These are cards I made waaayyy back in 2004. I still have yet to actually send them out, because I love them too much. I'll probably end up framing them.

You can use this same concept with Japanese, East Indian, or all-American vintage comic book covers and pages.

This lovely project is from my book: The Crafty Chica Collection!


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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: Cinco DeMayo, Latin-inspired, multi-culti, paper, party favors

If you plan on having a Cinco de Mayo fiesta, you can't have boring place mats to go with your fancy home cooked menu! Devote some time to creating these artful collages that are laminated. You can use them all year round and they will add so much more spark and spirit to your party. Trust me! This lovely project is from my book: The Crafty Chica Collection!

Supplies:

Large piece of art paper
Stickers, pictures, etc
Scrapbook paper
raffia
hole puncher

Make the collage on the art paper and get it color-copied (times how many place settings you have) and then laminated. Punch holes along the sides and tie pieces of raffia.

Use memory wire, beads and decoupaged wood charms for napkin rings.

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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: Cinco DeMayo, food crafts, frida, Latin-inspired, multi-culti

I scored some gorgeous coasters on eBay, and they were direct from Spain. I love the flamenco dancers on them! I picked up on the style to embellish this jewelry box. This lovely project is from my book: The Crafty Chica Collection!

Supplies:
1 large wood jewelry box
1 large wood plaque
1 flamenco girl coaster (eBay!)
Paint, mini mirrors, black lace
Hot glue gun

Paint the whole thing, let dry. Glue the coaster to the plaque, and then glue it in the center of the box. Glue the mini-mirrors in the corners. Paint accents all over, and then glue on the lace. Add wood balls for the feet.



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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: jewelry, Latin-inspired, multi-culti

Do away with plastic bowls, and go fancy. This lovely project is from my book: The Crafty Chica Collection!

Supplies:
1 terra cotta large saucer
1 terra cotta bowl
water-based craft paint, brushed
water-based varnish
glass dish to go inside bowl
large wood balls for feet.

Paint the whole thing, let dry. Give it two coats of varnish, let them dry in between.
Glue on the feet. Put glass bowl inside for the salsa.


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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: Cinco DeMayo, food crafts, Latin-inspired, multi-culti, outdoor

I was going through old photos and came across this one I made a few years back. It's an altered vintage Mexican cowgirl postcard layered (foam core in between) on top of collage paper I made. Add a frame, and boom! Instant art for your walls!


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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: collage/paper, multi-culti

Send a free Dia de los Muertos e-card featuring Patrick's paintings!

Below is a picture of some sculptures he has been making for our upcoming events. They are about 4 feet high and he has four of them. Yuppers, these went over real nice when our neighbor came over the other day to ask about our tile floor. He was like, "Um, nice dead people you have in your living room..."

Nah, he didn't really say that, but his expression kinda did. We don't know what we are going to do with these yet - use them in one of our gallery exhibits, or at a fiesta, or heck, just sell them? They sure are fun to have around the house - except one night when I got up in the middle of the night for a drink of water. The lady scared the bejesus out of me! I hadn't seen that Patrick finished her clothes, so I thought she was a real midget - only dead.



Here are the events we will be at this year. There are only two - we are just too swamped with other projects:
-
Desert Botanical Garden: Oct 27-28.
- Vision Gallery: Exhibit Oct 22-Nov 3. Fiesta on November 3rd.
- Oh! I also have a book signing at the Mesa Arts Center, I'll check on the date and post it here.

I'm surprised I didn't post about Dia de los Muertos sooner! Every day I get at least 3-4 emails asking for info. So here are some links for you:

Crafty Chica Dia de los Muertos Podcast!

Next is my favorite. It is dead.azcentral.com - it is a web site for The Arizona Republic and AzCentral that Patrick and I helped put together. Patrick did all the illustrations and I wrote many of the stories.

- The history of Dia de los Muertos.
- Glossary of terms associated with the celebration.
- Food and recipes.
- Photos.
-
Videos.
- How to build an ofrenda (an altar).

