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The Crafty Chica DIY Project Library: a collection of fabulous handmade ideas by Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica! Thursday, May 08, 2008Mother's Day Games Click here for more Mother's Day ideas by Kathy Cano-Murillo - May. 3, 2008 12:00 AM Special for the Republic About, oh, say, 35 years ago at my parents' house, this is what you'd hear my mom scream out every Saturday night: "Yahtzee!!!" Back then, my mom loved playing all kinds of board games, Yahtzee, Aggravation and Bingo. To this day, every time I walk by the game aisle in a store, I see Mom kissing the dice, saying "Come on, baby, give me a Yahtzee!" She'd wink at me, and then toss them on the kitchen table as if she were at a swanky Vegas casino. Now that I'm an adult, I wish I had made my mom a personalized game. That would have made her triumphs all the more empowering. But, hey, it is never too late! I made three games for my mom for Mother's Day, in the hopes that we can steal a Saturday night to play again. And because today is National Scrapbooking Day, I've used my scrapbooking supplies. As for other mothers, I know firsthand that candy, jewelry or flowers are sweet - but quality time is even better. With the rush of the daily grind it's easy to lose track of that. These kid-friendly ideas are great reminders that old-school fun is the way to go. Other games that can be revamped: • Dominoes: Glue your favorite picture or paper on the back of each one to make your own set. • Yahtzee: Decorate the dice and cup with paint markers. Design your own score sheet and pencils. • Backgammon: Use a glue stick and scrapbook paper to enliven the board. • Monopoly: Create your own game pieces and money. Connect 4 game Supplies 1 Connect 4 game Newspaper Plastic gloves, paper mask 3 cans of Krylon Fusion for plastic spray paint in Mom's favorite colors 1 picture of you that is color-copied into 20 1-inch images 1 picture of your mom that is color-copied into 20 1-inch images White craft glue 1-inch circle cutter (optional) Directions 1. Separate the game into sections (base, body, chips). 2. If you are a child, have an adult help you with this step: Lay the newspaper outside on a flat surface. Put on the gloves and mask and set down the base, spray paint evenly until all areas are covered. Let dry and then set aside. Repeat for the body, and then the chips. 3. Cut out the pictures of you and Mom and glue them to the inner area of the chips. You should end up with two sets of chips. Let dry. 4. Assemble the game (bottom right) and play. Inspiration playing cards Supplies 1 package of adhesive sticker paper 1 deck of dollar-store playing cards Scissors Colored markers Rub-on accents Rubber stamps, with ink pad Directions: 1. Take one sheet of the adhesive paper and peel off the backing. Place it sticky side up on your work table. 2. Carefully set the playing cards decorative side down on the sticky side of the paper. Press them all in place. Once the sheet is full, use the scissors to cut out the cards. 3. Embellish with markers, rub-on accents, rubbers stamps or any other designs you choose. Write a message to Mom or her favorite phrases and sayings on each card. Custom made assorted game set Supplies: Newspaper Plastic gloves Paper mask Spray paint 1 box set (top right) that has several games in it, such as chess, checkers, etc. Metallic or bright-colored paint markers 2 types of contrasting, yet matching, scrapbook paper Glue stick Directions: 1. If you are a child, have an adult help you with this step: Lay the newspaper outside on a flat surface. Put on the gloves and mask and set down the base, spray paint all the pieces evenly until all areas are covered. Let dry. 2. Add swirly accents using the metallic markers. Cut the scrapbook paper to fit the squares on the chessboard. Use the glue stick to attach them, alternating the designs.  *** CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com! Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com Labels: mother's day, recycled Tuesday, April 29, 2008Magazine Stationery by Kathy Cano-Murillo - Aug. 24, 2002 12:00 AM The Arizona Republic "If magazines were money, we'd be rich." This was my husband's gentle way of voicing his concern regarding my gluttony for glossies. Entertainment, travel, home décor, parenting and computers - it doesn't matter what the subject is, I have them all. The problem is that I not only love to read them from cover to cover, but I also love to keep them. My better half resorted to giving me a deadline to whittle down my beloved pile. I was forced to brainstorm (tossing them in the recycle bin was just too easy). The idea to convert them into envelopes came soon after by way of generous crafters, who posted several variations of this project on the Crafty Ideas message board. I experimented with the process and excitedly expanded it to include matching paper. Now I have way-cool stationery, and my hubby has peace of mind. That is, until next month's issues arrive. Magazine collage stationery Supplies: Several unwanted magazines. Stationery or letter-size envelope to use as a