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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: crafty video, garden, LifetimeTV, lights, outdoors

Here is another sneak peek from my book (Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life )! Enjoy!

Bandera de Calaca

The purpose of hanging splashy banners for a muertos celebration is to show that the festivities are a celebration - not a mourn-a-bration. It's believed that the souls of the dead are hurt if they return and are greeted by weeping relatives. Traditional altars use Papel picado to signify the party, but you can be innovative by using this sassy substitute.

Supplies:
1 red cloth napkin with a patterned border
1 Clorox Bleach Pen
1 package of Creative Iron fusible fabric borders (or any other kind!)
1 piece of balsa wood
8 grommets and tool
Paints
Fringe
hot glue
small drill

Directions: Lay the napkin on apiece of cardboard. Shake the bleach pen and use the fine point side to draw on the skull design. Set aside for 30 minutes (until you can see that design has soaked thru to the other side). Rinse in warm water to remove bleach. Let dry. Iron on the fusible fabric borders. Paint the balsa wood, drill three holes at the bottom, and two at the top. Make three holes at the top of the napkin and connect to the balsa wood with ribbon. Add a strand through the two holes at the top to hang. Hot glue the fringe along the bottom of the banner.

You can go bleach pen crazy by making a whole bunch of these and tieing them together, or decorate napkins, seat covers, pillows, etc. Make sure the fabric you are using does not have ScotchGuard, otherwise the bleach pen won't work on it.

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

Labels: Cinco DeMayo, Day of the Dead, garden, Latin-inspired, outdoors

Have you ever whipped up a batch of salsa and flinched when it was time to toss out the chili can? Especially if it has a pretty label, like this? Don't do it! Salvage it and morph it into a candle holder! Imagine how cute this will look in your kitchen or outdoor patio. If you want more light to show through, you can drill holes around the body of it. These would also work cute as covers on patio lights. Maybe a little heavy, but it's worth checking out.

To make these, you drill holes around the top and hang chains from them (use jump rings to connect). you can add beads to the chain links, or whatever you want. Gather the loose ends up at the top and connect to a larger ring for hanging. If you can't find any cool chili cans, print out some pictures or vintage food labels and attach them around a small tomato sauce can.
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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: garden, lights, outdoors

Meet Lola. She is my sister's beagle. We like to take her on walks. But when the Arizona pavement is hot enough to melt a stick of butter, an outing is out of the question. So I crocheted these booties from lightweight cotton yarn. Lola gives them five barks and two paws up.

NOTE: I'm reposting this from last year because I hate to see people walking their dogs on the hot asphalt and when the poor pooch run towards the grass, the owners tug them by the leash and say, "Come on! Behave! Stay over here!" I even saw one dog stepping in his owner's footprint shadows thinking it would be cooler. These paw protectors don't take very long to whip up.



Just because it's hot doesn't mean Fido should be stuck in the doghouse. So take him or her for a walk already, and don't worry about the heat. Here's a fashionable way to protect your pooch's paws from the searing pavement. You can buy a set for $20 at the pet store, or take up the art of crochet and make your own for less than a dollar and less than an hour's time. This project is perfect for summer; the loose crochet stitches combined with lightweight cotton yarn will keep those footsies cool from top to bottom.


Pavement Paw Protectors
Supplies:
Measuring tape
1 skein of lightweight cotton yarn
1 Size J crochet hook
Scissors
24 inches of ribbon

Directions: Measure the width of your dog's paw. Next, measure the length and add two inches to that number. This is how wide and long you need to make each bootie. For a medium-size dog: Begin by holding the end of the yarn, making a slipknot and inserting the hook through the loop. Make 6 or 7 chain stitches; at the end, join them to make a circle. Begin to create the bootie by adding stitches around the circle, using the double stitch. Continue to build up to desired height and then finish off. Cut four pieces of ribbon, each 8 inches long. Weave a strand through the top row of each bootie so you can tie it on the dog's paw.

Variations: For smaller dogs, decrease the amount of chain stitches; for larger dogs, increase. For more durable booties, sew a small piece of suede onto the bottom. Add decorative stitching at the top. If you do not want to crochet, you can make the booties out of fleece and use Velcro straps for closure.


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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: outdoors, pets, wearable art

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

Those clever folks at Magnetic Poetry have just released some ultra cool letter stamp sets. Sure you can customize your tees, but I opted for terra cotta pots. HERE ARE THE DIRECTIONS.