CRAFT PROJECTS:

- Egg shakers, sugar skulls, paper flowers, reverse glass painting.
- Cigar box shrine, white chocolate sugar skulls, felt banner.
- Funky Fantasy Skulls.
- Bleach Pen Skull Banners.

- Clay Pin.
Steve Irwin Altar
- Plaster of Paris Skulls.
- Calaca Charm Bracelet.

SHOPPING:

- MexicanSugarSkull.com
- Day of the Dead Wedding decorations.

- Rubber stamps and more rubber stamps!
- home decor items from Mexico.

OK, that should be enough to keep you busy for a while! Look for more projects daily!


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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: Day of the Dead, Latin-inspired, multi-culti

While I was shopping at IKEA recently, I came across these delicious rolls of handmade wrapping paper from India. You know - the thick, textured kind that have been stamped with metallic inks?


Kinda like this but in brighter colors. I can't find them on the IKEA site. Hold on a sec, speaking of paper for decoration purposes - you MUST check out PaperMojo.com. (*fans face with hand*) It has exotic paper beyond your wildest dreams...

Back to the point - I bought a couple rolls, and when I got home I found a wood storage box I had hanging around the workshop (that's my new term for our art room, by the way). I decided to cover the box with the paper so I could have a nice plant stand for the corner of the family room.


STEP ONE: Admire the supplies for this cool idea!


STEP TWO: Lay a sheet of the paper face down and rest the box on top. Trace with pencil. Repeat for the three other sides. Cut out pieces. Repeat for the top of the box.


STEP THREE: Use Aleene's Crystal Clear Tacky Spray to coat the side of the box. Lay the paper flat and smooth out any bubbles. Repeat for remaing sides. Add paper to the top. Add trim as desired.


STEP FOUR: Step back and admire this cool project!
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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, multi-culti

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

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

Here is another project I did for Duncan using Aleene's Fabric Fusion. This is a new fabric adhesive that is not stringy and once you are done with your project, you can even wash or dry clean it! For this bag, I used one placemat, folded it in half and decked it out in fabric, gems and even paint.

Here are the directions from DuncanCrafts.com on how to make it. The fabric is from Alexandar Henry, available at St Theresa's Textile Trove.

I think this bag would be super sweet for going to a Latin dance night, or a reggae concert. Or a downtown coffeehouse, any place tropical and colorful. If you are going on vacation this spring or summer, you can make one just for the trip! You can also personalize it by making a fabric transfer of any photo you want and use Fabric Fusion to apply it to the placemat. It's also a spiffy way to use up fabric scraps.

I didn't include this in the directions, because I didn't want to overwhelm anyone - but the sun fabric? I dyed that! I like to buy vintage dishtowels and then dye them keep them for use with my collage projects. The dyeing part isn't as extreme as it sounds. You can pick up a bottle of Tulip Fashion Dye - it is a bottle that comes with colored powder at the bottom. You just fill it up with water, shake it and BAM! Squirt it on your fabric!!

I'll have a tutorial later on it. Next time I dye a batch of fabric, I'll video tape it and post 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: fabric, multi-culti, wearable art

I blogged about this movie (The Namesake) a few months back. First off, it didn't take watching the trailer to know that I would love it. I'm a huge fan of the director, Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding, Mississippi Masala) AND Kal Penn (Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle). I even got to eat lunch with Kal one time, and he is such a wonderful, genuine person who cares so much about his craft, as well as his culture. Anyway, this film is about a traditional Indian couple living in the U.S., and their American born son who is having a hard time juggling both worlds.


The Namesake qualifies as a crafty cinema film because there is a scene of the mother making a batch of handmade holiday cards for her family and friends. Even though the scene was a short one, it has oodles of details. Her cards and art supplies are spread out all across the entire dining table - so ture, right? And then she decorates the cards with a handpainted elephant, and clusters of micro beads at the top. In honor of my appreciation for the film, I made this card (below) similiar to the one featured in the movie.



And I added in the movie trailer 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: collage/paper, crafty cinema, multi-culti

We had sooooo much FUN on Uncommon Threads last week.