template. Ball-point pen. Scissors. Glue stick. White address labels. White stationery paper. Directions for envelope: Carefully open the flaps of a stationery envelope so it has four triangular corners. This is your template. Remove the front and back covers from a magazine and lay them flat on a smooth working surface, right side up. Take time to arrange the template on top of the magazine cover so that your desired image will show in the front panel (cut and paste as needed). Trace the outline of the template on the cover. Cut out the shape with the scissors. Create fold lines to form the envelope and crease the edges. Use the glue stick to adhere panels together. Cut out other interesting pictures or words and glue around the envelope. Affix the address labels to front. Directions for stationery paper: Remove one of the magazine pages. Cut out 4- by 6-inch pieces of stationery paper and use the glue stick to attach them to the magazine page in a random fashion. Tips and variations: Try to pick magazines that are stapled in the center, which will allow a bigger area with which to work. For a more durable envelope, glue two covers or pages together. Theme the magazines to match the personality to the person you are sending the letter to (fashion, cooking, travel, sports, kids). *** 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 Cigar Box Memo Board by Kathy Murillo - Jun. 21, 2003 12:00 AM The Arizona Republic Is there such a thing as a macho craft project? Of course, providing you put a bit of brainpower into the concept. Crocheted golf-club covers? Not quite. Go with the popular hinged cigar box. Sure, they've become all the rage for fashionistas by way of artsy handbags and personal shrines, but they double as great memo holders. Insert layered corkboard covered in masculine fabric and you have a robust man-friendly desktop accessory. Cigar boxes can be purchased at local cigar shops (call ahead to make sure some are in stock). Cigar Box Memo Board Supplies 1 shallow cigar box with hinges 1 roll of corkboard ¼ yard of fabric Hot glue Scissors Thumbtacks Directions: Measure the top and bottom inside panels of the box, and then cut six pieces of the corkboard to match. Take three pieces of corkboard, stack them (to ensure thickness) and place on the backside of the fabric. Trim fabric, leaving a half-inch border. Fold the border one side at a time over the backside of the stack and seal in place with hot glue. Repeat the process for the remaining three pieces of corkboard so you have two thick fabric-covered pieces of corkboard. Apply hot glue to the back of each and press them into each of the inside panels of the cigar box. Add thumbtacks. Tips and variations: Decoupage, paint, varnish or add embellishments to the sides and outside areas of the cigar box, if desired. Glue small objects such as rivets, buttons, rocks, foreign coins or wood pieces to the tops of thumbtacks for a decorative effect. Instead of making it a memo board, create scrapbook pages with family photos to fit inside the panels. Create a picture frame by inserting photos behind glass (use frame clasps to keep in place). *** 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: father's day, recycled Greeting Card Journals by Kathy Cano-Murillo - Nov. 22, 2003 12:00 AM The Arizona Republic It's time to think about giving gifts. The first tier of presents goes to immediate family members, of course, but what about all those wonderful co-workers and acquaintances? This is where handmade journals come into play. Before December hits, take a weekend to create a batch of these stunning little books that can be tailored to each person's personality. The journals make great stocking stuffers for the kids. Pick up a box of whimsical postcards or greeting cards and add some micro-glitter accents. Greeting Card Journals Supplies 1 greeting card 4-6 sheets of handmade paper or cardstock 1 small hole punch or large paper needle (or quilting needle) Quilting thread, embroidery floss or yarn Optional: charm or tassel Directions: Choose a greeting card that will look nice as the cover of a journal. Cut the paper or cardstock to the size of the opened greeting card, and then trim it one-quarter inch all the way around. Fold the paper in half (fold each sheet separately to ensure a crisp crease). Thread the needle. Line up the pages inside the card. In the inside of the card's spine, poke the needle one inch from the bottom. Pull it through the outside, up the spine and back through so it is one inch from the top. Repeat twice. Snip excess and tie off on the inside. Tie on a charm or tassel to hang from the bottom or from the outside of the spine if desired. If using thicker thread, such as yarn, use a small hole punch to be able to feed it through the spine. Variations: Rip the outer edges of your inner pages for a more handmade look. Make one journal for each family at your Thanksgiving gathering and ask everyone to take turns writing down the things that they are thankful for in each other's books. Use them for vacation journals. Use solid cardstock for the cover and embellish it with rubber stamps, glitter, grommets, vellum