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The Crafty Chica DIY Project Library: a collection of fabulous handmade ideas by Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica! Friday, August 15, 2008Mexican Tote Wall Lamp I was so delighted to be invited to contribute to CraftStylish.com as a guest blogger! I knew I had to do something totally uber-spectacular, so I hope this does the trick! It is a wall light made from a Mexican tote. I've posted directions below, but PLEASE visit the link here to see a gallery of step-by-step pics! 1 large Mexican grocery tote 1 wood frame, 16 inches x 16 inches 1 piece of white art paper, about 14 inches x14 inches Scissors Staple gun Ribbon Sequin trim Liquid Fusion adhesive Hot-glue gun 1 set of mini-lights (50) Tulip 3D Glitter Fashion Paint, black Crafty Chica™ Paint Pack™ Crafty Chica™ Chunky Glitters™ 1. Cut the handles off the bag, then remove stitches from the sides. Cut along the bottom of the fold. Keep that main piece and set aside the rest of the bag for another project. Cut up your tote bag so that you preserve the image or design that you want to feature on your wall. 2. Take the cut piece of bag, stretch it over the frame, and staple along the edges. If the piece will not fold over the side, just staple along the front edges. Trim off the excess. You can center (or not) the bag image as you stretch your cut piece of bag over the frame. 3. Outline the image design with Tulip 3D Glitter Fashion Paint. Let dry. Have fun highlighting and giving definition to the image with glittery paint! 4. Using Crafty Chica Paint Pack, paint inside the lines, and add Crafty Chica Chunky Glitters over the wet paint. Let dry. 5. Embellish the sides and front edges with trims and sequins, using the Liquid Fusion adhesive. Paint inside the lines and embellish the sides and front edges with colorful sequins or other sparkly trinkets. 6. Flip the frame over, and slip in the white paper so it sits under the frame and serves as a backing for the image. This will allow maximum glow! 7. To add the lights, keep the frame flipped over right side down. You will want to secure them within the inside of the frame's border so your wall light will rest flush against the wall. Use a staple gun to secure the lights—staple over the cording, making sure not to puncture it! If you do puncture it, you cannot plug in your light; you will need a new strand of lights! 8. Plug in and hang! Variation: Use a strand of battery-operated lights if you don't want the cord to show. * Remember always to use caution for any electrical craft project! *** 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: frida, Latin-inspired, lights Wednesday, August 13, 2008VIDEO: Glittery Shadow Box Here is the link in case you can't see it! **** *** 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 Sunday, August 10, 2008Inspiration Ribbon Frame This is an inspiration frame I made using one of the cards from the new Crafty Chica Inspiration Card Decks. (Click on photo for a larger view) Each deck is comprised of paintings that Patrick and I made. Each card is double sided and comes with an artful affirmation on the back!  Show me a blank frame and I’ll show you a good time craft project. I recently came across some large matted frames on clearance at the store. I brought them home and showed them the love with a little help from my ribbon basket. This idea serves two purposes: it will clear your stash to make room for new trims, and it will add a textured look to your home decor. You can use the same technique on wood blocks, boxes, pillars and any other large smooth surface. I used the "indulge" card to remind myself that it is A-OK to dive in every so often! Supplies: 1 11x14” frame with a flat base and 5x7” mat Assorted trims and ribbons, at least 1 yard of each Aleene's Original Tacky Glue Scissors Directions: Separate the frame, setting aside the backing and glass. Take the mat and using flat ribbons, lay them down in various patterns until you like what you see. Start from the center and work your way out. Work one side at a time, and add a thin line of glue. Set the ribbon down on the glue, and run your fingers over it so it lays flat. Continue adding the ribbon and trims all around the mat. Add ribbon around the outer border as well. Set aside to dry. Repeat the process for the outer frame. Let dry and then add your picture and reassemble the frame. **** *** 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, fabric, recycled Friday, August 08, 2008Oilcloth Messenger Bag This is a bag I made a few months back, and every time I see the picture, I want to make a new one! It's made from strips of oilcloth - actually some leftover pieces that I was almost going to toss. Then it dawned on me to just sew them all together to make one bag. First, lube up your presser foot with some Sewer's Aid. You will need to sew strips of oilcloth together horizontally, all the way down until you have one long piece of fabric that measures about 30" x 14". Next, cut a piece of lining to match. Sew the two pieces face in, on three sides. Turn it inside out and sew the raw ends closed (fold in the edges and stitch). Fold it in thirds, determine how long you want the front flap to hang. I wanted mine about 3/4's down, and I wanted to add pompom fringe. With the lining facing out, sew up the two sides. Turn that baby inside out and sew on that pompom fringe on the flap. Sew the strap end to