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

Labels: garden, outdoors

Necessity is the mother of invention, alright! You know when you are splashin' around in the pool and you get thirsty for your pop, beer or a cocktail? Here is a way to solve that problem. It's a styrofoam pool floatie I made that holds your drink de jour!
Here are the directions, you'll have to scroll down a bit though.

* 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: outdoors, summer/4th of July

Decoupage Spanish language newspaper on the pots, coat with varnish, paint and seal.

* 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: Cinco DeMayo, collage/paper, garden, Latin-inspired, outdoors

Here is a mixed media coaster design.
Supplies:

Tile or coasters
Spanish language newsprint
Color copy of Mexican image
White craft glue
Craft paint
Resin

Glue the newsprint to the top of the coaster. Now glue the picture in the center. Add painted accents. Coat with a thin layer of white craft glue. Mix resin according to package directions and coat. Work over a piece of wax paper so it won't stick forever to your table. Blow out gas bubbles with a straw. Let cure over night.

Put some felt tabs under the coaster so it won't scratch your table!

* 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: Cinco DeMayo, home decor, inside, Latin-inspired, outdoors, resin

Let the crafty choir bells ring! Candlemaking 101 has reached the ultimate in simplicity by way of Lazy Man Candles. Sold in bags with wicks, these vividly colored and richly scented wax granules can be poured into just about anything -- mugs, votives, terra-cotta bowls and more. Add a wick and you are ready for action. The only heat required is from the strike of a match.
The bright hues of the wax inspired me to keep the theme whimsical and cheery. With the aid of colored wire, wood beads and ribbon, I created a batch of ornate minilanterns that reminded me of chandeliers. If you are new to the world of wire, this project may require a bit of patience and practice. Purchase extra wire to try out different loops and shapes before moving on to the real thing.
Supplies are available at craft stores, and Lazy Man Candles are sold at the Candle & Gift Factory Outlet, 2325 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, or www.candleoutlet.com.

SUPPLIES:
* 4 strands of 18-gauge wire in different colors (36 inches each)
* Baby-food jar
* Needle-nose pliers
* Assorted beads and ribbons
* 1 strand of 18-gauge wire (3-inch)
* Lazy Man Candles wax granules in assorted colors
DIRECTIONS: Slightly bend one of the long pieces of wire in half and wrap it around the lid of the jar. Tightly twist it at the lip to keep it in place. Straighten one end of the wire piece up and the other end down. Repeat process with the remaining three wires so that they are evenly positioned around the jar. You will have a jar with four pieces of wire standing straight up and four wires straight down.
On the bottom strands, create loops with the needle-nose pliers and add beads (if desired). Then connect them one at a time up to the rim of the jar by bending the wires together. For the top strands, bend one of them 1 inch to make a loop for hanging. Gather all the wires and then tie them together by tightly wrapping the 3-inch piece of wire around them. Use needle-nose pliers to make decorative loops with the excess wire on the top. Add ribbons or dangling charms for more flair.
Have a friend hold your candle-lier while you carefully add a wick and colorful layers of Lazy Man Candle granules.

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

Labels: garden, Latin-inspired, lights, outdoors

Think your house is completely decorated? Not quite. Take a look outside: There's a bland mailbox out there just screaming for a makeover. There is a way to add a dash of classy individuality without being deemed the odd house on the block. One way is to score a roll of wrapping paper and apply it as decoupage. In this case, it's a worldly postage-stamp theme that is designed in subdued brown and olive tones. Another idea: Use or apply a lightweight mosaic. Just make sure you still can operate the door and flag with ease.
Mailbox makeover
SUPPLIES:
* 1 mailbox
* Sandpaper
* Gold spray paint
* Wrapping paper with postage-stamp theme
* Sponge brush
* White glue
* Acrylic paints in black, white and red
* Needle-nose pliers
* 20-gauge copper wire
* Industrial-strength glue
* Colored glass pebbles
* Spray gloss varnish
DIRECTIONS: Clean the mailbox thoroughly and lightly sand its exterior surface. Add several layers of gold spray paint, and let dry between each coat. Cut a piece of wrapping paper to cover the door of the box, and cut another rectangular piece for the top of the box. Attach the paper to the box with the sponge brush and white glue. Use your fingers to smooth out any air bubbles. When dry, repeat the process on top of the paper to seal it, making sure all edges adhere tightly. Paint a black rectangle on either side of the box and add a painted trim, such as dots or dashes. Use the needle-nose pliers to create copper coils that will go inside the painted rectangles. Attach them with industrial-strength craft glue and add colored glass pebbles for accents. Let dry. In a well-ventilated area, add three to four coats of high-gloss varnish or polyurethane for protection against sun and rain. Every few months, add another coat of varnish to keep the mailbox looking shiny and new or decoupage new pictures on top of the old ones.

