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The Crafty Chica DIY Project Library: a collection of fabulous handmade ideas by Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica! Sunday, October 11, 2009Shimmery Skeleton Shadow Box  Give your home or office a touch of shimmery delight with a shadow box decorated in vibrant Crafty Chica Chunky Glitters! Add images from your favorite Crafty Chica Inspiration Cards for a daily pick-me-up!
Instructions
** MY NEW BOOK: "Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-Low-Sew Ideas for the Everyday Crafter". See the new line of Crafty Chica products at HERE Amazon.com!! All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2009. Labels: collage/paper, Day of the Dead, glitter, shrines Glittered Memory Ornaments for a Muertos Family Altar This is an exclusive project I made for dead.azcentral.com, CLICK HERE for printable directions and all kinds of other educational info about Dia de los Muertos!** MY NEW BOOK: "Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-Low-Sew Ideas for the Everyday Crafter". See the new line of Crafty Chica products at HERE Amazon.com!! All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2009. Labels: Day of the Dead, glitter, shrines Matchbook Shrines  This is an exclusive project I made for dead.azcentral.com, CLICK HERE for printable directions and all kinds of other educational info about Dia de los Muertos! ** MY NEW BOOK: "Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-Low-Sew Ideas for the Everyday Crafter". See the new line of Crafty Chica products at HERE Amazon.com!! All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2009. Labels: collage/paper, Day of the Dead, party favors, shrines Thursday, February 26, 20092009 Wish Shrine
Instructions1. Using scissors, cut the word “amiga” from the Amiga Heart Flocked Iron-On Transfer™. Iron the heart portion of the transfer to your fabric of choice, following package instructions. Apply Soft Fabric Paint™ to the “2009” number stamps and stamp paint inside the ribbon portion of heart transfer. Refer to photo. Let dry. Remove the plastic sheet from the inside of the shrine box. Use the glue from the Empowerment Shrine™ kit to affix fabric with transfer to the inside back panel of the shrine box. Let dry. 2. Using the Little Chica Paint Packs™, coat the shrine box in desired colors of paint and let dry. 3. Turn the box so the protruding side is facing you, and the back is flush. Glue papers from Empowerment Shrine™ Kit to the shrine box flaps. Coat the inside of the box with glue and add glitter from kit, tapping away excess. 4. Glue the yarn around the front frame of the box and along the top. Refer to photo. Trace edges of side panels with glue and sprinkle on glitter. Let dry. 5. Cut out your favorite image from the Mojito Papers™ and glue in the center of the top panel of box. 6. Cut out a piece of paper to fit front of spice jar and use adhesive-backed letters from kit to spell out “wish” on the paper. Glue paper to front of spice jar. Write down your wishes for the New Year and put them in the spice jar. Set the jar inside the shrine. Glue the leaves and flowers in desired locations on shrine. Replace plastic sheet so that the transfer design shows through. ** MY NEW BOOK: "Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-Low-Sew Ideas for the Everyday Crafter". See the new line of Crafty Chica products at HERE Amazon.com!! All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2009. Labels: empowerment crafts, shrines Pet Love Shrine For most of us, our pets are extensions of our families. They love us unconditionally and are always there to keep us company and bring smiles to our faces. Creating a colorful Crafty Chica love shrine is the perfect way to capture your pet’s adorable face and bring a smile to yours! Keep it close by as a cheerful reminder of your furry little family member.
