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by Kathy Cano-Murillo - May. 3, 2008 12:00 AM
Special for the Republic

About, oh, say, 35 years ago at my parents' house, this is what you'd hear my mom scream out every Saturday night:

"Yahtzee!!!"

Back then, my mom loved playing all kinds of board games, Yahtzee, Aggravation and Bingo.

To this day, every time I walk by the game aisle in a store, I see Mom kissing the dice, saying "Come on, baby, give me a Yahtzee!" She'd wink at me, and then toss them on the kitchen table as if she were at a swanky Vegas casino.

Now that I'm an adult, I wish I had made my mom a personalized game. That would have made her triumphs all the more empowering. But, hey, it is never too late!

I made three games for my mom for Mother's Day, in the hopes that we can steal a Saturday night to play again. And because today is National Scrapbooking Day, I've used my scrapbooking supplies.

As for other mothers, I know firsthand that candy, jewelry or flowers are sweet - but quality time is even better. With the rush of the daily grind it's easy to lose track of that. These kid-friendly ideas are great reminders that old-school fun is the way to go.

Other games that can be revamped:


• Dominoes: Glue your favorite picture or paper on the back of each one to make your own set.


• Yahtzee: Decorate the dice and cup with paint markers. Design your own score sheet and pencils.


• Backgammon: Use a glue stick and scrapbook paper to enliven the board.


• Monopoly: Create your own game pieces and money.

Connect 4 game

Supplies
1 Connect 4 game
Newspaper
Plastic gloves, paper mask
3 cans of Krylon Fusion for plastic spray paint in Mom's favorite colors
1 picture of you that is color-copied into 20 1-inch images
1 picture of your mom that is color-copied into 20 1-inch images
White craft glue
1-inch circle cutter (optional)

Directions
1. Separate the game into sections (base, body, chips).

2. If you are a child, have an adult help you with this step: Lay the newspaper outside on a flat surface. Put on the gloves and mask and set down the base, spray paint evenly until all areas are covered. Let dry and then set aside. Repeat for the body, and then the chips.

3. Cut out the pictures of you and Mom and glue them to the inner area of the chips. You should end up with two sets of chips. Let dry.

4. Assemble the game (bottom right) and play.

Inspiration playing cards

Supplies
1 package of adhesive sticker paper
1 deck of dollar-store playing cards
Scissors
Colored markers
Rub-on accents
Rubber stamps, with ink pad

Directions:
1. Take one sheet of the adhesive paper and peel off the backing. Place it sticky side up on your work table.

2. Carefully set the playing cards decorative side down on the sticky side of the paper. Press them all in place. Once the sheet is full, use the scissors to cut out the cards.

3. Embellish with markers, rub-on accents, rubbers stamps or any other designs you choose. Write a message to Mom or her favorite phrases and sayings on each card.

Custom made assorted game set

Supplies: Newspaper
Plastic gloves
Paper mask
Spray paint
1 box set (top right) that has several games in it, such as chess, checkers, etc.
Metallic or bright-colored paint markers
2 types of contrasting, yet matching, scrapbook paper
Glue stick

Directions:
1. If you are a child, have an adult help you with this step: Lay the newspaper outside on a flat surface. Put on the gloves and mask and set down the base, spray paint all the pieces evenly until all areas are covered. Let dry.

2. Add swirly accents using the metallic markers. Cut the scrapbook paper to fit the squares on the chessboard. Use the glue stick to attach them, alternating the designs.





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

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

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

Labels: mother's day, recycled

Gift ideas

Things to make for Mom:

- Decorate a plate's rim with stickers and serve mom pastries or morning toast.

• Collage of childhood photos, color copied, laminated and used as a placemat for a breakfast meal.

• Store-bought greeting card embellished with glitter, gems, stickers and rubber stamps.

• Pictures color-copied onto fabric transfer sheets and sewn onto a pillow or tote bag.

• Mini-scrapbook inside a small photo album.

• A quote from Mom typed up and framed as a piece of wisdom art to hang on the wall.

• Beaded necklace using her favorite colors.


***
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: mother's day

Shadow boxes and shrines add a new level to the art of memory keeping.

Often referred to as "assemblage art," "dimensional scrap" or "collection collages," the basic concept is the same -- arranging sentimental mementos in an eye-appealing way.

Many of us have these types of collections in our living space and don't even realize it: refrigerator doors, fireplace mantles, dresser tops, workspaces and even car dashboards.

