"Kathy Cano Murillo is the renaissance woman of DIY Culture."
– Venus Magazine
The Crafty Chica DIY Project Library: a collection of fabulous handmade ideas by Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Altered Crafty Chica Tattoo Transfer
Here you see the Crafty Chica flocked Iron-on Transfer of a bird with a heat and rose - tattoo-inspired! Patrick drew this image and then we had the word "amiga" placed in the ribbon banner.
But what if you like the design, but don't want the word amiga? Easy! Flocked transfers are awesome because they can be easily hacked to your liking. You simply take a pair of scissors (smaller the better) and carefully snip away the part you don't want.
Here is the transfer iron-on, post-snip, to some fabric I dyed.
Now that the ribbon is a blank slate, I used my letter stamps and Tulip Soft Fabric Paint to put in my friend's name. Now I can cut this piece of fabric and give it to my friend so she can use it in her fabric collage art! You can apply it on a T-shirt, jeans, etc. The neat thing is that now I have an "amiga" flocked iron-on transfer that I can use on a different project. Here is the skull version - you can snip off the heart, the flowers, etc. Isn't that so cool???
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Don't worry, be crafty! Buy Crafty Chica books & art supplies at Amazon.com!
• Posted by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, 1:42 PM
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Monday, December 15, 2008
Glittered Resin Snowflakes
Here in Arizona, snowflakes are hard to come by. So we have to be creative and create our own faux-chilly version. Snowflake-shaped silicone molds will do the trick. Use them to create a serious collection of colorful decorations that can be hung in your house or outside on your patio, or even from trees. The trick is to use resin and mix in glitter, sequins or anything else to create an artful look that would make Frosty proud.
Glittered Resin Snowflakes Supplies: 1 large silicone snowflake mold (I bought mine at the Target Dollar Spot) 1 box of Envirotex Lite resin Chopstick Assorted Crafty Chica glitter, sequins. Wax paper Dremel tool Fishing line Directions: Line your work area with wax paper. Use one-fourth cup of each part of the resin and pour in a paper cup. Mix vigorously with chopstick for two minutes. Pour in the glitter or sequins and stir again. Pour into mold. Let sit for 24 hours until fully hardened. Use the Dremel to drill a hole at the top. Add a long strand of fishing line. Repeat for make more snowflakes. Hang in different lengths from your ceiling or from outside trees or patio trim.
* 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 *
• Posted by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, 11:28 PM
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Ornament Centerpiece
This is a project I did in 2004. It didn't quite come out the way I envisioned it, but maybe you can take the concept and refine it!
In my world of glitter and glue, coffee and crafting go together like cookies and milk. During the holidays, I enter mass-production crafting mode and amp up on quad venti mochas. (For non-coffee drinkers, that translates into four shots of espresso). One recent day while waiting for my caffeine confection, I fell in love with the coffee store's shiny silver decorations, which were set high on shelves. I stood on my toes to see that they were made from ornaments turned upside down and inserted into a platform base. I rushed home to make my own version. It was harder than I imagined, and I'm still tinkering with the design, but here is the basic plan. Ornament Centerpiece
1 round Styrofoam disc Bamboo skewers Green spray paint Assorted bulb ornaments Hot glue and glue gun Green pipe cleaners 1 package of faux pine garland Wire nippers 1 faux pine wreath (big enough to fit around the outside of the Styrofoam disc) Optional: Miniature ornaments, flowers, tinsel or glitter spray
Directions: Outdoors, spray paint the Styrofoam disc and bamboo skewers green. Let dry. Put the disc on a flat surface. Remove the top from each ornament so the hole is exposed. Apply a drop of hot glue to the flat end of a skewer and insert it in the ornament. Press in place until firm. Wrap the remainder of the stick with a pipe cleaner or pieces of pine garland. Repeat with the rest of the ornaments and skewers. Stick the skewered ornaments into the Styrofoam disc and hot-glue them in place. If desired, use the wire nippers to cut the skewers to different lengths. Use the nippers to cut small branches from the garland. Stick these pieces into the disc to cover the bare areas. Set the wreath on a flat surface and place the disc inside; press into place so it is snug. Attach small ornaments or other decorations to the wreath branches, if desired.
Variations: Use a rectangular or square Styrofoam base for a different look, and pin garland around the outside for a fluffy look.