paper, ribbons, collage art and/or embossing powder. *** 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 Self portrait in paper This is a really wild project to try, and it makes really good use of your paper scraps - note cards, postcards, wrapping paper, notebook paper, Post Its, magazine pages, etc... You start with a blank 16x20 canvas, and layer it with paper, using decoupage medium. Use all kinds of contrasting papers to make your face, eyes, nose, and mouth. And just keep it going until you have an abstract-type of self portrait. If you are a fiction writer, you can make one for each of your characters in the way they would make it, and hang them up so you can see them as you write. Hang it proud and loud! *** 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: empowerment crafts, paper, recycled Tuesday, April 22, 2008Soda Can Candle Tray Take one of those mirrors from IKEA, paint it. The take some heavy-duty shears and cut off the top and bottom of a pop can. Smooth out the center, very carefuly so you don't cut yourself. In fact, wear garden gloves for this project just to be safe! On the silver side, draw flowers with a Sharpie. Cut them out. Now repeat, making smaller flowers to go in the center of the other ones. Use upholstery tacks or short nails to secure them to the wood frame. Add crystals in between the flowers. And now you have a cute candle tray! I used Mexican juice cans, but you can use any kind you want. *** 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 Sunday, April 20, 2008Fabric Scrap Covered Journal Some art projects make you go "Hmm." Awhile back at a yard sale, I picked up a bag of ethnic-looking fabric scraps that the owner had almost tossed in the trash. The horror! My vision was to make my own East Indian-inspired journal with the help of a hardback book and a jar of decoupage medium. I made it and loved it, but when I showed it off, everyone had a different take. "It looks African." "No, it looks Indonesian!" Now that I look at it again, I'm feeling a Moroccan vibe. Regardless, this fabric collage is far from the beautiful exotic artwork from any of those places, but it sure is fun to assemble. Use this process to embellish a blank journal or travel diary, or to add an exotic spike to an altered book. Either way, remember - beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Moroccan-inspired Journal or Altered Book Cover Supplies 1 large hardcover book Assorted scrap pieces of dark printed fabrics Decoupage medium and brush Shiny ribbon/trim, sequins, small mirrors Silver glitter squeeze paint Hot glue Scissors Directions: Lay the pieces of fabric on the book and arrange them in an eye-appealing manner. Cut into shapes if desired. Paint the entire surface of the book's cover with a generous layer of decoupage medium. Apply the pieces. Rub your fingers over the surface to smooth out any bubbles. Apply a topcoat of the Mod Podge over the fabric. Let dry. Use hot glue to add trim and/or ribbon, sequins, mirrors, etc. *** 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 Friday, April 18, 2008Paper or Fabric-Covered Folders Paper or Fabric Covered File Folders We just survived tax season, so give your office accessories a face-lift. Instead of buying new folders, use extra scrapbook paper or fabric and sew it over the folder. It will bring them back to life. Supplies Used file folders Scrapbook paper or fabric Sewing machine Directions Lay the paper or fabric on the outside of the folder and sew the edges. Make sure to lengthen the stitches so you won't rip the folder. If you don't want to sew, use a glue stick - just make sure to seal down the edges. *** 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 Coffee Cozy Think about this every time you reach for a cardboard coffee cozy: It can be replaced easily with a handmade version. Keep it in your purse or at your office, always ready for action. Supplies Fabric One cardboard coffee cozy (to use as a template) Scissors Cotton balls (or batting) Sewing machine Velcro Directions Fold the fabric in half, inside out. Open the template and lay it on the fabric, cut around it so you have two pieces. Then turn right side out. Insert the cotton balls, flattening as necessary, between the layers, sew two rounds of zigzag stitches around the edges. Sew all around the center for a quilted effect. Sew the Velcro on each end so it can close. *** 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: recycled Recycled Grocery Bag Tote Take all those plastic shopping bags from the store or mall, cut them up and sew them together to make sturdy totes that you can use at the grocery store or food market. Make several of these so you can keep them around for your next grocery run. Nothing fancy here, just the basic recipe. Feel free to adapt to your liking! Supplies About 36 plastic bags Scissors Sewing machine Canvas tote (to use as pattern) Directions Flatten the bags into stacks of six. Cut across the top to remove the handle portion. Cut the stacks into strips or squares, and sew up the sides. For a quilted look, sew lines in the center. Make enough squares or strips until you have enough to