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

Labels: collage/paper, outdoors

Drink coasters are to home decor what earrings are to a clothing ensemble: eye-fetching accessories. Why stick with just one set when you can interchange them to match your mood?
With one box of lightweight resin, you can assemble your own line of table protectors that will double as clever conversation pieces. I've seen this project created with plastic molds and heavy-duty casting resin, but I tried a new method that works just as well using four shallow glass candleholders. However, I haven't ditched the molds altogether. I used some small soap molds to make key chains, magnets and paperweights. In fact, I love this stuff so much, someday I may cover a decoupage table in it.
Chunky Resin Coasters
Supplies:
* Glass cleaner
* 4-inch shallow glass candle bases
* Small lightweight items (toys, marbles, flowers, feathers, coins, bottle caps, game pieces, etc.) or pictures (matchbook covers, playing cards, CD covers, stamps, small photos, etc.)
* E6000 glue
* White glue
* Dropcloth
* 4 empty toilet paper rolls
* 1 8-ounce box of Envirotex Lite
* 3 paper or plastic-foam cups for mixing
* Craft or popsicle stick for stirring
Directions: Use glass cleaner to remove any residue or dust from glass candle bases. Arrange and attach small items to the inside of the bottom with E6000. If using pictures, use the white glue, then cover image with a thin layer of glue as well. Let dry.
Lay out the dropcloth in a well-ventilated or outdoors area. Set your coasters on top of the empty toilet paper rolls so that the resin will drip over the sides evenly.
Mix resin using the 3 cups and craft stick according to directions on package.
Slowly pour the resin over the coaster, spreading it with the craft stick if necessary. The liquid will appear cloudy and bubbly at first, but will clear up within minutes. Let stand for and hour until resin sets, then carefully wipe the drips from the bottom of coaster and set aside in a dry area to cure for 48 hours.
Tip: Follow directions exactly as they are stated; otherwise, your resin will not cure properly.

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

Labels: inside, Latin-inspired, outdoors

Springtime barbecues are a must-have.
Before you break out the plastic tableware, think about jazzing up the party a bit. Here's a spunky way to celebrate the season, and it will take only a few hours of your time.
This idea came to me when I discovered that, throughout the years, I had collected a variety of mismatched silverware. Instead of donating the pieces, I decided to give each one a cheery face-lift that would make them a set. With less than $12 worth of polymer clay, I was able to cover a dozen utensils. I detailed the first set for spring, and I'm happy to say I have enough pieces left over for the Fourth of July.
If you don't have extra forks, knives and spoons hanging around, visit your local thrift or dollar store.

Supplies:
Assorted forks, knives and spoons
Rubber mat
6 to 8 ounces of polymer clay in a variety of colors
X-Acto knife
Clay-crafting accessories (optional): presses, roller, squeeze tube
Water-based brush-on varnish
Directions: Wash and dry the tableware, then, using rubber mat for your work space, cover all the tableware handles with a layer of clay: Take approximately 1 ounce of the clay and roll it into a thin sheet. Cut it into strips big enough to cover the handle of each utensil. Use the X-Acto knife to trim edges. Bake in oven according to directions on clay package.
Remove tableware from oven and let cool, then repeat the process (but this time don't bake). Now that each handle is covered in two layers of clay, begin to add three-dimensional designs. Take pinches of clay and roll out strips, balls or other shapes. If using the clay accessories, punch out circles, squares, etc. Apply clay embellishments to each utensil and press into place. Once you've completed the set, bake in oven according to directions on package. When cool, brush on water-based varnish.
Washing instructions: After all this hard work, it's best to use this silverware only for special occasions. Gently wash the metal area with a dab of dishwashing liquid. Do not wash in dishwasher.

