used for a cap.
VARIATIONS: Personalize the monkey by using doll clothes, which you may wish to make, for a dress, vest, jacket. Mix and match other kinds of long socks to create more colorful monkeys.

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

Labels: back to school, kids, sewing