Instructions1. Paint front panels of the box purple, backside of box black and inside box and feet red. Let dry.2. Paint star shapes inside box with white. Let dry. 3. Coat the inside area with glue. Working over a sheet of paper to catch the excess glitter, pour the glitter over the wet glue. Tap off excess. 4. Choose a picture of something or someone you love and glue it in the center of the box. Or you can use the picture that is included. 5. Paint curve of front panels with white and green stripe. With white, paint little paw prints in lower part of front panels. 6. Cut out heart designs from Mojito paper, glue on front side panels. 7. Add the flowers, leaves, and charms. 8. Trim the edges with the sequin trim. Print out "You can't help but love me." onto cardstock, cut with pinking shears, glue to front. ** MY NEW BOOK: "Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-Low-Sew Ideas for the Everyday Crafter". See the new line of Crafty Chica products at HERE Amazon.com!! All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2009. Tuesday, February 10, 2009Nana Cano Memorial Shrine This is a shrine I made from an Altoid tin for my Nana Cano. i used all kinds of little mementos to represent her life.** MY NEW BOOK: "Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-Low-Sew Ideas for the Everyday Crafter". See the new line of Crafty Chica products at HERE Amazon.com!! All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2009. Friday, February 06, 2009Love shrines galore!    Valentine's Day is just a bit away, have you made a love shrine yet? Here are some pictures from the Crafty Chica Inspiration Gallery, where crafty peeps from all over the country have whipped up some beautiful creations using Crafty Chica products! It blows me away to see all the different things that come from using the same materials. Keep sending the photos! If you want to make your own, start with a Crafty Chica Love Shrine Workshop-In-A-Box! I designed this kit and included everything you need to summon Cupid your way. All you need is to add are pictures!   Here are directions on how to make one, posted on the new, fabuloso website, ILoveToCreate.com.  It is chock full of projects, tips, features and more! Peace, love, and glitter! Kathy :-) P.S. Check out my new book and product line! Labels: shrines, Valentine's Day Monday, December 01, 2008The Crafter's Good Energy Shrine  Here is a shrine I made to bring me (and my craft table) good energy. I used all kinds of crafty knick knacks to hopefully help me come up with clever ideas for you, and for my sewing machine never get stuck or the tension get messed up in the middle of a fabric collage, and for the glue gun not to freeze up and that most importantly, people (myself included) like the end result of whatever it is I'm making!! All hail the crafter's shrine! Here is how to make it: Right click on the image below and print it out. It is a collage I made! Affix the picture to foamcore. Add glitter to the edges. Gather up all kinds of craft supplies - mini versions. Take a cigar box, cut off the lid. Stand the box upright and glue the lid to the bottom of the box so it serves as a base. Cover the box with paint, glitter and scrapbook paper. Hot glue the picture in the center. Add the other embellishments. this is also a great way to use up your craft stash! Gather up those mini-flowers and put them to use! To make the peak at the top of the box, simply cut a triangle of foamcore and cover it with paper.  (Right click and print)*** Don't worry, be crafty! Buy Crafty Chica books & art supplies at Amazon.com! Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2008. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com Labels: collage/paper, empowerment crafts, shrines Saturday, November 29, 2008Kwanzaa Shadow Box As you can see by the price on the stamp, I made this piece a few years back. That's what makes me love it even more - I could have used that stamp to send a letter and never have seen it again. Now I have it preserved for years to come! I love the philosophy behind Kwanzaa, and this little box helps me remember to practice the seven principles 24/7.*** Don't worry, be crafty! Buy Crafty Chica books & art supplies at Amazon.com! Other links: STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR * All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2008. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com Labels: holiday, kwanzaa, multi-culti, shrines Wednesday, November 12, 2008Crafty Lit: White Oleander-inspired shrine Originally published for MyLifetime.com.In "White Oleander" by Janet Fitch, Los Angeles teen Astrid Magnussen moves from one foster home to another while her poet mother serves time in prison for killing an ex-boyfriend. Astrid releases her anguish by drawing, painting, sculpting and assembling collages. In the 2002 movie based on the book, Astrid creates a Suitcase Shadowbox to represent her experiences. Her story is heavy on melodrama; you can make a lighter version based on your past travels. Take a small train case, or any kind of small box, and embellish the inside with personal pins, fabric and pictures. *** See my new product line at select Michaels stores or buy online at Amazon.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 lit, empowerment crafts, shrines Saturday, October 11, 2008La Catrina Cigar Box Shrine : cigar box, clean