each inner side and you are good to go! **** *** 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 Tuesday, July 29, 2008Sea Shell Sandals School supplies may already be on sale, but here in Phoenix, it is still hardcore SUMMER. The only way to endure the sweat is to make cool stuff! This a nifty pair of sandals that I embellished with mini-seashells a while back. All you need is a pair of sandals that have wide bands. Working with one section at a time, add a thick coat of Aleene's Fast Grab Tacky Glue and then arrange the seashells in a nice even pattern. I think these are perfect for the beach, or by the pool! **** *** 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: wearable art Monday, July 28, 2008Pastry Pincushions This may be my kitschiest project yet: Empanada pin cushions! After seeing so many fiber artists have their way with cupcake pincushions, I thought I'd throw a little needle love to Mexican puff pastries. Empanadas are basically fruit turnovers. My Nana Cano used to make them every weekend - cherry, pumpkin, pineapple, lemon, apple and even mincemeat for my dad. Puff pastries are also popular in other countries as well, but my design is inspired by the ones I've grown up with here in Phoenix. I actually made these last Saturday night at The Dirty Devil nightclub where Patrick's band was performing. Under the light of my iPhone, I stitched away. I used white felt, and then painted it to give it a realistic look. It worked. The next day, both my kids picked these up to take a bite and were mad because they were fake! I would call that a success! NOTE: Yes, you can use a sewing machine on these, but because I knew I would be working in a dimly-lit area (the nightclub), I chose contrasting embroidery thread to hand sew. Here's how to make them!  Supplies: 1 piece of white craft felt stuffing, like batting needle, embroidery thread brown, yellow and white paint Scissors 1. Take a piece of white craft felt. Fold it over from the short side, and cut out the shape of the empanada. Keep the fold at the bottom. Now cut the other end of the felt into a strip that is about 3" wide. 2. With the felt still folded in half, stitch the empanada about half away around the curve. Stuff with a lot of batting. 3. Take the strip, fold it lengthwise and stitch it with the embroidery thread along the edge of the curve, gather it here and there to make it ruffled. 4. Tuft the empanada in the center with three stitches. Cut the edge in a curvy design. 5. Add a bit of white and yellow to the brown paint until you get a nice baked look. Use the paint brush to stipple all over the empanada. Let dry. 6. Insert pins! **** *** 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: sewing Monday, July 21, 2008Glitzy Garden Globe One of the most lucrative aspects of crafting is the power to change the ordinary into the extraordinary. I jumped on this idea when I counted the number of free Internet-service-provider CDs that I recently received in the mail. Because I'm not one to throw things away, I whipped out my scissors and mosaic supplies and went to work on this glitzy garden globe. I suggest purchasing an inexpensive pair of scissors for this project, because cutting through the discs will dull the blades. Ultimately, the small pieces arranged around the ball will reflect light beautifully. GLITZY GARDEN GLOBES SUPPLIES: * 6 to 8 unwanted CDs * Tile nippers or heavy-duty scissors * 1 Styrofoam ball (8-inch round) * 1 bottle of Make-It Mosaic Adhesive (4 ounces) * Pedestal * 1 carton of Make-It Mosaic Grout (1 pound) * Acrylic paint in desired color (optional) * Medium-size rubber spatula * Damp sponge * Dry cloth DIRECTIONS: Cut the CDs into 1-inch pieces. Holding the ball in your lap, adhere the CD pieces one by one so that they are approximately 1/8 inch apart. Rest ball on the pedestal and let dry completely. Mix half the carton of grout according to directions (if desired, add a few drops of the paint to add color). Working one side at a time, use the spatula to fill in the crevices with grout. Wipe the ball down with the damp sponge to remove the excess grout. Continue process until the entire ball is smooth and even. Let dry and then polish the CD pieces with the dry cloth. TIP: Sometimes certain discs will crack when cut. These still will work; just set them aside and intersperse them among the smoother pieces. *** CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com! 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 About Me
I'm a mommy, wifey, artist, author & left-handed middle-child binge crafter Sagittarian. I love chocolate, coffee, and I collect Chihuahua stuff (we have 4 live ones). I have my own product line coming out this summer. I write a weekly nationally syndicated craft column for The Arizona Republic. My 7th craft book comes out next year, as well as my first novel. I make a line of Chicano Pop Art with my hubby and we have sold it all over the country since 1990. Doing my best to live in the moment and savor it all!   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 CategoriesJewelryHoliday Food Valentine's Day Other Celebrations Day of the Dead Inside Lights Wearables Summer/4th of July Collage/Paper Wedding Beauty Recycled Shrines Favorite Crafty LinksPhoenix FridasGet Crafty Supernaturale The Switchboards Craftster Craft Revolution Craft Pop So Spiffy PattieWack.com Craft Trends Headlines Archive
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