*** Don't worry, be crafty! Buy Crafty Chica books & art supplies at Amazon.com!
• Posted by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, 4:59 PM
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Holiday Card Hanger
Show off your cards in style! To make this you need -
1 dowel wide ribbon Thin ribbon White craft glue or hot glue Straight pins, or heavy glue dots
Cut four long strips of the wide ribbon and align them across the dowel. Secure with the white craft glue. Tie/glue the long strand to both ends of the dowel. Pin or 'glue dot' your cards to the ribbon!
There are gobs of variations, this is the easiest!
*** Don't worry, be crafty! Buy Crafty Chica books & art supplies at Amazon.com!
• Posted by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, 4:44 PM
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Crystal Game Card Ornaments
Break out the glitter-spray faux snow - serious December crafting is under way. Here is a shimmery ornament project:
1 small blank paper mache or wood ornament Acrylic paint and brush 1 playing card from Old Maid or another retro game Scissors Aleene's clear tacky glue 1 piece of paper 1 bag of clear micro glass balls
Directions: Paint the ornament in a desired color and let dry. Cut out the picture from a playing card to fit the ornament and adhere with glue. Press and seal all the corners. Place the paper in front of you on the table. Apply a thin layer of the clear glue on the entire surface of the picture. Pour the micro beads on top of the picture so it is completely covered with one even layer. Let dry.
Variation: You can also use glass or ceramic ornaments.
*** Don't worry, be crafty! Buy Crafty Chica books & art supplies at Amazon.com!
• Posted by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, 4:29 PM
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Monday, December 01, 2008
Custom Dinnerware Set
This is a dinnerware set my kids painted for our Heard Museum exhibit. So many people loved it and said they wanted to visit a local paint-on-pottery place and make a set. How fun would it be to surprise grandparents with a set painted by their grandkids?
Or a mom and dad painting a set for their grown-up kids?
Better yet - make a set for yourself! Fine china has nothing on this!
To do this, you'll bisqueware, ceramic paints, glaze, brushes and a place to fire it all. Look in your local directory for a pottery place to do all this! If you don't want to go freeform, you can use stencils.
Special thanks to Duncan Enterprises for springing for all the supplies, bisqueware, and paints!
*** Don't worry, be crafty! Buy Crafty Chica books & art supplies at Amazon.com!
• Posted by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, 9:58 PM
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The 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!
• Posted by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, 9:45 PM
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Revamped Chandelier
(This picture is of it still on my work table)
By Kathy Cano-Murillo Special for The Arizona Republic
I've discovered a new hobby I love: revamping chandeliers. It's simple and makes for an impressive home decoration. Check out local flea markets, or go the quickie route and visit IKEA. I found several chandeliers under $50 that come with embellishments that can be removed, revised or replaced. The finished piece makes a great gift because you can alter it to fit any personality. I made this holiday version in red and green for my entryway. It is the first thing my guests see as they enter my house, and sets the tone that fun times are ahead!
Tip: Remember to add the bulbs after it has been decorated.
Here are ideas: Leave it silver, but add extra trims and crystals. Wrap the arms and base in ribbon or fabric strips. Wrap it in mini-lights. Spray paint all of it (body, arms, crystals) one bright color - or all different colors! String beads and have them drip from the arms. Decoupage pictures on the body and arms.
Revamped Chandelier
Supplies: 1 chandelier Needle nose pliers Green spray paint Red glass paint Clear sealer Assorted charms and beads Medium jump rings
Directions: Use the needle nose pliers to remove the crystals from the chandelier. Hang the chandelier outside and spray paint it green, or any other color you want. Set the crystals on a flat surface and spray with the glass paint. Let both dry for several hours. Spray the chandelier and crystals with clear sealer, let dry for several hours. Reattach the crystals. Use jump rings to embellish further with beads and charms.
*** Don't worry, be crafty! Buy Crafty Chica books & art supplies at Amazon.com!
Decorate the cage with the paints and varnish. While it is drying, visit your corner dollar store and look in the ceramic area. They always have little birds there! Take it home and paint it with acrylic craft paint, and let it dry. Use a thin liner brush to go over each painted area and add matching glitter. Continue until the entire bird is covered in glitter. Next, add accents with the #D glitter paint. Let dry and then hot glue it to the center of the cage.
For a more personalized look, add a banner to the cage that has your friend's name!