piece together a bag that is the same size as the tote, and sew the pieces together. For the handles, cut thinner strips and sew inside the top panel on both sides. *** 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: recycled, wearable art Friday, March 28, 2008Beaded Bottle Toppers It was a tiny secret that took years to be revealed. When my Patrick and I first dated, I had just purchased a new perfume. I loved it and used it lavishly. Our relationship flourished and I connected my eau de toilette with the passion. But when the romance ran out, so did the fragrance. Patrick and I eventually reunited, and it was five happy years into our matrimony when I came across a beauty catalog. There on the front cover was a promotion celebrating the relaunch of some old favorites -- including my saucy scent. I was so excited. This was my chance to right the wrong. I bought the huge economy size, spritzed it on and waited for any retro romantic reaction. He didn't mention a word, much less come near me. Figuring his allergies were acting up, I went for another round of the perfume, but I couldn't find it. "Have you seen my new perfume?" I asked. "Hmmm, it's not there?" he innocently replied. "Oh, just let it go, honey, I like the perfume you have now." "But I got it as a surprise for you!" I said, with a big smile. "Don't you remember the smell? It's the one I used to wear when we were first dating!" There was a pause, and then the horrifying reply. "OK, I hid it," he confessed. "I never wanted to hurt your feelings then, or now, but dang! That perfume is skanky-smelling! The whole time we were dating I dreaded it, but you liked it so much. ... Please don't put me through that again!" So I found out the hard way that if only I had asked him long ago, perhaps we would never have ended our courtship the first time. You think? Anyway, I dedicate this Beaded Bottle Topper project to my hubby. May he find the perfect perfume to go with one of these bottles. Supplies * 3 glass, painted or wood beads in assorted sizes * 3 seed beads * 1 hatpin * 1 bag of assorted-size corks * Glass bottle (any size) Directions: Match the beads' color scheme with the room where you will display your bottle. Arrange the beads on the hatpin, leaving 1 inch at the bottom. Choose a cork that fits your bottle. Carefully push the beaded pin into the middle of the cork and place into bottle. Tip: Fill with colored mouthwash for added dimension, or glue other beads around the lip. *** 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: beads, home decor, recycled Wednesday, March 19, 2008Basket Rings
When we were on the cruise, one of our crafters, Julie, broke out with a gallon-sized Ziplock bag of mini Mexican basket rings. She bought them at Goodwill and didn't know what to do with them She offered them to the group and none of us knew what to do with them either.
 On the last day, I took one and slipped it on my finger as a ring. Next I added yarn. "Put crystals on!" someone chimed...so I did. And I ended up up with a super fly-looking finger flasher. Ann followed my lead and made a basket ring too. She used holographic sequined trim for hers (que fancy!). It just goes to show that we were drunk on crafting. You know when you finish your drink and sip the straw once more, hoping to eek out that last little bit of fun? Well, it was like that for us, except with craft supplies. We had finished our projects, so we scoured the room and made stuff out of the leftovers. Here are our finished rings!  And here are Ann's pictures from the cruise! *** 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 Monday, March 17, 2008T-shirt Apron Whether you are into cooking, crafting or plain sewing - making an apron is a great project to tackle. I've seen my friends use so many resources I never would have thought of - vintage linens, old pajamas, a men's dress shirt, cloth napkins, even fabric scraps sewn together. This week, it's all about the old T-shirts. Finally, you have a use for that concert T from college or your husband's old sports shirt, the one he won't throw away. You'll need two T-shirts, one to show off the pattern and one to cut up, for this project. Find what you love, and then hack it to pieces in the name of art. If you stayed in and studied in college, then check out the junior T-shirt section at stores such as Wal-Mart (locations Valley-wide at www.walmart.com) and Target (locations Valley-wide at www.target.com), where you'll find a cheap selection of vintage-looking T-shirts with concerts, cartoons and other logos for around $10. For adult sizes, thrift stores will have a great selection of real vintage T's for as little as $2. I plan to use mine in the art room, where I'm forever looking for a paper towel to wipe my hands or a cloth to clean my paintbrush. This is a great project for beginning sewers because no pattern is needed. Supplies Coordinating fabric, about 12by 12 inches Sewing machine T-shirt with your favorite design (shirt A) Scissors T-shirt you can cut up (shirt B) Straight pins 1 ribbon 1 inch by about 48inches 2 ribbons 1 inch by 12inches Directions Hem the coordinating fabric on the top and