When I say "we", I mean my craft group, The Phoenix Fridas. One of the projects was inspired by the movie, Frida. Well, no. Scratch that. It was inspired by FRIDA, herself. She used to make the ornate cross-stitch pillows for her bed, and in the film, director Julie Taymor made sure to include them in the set design.

I loooove to make craft projects inspired by movies. I even tried to sell the idea as a book to publishers last year but the "crafts + movies" concept didn't fly. So it must just be something only I'm into. Oh well. At least the DIY Network liked the idea and let me share this project. And I do plan to share Crafty Cinema here with all the projects from my proposal ;-)



I'm not a swift cross-stitcher, but I can embroider. For directions, click here.





While you are there, check out the projects my friend Carmen made!! Just go to...
UNCOMMON THREADS Latina Power - Episode DUCT-121
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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: crafty cinema, multi-culti, sewing

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

Last week I bought an adorable 12" iBook G4 and I love it sooo much! I wanted to buy a little sleeve for it but all I could find were boring, expensive options. My little iBook is very special to me, it deserves better! So last night, I made my own.

I cut four pieces of fabric (two types) that measured a bit wider on each side to allow for my seams. I made two "sandwiches" that consisted of two pieces of contrasting fabric with a double layer of batting inside. And then I sewed loopey-loops all over each seamed sandwich to keep the batting in place and stitched the two together.



This is what you call homegirl crafting. I was so excited - plus I was delirious with a cold - that I didn't even measure anything. I eyeballed the whole thing. It's a little uneven in spots, but only I can notice where.

My original plan was to not have a flap, but to have the top come together with a zipper. But alas, my eyeball measurements needed glasses. I measured a bit too small lengthwise. So instead of crying and pitching it across the room in a Mariah Carey fit of rage, I relaxed and simply made one more fabric/batting sandwhich, stitched it on, added a button to the front and some ribbon to close it and there ya go! It's way better than any store bought sleeve! Now I have to go find a sturdy travel bag to carry it in!



TIP: This is a great project to use up fabric scraps. It will make the laptop sleeve more funky if you have all different kinds of patterns.

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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: Latin-inspired, multi-culti, sewing, wearable art

These are some light switch covers that my husband, Patrick, decorated with polymer clay. He rolled and sculpted each and every one! This is exactly what you would call a texture craft! He also did a whole concrete bench in fired clay with the same concept. Gosh, I wish we had pictures of that too!

This lovely project is from my book: The Crafty Chica Collection!


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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: Cinco DeMayo, Day of the Dead, Latin-inspired, multi-culti

My friend Kelly Hale made these for me for my book. They are so cute and take a few minutes to make. It is just wire with laminated Loteria cards, with beads attached.

This lovely project is from my book: The Crafty Chica Collection!


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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: Cinco DeMayo, Latin-inspired, multi-culti, paper

This lovely project is from my book: The Crafty Chica Collection!

Supplies:

4 pieces of glass (you can use from dollar store picture frames)
duct tape or silver tape
stamps
craft paint or inks made for glass
brush
water-based varnish
4 wood balls for feet.


Wear gloves if you are afraid to work with the glass. Start with one piece of glass, face down. Ink or add paint to your stamp and press on the glass.
IMPORTANT: Remember, it is going to be presented on the other side of the glass, so your image will be backwards!

Let dry. Use a liner brush to fill in any missed areas. Add other designs around the glass. Let dry. Paint over the entire surface with a contrasting color. Let dry, coat with water-based varnish.

Assemble the glass in a box shape by using the tape to joint them. Make sure to seal off the top edges. Glue the painted wood balls for the feet.

Fill with candy, cotton balls, licorice, anything groovy!