*** Don't worry, be crafty! Buy Crafty Chica books & art supplies at Amazon.com!
• Posted by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, 9:23 PM
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Paper Doll Ornament Clips
By Kathy Cano-Murillo Special for The Arizona Republic
Looking for a way to make your tree pop this year? Standard glittery glass bulbs will do, but why not crank it up a notch? My first thought was to make large flowers or butterflies from watercolor paper, but I settled on paper dolls. These dolls are inspired by a drawing class I took over the summer from artist, Suzi Blu (http://www.suziblu.net/). If you don’t feel like breaking out the sketchbook, you can use any kind of magazine, vintage, or even copied images from family album. The real magic comes from the body, because you can embellish it with glitter, fabric, trims, etc. Add a clothespin to the back and you have one happy tree!
Paper Doll Ornament Clips Supplies: Pictures of faces that you either drew or photocopied, approx. 2” round Thin cardboard, heavy watercolor paper Fabric, paper, ribbon scraps Glue stick, white craft glue Crystals or gems Crafty Chica glitter Clothes pins or alligator clips Crafty Chica Markers or paints Scissors
Directions: To make a batch of paper doll ornaments, you want each one to be about 7” long. Cut long triangles (to make the body/dress) from the cardboard. Decorate them with fabric and trim, using glue. Apply the picture of the heads to cardboard. Cut out sets of feet and hands from cardstock. Sort the heads, bodies and limbs in piles. Before you glue, mix and match all the pieces until you create a doll you like. Glue the heads to the bodies and add the feet and hands. Embellish with glitter and gems, let dry. Hot glue the clothespin on the back and clip to your tree! TIP: If your doll feels flimsy, glue a strip of cardboard to the back and then the clip.
*** Don't worry, be crafty! Buy Crafty Chica books & art supplies at Amazon.com!
• Posted by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, 8:58 PM
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Saturday, November 29, 2008
50 Gifts to MAKE That Look Like You Bought Them!
This year everyone is thinking about making gifts more than ever. I've combed through all my past projects to come up with a list of 50 ideas. They are inexpensive, but still look worthy.
The beauty will come through the personalization you'll put into them!
• Posted by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, 12:40 PM
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Holiday tips!
There are two words to remember as you are creasing those holiday cards and knitting that red and green striped scarf: have fun!
I'm a firm believer that whatever energy you put into your project will stay there. If you're singing along to Nat King Cole, great. If you're crying over frayed ribbon, not great. To help you stay calm, focused and cheery, here are some Crafty Chica guidelines for holiday crafting.
GRAB 'N GO GIFTS: Whip up some cards and gift bags, so when you need a spontaneous gift, you will have them ready to go. This is great for when you have a surprise gust, or you get invited to a party and need a quick gift. Make extra ornaments to give away.
MAKE A WORKSPACE: Choose an area in your house, set up a table, a task lamp and a comfortable chair. Plug in an outlet strip for multiple tools (dual glue guns, embossing gun, Dremel, etc.). Store your supplies clear plastic boxes or a plastic wall-shelving unit that you can take down after the holidays.
STOCK UP: Create a crafty toolbox: scissors (regular and mini), chopsticks (great for applying glue, crayons (for applying crystals) gems or poking out pointy seams), pencil, pen, tape, glue stick, pincushion, hot-glue sticks, ruler and anything else you use repeatedly.
GET INSPIRED: Visit web sites, book stores, craft stores for ideas. If in doubt, take a workshop at a local store. Load up your iPod with podcasts, and your DVR with holiday crafting shows!
PREPARE: Before you visit the craft store, make a shopping list so you don't overspend. Buy all your favorite paint colors early because they will likely sell out quick. Check the newspaper for coupons and sales.
PACKAGING: Always keep gift bags, gift tags, cello wrap and ribbons on hand for quick gift wrapping and mailing.
GET SOCIAL: Make crafting a way to bond with friends. Invite guests over or visit a craft shop and take part in its open labs. You pay a small fee and use the shop's supplies. Networking with others is a great way to share useful tips.
SIGN YOUR WORK: Everything you make is a work of art, so sign your name to it! *** Don't worry, be crafty! Buy Crafty Chica books & art supplies at Amazon.com!
• Posted by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, 11:43 AM
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Corazon Candles
This is from my Art de la Soul book! These candles will add a rustic, vintage feel to your holiday decor - whether it is for Christmas or Valentine's Day. Heck, we could all use love any time of the year!
