Posted by comadre on 2004-08-25 10:37:38
Post Subject: Crafty Chica Teleforum
If you enjoy Kathy Cano Murillo's wit and wisdom on her website www.CraftyChica.com then you'll love the Crafty Chica teleforum on Thursday Sept 8 at 5pm Pacific Time.
A teleforum is a big conference call where you're on live and can ask questions, learn cool stuff,etc.
The call will be hosted by Nancy Marmolejo of Comadre Coaching, www.ComadreCoaching.com, life and business coach for wildly creative women.
It's free, it's fun, it's the place to be.
For more info and to sign up go to http://www.comadrecoaching.com/murilloforum.html
Posted by iamsonotcool on 2008-05-14 14:37:22
Post Subject: any urban alternative crafters on long island??
howdy there crafters:)
just droppin a line to see if there are any crafty chica's on long island or in the area who could send me in the right direction to find some places or fairs to vend??? i know about the artists and fleas in brooklyn but i dont know anyone who has done the events and so i am hesitant to spend the limited funds that i have on a table fee and then not sell anything. that would be a bummer. i also heard about the brownstone fleas in brooklyn but again i dont know much about it and so i am at a standstill. and i keep wondering to myself... there's gotta be some crafty ladies on long island. there's a licrafters.com forum that i checked out and the people were nice but nothing came out of it. alas. im still without a venue and without the right people to start up a monthly or bi weekly crafty set up. i know a bunch of places we could have events and i make all kinds of urban crafty stuff. so anyone wanna try and do something with me or have any advice on what i should do? i appreciate all your help and i thank you all in advance:)
peace and falafel
cheryl:)
Posted by CraftyChicaAZ on 2008-07-26 22:14:54
Post Subject: My product line debuts in Michaels next week!
I've always credited GetCrafty.com for one of my main inspirations for my Crafty Chica site!!
Jean Railla, I *heart* you!!!
It's been a long, fun road, and I'm happy to share that I've psent the last year designing a new product line with Duncan Enterprises, the makers of Aleene's Tacky Glue and Tulip paints!
You see gobs of more info on my site - I'm going on a tour to California stores too!
Here is a list of Michaels stores that will carry the line! 41 products in all! i am very proud to bring some indie spirit to the mainstream crafty world - and a tad (a LOT) scared too!
i also want to share this news as a way to encourage all of you to stay on it! Build your brand, work every opportunity, and i'm here if you have questions about anything!!! It was a long, fun - but very intensive process!
Peace, love, and glitter to you!!!!
Kathy :-)
(Crafty Chica)
Posted by lu-lu-gee on 2005-12-06 12:10:14
Post Subject:
I live in Tucson, AZ, and my hubby and I pick up the Fri. edition of the Az Republic (Phoenix newspaper). What did I see last Fri. but an article written by Crafty Chica about how to decorate with glitter.
Not only did I go out and buy a ton of glitter glue pens for my daughters and decorated a ton of ornaments, but I ran around my house with the article shouting "I know who this is! She is soooo awesome!"
Posted by alteredtome on 2005-11-15 16:23:21
Post Subject: The Crafty Chica rides again
Dear Mrs. Crafty Chica (she's married, y'all, so I can call her Mrs.) :)
I was in the library the other day, checking out the crafty books, and guess who's book I picked up? Yours, of course! It's the "The Crafty Diva's Lifestyle Makeover". That is the cutest, funnest darn book dedicated to the teen craftistas I have ever seen! I couldn't help laughing at the little references that I'm sure your daughter helped with. I loved your reference to the Sims. Hehe! And how cute were the crafts? The cutest! Now, I know that you don't make much profit from a book being in the library (except for the exposure that you get), but in my mind, being in the library means that you've made it. :)
Then today, in my Link Latte from Marney Makridakis over at Artella Words and Art (http://www.artellawordsandart.com), guess who's website she's showing off? Yours again! For anyone who hasn't checked out this fabulous resource, she's at http://www.craftychica.com/index2.php. I am saturated with the Crafty Chica, and I'm loving it! I'm gushing a bit, I know, but it's because I know you from here. It's just wonderful to see a person from Get Crafty who has "made it", ya know (although I know you were already successful before Get Crafty got started)? It gives me inspiration that someday, I too may be able to turn this wonderful pastime of mine into a profitable business. You rock!
Posted by brdgt on 2006-10-02 12:16:44
Post Subject:
Lots of crafty podcasts come up if you google "crafty podcast," including, Crafty Chica.
Personally, I love downloading audiobooks to my Ipod so I don't have to lug around the cds and I can return them to the library in plenty of time even if I'm not done listening :)
Posted by Snufkin on 2005-10-10 13:24:56
Post Subject:
I'm sure Crafty Chica will have plenty to say on the topic, though being October this is her busy season! However if you simply Google the term Muertos, the site with her husband's artwork comes up at #1.