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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: Cinco DeMayo, home decor, Latin-inspired, multi-culti

I finally got the knack of Liquid Sculpey, so I drank some green beer and made this:



Last month I attended the Craft & Hobby Association national convention in Atlanta to check out the new crafty goodies on the market. One of the shining stars of the show was Translucent Liquid Sculpey, a bakeable liquid polymer clay. It was a hot topic among the crafty attendees because of its impressive versatility. Not only can it be used as a photo transfer and/or decoupage medium, it also does the trick as an adhesive and clay softener. It can be used to add dimensional effects on scrapbook pages, make window clings, faux-stained-glass art and many other dazzling projects. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I created this happy Irish Claddagh picture necklace. The Claddagh, with two hands presenting a heart with a crown, is a symbol of love and friendship.
Claddagh Necklace
Supplies:
Claddagh picture
Inkjet matte finish photo paper
Translucent Liquid Sculpey
Embossing heat tool
Small bowl of water
Premo polymer clay, white and green
Small paintbrush
Brayer
Craft knife, scissors
Small hole punch
Jump ring
Necklace cording

Directions: Size the Claddagh picture to your liking. Print it out on a sheet of the matte-finish photo paper. Cut out the picture and punch a small hole at the top (so you can hang it from a cord later). With the brush, paint on a thick, even layer of the TLS over the entire picture. Turn on the embossing heat tool and use it to dry the TLS until it goes from cloudy to clear. Let the picture cool and then place it in the bowl of water. Rub the back of the picture with your fingers until the paper comes off. You should have a translucent rubbery copy of your picture. Pinch off a quarter size piece of the polymer clay and use the brayer to roll it flat. Cut out a desired shape (circle, rectangle, square, etc.) with the craft knife. Squeeze some TLS on the top surface, lay the TLS picture on it and press in place. Use a needle to poke a hole through the clay, lined up with the hole on the picture. Pinch off a piece of the green polymer clay and roll it into a snake the size of a spaghetti noodle. Use it to outline the shape to frame the picture. Paint on a thin layer of the TLS over the entire surface. Bake in oven according to manufacturer directions. Remove and let cool. Insert jump ring and hang on cord.

Tips and variations: If you do not have a heat embossing tool, you can bake the picture in the oven according to manufacturer directions. For a mosaic look, cut the TLS in small squares, rearrange them on the piece of clay and then fill in the grooves with more TLS. If you plan to make a lot of polymer clay projects, it's best to buy a small toaster oven to be used specifically for the craft, because the clay does have a light odor.

* 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: jewelry, multi-culti, st. patrick's day, wearable art

Keri demonstrated several fun ideas for St. Patrick's Day parties today on Good Morning Arizona. Here they are!

Centerpiece:
Keri took a large terra cotta saucer and filled it with green moss (you can also use sade) and then added potatoes (in honor of the Irish!), gold coins and in the center she placed a planter and filled it with golden gems and tea light candle.

Plates:
She took two clear disposable plates and inserted paper decorations between them. She also created a game with the plates. She put a different number on the bottom of each of the plates and then put mathcing numbers in a hat. She said you can draw out numbers to give away prizes!

Plastic Beer Glasses:
Using Gallery Glass, Keri drew clovers with names on a piece of glass, let the Gallery Glass dry and then peeled them off and put them on the plastic beer cups!

Keri Plezia is a talented stained glass artist. Check out her web site! She also makes all kinds of other crafts and sells them at Zia Record locations in Phoenix and Tucson, as well the Black Hearts Bazaar Noir boutique in central Phoenix.

Keri mentioned the Phoenix Fridas. This is a local women's collective (craft group!). There are seven of us and we meet monthly to craft, chat and eat. Soon we will be doing art shows and workshops around town. Sign up for the Crafty Chica newsletter to stay posted on the upcoming events!

The Phoenix Fridas are:
Kathy Cano Murillo, artist and crafter
Tracy Dove, painter
Keri Plezia, stained glass artist
Anita Leach, fiber artist
Carrie Wheeler, illustrator
Leticia Amezaga, t-shirt and clothing artist
Carmen de Novais, musician/beader


* 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: multi-culti, st. patrick's day

I can't wait to get my hands on a silk screen set up. in the meantime, I went with a home ec version. I likee!