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

Labels: inside, outdoors

Half of the fun of gardening is in finding creative ways to display the goods. These days, ordinary terra cotta planters don't cut it. While some people prefer to make over the planters with paint or mosaics, others are content with keeping their traditional look.
Enter DAS terra cotta air-dry clay. It's easy to use, dries fast and adds a whole new, subtle dimension to terra cotta planters and accessories. Other uses include making ornaments, covering picture frames, boxes, candleholders and more.

Materials:
* 1 package DAS air-dry terra cotta clay
* Cardboard for work surface
* Small rolling pin
* Small cookie cutters
* Decorative stamps
* Craft knife
* Toothpick or ball-point pen
* Rubber clay molds
* E6000 glue
* Terra cotta planter pots
* Water-based brush-on varnish
* Brush
Directions:
Pinch off a small lump of clay and roll it into a ball; keep the remainder of the clay tightly sealed in its package to prevent drying out. Flatten the ball with your fingers, place it on your work surface, and smooth and flatten with the roller.
Punch out shapes with the cutters, then press a rubber stamp firmly in the center to create an indentation. If using a large stamp, skip the cookie-cutter step and press stamp directly onto clay, then cut around the stamped shape with the craft knife. Use a toothpick or ballpoint pen to press designs and dots into the clay.
If you prefer to use a mold, pinch off a small piece of clay, roll into a smooth ball and press firmly into the mold. Press the opposite side of the mold so the piece will pop out.
To apply to the pot, spread a thin layer of E6000 glue on the back of the clay surface. Gently apply it to the pot and hold in place. Hold the two pieces until they are secure. After you've applied all of the pieces, let the pot dry for several hours. Brush on a layer of varnish.

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

Labels: Cinco DeMayo, garden, Latin-inspired, outdoors

Don't let the outdoor twinkling Christmas lights steal all the attention this holiday season. Candles deserve just as much adoration for the magical element they add to the atmosphere. Leave the candle-in-a-jar for low-profile rooms of the house and spruce up the rest of the party pad with one or all of these illuminative options. Now that's a bright idea.

MATERIALS:
* Ivy bowl or other glass container
* Wire screen or packaged wire mesh
* Heavy-duty scissors
* Metallic spray paint
* 30 gauge wire (12 inches long)
* Jump rings
* Metallic colored string
* Beads
* Votive candle with small glass holder

DIRECTIONS: Cut a piece of the screen or mesh to fit completely around the bowl. Then spray paint the screen or mesh and let the paint dry. Gather the screen or mesh up and around the bowl and tie it under the lip with the wire. Carefully shape the screen in a balanced manner with hands. Attach a jump ring to each corner and string the beads and tie on to the jump rings. Insert votive in holder and place in the center of the bowl.
TIP: Do not use nylon screen because it will not hold shape or paint.

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

Labels: candle, lights, outdoors

Here's a way to let your outdoor garden benefit from excess craft materials. By gluing mirrors to fishing line you can add a sparkling New Age touch to trees. The multiple mirrors will flicker as they reflect light. It's best to make several strands for a brighter effect and arrange them in clusters.

Mirror pieces are available at any home-improvement or craft store.

Back to the message board -- special thanks to everyone who has visited. It's a great place to discover new ideas and share tips on the joys and hazards of crafting. Your idea may even end up right here.

Garden Mirror Strings

Supplies:

* 15-20 small mirror pieces (1 inch wide) or 10 larger mirrors (2 to 3 inches wide)

* Fishing line or thin decorative ribbon

* hot glue

* Thin colored ribbon

Directions: Cut a 14- to 16-inch piece of fishing line. Tie a loop at the top large enough to fit over a tree branch. Apply a dollop of glue to the back of one of the mirror pieces and lay flat, glue side up. Place the fishing line on top. Press another mirror on top, so that the line is sandwiched between the two mirrors. Continue until you have several in a row. Take several strands of ribbon and tie them to the bottom of the string for color.

Tip: If you use smaller mirrors you can fit a row of eight to 10, or for larger mirrors you can fit one to two. For more color, replace fishing line with decorative ribbon or trim.


***
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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: garden, outdoors

Birds come in all sorts of shapes and sizes -- and most certainly with their own distinctive personalities, too. For every fluffy, happy bird that belts out cheery tunes, there is a macho feathered friend that prefers just to chill out and look cool.