Muertos is a syncratic ( think that's the term) custom that's equal part Halloween, All Saint's Day, and indigenious custom. It sounds like with Halloween, it was originally an attempt by the Catholic Church to get people to celebrate a pagan holiday as All Saint's Day, except that the two customs become something else instead. People use it as a time to remember their departed loved ones by paying homage to them through building alters (which have flowers, their photos, favorite types of food & cigarettes, et cetera). Some of the things you always see are calaveras (skulls) made out of sugar, pan de muertos (bread in the shape of a skull), brilliant cockscomb flowers (intense orange & magenta color), and candles.
The first night is for the spirits of deceased children (angelitos) to return and the second night is for adults.
It's become a huge tourist attraction in recent years - like there are tours for tourists (toting huge amounts of camera equipment) was want to be part of it, or "best decorated tombstone" contests (kind of like Snoopy's doghouse in A Charlie Brown Christmas) . However it's primarily a big holiday for family and friends to get together, kind of like how Thanksgiving is here in the US.
I actually went to the city of Oaxaca in Mexico last year for the event and have some photos of the alters, types of flowers used, family observations at graveside etc if you're interested.
Posted by CraftyChicaAZ on 2004-11-29 22:54:02
Post Subject: my dad's tamales in better homes & gardens!
this month's issue (december, i mean). he is so cute, he makes 30 dozen every year. this year i've been helping him for the past two weekends, 40 dozen total. now i'm on tamale overload, but at least i know his tips and tricks...the hardest part is the masa - and rolling them, he is so perfect he made me redo several. i'm like, "but dad, i'm the crafty chica i can handle a corn husk!" he goes "well who ever you are, you're doing it wrong, try it again!"
Posted by CraftyChicaAZ on 2008-07-26 22:17:01
Post Subject: My product line debuts in Michaels stores next week!
I posted this in "Girls gone Crafty" but wanted to share the big news here too, hope you don't mind the double post, you can delete, i totally understand!!
I've always credited GetCrafty.com for one of my main inspirations for my Crafty Chica site!!
Jean Railla, I *heart* you!!!
It's been a long, fun road, and I'm happy to share that I've spent the last year designing a new product line with Duncan Enterprises, the makers of Aleene's Tacky Glue and Tulip paints!
You can see gobs of more info on my site - I'm going on a tour to California stores too!
Here is a list of Michaels stores that will carry the line! 41 products in all! i am very proud to bring some indie spirit to the mainstream crafty world - and a tad (a LOT) scared too!
i also want to share this news as a way to encourage all of you to stay on it! Build your brand, work every opportunity, and i'm here if you have questions about anything!!! It was a long, fun - but very intensive process!
Peace, love, and glitter to you!!!!
Kathy :-)
(Crafty Chica)
Posted by CraftyChicaAZ on 2004-05-31 19:47:28
Post Subject: mac friendly web hosting
i have been using homestead.com for my crafty chica web site, its a drop and drag program that lets me incorporate html.
but now that i have an imac, it doesn't work. does anyone know of a similiar type of company that works for macs? or is it because mac people should already know how to build their own sites (bites knuckles)? i know html, but not enough to make and maintain a site i like...
thanks in advance for any help!! i'm looking into taking classes too.
Posted by sewoff on 2005-04-02 12:34:27
Post Subject:
an eyelet and a grommet are both metal rings that are inserted into your fabric to make a hole - eyelets are very small - grommets are larger usually 1/2" diameter and up -- however if you ever read a craft or home decorating book from the UK grommets are called eyelets.
there are both grommet and eyelet tools available at sewing and craft stores -- larger grommets usually have to be installed using a mallet - there are also "professional" grommet tools used by drapery workrooms - they have various size dies -- but they are very costly usually around $100 for the grommet tool and then 25 - 30 for each die - that's for the smaller grommets -- larger size grommets and tool are even more. -
Crafty chica is right a rivet is flat -- look at the corners of the pockets on blue jeans -- those metal reinforcements are rivets.
Posted by Karla on 2004-10-05 15:22:15
Post Subject:
This year, we are going to have a pumpkin carving party. Me, my boyfriend and some friends are going to the pumpkin patch to take a hayride and pick out pumpkins. Then we are going to my house to carve them and have some food and drinks. Here is some of the food we will be making...
Buttered Rum Spiced Cider
http://www.backofthebox.com/recipes/beverages/buttered-rum-spiced-cider.html
Caramelized Brie with apples
http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/getrecipe.zsp?id=44946
Gingerbread muffins with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_21771,00.html
Crafty chica has some really neat Halloween and Dia de los Muertos crafts up on her web-site.
What about bobbing for apples? That is a tradition for singles. The first one to bite the apple is supposed to be the next one to hook up.
I think cocktail parties these days are pretty much however you want them to be. There are a couple different styles but, the main idea, I think, is for people to meet and mingle. In this case, provide some witches brew and bloody marys and ask your friends to supply whatever else they might want. Would your friends be more willing to dress in costume if you offered a prize?