Have you ever thought of the perfect T-shirt phrase? What are you waiting for? Put it on a shirt, already! You can do it by going to a local print shop (expensive), embroidering it (time consuming) or silk-screening it yourself (messy). Actually, the latter is an emerging trend in crafting. People are either buying kits or creating homemade versions to design fabric, greeting cards, shirts, canvas art and more.

If you want the look of silk screening without the hassle or cost, start with this simple solution.

Supplies:
1 T-shirt
Sheet of regular paper (for use in the computer)
Large piece of cardboard
Craft knife and mat board
Double stick tape
Sponge brush
Fabric paint
Blue painter's tape





Directions: Wash and dry the shirt. Type your phrase using a word processing program on the computer. Enlarge the font size to at least 100 point or larger as desired. Until you get the hang of this process, stick with a simple thick font, as opposed to a detailed or cursive one. Print. Working on the mat board, carefully cut out the letters with the craft knife to create the stencil. For letters with holes (a, e, g, etc.), cut the centerpiece and set aside for later use. Insert the cardboard inside the shirt, so the paint will not seep through. Place the stencil where you want the phrase to be on the shirt, and then secure the edges with the blue painter's tape. Cut a snippet of double stick tape to secure the floating pieces inside the letters that have holes. Dip the dry sponge brush into the paint and dab it on a separate piece of paper to remove any excess (if there is too much paint on the brush, it will seep under the stencil). Lightly pounce the brush up and down in the open areas of the stencil. Let dry and then repeat the process until it reaches the shade you like. Let dry. then peel off the tape and paper, and remove the cardboard.

Tips and variations: Only use fabric or textile paint so your design will be soft and flexible. Turn the shirt inside out to wash and dry. Use the same method to transfer silhouette pictures, company logos, etc. Instead of words, use multiple stencils and different colors in geometric shapes or Wing Dings (small icons found on word processing font lists). Instead of painting on a shirt, you can also use etching cream and this stencil method to decorate glassware.

* 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: multi-culti, st. patrick's day, wearable art

I saw a mirror almost exactly like this at Target in their Global Bazaar Collection. It was $50 bucks! With a tube of Delta texture paint and a mirror from Ikea, I made my own version!

Recently I was cruising the aisles of one of my favorite home décor stores when I came upon a gorgeous Indian-inspired mirror. My first thought was to buy several and arrange them in my entryway. Then I flipped the frame over and concluded the price wouldn't allow that.

Rather than give up, the crafty wheels began to turn. Ikea has great wood-frame mirrors for less than $5, and I just happened to have a stack of them (a result of a post-holiday shopping spree). With textured paint and a stencil, I was able to design my own signature set, and the cost to make four was less then the original one I saw at the store.

Indian-inspired Mirror

Supplies:
Wood frame with mirror
Water-based acrylic paint in cranberry and gold
Delta Texture Magic dimensional paint, red
Stencil with swirly designs
Popsicle stick, cotton swab
Card stock and scissors
Spray-on stencil adhesive





Directions: Cut a piece of card stock to fit over the mirror and set it in place (to protect it while you work on the frame). Apply just one coat of the cranberry paint on the frame because you want to achieve a weathered look. Let dry. In a well-ventilated area, lightly spray the adhesive on the frame and let it set for a few seconds until it becomes tacky. Lay the stencil on the frame and rub with your hands to seal it. Squeeze the textured paint from the tube onto the Popsicle stick and glide it over the frame, filling in the stenciled areas. When the entire surface is covered, peel off the stencil. Let the frame dry. If you're working with a small stencil, repeat the process. Once the frame is dry (about one hour), dab the cotton swab in the gold paint and apply it to the edges of the raised surfaces on the frame, and around the outside border. Let dry.

Tips and variations: Mix and match the colors. Stencils come in a variety of themes. The same principle can be used on walls, cabinet doors, gift boxes and even heavyweight paper for scrapbooking or altered book projects.

