I'm really slacking on the "40 Days of a Chica Christmas" thing. So I'm cranking up the speed tonight and posting some extras.

Around this time last year, I was sitting here talking in a microphone, recording holiday podcasts. I noticed they still get a lot of hits, so I think I'll repost them for anyone who has missed them!

Crafty Chica Holiday Podcast #1

Crafty Chica Holiday Podcast #2: Fat Girl Confessions

Crafty Chica Holiday Podcast #3

They are also on iTunes, in case you want to download them on your iPod! What do you think - should I record some new shows? Are you Crafty Chica'd out yet??


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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: holiday, podcasts

More holiday craftiness from Kathy Cano Murillo, the Crafty Chica!

CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.

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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: holiday, podcasts

This podcast offers a few nifty ideas for the season.

CLICK HERE to listen to this show.
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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: holiday, podcasts

This show is all about sending good vibes into the universe, as well as a few easy crafty ideas for la familia.

The projects mentioned in this podcast can be found on my web site, CraftyChica.com.

CLICK HERE to listen to show 20.

*~Peace, love and glitter from Crafty Chica!*~
Subscribe to Crafty Chica Podcast


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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: podcasts

In Show 15, I read an excerpt from my new book, "Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul" - about the time I hit a respectable news anchor on the head with eggs on live TV. I also share a nifty "Mexicali Shabby Chic" crafty idea for your flower bed or garden. Peace, love and glitter from the Crafty Chica!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Show links:
Buy Kathy's book here

How to make casarones
American Idol blog
Stylelicious TV show
Creative Juice TV show

Photo of "Wonderfully Worn Flower Fence"

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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: Latin-inspired, podcasts

Make a Resolution Collage Calendar to help motivate you to stick to your goals such as weight loss, writing, exercising, painting, etc. Write a mini-memoir about something that happened to you. And get a sneak peek at a project from my new book, "Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul" - on sale Feb. 7th! Learn to make a set of Conversation Canvases.

Links:
Resolution Collage Calendar
CraftyPod
Delta Texture Magic

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE

* 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: podcasts

I've had a lot of requests for this one, so here it is! It is a featured project from my book, La Casa Loca: Latino Style Comes Home.



For my family, the week after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of tamale season.

While everyone else is wheeling and dealing at the mall, my dad, Uncle Joe and mother-in-law are in their respective kitchens, rolling up their sleeves to begin the customary process. They each produce up to 30 dozen tamales - barely enough to last through New Year's. The annual tamalepaloozas have created some of my favorite memories, and I always make it a point to stop by while the chefs are knee-deep in masa.





My Uncle Joe loves to show off his high-tech equipment.

"See, Kathy, this is the best way to make tamales," he says, with a twinkle in his eye, as he pushes the "on" button. "Your dad still does it the old-fashioned way, with his hands. He should really try it this way."

He then has me try a fresh tamale. I deem it among the best I've ever tasted.

Next is my mom-in-law.

"My tamales are good because I add an extra 'special' ingredient that no one else does," she says proudly.

Then she invites me to sample a steamy offering.

"Hmmm, you're right - these are delicious," I say.

Then there is my dad, the tamale Jedi master. His are sleek in design and sharp on fiery flavor. Call me biased, but his are still my favorites. I haven't mastered the art of tamalemaking yet, but I can make a mean cornhusk wreath.

This project comes from the book Gifts From the Southwest Kitchen, by Kim MacEachern and former Arizona Republic food writer Judy Walker. I had the privilege of contributing gift-packaging ideas to their wonderful recipes in this book.
Cornhusk Wreath
Supplies:
ï†1 bag of cornhusks
Straight pins
1 straw wreath (12†inches)
1 bag of large dried red chiles
Thin string
Raffia
Glue gun
Sawtooth picture hanger

Directions: Separate the husks into single pieces. Take one husk, carefully bend it in half and pin to the inside ring of the wreath. Attach the next husk about a half-inch down, so that it covers the pin from the first husk. Continue to line the inner area until you have a straight, even, circular layer. Then attach another row to the front of the wreath, but this time, attach the husks in the opposite direction. Repeat the process for the outer ring.

Gather four to five dried chiles and tie them as a bunch with string. Pin the bunch to the front of the wreath so they dangle in the center. Create a large bow with the raffia, and use a glue gun to adhere it to the front. Glue the picture hanger to the back and hang.

Tips: Accessorize your wreath with holiday garland, festive ribbon or colored raffia.

La Casa Loca book

And I have a new podcast up!

* 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: holiday, home decor, podcasts

Today we dive into a huge vat of shiny GLITTER! There is no better time to sprinkle away than in December. This show includes an article on glitter, a rundown on types of glitters, adhesives to use and of course - more sparkly visualizations than Liberace in a rhinestone shop...

