I always have a hard time with Easter. I've never been into cute chicks and bunnies, and my version of the pastel palette consists of hot pink, banana yellow and neon green. But that doesn't mean my Easter eggs have to suffer. This year, I'm being bold and teaching my kids a lesson in pop art.

I clicked over to Google images and found some Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and even Keith Haring images. The trick to the eggs is to color them as usual with traditional egg dye kits (I used Twinkling H20 watercolor paints) and then apply images printed on water slide decal paper. This is clear paper that has a protective backing that is most used in model car kits. After printing the image, soak it in water and the image separates from the backing. The result is a transparent background.

If you don't have time to buy the decal paper, you can decoupage the image on the eggs. Decal paper can be found locally at Hobby Bench and Arizona Art Supply locations. Available online at lazertran.com.

Pop Art Decal Eggs
Supplies:

1 package of InkJet Decal Paper or Lazertran Water Slide Decal Paper
Hard-boiled eggs
Watercolor paints, brush
Bowl with water
Scissors
Acrylic paints

Directions: Paint the eggs with the watercolors and let dry. There are two kinds of decal sheets - one for InkJet printers, and another for laser printers. If you use the latter, you'll have to print your images on a color laser printer at a local copy center. Using the high-resolution setting, print the images on the decal sheet. Cut them out and put in the bowl of water. After a few minutes, the image will separate from the paper backing. Carefully pick up the image and lay it on the painted egg. Use your finger to smooth out bubbles. Let dry. Use other paints or markers to add contrasting polka dots.

TIP: Keep your pictures small so they will lay flat against the egg. There will be crinkles around the edges of the decal because the egg is round, but you can smooth them out by carefully snipping the decal and sealing it down with water.
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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: Easter, food crafts, other holidays

It's the 4th of July weekend, what are your kids up to? If they are little, glam them up with one of these easy crowns. It's perfect for watching the fireworks. And if you are a kid at heart, make one for you too! I also made a really cool red, white and blue, but I can't find it! As soon as I do, I'll post a picture of it here. By the way, this crown is made from a visor, straws and lots of glitter!

The Fourth of July is all about flash and sparkle, especially when it comes to kids and big fireworks shows. Dress your little ones in style with this quick-to-make accessory that is sure to fire up patriotic spirit. With a foam visor, plastic drinking straws, glitter and embellishments, you and your child can make a stylin' crown so impressive, Uncle Sam would give a wink and two thumbs up.


Flashy Fireworks Headdress
Supplies
1 red, white or blue visor
Drinking straws
Hot glue gun
Red, white or blue paint, with loose glitter to match
Paintbrush
Scissors
Embellishments such as foam decorations, buttons and sequins

Directions
Turn the visor upside down so it becomes a crown/tiara. Hot glue the straws vertically so they are closer at the bottom and about an inch apart at the top. Cut the excess of the straws along the bottom of the crown. Use the brush to apply paint in between and on the straws, sprinkle the loose glitter. Let dry. Hot glue the other embellishments such as buttons, sequins, and letters.

Variations

Instead of red, white and blue, make a Statue of Liberty crown using a green visor. This idea can be used for different events all year, such as birthday parties or New Year's Eve.


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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: other holidays, summer/4th of July, wearable art

This idea is a cinch. You just take a wood frame that has a smooth wide border and use a paint pen to write a poem or letter on it. It also would work good for a group event, where you could have everyone sign it and then put in the group picture. Or maybe at a family function. Or your Craftaholics Anonymous meeting. I'll guess you'll see me there after all these blog posts...As you can see, nothing in our house is left untouched!

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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, father's day, other holidays

Actually this was Patrick's grandpa's tool chest from, like, 50 or 60 some years ago. I glued washers all over it to give it an artsy edge. I know - it adds zero function to the structure, but it sure looks pretty, don't you think? To make this I used Crafter's Pick The Ultimate glue. I liked it better than my usual e6000 because it also works on metal, doesn't stink and is very thick. And as a bonus prize, I didn't have to wait for it to cure before moving to the another side of gluing. I really am devoted to e6000, but I must admit it breaks my spirit when things begin to slide. I like to just glue and move on with my life and not worry.