Tip: Add in personal objects if you like.   Figure A *** See my new product line at select Michaels stores or buy online at Amazon.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: Day of the Dead, glitter, recycled, shrines Easy Love Shrine Materials List Instructions
*** See my new product line at select Michaels stores or buy online at Amazon.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, shrines Dream Big Empowerment Shrine This project is all about what you want or need most in life. It’s about pinpointing your wildest dream and then making a visual representation of it. Maybe it’s having a baby, scoring a cushy gig or landing your first record deal; it’s okay to want that and even better, to picture it happening. So give this project a try! Just as important as making a visual of your goal is to put it in a place where you will see it everyday so that you’ll be reminded of the steps you need to take to reach it. Once you do that, get ready for everything to fall into place! Materials List * Crafty Chica™ Empowerment Shrine™ Workshop-in-a-Box™ * Crafty Chica™ Little Chica Paint Packs™ Instructions 1. Paint box using the black paint included in the kit or with the colors of your choice from the Crafty Chica Little Chica Paint Pack. 2. Using one of the pictures included in the workshop box or one you’ve printed or created to showcase your goal, apply glue to the non-image side and place in the center of the shrine. Cut out additional images from the Crafty Chica papers included in the kit and glue them onto the side panels of the shrine, as well as inside each of the bottle caps. 3. Using the white craft glue, coat areas of the shrine where you would like to apply glitter. Working over a sheet of paper to catch the excess glitter, pour the glitter over the wet glue. Tap off excess glitter. 4. Add stick-on letters to the inside of bottle caps to spell out a word that is important to you and glue the bottle caps along the top of the frame on the shrine. Glue the roses and charm at the top of the shrine. 5. Glue the sequin trim along the edges of the photo frame. Add crystal embellishments for extra sparkle! *** See my new product line at select Michaels stores or buy online at Amazon.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, shrines Tuesday, April 29, 2008Baby-themed Shadow Box Shadow boxes and shrines add a new level to the art of memory keeping. Often referred to as "assemblage art," "dimensional scrap" or "collection collages," the basic concept is the same -- arranging sentimental mementos in an eye-appealing way. Many of us have these types of collections in our living space and don't even realize it: refrigerator doors, fireplace mantles, dresser tops, workspaces and even car dashboards. I discovered how fun this genre is last year when I was hired by a publisher to pull together an art book on the topic. My assignment was to invite a variety of national artists to join me in sharing their vision of this ever-growing art form. Being a beginner to the book world, I spent many hours poring over art magazines and Web sites to find the perfect balance. The result is Making Shadow Boxes and Shrines (Rockport Publishers), a collection of 38 projects, ranging from spiritual and sacred to wild and wacky. Many of the contributing artists and I will be on hand to discuss and share our work, as well as offer demonstrations on making your own assemblage masterpiece. Until then, here is a sneak peek at one of the projects: Newborn Baby Memory Box Supplies: 1 shallow shadow box Assorted acrylic paints White craft glue Baby-themed wrapping paper 1 miniature doll dresser 1 sheet of fun foam Miniature baby decorations such as diaper pins, blocks, bottles and diapers Color copies of baby photos Hanging photo ornament Scissors and paintbrushes Directions: Paint a base coat on the box and dresser in contrasting colors. Line the inside of the shadow box with wrapping paper. Glue the miniature dresser in the center of the shadow box and adhere some of the miniature items to fill it up. Lay out the photos around the box. Cut out shapes from the fun foam as well as pictures from the wrapping paper and arrange them around the photos. Flip the box over and glue the ornament to the bottom of the back of the box. Do not move until glue is set. Attach a picture hanger to the back for display. *** 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: baby, mother's day, shrines Saturday, February 09, 2008Valentine's Light Box
I leave for Cali in a few hours for CHA!! But before I lay my head on my fluffy pillow, I wanted to share this idea. I don't come back until the day before Valentine's, and that wouldn't give enough of a lead to make this.