Listen up, people. Glitter is more than just tiny glistening flakes that dance under the light. Yes, that is what I like best about it, but glitter is also a type of lifestyle. It’s about seeing beauty and amazement in ordinary objects, people and places. It’s about allowing yourself to view the world with a layer of intensity, brilliance and shine. You don’t have to be into crafting to appreciate that!

I’m not the only one who adores the stuff. Recently I wrote a story for The Arizona Republic about other people who like glitter too. I’ve been a reporter at the paper for many years now and this glitter story brought out the most enthusiastic, optimistic people I’ve ever met! This is the first of daily Crafty Chica December podcasts to help you add a bit of sparkle to your holiday season. I’ll have a new mini-show every day, so check back!

To learn about glitter, visit Glitter.AzCentral.com and ArtGlitter.com

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE

*~Peace, love and glitter from Crafty Chica!*~
Subscribe to Crafty Chica Podcast


* 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: glitter, holiday, podcasts

Crafty Chica Cinema!

This episode rolls out the red carpet for those films that have elements of craftiness in them. When Kathy isn't twirling her glue guns, she is interviewing movie stars and screening flicks for her gig as an entertainment journalist. She has what she calls the "Crafty Chica Cinema" DVD collection of more than 200 films that all have crafty scenes in them. So now she has combined her love for movies and crafts and offers up ideas for watching and making cool stuff. Reviewer Gayle Bass joins Kathy in Round One of Crafty Chica Cinema!

Yuppers - this will be a regular feature. First up, we chat about How to Make and American Quilt (quilting), Amelie (scrapping), Like Water for Chocolate (crochet), Mystery Men (sewing), Stepmom (photo/t-shirt quilts) and Mona Lisa Smile (painting).

As a bonus, you'll get an insider story on Matthew, the Sexiest Man Alive.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN.
* 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: crafty cinema, podcasts

Shopping early for holiday craft supplies; ideas of things to make as gifts; introduction to the Latino reggae music of Patrick Murillo. Learn more about Patrick at http://www.PatrickMurillo.com.

Click here to listen to this epsiode.

* 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: holiday, podcasts

Dia de los Muertos special edition! Kathy Cano Murillo, the Crafty Chica chats about the history of Day of the Dead, explains the basics of building an ofrenda and shares her favorite muertos craft - White Chocolate Sugar Skulls! This episode is a sneak preview of Kathy's new book, "Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul", due in February, but available for presale at Amazon.com

Show links:
Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul

CraftyPod interview

Dead.AzCentral.com (Kathy's hubby, Patrick, did all the artwork.)

To hear this episode, CLICK HERE.

*~Peace, love and glitter from Crafty Chica!*~
Subscribe to Crafty Chica Podcast

Labels: Day of the Dead, Latin-inspired, podcasts

Episode Three: Letters from listeners about making a juice bag purse and mysterious pin cushions; sharpening sewing needles; a pep talk on ditching a boring lifestyle; and an honest to goodness Crafty Chica ghost story!

For tutorials on making a juice bag purse visit Craftster.org

To listen to this podcast, CLICK HERE

*~Peace, love and glitter from Crafty Chica!*~
Subscribe to Crafty Chica Podcast


* 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: podcasts

Despite going off of 3-4 hours of sleep a night this past week, I managed to get another podcast up!

Click here to hear it!

Subscribe to Crafty Chica Podcast

Show notes links mentioned:

My interview with Diane from Crafty Pod on Dia de los Muertos

For the lumber, Patrick and I went with 2x6-foot pieces. They cost about 3-5.00 each, the cuts were .25 each. Look for smooth, non-warped pieces. Ask the cutter to cut them into desired lengths. I really liked working with the smaller chunks, they just looked more folk art-ish. We also used wider pieces, like the wood planks to cut and decorate. Much cheaper than the shrink-wrapped versions from the craft store! You can do all kinds of things with the wood blocks, glue finials for the feet, drill holes and add beads, cover them with flashing to make a magnet board, add eye screws so they can be hung. Glue a mirror in the center and do a mosaic around it.

See what I mean? Addicting!


Sawtooth picture hangers: We have a huge bag of these on hand so we can turn anything into a piece of wall art!


Reverse Glass Painting. Im ade a bunch of these with small wood frames I bought at the dollar store.


Here is what I mean by the glass blocks. I really love these curved ones:


Glass blocks can be purchased at any home improvement store.


Gallery Glass

Latino Soul book reading. This will be up the week of 10/24.

Thanks for tuning in!!!!
* 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: podcasts