And yes. I asked Patrick before I touched the tool box. His Grandpa Greg (sign of the cross) was always so sweet to me and got a kick out of all the crafty things I used to make and show him. I think he is winking at me from heaven because he is impressed.

P.S. It says "Dad" because I made it for my Father's Day crafting package. I also did this journal for the gambler dad.



I took a blank journal and covered it with fabric (I used a glue stick) and then I used large letter rubber stamps for the title.

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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: father's day, other holidays

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.

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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, mother's day, other holidays

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

Use icing tubes to jazz up your chocolate eggs!

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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: Easter, food crafts, other holidays

Thanksgiving greeting cards? Why not? These gorgeous cards were designed by Jamie Valimont, owner of xpedx Paper & Graphics. The secret? Wordsworth Wild Card Template! These are very cool cardmaking templates.

November is the month of family, cooking and lots of turkey. Savor the spirit and hues of the Thanksgiving season by creating handmade greeting cards for friends and family. Paper artist Jamie Valimont, owner of the Xpedx Paper and Graphics Store in Tempe, designed this week's project exactly for that reason. Her secret weapon for spectacular cards is Wordsworth Wild Card Templates. These are templates that come in a variety of odd shapes and angles and will add some edge to your holiday cardmaking. Today from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., you can see Valimont demonstrate the Wild Card Templates' versatility at the store's annual Unconventional Sale. All merchandise is 15 percent off, and Chris Herrmann from Ranger Industries will provide rubber-stamping demonstrations. There will be gifts for early shoppers, hourly door prizes and special prices. Lunch is available for a canned food donation for charity. My tip: Arrive early because the store fills fast. The store is at 403 W. Broadway Road. (480) 929-0120.

Thanksgiving Card
(By Jamie Valimont)

Supplies
Wordsworth Wild Card Template
Astrobright Galaxy Gold cardstock
1 sheet of 12-inch-square paper in coordinating color
Colorbox Fluid Chalk inkpads: Amber clay, tangerine, burnt sienna
Black inkpad
Rubber stamps: Pumpkin, bountiful, liquid amber leaf and Happy Thanksgiving
Glue stick, scissors

Directions: Trace entire Wild Card Template (including smaller window) on one sheet of cardstock and just the front panel of card template (including larger window) on second sheet of cardstock. Cut out both using a straight-edge ruler and craft knife. Score fold line on full card and fold in half. Sponge tangerine ink onto the single front panel then lightly sponge burnt sienna randomly. Stamp leaf all over with burnt sienna. Stamp leaf again with amber clay, filling empty spaces. When dry, stamp "bountiful" in black ink. Stamp pumpkin on inside of folded card so it shows through the window. Stamp "Happy Thanksgiving" below pumpkin. Sponge tangerine and burnt sienna ink on pumpkin. Sponge burnt sienna around window opening on front side of folded card. Glue the separate front panel to the front of the folded card. Trace Wild Card envelope template onto the 12-inch paper. Cut out and fold on fold lines. Glue edges.
* 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, other holidays, Thanksgiving

Lucky for us creative folks and cultural revelers, National Scrapbooking Day falls on Cinco de Mayo.
It's only fitting that we combine both events into one.
If you live for the moment and don't mind informal displays, I suggest "instant" MiniScrapbooks that can be assembled as you go, perhaps at a Cinco celebration this weekend.
Take along an I-Zone camera that produces minisnapshots. Ask a few friends to each pick up a package of film to share. Throughout the festivities, gather small mementos that you can incorporate when decorating the book. Take turns with your amigos snapping photos, pasting them on the pages, jotting funny captions, and you have an instant treasure of magical moments.
While the make-as-you-go idea sounds fun, Wendy Devenney, a scrapbook consultant for Creative Memories, recommends classes for those who are serious about picture preservation, page layouts and themes.
"Some beginners feel overwhelmed because they have so many photos," Devenney says. "Start with your current photos and then work your way back. This way you are able to do good journaling, since the information is fresh."