both sides. With shirt A, cut out the design, going through the back layer as well, in the shape for the top. Turn them right side in, and sew up three sides. Turn it right side out. On the open side, fold the raw edges in and sew a hem along it as well as the other three sides. Attach to the center of the coordinating fabric to create the top of the apron. With shirt B, cut the bottom half off for the skirt of the apron. Leave it right side out and sew a hem along the sides and bottom. Center and pin the top of the apron to the bottom of the apron and sew. Center the long ribbon (cut to the length to fit you) along the middle seam and sew. Sew on ribbon straps, one to each side of the top of shirt A. Variations: You can alter the decorations the way you like. I added lace along the edge and a cupcake pocket made from scrap fabric and decorated with ribbon. For an even easier apron, skip the coordinating fabric and cut shirt A to fit as the top. *** 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: recycled, sewing, wearable art Sunday, March 16, 2008Picture Bracelet (made from washers) This is a bracelet I made using washers, pictures, bola tie slides and jump rings. A wonderful chica named Mona turned me on to the idea a long time ago, except she used pictures of typewriter keys. Very easy, and it is a great project for kids! My daughter, Maya, even demoed it on the DIY Network, and it is featured in one of my Crafty Diva books!  *** 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: jewelry, recycled, wearable art Sunday, February 24, 2008Fabric Pillow Ring Just another idea for those tiny fabric scraps. Who in the world could toss out a 1" square piece of animal print fabric? Supplies: 2 pieces of fabric, a little over an inch. Small image printed on fabric paper, or any other kind of soft image. Sewing machine, or hand needle & thread. Acrylic paint, liner brush and micro glitter. A pinch of batting. Metal glue. Flat ring base. Directions: Sew the image to the front of one of the pieces fo fabric. Sew the two pieces of fabric like a little pillow (inside out on three sides). Turn it right side out, add the pinch of batting, and sew up the open side. Glue it to the ring base. When it is dry, hold it steady in your hand and use the liner brush to paint on a border. Sprinkle on the micro glitter while the the paint is still wet. This is just how I made it, but you can take it from there and add whatever else you want! Trims, charms, etc... I love using fabric for unconventional means, and this idea is perfect for that. And if you ever get sleepy, you can just put your head on your ring! Kinda, sorta... *** 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: jewelry, recycled, sewing, wearable art Thursday, January 24, 2008VIDEO: Patchwork Paper
I've been so busy, I've been forgetting to post my LifetimeTv.com videos for Crafting With the Chica!
 (This piece is not finished yet...) This one is how I make use of my paper scraps. I'm a fiber junkie and won't even dream about tossing out my scraps. So this is how I pass the time when I'm nervous, bored, feel like sewing something easy, or just need cool paper for a project.... CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO! *** 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: collage/paper, crafty video, LifetimeTV, paper, recycled Sunday, December 09, 2007CRAFTY CHICA VIDEO: Match Box Ornaments
12 of 40 for the Chica Christ series
 CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO ON HOW TO MAKE ONE! Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm severly addicted to making anything and everything out of mini-match boxes. Including tree ornaments. This video is cute because it has my daughter Maya (the one in the glasses), as well as my friend Miriam Navarro (of Lola y Lola fame). The images we used in the video are from ArtChixStudio. Thank you, Helga! This video is part of the Crafting With the Chica series I filmed for LifetimeTV.com. Enjoy! *** 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: crafty video, holiday, LifetimeTV, recycled Saturday, December 08, 2007Bottlecap Tree! Turn your revelry into bottle-cap tree Kathy Cano-Murillo Special for the Republic Dec. 8, 2007 12:00 AM In our house the holiday season means lots of parties. Between family and friends, and imported beers and sodas, I'm always left with an abundance of bottle caps. When you are a hopeless craftaholic like myself, you see each one as a mini picture frame. I can't even think of tossing them out. I recently arranged them all together and came out with this cool collage tree decoration. I used vintage holiday images from ARTchixStudio.com, but you also can use personal photos, as long as you shrink them to fit in the bottle cap. Bottle Cap Picture Tree Supplies: Holiday images (color copies of personal or other photos) 1-inch circle punch Hot glue gun 75-80 silver bottle caps Aleene's Paper Glaze (in bottle that has long skinny nozzle) Micro fine gold glitter 1 foam tree, 10 inches tall Micro fine green glitter Red ball for the top of the tree 4-inch clay saucer to serve as pedestal for tree Directions: Cut out images