You take picture printed on lightweight paper ( like thin gift wrap, newsprint, etc), lightly glue it to the front of the candle. Then you take some melted candle wax and brush it over the image so it covers the image. All you need is two coats to make the picture look embedded in the wax. To make it look more worn and aged, run a heat gun over it a couple of times - not too close, just enough for the wax to show through the paper...
It's up to you if you want to light them. I bought cheap dollar store candles and I don't light them, I just use them for decoration or photo shoots. They are too pretty to burn away! *** Don't worry, be crafty! Buy Crafty Chica books & art supplies at Amazon.com!
• Posted by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, 11:26 AM
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Mirrored Mission Ornaments
This is a project from my Crafty Chica Collection book. All you need is tin, a ballpoint pen, a magazine, glass paint pens, crystals and small purse mirrors.You cut the tin to look like a mission church (there are templates in the book), set them on a magazine, emboss designs using the pen, color the areas, add the crystals, and then glue the mirror to the back. Don't forget to punch a hole at the top so you can hang it!
I made these for the holidays, but you can do larger versions for your home decor. *** Don't worry, be crafty! Buy Crafty Chica books & art supplies at Amazon.com!
• Posted by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, 11:17 AM
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Tin Ornaments & their many uses!
Every year I buy these Mexican tin ornaments, hang them on my tree, and then use them as gift tags for Christmas day. I love them so much that I use them all year round in different forms. For example, for this project, I simply snipped off the hang tag from the top and glued the ornament to a chopstick. Hello! Instant plant poke!
Other ideas:
- Hang several from string to make a banner. - Use them on a cake - Use as the focal point for a shadow box, or a collections of boxes! - Glue on the top of a gift box. - Glue together in a circle, add a base for a fun candle lantern. - Affix to the front of a greeting card. - Use a paint pen to use as a gift tag (that's what I do). *** Don't worry, be crafty! Buy Crafty Chica books & art supplies at Amazon.com!
• Posted by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, 11:06 AM
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Kwanzaa 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!
• Posted by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, 10:55 AM
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Flowered Balconey Gift tower
This is super fancy gift wrap idea from my sister-in-law, Michelle Cano. She comes up with the most outlandish decorating ideas! This is three boxes wrapped with fabric and tied together with ribbon. She hot glued mini-flower pots to give it a garden-y look. For complete directions, check out my Crafty Chica Collection book!
*** Don't worry, be crafty! Buy Crafty Chica books & art supplies at Amazon.com!
• Posted by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, 10:45 AM
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Frida Jewelry Set
I used chunky coral beads and turquoise balls to make this set inspired by Frida Kahlo's jewelry. For the images, I wanted to try something different so I used liquid Sculpey to transfer the images, and regular Sculpey for the background. You can also use decoupaged wood pieces too!
This is beautiful set to make for a friend or family member who loves Mexican culture, Frida, or big jewelry. Of course, you can make it for yourself too! And if you don't like Frida, you can use any kind of image...
For complete directions, see my Art de la Soul book! *** Don't worry, be crafty! Buy Crafty Chica books & art supplies at Amazon.com!
• Posted by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, 10:35 AM
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Family-Tree-in-A-Box
Come holiday season, it's hard to think of each person to buy a gift for and what they want or need. And especially what you got them last year. I come from a BIG family, and so does my husband. We need help keeping everyone in order!
Think of this project as a filing system for your family members. Make a section for each family (friends too!) (like a recipe box!) and then decorate a card for each person with all the important details. That when when it comes to shopping for them you can see remember their favorite colors, hobbies, etc. It will make your gift all the more personable!
You can do it digitally, keep it in a folder and update whenever you want, or just hand write updates.
*** Don't worry, be crafty! Buy Crafty Chica books & art supplies at Amazon.com!
• Posted by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, 10:21 AM
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Warrior Angel Shadow Box
This is from a book I contributed too, Angel Crafts. I call it an Angel Warrior box because I believe we all have powerful angels flying around us, that are soft and pretty - but they can also kick butt to protect us, just like warriors!
Paint the box and then sand the edges. Paint and glitter the wood hear and glue it to the back of the box. Paint the bottlecap as a face, glue it to the wood heart. Make the dress and wings out scrap fabric or paper, glue in place. Add yarn for hair. Paint accents around the border and glue down milagros and crystals.
• Posted by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, 9:59 AM
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About Me
Name: Kathy Cano-Murillo
Location: Phoenix, Arizona, United States
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 a new product line! I write a 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!
Are you a Crafty Chica? Wear a T-Shirt to prove it!
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