I discovered how fun this genre is last year when I was hired by a publisher to pull together an art book on the topic.

My assignment was to invite a variety of national artists to join me in sharing their vision of this ever-growing art form.

Being a beginner to the book world, I spent many hours poring over art magazines and Web sites to find the perfect balance. The result is Making Shadow Boxes and Shrines (Rockport Publishers), a collection of 38 projects, ranging from spiritual and sacred to wild and wacky.

Many of the contributing artists and I will be on hand to discuss and share our work, as well as offer demonstrations on making your own assemblage masterpiece.

Until then, here is a sneak peek at one of the projects:

Newborn Baby Memory Box

Supplies:
1 shallow shadow box
Assorted acrylic paints
White craft glue
Baby-themed wrapping paper
1 miniature doll dresser
1 sheet of fun foam
Miniature baby decorations such as diaper pins, blocks, bottles and diapers
Color copies of baby photos
Hanging photo ornament
Scissors and paintbrushes

Directions: Paint a base coat on the box and dresser in contrasting colors. Line the inside of the shadow box with wrapping paper. Glue the miniature dresser in the center of the shadow box and adhere some of the miniature items to fill it up. Lay out the photos around the box. Cut out shapes from the fun foam as well as pictures from the wrapping paper and arrange them around the photos. Flip the box over and glue the ornament to the bottom of the back of the box. Do not move until glue is set. Attach a picture hanger to the back for display.


***
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: baby, mother's day, shrines

This project doesn't come out in the newspaper until Saturday, but since Mother's Day is Sunday, I thought I'd post it early. I'll have complete directions later, but basically I took some wood blocks in different sizes, drilled a hole in the tops with a Dremel, inserted a bamboo skewer (glued it in place) and painted it all. I then embellished the blocks with pictures and cositas (little things) and then added an alligator clip at the top of each one. And there you have it! Memo holders perfect for Mom!

As far as the images to put on there, you can put pictures, quotes, headlines, trims, buttons - anything you want!!


*Image of "mama" from www.ArtChixStudio.com.

***
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

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

Labels: collage/paper, mother's day

Moms love sentimental objects, especially when they are presented in pretty packages. The idea behind these Mother's Day Trading Cards is that each is themed to a particular memory: maybe from a family vacation, a birthday party or a trip to the park. You get the idea. It works for kids of all ages and skill levels. They type or hand-write a memory and glue it to the back of a playing or trading card. On the other side, create a photo collage using personal pictures (color copies), rub-on letters and other goodies. Don't forget to dress up the box to match. Mom can keep them close by, and whenever she feels down, she can pull one out and read the memory, think of you and smile.


Mother's Day Trading Cards
Supplies
1 deck of playing cards and box
Color copies of photos
Paper accessories: scrapbook paper, rub-on letters, paints, markers
Printed memories, sized to fit on card
Glue stick
Scissors
Directions: Give each kid (and Dad, too) an equal number of cards. Leave part of the deck blank so Mom can decorate her own later. Cut out the printed memories and mount them to a piece of scrapbook paper. Use the glue stick to attach one to each card. On the other side of each card, glue a picture and embellish it with a headline and other details. Decorate the box and put the finished cards inside, gift-wrap and give them to her.

Variations: If you run out of memories, print Mom's favorite quotes, poems or passages from books.

STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

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

Labels: collage/paper, mother's day, other holidays

March is National Women's History month. I know it's still a couple of weeks away, but this is a good time to plan your course of action. Every city has some kind of event going on. If not, maybe you can find something online pertaining to this muy importante month.

Here in Phoenix (and Tempe, Gilbert, Glendale, etc), a local paper arts store, Ink It!, is holding an auction for decorated torsos. Mary Ellen Fresquez, the owner of this lovely shop invited me to load one up, Crafty Chica stylee, for the event. Here is my finsihed piece.



And here is some info on the event:

"AUCTION-Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Artists have been busy with the theme "Cherechez la Femme" (translated: "Search for the Woman"). 6" paper mache torsos, decorated and embellished will be on display and up for bid on Saturday, March 4th, 5-8pm. Join us, put your bids in for your favorite torso(s) and enjoy great desserts catered by our own downtown Gilbert restaurants--and you already know how yummy their food is! 100% of the profits from the auction will be donated to the Susan K. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation."

Ink It! is located at 225 North Gilbert Road - Gilbert, Arizona 85234. Phone: 480.632.6801. Be sure to check it out! and if you live outside the area, organize your own event at your favorite local art store or boutique!