And keep checking back here because I'm going to be photo blogging from Anaheim!! OK, on with the show!  Valentine's Day Light Box Use your favorite Valentine's Day card, or a personal photo, to make a dimensional lighted shadow box. Actually this concept can be used for any theme you want. I am so excited for when I have a break so I can make a whole bunch of these! Supplies: Small glass jewelry box (I bought mine at Michaels Arts & Crafts, locations Valley-wide at www.michaels.com) Paint Hand-held rotary tool Hot glue Decorative paper, pencil Valentine image (I got mine from CandyCoated.org) Foam core Scissors Glitter Battery-operated strand of 10 mini lights Sequin trim Wood beads for feet Directions: Paint the box and let it dry. Turn the box over and using the hand-held rotary tool, create 10 holes in the back of the box. Blow off dust. Open the box and hot glue decorative paper to the back of the box. Use a pencil to poke through the paper where the drilled holes are. Glue the valentine image to a piece of foam core and cut around the edges. Coat the edges with paint and sprinkle glitter over it. Let dry. Cut a small piece of foam core and then hot glue the image to it. With the box upright and the lid open like a door, hot glue the foam core to the inside base of the box, and then glue the image on top of it. Insert the mini lights (one light in each hole). Hot glue the battery pack behind the box. Hot glue the door closed. Add sequin trim around the front of the box, and any other decorations you want. Hot glue wood beads as the feet for the box. *** 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: lights, shrines, Valentine's Day Thursday, November 01, 2007Dia de los Muertos Shrines It's officially Dia de los Muertos 2007! The first night of the two-day event begins at midnight, and it's the spirits of the babies and children who come to visit their former homes or gravesites. By this time tomorrow, they will have returned to the afterworld, and the adults will arrive. Dia de los Muertos isn't just about cute skeletons, gallery-worthy altars or fun crafts. It's about respecting our ancestors and loved ones who have crossed over. It's welcoming their spirits back with open hearts and arms. That's why we create ofrendas at home or at gravesites with all the things that will make their senses tingle. Things that will make them feel alive on Earth again. If your Aunt Mary used to love bottled Coca Cola, imagine how big she will smile when she gets to taste it again! Make Dia de los Muertos be a personal experience for you, especially if you have recently lost someone you care deeply for. Don't cry for them today or tomorrow. Do not let yourself feel regret or sorrow. They are here, tell them what you need to tell them, because they are listening. They hear you. Close your eyes and feel them beside you, enjoying the treats you set out for them. They are happy because you care enough to remember the joyful times, the smiles, the love and warmth they brought to your life, and you to theirs. That's what they want you to think of! This is a time to party with them again! Remember Dia de los Muertos is about celebrating life - not mourning death. We celebrate the cycle of life. not only the deceased, but our own lives right now too. Let these days remind you to count your blessings. To try new things. Take chances. Meet new people. Let yourself experience goosebumps galore! That is truly living. Give your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren something to remember you for! Whew. That was intense, I get like that around this time of the year. But as with so many things these days, it's easy to forget the true meaning. There are calaca clothes, shoes, jogging suits, barrettes, candy, posters, you name it! That's all cool, because it hopefully will motivate people to learn more about what Dia de los Muertos is all about. But just in case, I wanted to send out my little reminder :-) OK, let me share some altars and shrines I've made so you can get ideas to make your own!  This mint tin shrine I made for Patrick's Grandpa Greg. He was such a cute man, so dapper and downright lovable. He was in his mid-80s and he would still flirt with the young girls and faithfully watch Sabado Gigante every weekend. He always had Jolly Ranchers in his pockets and passed them out to everyone from his grandkids to the pharmicist at the drug store. There are other little personal objects in this shrine that he would enjoy. When it comes to making your ofrenda, it can be as simple as a photo and a marigold flower, or an ornate display. Even if you haven't lost anyone, make a shrine for victims of violence or disasters, your favorite movie star, pet or someone who really inspired you.     La vida es dulce. *** 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, 2006. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * Labels: Day of the Dead, Latin-inspired, shrines Thursday, August 16, 2007Cupcake Collage This week Maya, my youngest, started high school, and my oldest, DeAngelo, is a senior. gulp. Two kids in high school! I miss the days of sippy cups! I came across this project I made for my first book, Making Shadow Boxes and Shrines (which is now reprinted as The Crafty Chica Collection, $24.99, Quarry Books). It's a cupcake tiun filled with pictures, mini-mementos and any thing else I could fit in there. The idea was inspired by my friend and the best boss I ever had, Jenny Ignaszewski (wow, I can't believe I can still spell her last name from memory!). She was going to do a project something like this for the book, but was so busy she did not have time. Jenny is an extremely talented artist who left a plumb job at the newspaper to pursue a career as a full-time painter. I cried so hard when she left, that I couldn't even go to her goodbye party because my eyes were so swollen. She was that kind of boss, and to this day, she STILL inspires me! Check out her web site: IggyArt! Anyway - the cupcake collage! All you do is go to a thrift store and pick up a cupcake tin. Cut scrapbook paper to fit inside each circle, and then make color copies of photos. Gather up your kid's toys that they think they lost (hee hee) and glue them to the tin. For glueing directly to the tin, you'll need a metal glue but for everything else you can use hot glue or a heavy white craft glue, like Tacky Glue. I even glued little Pez candies all around the edge. You can also add little letter beads to spell out names, or years, or phrases. *** 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, shrines Thursday, July 26, 2007Domino Shrines
I *heart* making shrines from small objects. Dominoes are perfect because they have a smooth surface, which begs for embellishment. For these little puppies, I used some hologrpahic saint stickers I bought on Olvera Street last fall. Sigh... I miss Olvera Street.
Anyhoo - they were the perfect size for the dominoes! One one of them, I glued a hinge, and the other one I glued standing up. You could do all kinds of things with them - stamp on them, emboss, etc.   *** 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, holiday, shrines Monday, October 30, 2006Ofrenda for Steve Irwin Homemade shrines honor departed loved ones for Dia de los MuertosNot all skeletons are created equal. Set aside the skulls and crossbones and the spooky Halloween versions and what's left are happy, colorful calacas for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Dia de los Muertos (Nov. 1 and 2) is a time to honor our loved ones who have passed away. The Mexican holiday, based on a 3,000-year-old tradition, stems from the belief that on these two days spirits from the afterlife return home to party with family and friends. To attract the spirits, personal altars known as ofrendas are set up. Each one is lovingly assembled to fit the departed's personality and then embellished with marigold flowers, ornate banners, copal incense and favorite food or drink. Dozens of other elements can be added, such as notes, pictures and mini-treasures. For example, one would play the deceased's favorite music or set out a favorite candy or cocktail.Building an ofrenda isn't always upbeat and jovial or only for the sake of the departed. It also can empower the person creating it. Last year, Phoenix artist April Edwards created an ofrenda titled Stage IV: NO FUMAR, dedicated to her father who died of lung cancer. "Finding closure is an ongoing thing, especially when it comes to a parent," said Edwards, 35. "Part of my altar was a box of my father's favorite cigars that he used to smoke. I tore them up. While I was doing it, I felt wrong, destroying something that he loved so much. But then I wished I had done it earlier and taken a stronger stance with him. In the end, I felt more vocal about smoking and how harmful it is. And I do feel like I have been visited by his spirit." Edwards presented her assemblage last year at the Vision Gallery and says she received passionate responses from smokers, non-smokers, physicians and other lung cancer victims. "I had a strong feeling about smoking, and, through my altar, I was able to relay it," she said. "As long as you respect the traditions of it, it is a way to honor someone or something you loved and express your thoughts and emotions on a personal level. Hopefully, that will get some dialogue going." The beauty of creating an ofrenda for Dia de los Muertosis that no two creations will be alike. Some will be small enough to fit inside a mint tin, while others may consume an entire living room wall. An ofrenda can be a heavy statement about society or a simple dedication to a loved one. Regardless, each represents the cycle of life, skeletons and all. MORE NOTES: In 2002, I had the pleasure of conducting a face-to-face interview with Steve Irwin while he was promoting his film The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course. Until then, I had never watched his TV series. Five minutes into the conversation I knew I would start watching. His energy and enthusiasm were infectious enough to convert me into a card-carrying Crocodile Hunter fan, which is why I chose to create this Dia de los Muertos ofrenda in Irwin's honor. Here