Supplies:
I-Zone camera with sticky-back film
Scissors
4- by 4-inch scrapbook
Colored markers
White glue or E6000 glue
Dimensional squeeze paint
Assorted jewels
Glitter or confetti
Mexican- or fiesta-themed pictures
Cornhusk
Mexican beer bottle caps
Directions: While the party is happening, take pictures of your friends and family (compromising situations are best!). Trim edges off the photo and peel off the back to stick it to a page in the book. Immediately write a caption that goes with the mood of the photo with the colored markers. Continue this throughout the party, until you fill up the pages or run out of film.
The next day, use a variety of mediums to decorate the covers of the books and attach with white glue or E6000. Embellish with dimensional squeeze paint, jewels, glitter and other objects. On the inside cover, write the details of the party: location, date, high point, low point, foods eaten, number of celebratory toasts, etc. Hopefully you will have enough books to pass out to the people who were at the party.

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

Labels: Cinco DeMayo, collage/paper, Latin-inspired, other holidays

These laminated placemats are a great way to liven up your turkey meal! The idea is to create a scrapbook layout and then make copies, laminate and use. Here are more detailed directions.

* 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, other holidays

Memory wire is a fitting craft supply to use in honor of Mother's Day.
Like Mom, it always snaps right back in place, no matter how much you stretch or bend it. No slack, no leeway. However, that doesn't mean it isn't fun to work with. Ultimately you'll discover that once you learn to work with it, memory wire produces impressive, lasting effects. Much like Mom, too!
Charm your mum this Mother's Day by way of these handmade bracelets. The packaged wire comes in various sizes for necklaces and bracelets. It's a breeze to work with, and one package will yield approximately a dozen bracelets, no clasps required.
You can find supplies in the beading aisle of craft stores. Read packages closely to make sure you purchase memory wire, not a roll of regular wire.
For an extra, personalized touch, find a locket and insert "then and now" photos of yourself and attach it as a dangle to the end of the bracelet.

Mother's Day Memory Wire Bracelets
Supplies:
1 package of bracelet memory wire
Wire nippers
Emery board
Needle-nose pliers
Crimp beads
Assorted beads
Small jump rings
Head pins
Directions: The memory wire will come in rings (think of a Slinky). Cut one of the rings just at the point where it begins to overlap. Use the emery board to file each end, as the wire is sharp. Using the needle-nose pliers, take one end of the wire and bend a small loop. String on a crimp bead so that the end of the loop is inside the bead. Crimp with needle-nose pliers so it stays in place. String your beads on the wire until you have half an inch left of the wire. Repeat loop procedure.
To add a dangle to the bracelet, attach a charm with the jump ring, or use a head pin to add beads. Connect to the loops at each end of the bracelet.

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

Labels: jewelry, other holidays, wearable art

Just because you are set to color Easter eggs this weekend doesn't mean the holiday duties stop there. There are still baskets to fill, food to cook and, most important, decorations to display. With only 48 hours to go, we're sharing a few tips and tricks to make the most of the final countdown.
* Fill plastic eggs with rice. Glue shut to make musical Easter "shakers."
* Create festive place mats with fun foam. Use one sheet as your base and glue a border of shapes in chicks, carrots, eggs and flowers.
* Use hot glue to cover a basket with faux spring flowers for a centerpiece to hold colored eggs.
* Cut bunny-feet shapes from craft sponge and use chalk to leave a trail of bunny footprints.
* Personalize the outside of plastic glassware with stickers, dimensional squeeze paint or markers.
* Make party favors by filling mini-terra-cotta pots with pastel-colored candy.
* Empty an egg, gently create a little "window,"paint and decorate the entire surface and insert a family photo inside for a minidiorama.
* Cascarones: Empty an egg, fill with confetti, decorate the outside with glue and tissue paper. Crack over loved ones' heads for fun.
* Roll up small toys or candies in crepe paper into a ball, add wiggly eyes and construction-paper bunny ears and a cotton ball for the tail. Kids will have fun unrolling the paper to find the surprise.
* Decoupage Easter napkins on all four sides of a box and use as a utensil holder.
* Fill a large, clear bowl with water and drop in fresh daisies to float on top.
* Snip strips of party streamers and roll each into small tissue flowers, tie to a string and hang.
* Glue jelly beans around a plastic foam topiary and insert into a painted planter. Add green basket grass for filler.

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

Labels: Easter, other holidays