* 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: home decor, inside, multi-culti

In the early 2000's (that sounds so weird!), these bags were all the rage. Nowadays people have carried the idea even further by making books, paper sorters, bowls, clutches, and all kinds of other things out of old LPs. I still like this one! You take vintage album covers, laminate them, create side panels, punch holes, insert grommets, and lace it all up together. Feed Mardi Gras beads inside clear tubing (found in the aquarium supply aisle). Use grommets to attach to the bag.

This lovely project is from my book: The Crafty Chica Collection!


***
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: Latin-inspired, multi-culti, wearable, wearable art

After a week of stressful activities, the thought of relaxation time sounds pretty good. However, if you are out of Calgon bath beads and the balance in your checkbook rules out a day spa, a clever alternative will have to do.
This meditation garden will do the trick. These soothing, sand-filled boxes often are found at high-end shops and chic gallery stores. They also are sold as pricey do-it-yourself kits. Here is one example of how to assemble your own dry garden as a gift, or to keep in a special area of your home.
The idea is to focus on creating balance and harmony with the use of a small rake, sand and rocks. I used three rocks and one item for a focal point. However, the possibilities are nearly endless. Gather several rocks in diagonal corners, or use seashells and starfish for a beach theme.
There are no rules, just as long as it helps you relax.

SUPPLIES:
* 1 wood serving tray (9 1/2 by 13 inches)
* Patina paint set
* Stencil brush
* Asian-inspired coins or accessories
* Hot glue
* 2 strings of gold-tone beads
* 3 pounds of craft sand
* 1 Asian-inspired focal point
* 3 rocks
* Small rake or mini-back scratcher
DIRECTIONS: Stipple the tray with layers of Patina paints, using the stencil brush, and let dry. Affix the coins to the sides of the tray with hot glue. Repeat process to add beads around the top of the tray. Pour in sand and shake tray until the sand settles evenly. Turn tray lengthwise, and place focal point at the top. Add the rocks in a balanced design. Use the rake or back scratcher to make patterns and lines in the sand.

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

Labels: empowerment crafts, garden, inside, multi-culti

There's no better feeling than having the coolest decorated gift at the party.

Recently, I was cruising the gift wrap aisles and came across a set of metallic nesting boxes (a steal for $4.99 at Target). They looked a bit plain for my taste, so to spruce them up, I used some fabulous rubber clay molds made by the Polyform company. Each bendable mold contains nine or 10 designs and is sold in themes. I went for a travel theme and used the African, Egyptian and Asian motifs. After baking them, I highlighted the clay pieces in metallic paint to match the boxes. Now all I need is a party.

Supplies
1 set of nesting gift boxes
Assorted Polyform clay molds in Egyptian, African and Asian themes
Assorted colors of Premo or Sculpey oven-bake clay
Craft knife
Silver and gold acrylic paint
Hot glue
Cookie sheet

Directions: Take a small hunk of clay and press it into the center of the mold. Spread it to the edges with your fingers. Carefully bend the mold to remove the clay. Working on a flat surface, trim away excess clay with the craft knife. Continue the process until you have the desired number of pieces to apply to your boxes. Bake them on a cookie sheet in the oven at 175 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove and let cool. Using your finger, lightly dab silver or gold paint over the top of the clay designs to add subtle highlights. Attach to box with hot glue.

Tips and variations: These motifs can also be used to decorate picture frames, jewelry, light-switch covers, mirrors, journals, scrapbooks and more.


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

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

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

Labels: home decor, inside, multi-culti

Festive shakers
by Kathy Cano-Murillo - May. 4, 2002 04:16 PM
The Arizona Republic
Here's a wonderful and easy craft for kids (and anyone else) that will help put the whole family in the fiesta spirit.

At a glance, it's hard to tell that these musical shakers are created from your average plastic drinking cups.

That fact won't even come to mind once you see how well they enhance the rhythm of the music, spirit and celebration behind the holiday.