with the circle punch, and glue each one into a bottle cap. Run a bead of the dimensional adhesive around the inside of the bottle cap (to frame each image with sparkle). Then, sprinkle gold glitter inside, and tap out the excess. Start at the bottom of the foam tree, and using the hot glue gun, affix the bottle caps in a row along the bottom. Repeat for the next row, working your way up. Use the dimensional adhesive to squeeze glue in crevices between the bottle caps and pour on the green glitter. Tap away excess. Hot glue the red ball to the top of the tree, and the saucer (inverted) to the bottom. CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE DIRECTIONS. *** 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: collage/paper, holiday, recycled Saturday, November 24, 2007CRAFTY CHICA VIDEO: Glittered Canvas Shadow Box The holiday season is in full swing over here. Our whole house is tricked out in lights, trees, ornaments and all sorts of kitschy decorations. Speaking of kitschy - here is this week's video: Glittered Canvas Shadow Boxes! I found a huge stack of small chunky canvases at the craft store in the clearance bin. They had pictures printed on them that were kinda cheesy - but alas, I turned them over and grinned in delight. There was a perfect spot to insert a small trinket! If you don't have such luck at your nearest clearnace b in, you can use regular canvases, they are only $2-3 bucks each. If you can't see the video, click here to see it at LifetimeTV.com. *** 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: collage/paper, crafty video, recycled, shrines Thursday, July 26, 2007World Traveler Hanging Mobile
I've had a couple of requests asking for more craft projects, so here is one I can post right now. I'll have two more coming this week. I know... I've been slipping! This is the main reason you all come here, so I better get on the ball and post more projects!
This is a project I did for the book Collage for the Soul: Expressing Hopes and Dreams Through Art by Holly Harrison and Paula Grasdal. If you like altered art and dimensional collage, you'll love this book. My project is the World Traveler Hanging Mobile. The idea behind this is to decorate a CD for a different culture. And then you can make the mobile and hang it in your room to remind you of how big of a world it is out there - and that you should visit as many lands as possible in your lifetime!  Supplies: 6 CDs assorted papers assorted stickers, stamps, etc 6-8 strings of Mardi Gras beads clored glass pebbles 16 strips of bright colored ribbon 1 dowel, 16" 2 dowels, 8" each spool of twine spool of copper wirew lage metal ring for hanging handheld drill or Dremel wire cutters needle nose pliers hot glue gun, extra strength adhesive basic collage supplies Directions: Cover the CDs on both sides with collage art. Drill a hole at the top and bottom of each one. Drill a hole in the center and at both ends of each dowel. Cut two 30" pieces of twine. Thread thru the hole in the long dowel, leaving 10" dangling. Knot the twine on both sides of the dowel to hold in place. Bring the longer pieces up, knot them together at 10", and tie them to the ring for hanging. Thread a dangling end through the center hole of each short dowel, securing with knots, to attach the short dowels to the longer one. Cut a 15" piece of twine. Thread it through the center hole of the long dowel so it hangs down, and secure with knots. Cut four 8" lengths of twine. Thread them through the four end holes in the short dowels., secure with knots. With wire cutters, snip 18 4-5" strips of copper wire. Bend them in decorative "s" shapes. Hook the swirls through each hole inthe discs. Attach the discs to the dowels. For the centepriece, add an extra CD. Tie ribbbons at the bottom of the CDs, hot glue Mardi Gras beads. *** STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * Labels: collage/paper, home decor, recycled Friday, April 27, 2007Patchwork Paper National Scrapbooking Day is one week away, so this is the time to get all your materials prepped and ready to go. For starters, think paper. If you're like me, you probably have stacks of loner scrapbook sheets or scraps that never fit in with your layouts. If you're really like me - you won't even think of tossing them out. So what to do? Create Patchwork Paper! I love this project because it gives new life to your supplies, as well as your scrapbook pages. You barely need to know how to sew. If you can step on a pedal and hold onto the paper, you'll be fine. The beauty will come from the contrast - don't even think about matching colors or designs. The uniformity will come from the way you put them together. For even more spark, use contrasting threads or add sequins or thin ribbon. You can cut the paper in random shapes, or make a quilted or geometric look by using squares. Regardless, it will give new life not only to your materials, but your design techniques, too. click here for printable directions *** 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 * Friday, December 08, 2006Ornament party
Here is an article I did for Saturday's paper on throwing an ornament party!