Or, just buy a blank torso from Stampington.com, and embellish it for your own personal sense of empowerment! Now aren't you glad you have two weeks notice?

Viva la mujer!

P.S. If you like the paper I used, I'm going to be selling it in collage sheets very soon!

***
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

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

Labels: collage/paper, empowerment crafts, mother's day

You've ordered the flowers and bought the jewelry and think you're set with the Mother's Day checklist.
Now, take it to the next level by incorporating a handmade gift that is picture perfect.

"I'm a sucker for anything handmade," says April McConnell, 34. "Especially if it has a picture on it, I love that! It's like a little time capsule, and if it is functional, it's even better. My son has made me things for years. Sometimes it's pictures frames, other times it's key chains or pouches. Every year it gets better and better."

Moms love to reflect on memories and coo over family snapshots.

Book artist Kathie Shepherd, 47, realized that and designed a Mother's Day Envelope Book. She combines mat board, library book pockets, decorative papers, tags and spiral binding to create a chunky page-turner that holds messages, charms and photos. The book is such a hit that she is teaching several classes over the next week at her Glendale paper arts store, the Creative Quest.

"Making a gift for a mom can sound intimidating, but my advice for people is to just jump right in," she says. "Part of the problem is that there are so many materials to use, and it gets overwhelming. If you can, pick a project and take a class somewhere. That way you can learn the step-by-step process."

And don't feel pressured.

McConnell's excitement comes from the love that went into it, not how balanced the corners are. It also makes her feel good knowing her son used his creativity and imagination in her honor. She's crossing her fingers that he carries on the tradition, pictures and all.

"It's perfectly OK for grown-ups to make Mom gifts," she says. "Why should it stop? When does a mother ever stop loving to receive something that her child put so much thought into?"

But as adults, it's hard to focus on that when we are busy with jobs, bills and the occasional yearning for diamonds, candy and flowers.

"There is a misconception with handmade things that you didn't spend any money on it," Shepherd says.

"We still hear things like, 'Oh, she couldn't go buy something, she just made it.' When you put the time into making something, it's actually much harder and takes much more of you than going and shopping for something. I'm not saying store-bought gifts aren't nice, but adding something handmade is a compliment.

"It's the best gift you can give a mother."

* 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, mother's day, 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

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

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

There comes a time in every non-sewer's life when a needle and thread will actually come in handy.
My moment of truth came when I was locked in my house with my kids and four of their friends. Imagine loud thumps on the walls; squeals throughout the house; me rubbing my temples because I knew Calgon was out of the question.
I thought how nice it would be to have one of those aromatherapy eye masks I had seen at Scottsdale Fashion Square. Once the quarters were quiet again, I could just plop one of them over my peepers and dream the agony away.
Forget Fashion Square. I realized I had everything at my fingertips to make my own eye mask at a fraction of the cost and twice the creativity. With scrap fabric, my checkbook, thread, rice and scented oil, I was in business.
I made my makeshift prototype that afternoon, and by night I was on a mission to make more.
I ended up at the fabric store, clutching several bundles of silky material on one side and trim in the other. I placed all my goods on the measurement counter while the clerk stood there and gave me that deadpan "You've got to be kidding" stare.
"Hi!" I said. "I would like a piece of each of these fabrics that measures a little bit bigger than my checkbook; and enough of this trim to fit around them. Do you carry HeatnBond?"
I was afraid to look her in the eye, but I went on to explain my eye-bag inspiration anyway. I promised if she helped me I would come back and show her the finished product. It was enough to win her over.
She did sell me the HeatnBond, but suggested I buy a sewing machine.

What you need:
* Soft and slinky fabric (8 by 8 inches square)
* Trim measuring 24 inches long (optional)
* Sewing machine or needle and thread for hand-sewing
* 1 cup rice
* Aromatherapy oil, such as lavender for relaxation
* Glue gun or fusible web such as HeatnBond (optional)
How to make it: Set rice in bowl and apply two drops of oil. Mix well and set aside. Take fabric square, fold inside out and sew three edges, leaving part of one narrow side open. Put rice on a sheet of paper, pick it up by folding lengthwise and pour rice into bag. Use invisible stitch to close the end. Apply trim with glue gun, fusible web or by sewing.
These eye bags can be heated in the microwave or chilled in the fridge.
Caution: If you have an illness or medical complaint, consult with your physician before using an essential oil.

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

Labels: beauty, inside, mother's day, sewing