Musical Cinco de Mayo Shakers

SUPPLIES:
• 2 colored plastic cups (8 ounces each)
• Scissors
• Assorted acrylics
• Paintbrush
• Assorted Mexican-theme stickers
• Miscellaneous embellishments: beads, glitter, sequins, etc.
• Party streamers in bright colors
• Hot glue
• 1/8 cup of sand, uncooked rice or seed beads

DIRECTIONS: Use the edge of the scissors to poke a 1/4-inch hole at the bottom of each cup. Decorate the outside of the cups with painted designs, stickers, glitter, sequins or beads. Turn the cups upside down and let dry.

Cut eight strips of party streamers, each 10 inches long. Fold four of the strips in half and use scissors to make vertical snips to create fringe. Twist the top of the fringed crepe paper (the edge that is not snipped). Add a bead of hot glue around the hole in the bottom of the cup and slip the twisted end of the crepe paper through it. Repeat process for the other cup and let dry.

Pour the sand or rice into one of the cups, then attach the two cups by adding a bead of hot glue around the rim of one of them. Press the other cup's rim onto the glued rim and hold firmly in place until the glue sets. Add a string of beads around the glued seam if desired.

TIP: Have Mom or Dad help with the glue gun and scissors.

VARIATION: While you're at it, make an extra set of shakers to take to Diamondbacks games. Decorate in purple and teal and add rattlesnake designs with paint pens or stickers.


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

Labels: back to school, Cinco DeMayo, Latin-inspired, multi-culti, recycled

La Loteria is the traditional Mexican bingo game which features colorful images such as La Luna, El Corazon and El Mundo. It was introduced south of the border in 1769. These days, the colorful imagery is used everywhere - from classrooms to advertising to artwork.

Now Phoenix artist Teresa Villegas has added a twist. She took her love for Loteria a step further and created a stunning art installation titled "La Loteria: An Exploration of Mexico." The images within the 54 oil-on-wood panels draw upon whimsical Mexican traditions, historical figures, gastronomy and pop culture. Her work made such an impact during its national exhibition that it inspired Don Clemente, owner of the most popular version of the game, to adapt Villegas' work into the "Nueva Version."

Villegas gave permission to use her images in this craft project celebrating Cinco de Mayo, the day that commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French in 1862.

To read more about Villegas' art and to purchase the games, visit her Web site at www.teresavillegas.com.

La Loteria luminaria
Supplies
1 cylinder-shaped glass hurricane lamp, 9 inches by 4 1/2 inches in diameter
3 sheets of clear or white vellum paper
Color-copy machine
3 sheets of a Lotería game
Scissors
Foil tape
Double-sided tape
Glass votive holder with candle

Directions: Insert one sheet of vellum into the color-copier paper tray (either at a local copy center or on a home ink-jet printer). Lay the Lotería sheet on the copier glass and enlarge to 129 percent. Make the copy and repeat the process until you have three printed sheets.

Use scissors to trim the border of the printed vellum. Apply the double-sided tape to the edges of the sheet. One at a time, affix a sheet to the hurricane lamp so that the top edge of the vellum aligns with the top edge of the lamp. Repeat with the remaining sheets to cover the entire lamp. Trim off any excess vellum around the bottom of the lamp. Cut the foil tape into two strips, each measuring 9 inches long and 1/2-inch wide. Affix the tape around the top and bottom edges of the lamp. Set the glass votive holder with candle on a base and place lamp on top.

Tips and variations: Use the same application, except with family photos, copies of vintage book covers or colorful calendar pages. The printed vellum can also be used to make hanging lanterns or to line the outside of candles, partitions and more.



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

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

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

Labels: Cinco DeMayo, home decor, Latin-inspired, lights, multi-culti

These look good enough to drink! This lovely project is from my book: The Crafty Chica Collection!

Supplies:

Mexican margarita glasses
Creme-based candle wax
A wick
Candle scent
Candle coloring
Double boiler
White craft glue and glitter


Melt, color and scent the wax using a double boiler according to the package directions. USE CAUTION, it's hot! Insert the wick in the glass, and then carefully pour in the wax. Let cool. Run a bit of paint around the rim, let dry, and then a coat of white craft glue.


***
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, Cinco DeMayo, Latin-inspired, lights, multi-culti