 Here are some branch-worthy ideas to get you started. The key to making this party a success is to think simple. Come up with designs that are easy, but still pack a holiday punch. Everyone brings supplies, makes the ornaments and then swaps them with each other.  This is my fave and you know why, don't you? Pick up a box of glittered chipboard letters. I featured these earlier in my blog and I've found yet another use for them. All you do is hot glue these little babies together to spell out your name. You can even create words and then hang a "sentence" on your tree or wall, or from the ceiling. Ooooo, I like that...  I had some faux fur scraps hanging around and I could not bring myself to chuck them. They were just the right size to make a mini pillow ornament. I used some other fabric scraps for the center and then added glitter for some twinkle power. This is a great way to make use of fun fabric that is too cool to toss out. I used the sewing machine, but you could also use fabric glue, like Aleene's No Sew Fabric Glue. Or heck, even hot glue if you are in a time crunch!  This one I used iron-on appliques and applied them to sheets of starched paper. You could also make your own appliques with Heat N Bond. I am a total HNB junkie. I have rolls of the stuff. It is paper-backed adhesive. However, this week, I got some of Aleene's new Fusible Web that is an alternative to HNB, no iron needed! I'm excited to try it out on some more of these ornaments! By the way, use a fabric pen, and these ornaments make great gift tags!  This is the easiest yet, and looks great. All you have to do is buy some snowflake ornaments (I got this one at Michaels) and then hot glue whatever you want on the front of it. For this picture, I have an original pair of Goldie Garcia bottlecap earrings with pretty guardian angels in them. I sacrificed one of the earrings for the front of this ornament. After Christmas is over, I plan to turn it back into an earring because they are one of my favorite pairs and I miss them. Anyway, you can glue anything, like an antique button, a small toy, photo, mirror, etc. If anything, you can always buy some of Goldie's earrings!  My friend Judy Walker sent me this lovely treat. An artist made it in New Orleans. It's a seashell! It has a picture decoupaged in the center and it is trimmed in gold paint. Genius! I have been wanting to make a seashell shrine for ages, maybe this dangling bauble will motivate me to actually do it.  And last, this is just a piece of cut embossing tin that I glue a picture on and then coated with transparent glitter. Photo is from ArtChixStudio.com. OK, go have your ornament party!! *** 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 * Saturday, July 01, 2006Americana Folk Art Shrine I made this shrine from all kinds of Americana knick-knacks and assembled them into a California wine crate. Basically, to make it you need to: Paint your wine crate, line the back of it with fabric (I went with red w/ white stars). Next you want to add flat objects to the sides. Magnets (glue them on) work perfect for this! In the center I used a note holder and inserted a picture to serve as my focal point, and then I continued to add other objects around it. I even added some eye screws at the inside top so I could have Elvis's glittery blue jacket dangling! I also placed several miniature toys and pictures. On the outside top, I glued down what used to be holiday ornaments. Oh, I almost forgot - I painted some wood stars and hearts and sprinkled them throughout. This is my version of "folksy", therefore I really didn't use any glitter, except for what might be in the objects (like the jacket). If you look close at this piece, you will see all kinds of things like perfume bottles, Mardi Gras beads, a Tabasco sauce bottle and a button from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Click on the picture for a bigger view. Let's talk glues. I used several. I mostly used hot glue, but sometimes hot glue is not strong enough to hold heavy objects. In that case, I put a dab of E6000, and then put a dab og hot glue and it worked as yummy as hot apple pie with whipped cream. Dang! speaking of apple pie, I should have included that in there somewhere...Maybe I can go through a McDonald's drive-thru and buy a mini-apple pie, come home and eat it while smiling at my Americana Folk Art Shrine. Happy 4th of July to you! *** STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * Labels: collage/paper, home decor, inside, recycled Tuesday, April 18, 2006A shrine for Grandpa Gregorio I think the reason I love assemblage art so much is because I finally put to use all the knick-knacks I refuse to throw away. I made this mint tin shrine in honor of my hubby's grandpa. Every single one of the items in there has a specific meaning to him and his personality. For example: the cough drops. He always had them in his pocket and when he greeted you, he would shake your hand. He'd walk away, you look at your palm, and there was a cough drop. The sexy dancer is inspired by the Saturday night variety shows on the spanish language networks. He loved the flirty dancers in the