by Kathy Cano-Murillo - Sept. 27, 2003 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
One of the biggest inspirations behind the crafting movement is the desire to have something no one else has. Or at least something that pops out.

If you're into belts, the options are endless. Artists have constructed chunky waistwear from pictures, bottle caps, clay and metal.

This particular project jumps on the glass-gem bandwagon.

Mostly used in scrapbooking or magnet-making, these see-through "puddles" (a name they are also known by) will leave an inspiring impression once they are connected.

I used images from an Archie comic, but you can alter the style by incorporating collage art, letters, words, and rubber-stamped effects or exotic fabric. Supplies can be found at Diane Ribbon and Notions, 2319 W. Holly St., Phoenix.


Comic book belt

Supplies
1 comic book
15-20 large glass gems (clear and flat on one side)
White craft glue
Scissors
15-20 bola tie slides
15-20 key rings, 1 1/2 inches in diameter
1 piece of leather fabric, 8 by 10 inches
E6000 adhesive
Large clasp
Needle-nose pliers

Directions
Tear out pages from the comic book and lay them on a flat surface. Rub a drop of glue over the back of the glass gem and place it over the image you want to show through. Press firmly. Let dry and then cut the paper from the edge of the gem. Repeat the process for the remaining gems.

Lay the leather shiny side up. Add a drop of white glue to the back of the picture that is on the gem and lay flat on the leather. Let it dry and cut off the excess from around the gem. Repeat for the remaining gems.

Lay the gems back side up on a flat surface. Add a dollop of E6000 to the back of a bola slide and press it in the center of the backside of the gem. Repeat for the remaining gems. Let dry overnight.

To connect the gems, use the needle-nose pliers to open the prongs on the back of the bola slides. Insert a key ring on one of the prongs and clamp it closed. Repeat for the other side. Connect to another gem in the same fashion. Try on the belt to see if you should add more gems to make it longer. Use the pliers to connect the large clasp.

Tips and variations: Make a bracelet by using smaller gems and jump rings.


***
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: paper, wearable, wearable art

by Kathy Cano Murillo - May. 17, 2003 04:30 PM
The Arizona Republic
I'm a sucker for pictures. I love vintage postcards, obscure ads, romantic comics, minibooks, notecards, postage stamps, wrapping paper, postcards, stickers . . . . It has become so bad that I can't pass a stationery shop or bookstore without stopping to scope out the goods in fear of missing out on some great images.

This nifty necklace project is one way I've found to make use of my ever-growing collection. It's as easy as taking two microscope slides and making a "picture sandwich." There are oodles of alternatives for using these slides, and these instructions are a great place to start. Of course, always be careful whenever you use glass in craft projects. Microscope slides are available at local hobby stores (not craft shops), and the foil tape is sold at home improvement stores.


Microscope slide necklaces


Supplies
2 microscope slides
2 pictures, phrases, clippings, ribbon or other flat items
Scissors
industrial strength glue
Foil or copper tape
Eye pins, 1 1/2 inches long each
Assorted beads
Needle nose pliers
Jump ring
Necklace cording

Directions: Work on a flat surface free of dust. Use the slide as a template to trim your two pictures. Take one picture and flip it over. Add a small drop of glue in the center of the back side. Lay one eye pin pointing up so the eyelet extends above the picture. Repeat the process for the bottom. Take the other picture and press the two backsides together, smooth firmly with fingers to ensure all the sides are sealed. Set aside until glue is dry.

Cut two pieces of foil tape measuring 3 inches by one-quarter inch, and two measuring 1 inch by one-quarter inch. Create a "sandwich" by placing your image in between the two slides. Carefully apply the foil tape to one side of the glass and then fold it over to cover the other side. Rub your finger over the tape to remove any wrinkles.

Continue the process until the all of the edges are evenly trimmed with the foil tape. Repeat process to make a double layer for extra hold and to pad the corners.

Thread beads onto the remaining eye pins and attach them to the slide's bottom eyelet with the pliers.

Add a jump ring to the top eyelet and tie on the necklace cording.



***
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, paper, wearable

In the early 2000's (that sounds so weird!), these bags were all the rage. Nowadays people have carried the idea even further by making books, paper sorters, bowls, clutches, and all kinds of other things out of old LPs. I still like this one! You take vintage album covers, laminate them, create side panels, punch holes, insert grommets, and lace it all up together. Feed Mardi Gras beads inside clear tubing (found in the aquarium supply aisle). Use grommets to attach to the bag.

This lovely project is from my book: The Crafty Chica Collection!


***
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: Latin-inspired, multi-culti, wearable, wearable art

Duct Tape Handbag
Supplies:
Scissors.
Ruler.
Duct tape of assorted colors.
Cardboard (12 by 4 inches).
Directions: Work on a large flat surface. Begin by making "panels." Cut six strips of duct tape, each measuring 12 inches long. Lay one strip sticky side up. Lay another alongside it, with 1/4 inch overlapping. Attach the remaining four strips in the same fashion. Cut six more strips and lay them sticky side down on top of and perpendicular to the first six strips. Repeat the process two more times so that you have a total of three panels. Cut two 4-inch-wide strips from the third panel; these will be the sides of your purse. Cover the cardboard with tape. Neatly connect all the pieces from the inside and outside of the bag with tape. Use the remaining pieces from the third panel to make the handles. Make a separate panel and attach as a pocket for the front of the purse. Add colored tape trim to decorate.
TIPS AND VARIATIONS: For a more colorful bag, before adding the pocket, add rows of colored tape over the bag. Make other items to match, such as a wallet, bracelet or hat.

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

Labels: kids, recycled, wearable

Hand stitch beaded fringe to the top of your jeans!

***
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, wearable, wearable art

by Kathy Cano_Murillo - Mar. 6, 2004 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

If you are a crafter and haven't yet made a cigar-box purse, what are you waiting for?

Craft stores have a healthy supply of options when it comes to raw wood boxes, purse handles, hinges and latches. All it takes is embellishing the box to your liking and adding the hardware to make a sensational handbag.

But if you are like me and yearn for a funkier look, pick up a wood-burning tool at the same time. It's as easy as drawing with a pen, and leaves a rustic and charming look.
If the thought of using a heated tool makes you flinch, go the easy route and decoupage or paint your favorite images instead.

Wood-burned Box Purse

Supplies
1 wood box with latch and hinges
Design pattern, tracing paper, pencil
1 hand-held wood-burning tool
1 piece of sandpaper, medium grit
1 purse handle with hardware
Hand-held drill
Screwdriver
Watercolor paints, brush, cup of water
Brush- or spray-on sealant

Directions: Lightly sand the box on all sides. If you are using a pattern, use the tracing paper and pencil to apply the design to the box. If drawing freehand, start by lightly sketching on the design with a pencil. Heat up the wood burner and keep the sandpaper close by. Draw the design onto the box with the burner. Use the tip for fine lines or use it at an angle for broader strokes. Go over the design several times to achieve an even, smooth look. Every so often, remove the build-up on the tool by wiping it on the sandpaper. Fill in the design's spaces with the watercolor paints. Paint and decorate the inside of the box. Let dry and apply sealant to inside and outside of the box. Use the hand-held drill and screwdriver to attach the handle to the top.

Caution: The wood-burning tool is extremely hot and dangerous if not used with care. This project is not for young children. Read manufacturer instructions thoroughly before using.

Variations: Decorate the handle with beads, paint, wire or ribbon. Line the inside of the box with fabric. Add a vanity mirror on the lid. Instead of using the wood burner, decoupage or paint the box and add trim.


***
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: paint, wearable