are basic elements of building one of your own. For more examples, a glossary, photos, crafts, recipes and features, visit dead.azcentral.com. Focal point: Whatever topic you choose for your altar, you will need a main piece to build around. It can be as simple as a photo in a frame or a large decorated art piece. I took a thin piece of wood, covered it in glitter and affixed a cutout of Irwin (and friend) to the center. I then hot-glued crepe paper around the edges and small plastic animals in the open areas. Marigold flowers: It's believed that the dead follow the scent of the marigolds back home. Call your local florist for cut flowers and greenery. I prefer to use live marigolds and then plant them after Dia de los Muertos is over - thus continuing the concept of celebrating the cycle of life. If you don't have access to real flowers, you can purchase silk versions from the craft store or make your own from colored tissue. Prayer candles: These tall glass candles can be embellished with photos, glitter, gems and charms. Sugar skulls: These are colorful treats made from special molds, granulated sugar, meringue powder and colored icing. The skulls represent death, while the sugar relays the sweetness of life. Food or drink: The spirits will be hungry and thirsty after their long journey, so set out their favorite thirst quencher or tempting treat. Miscellaneous: Add whatever other elements you'd like, such as colorful Mexican banners, papier-mâché skulls, more candles and photos, or personal items. Copal: (not pictured) This resin-like incense is used to lure the spirits home. Copal is hard to find and quite smoky, so oftentimes incense is used. *** 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, Day of the Dead, shrines 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 Sunday, March 12, 2006London Calling Shrine I'm in this kind of a mood today. Lots of thoughts, phrases and tiny objects all stuck inside my head, any which way they will fit. I made this suitcase shrine a few years back and I just felt like sharing it tonight. The actual case came from my dad. For years he used it to carry all his camera equipment. One day he gave it to me to carry my art supplies. Of course, being the weirdo I am, I made it into a piece of art instead. London is this crafty chica's favorite city in the universe. I've been there three times and I gathered up all my souvenirs and assembled them on this case. Yes, it opens and is fully functional, I can thank e6000 glue for that. This is proof that I'm not at all one of those minimalist artists. Either you like clunky stuff or you don't. I do. So there. Have a nice week! *** 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, inside, shrines Saturday, August 06, 2005Super Saint Shadow Box Using fabric transfer paper and lots of notions & scraps (even some from a favorite pair of jeans), I came up with this. Here are the directions. And you can use anything you want in the center, I just happen to love the prayer card images! * 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, fabric, inside, sewing, shrines Friday, July 08, 2005Folk Art Frame As if you haven't noticed, I'm addicted to assemblage art. I got tired of boring picture frames and decided to make some folk art style boxes to house my favorite family pics. Here is what I came up with. Here are some other views:   And here are the directions on how to make one too! * 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, shrines Sunday, February 06, 2005Treasure Trinket Tins OK, if you are reading this, you probably are into crafts somewhat. Surely by now you've experimented with mint tins and such, right? If not, you really need to! There's no set way to do this, but here are some tips: Sand off the paint, it will help your items stick on better. You'll need to use a variety of glues because with mixed media, you'll be layering with paper, plastic, wood, metal, etc. You can use a glue stick for paper stuff, e6000 for heavy stuff and hot glue for small things (hot glue won't attach to metal). I also like to call these pocket shrines. * By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * Labels: collage/paper, recycled, shrines About Me
Mommy, wifey, artist, author, left-handed middle-child Sagittarian. Craft designer, product developer, former newspaper columnist. My first novel, WAKING UP IN THE LAND OF GLITTER debuts March 1st!  
Note to visitors: Hola! This site is the archive of all my past projects for Gannett News Service and The Arizona Republic. These ideas are for personal use only. I make a living as a craft designer, so I will be using these ideas in my published works. If you are thinking of selling or using these ideas for profit, please give respect and "twist" them to make them your own - put your own stamp on them to make them different. It will work out for the best for both of us! Thank you and much respect from one creative person to another! — Kathy Have a burning crafty question? Visit my Ask Crafty Chica blog or drop me a line! Project Categories
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