sequined outfits! Get the idea? It's amazing to think how many "little" treasures you can find if you look hard enough. *** STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * Labels: collage/paper, father's day, recycled, shrines Friday, March 24, 2006This Charming Ring One spool of wire can lead to a lifetime of flirty finger embellishments. Here's my recipe for whipping up a batch of beaded baubles for you and the gang. I've recently come off a charm bracelet bender. After spending several weeks connecting abstract objects to a chain, I've curbed my obsession, or at least toned it down. I never let anything go to waste. Therefore, I took a spool of wire and the leftover beads, buttons and charms from my bracelet projects and made these adorable charm rings. Use your finger as a guide to shape the base and then add whatever you like at the top. I secured a jump ring to add dangling beads, and on others I anchored a button, charm or bead at the top. I love this idea because it has a speedy result, which is great if you want to make jewelry but don't have the time or energy to devote to a bracelet or necklace. For a higher quality ring, use sterling silver wire. All supplies can be found at local craft or bead stores. Charm Rings Supplies 1 spool of 18- or 24-gauge wire (sterling silver is best) Needle nose pliers with cutting device Small jump rings Assorted charms, beads or buttons Ring sizer (optional) Directions: Cut off an 18-inch piece of wire. Using your finger or a ring sizer, wrap the wire around it four to five times to create the base of the ring. Straighten out the tail of extra wire. On the ring's base, position the raw end of the wire at the top and pinch in place. Feed the tail through the hole of the base and up and around the top to cover. Pull it tight to cover that raw end. Straighten the remaining length of the tail, and if you want to have a ring with dangling charms, slip on the small jump ring and feed the wire through it to secure it to the top of the ring so it stands upright. (If you don't want dangles, you can skip the jump ring and feed on a bead, button or charm.) Make sure the end of the wire is lodged between the layers of wire. Add beads or charms to small head pins. Using the needle nose pliers, attach the head pins to the jump ring by bending the wire over the jump ring. Tips and variations: For more of a "wrapped" look, cut a longer piece of wire (about 22 inches) and after you make the circles for the ring base, use the tail to wrap around it. For a gaudy look, add a lot of dangling beads; for a daintier look, add a few small ones. Think of other objects to add such as bottle caps, birthstone gems, small fabric or silk flowers. *** 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: jewelry, recycled, rings, wearable art Friday, March 03, 2006Old World Frame Do you have a can of old coins hanging around? I did. I used them to make this frame go from blah to bam! By the way, if you ever want to remove the coins undamaged, you can. What you need: - Old chunky frame - 4-5 acrylic paint colors - sandpaper - assorted old coins - e6000 glue First you want to take a chunky wood frame and distress it with a meat tenderizer, etc. Choose four-five colors of contrasting acrylic paint colors and apply them TWICE, one, by one, letting each coat dry in between layers. Now use the sandpaper over the whole thing - you want to bring up those different layers of paint colors. Distress the frame more and sand more. Think you are done? Sand again. OK, now glue on the coins. You're done, mama! Want more crafty goodness? Check out my NEW book! See below... *** 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: home decor, inside, recycled Thursday, December 01, 2005Match Box Ornaments I just can't get enough of little matchboxes! I used the inner and outer sleeve to create this look. You can put whatever little images you want inside to give your tree some character. Adding photos to ornaments is one sure way to personalize the look for your decorations. Every picture tells a story, now imagine what a novel your tree will be if you put up snapshots of everyone in your family or of your friends. If you have a party, you can have a Polaroid camera handy. Have a craft table set up so people can create their own matchbox ornament and at the end of the night, everyone swaps! Here are the 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, holiday, recycled Thursday, October 27, 2005DIY Corpse Bride Costume Ever since my daughter and I saw Corpse Bride, we knew exactly what her costume was going to be for Halloween! Here is the end result of our vision. I'll have specific directions posted later, but for now I can say we took a thrift store wedding drees, soaked in the kitchen sink with 8 large tea bags, bought a wig, painted some blue on it and painted her arm like a skeleton. None of it did any good until we did her face - they key is in the eyebrows people! You gotta get that "curvy" thing down! Practice on paper first. Oh, and I added alight blue wash color to her skin using watered-down craft paint. I love it and so does Maya! HERE ARE THE DIRECTIONS | |||||||||||||