Enter the cigar box birdhouse, a crafty idea from my co-worker Randy Cordova. This simple creation involves only a bit of drilling, sanding and gluing, and will lend a masculine and classic touch to your garden. Unless, of course, you can't resist dressing it up with a splash of color. Thankfully, you don't need to be a cigar smoker in order to make this birdhouse. Cigar boxes are readily available at local cigar shops, thrift stores or online auctions.

Cigar box birdhouse

Materials:

* Medium-size wood cigar box with sliding panel

* Drill

* Sandpaper

* Glue gun

* Outdoor polyurethane varnish

* Optional: beads and glitter

* 12-inch piece of jute cord or wire

Directions: Remove sliding panel from box, and drill a 1 1/2-inch hole 2 inches from the top. Sand the edges of the hole to smooth. Take the box and apply a thin line of glue to the grooves and slide the panel back in place. Let dry. Drill two small holes at the top of the box. Cover the birdhouse with two to three coats of varnish. Add beads and glitter, if desired. When completely dry, thread the cord or wire through the top holes, tie off and hang.

Tip: If you'd prefer to decorate your cigar box, decoupage pages from bird handbooks or pictures of birds. For a more eclectic look, glue bottle caps, trinkets or other found objects, or add a dangling ornament at the bottom of the birdhouse.


***
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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: garden, Latin-inspired, outdoors, recycled

One of the most lucrative aspects of crafting is the power to change the ordinary into the extraordinary. I jumped on this idea when I counted the number of free Internet-service-provider CDs that I recently received in the mail. Because I'm not one to throw things away, I whipped out my scissors and mosaic supplies and went to work on this glitzy garden globe.

I suggest purchasing an inexpensive pair of scissors for this project, because cutting through the discs will dull the blades. Ultimately, the small pieces arranged around the ball will reflect light beautifully.

GLITZY GARDEN GLOBES

SUPPLIES:

* 6 to 8 unwanted CDs

* Tile nippers or heavy-duty scissors

* 1 Styrofoam ball (8-inch round)

* 1 bottle of Make-It Mosaic Adhesive (4 ounces)

* Pedestal

* 1 carton of Make-It Mosaic Grout (1 pound)

* Acrylic paint in desired color (optional)

* Medium-size rubber spatula

* Damp sponge

* Dry cloth

DIRECTIONS: Cut the CDs into 1-inch pieces. Holding the ball in your lap, adhere the CD pieces one by one so that they are approximately 1/8 inch apart. Rest ball on the pedestal and let dry completely.

Mix half the carton of grout according to directions (if desired, add a few drops of the paint to add color). Working one side at a time, use the spatula to fill in the crevices with grout. Wipe the ball down with the damp sponge to remove the excess grout. Continue process until the entire ball is smooth and even. Let dry and then polish the CD pieces with the dry cloth.
TIP: Sometimes certain discs will crack when cut. These still will work; just set them aside and intersperse them among the smoother pieces.


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

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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: garden, outdoors, recycled

Chunky handmade candles are common fare for setting a mood. However, when revamping your humble abode, don't underestimate the power of tea lights. When used creatively, these tiny twinklers make a dazzling display of romantic or relaxing radiance.

A simple terra-cotta dish garden will raise an ordinary cluster of these peewee flames to a new level. You'll find that the finished piece works wonders as an elegant centerpiece for the patio, coffee table and more. And because terra-cotta pots and saucers are inexpensive, readily available and come in a range of sizes, a "one-candle" version is a spiffy take-home gift for party guests.

Tea Light Dish Gardens

SUPPLIES:

* 1 terra-cotta planter

* 1 terra-cotta saucer a size larger than planter

* Assorted acrylic paints

* Assorted craft brushes

* Matte or gloss spray varnish

* Extra strength adhesive

* Colored sand

* 1 box of tea light candles

DIRECTIONS: Paint the inside and outside of the planter and saucer in desired colors. Varnish. When dry, turn the planter upside down and apply a thick bead of E6000 glue around the base. Turn the saucer upside down and lay it on a flat surface. Set the planter with the glue-side down in the center of the saucer and press firmly. Let it cure for 24 hours. Fill the saucer with colored sand and set multiple tea lights on top of sand.

TIP: Add clay, florals, greenery, stencils, mosaics or photo appliques if desired.

VARIATION: For a traditional look, use a deep saucer or bowl to house a cactus garden.


***
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Other links:
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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: garden, lights, outdoors