You could theme the party to make them feel like everyone else will be playing along. For example; vicars and tarts (or "priests and prostitutes"). It's done in England....I didn't expect many people to dress up when I did this on St. Val's day but EVERYONE did.
Posted by lilmissthrifty on 2006-03-18 15:56:04
Post Subject:
i just ordered the new crafty chica book...sounds really fun!! and the starving artists way... should inspire me to get craftin!! Has anyone read either of these yet??
Posted by CraftyChicaAZ on 2004-09-04 00:51:00
Post Subject: i'm sorry i've been gone! it's for a good reason!
things started clicking all at once!
i just finished up the second crafty diva book and it soaked up so much time these past couple months. the same time i was working on it, i had to do a very detailed proposal within a week for a major trade publisher, who bought my next title (Harper Collins!!). I got invited to do segments on DIY Network, so I had to pull a bunch of samples together AND THEN last week I was approached to launch a Crafty Chica TV show for a new statellite TV channel that starts up in December (and tapes here in Phoenix!). I won't believe that last one until I actually see the thing air, it sounds to weird to be true...
Holy glue guns! Things have been crazy! This was the first weekend in months that I can chill, so this was the first place I checked in. Tomorrow I'm writing a crafty books piece for Jean. Then I can fully chillax. It feels so good to take a breather!! For a minute at least :-)
Posted by abigailamy on 2004-06-14 16:54:23
Post Subject:
Hello Crafty Chica & Lizzy!
CC - thank you, I'm glad you think the gift wrap zine is a good idea. It sounds like your sister is a great gift wrapper and its always nice to get a gift from someone where the giftwrapping is just as much fun as the gift itself. I don't have photos up yet - I'm in graduate school and have been juggling end of the term. But I want to do some projects and take some photos. I'd love to do a zine that could have photos but I'm still learning about html and designing websites - my skill level is very basic. :)
Lizzy - thank you for the advice on the contest. I think your ideas make a lot of sense for planning this contest. I appreciate it!
Posted by PamTheQueen on 2004-09-20 22:01:28
Post Subject: I got kicked out of Barnes & Noble tonight...
well, not really...hehe, but I made enough noise!
I stopped in to get the fall issue of Martha's (doesn't say her name anymore) Kid magazine for ideas for my newest new job teaching arts and crafts. I also picked up a fall and winter edition of Paper&Crafts mag just to get more ideas to work with (as if I don't have enough ideas running through my head at 500 MPH!)
Well, decided to head back to the crafts books to see if there were any new books. Nevermind that i've already checked this section at least 3 times the past 7 days -- you just never know! Scan, scan, scan the shelves and then BOOM! Pam squeals and shouts and giggles a bit too loudly for any store, much less a nice quiet bookstore....
Guess what book made me back that noise?
Jean's book!!!!!! "Get Crafty:Hip Home Ec"
Yes, i'm a dork and easily excited (just like my shih tzu), but I really was excited to see this book. I've been meaning to order it since last week, but I was waiting to do it on my husband's Amazon acccount.
I bet i'll really get kicked out when Jenny Hart's new Stitch Kit comes out and anything more by that Crafty Chica, Kathy Murillo!
okay...back to coming up with what projects I am going to teach for the next week and a half!
Posted by CraftyChicaAZ on 2005-04-02 17:32:55
Post Subject:
thank you!! i'm a new person today! all fresh and springy. today and the rest of the weekend i'm going to PLAY and enjoy this feeling. and then monday i'll get back in the regular swing of things, repsonsiiblity wise!
the book is called "crafty chica's art de la soul" it is craft projects/ideas on how to using art to pep up your life/"chicken soup" type memoirs of mine that tie into my ups and down of living an artful life.
it comes out in january! believe me, i'll keep you posted! this is theonly place where i really felt like anyone could understand that feeling i had!!!
Posted by delqc on 2005-08-23 12:52:56
Post Subject:
I second the sandpaper .... This has worked well for me.
I have also 'accidentally' distressed some jeans by spilling liquid diswasher detergent on them. It has bleach in it and makes them fade where it was. This might help you do a "controlled and targeted" bleaching -
There's also the bleach pens - crafty chica uses them for some projects on her website. They might work for you too.
Posted by lizzymahoney on 2004-11-30 00:11:01
Post Subject:
Lots of things you can buy at a dollar or craft store can be embellished.
Crafty Chica has just posted some matchbox shrines she did. You could do really simple ones by covering purchased match boxes with felt and rick-rack or something. Not a shrine but decorative and useful. Same thing with decks of cards
Someone else here has been asking about bookmarks. Lots of ideas. Maybe that was on glitter, though.
If you sew, there are plenty of fleece things to make like mittens and neck cuffs.
Decorate pens or pencils or toothbrushes.
Decoupage little craft boxes with magazine photos or letters.
Posted by waterbaby on 2004-09-29 19:50:34
Post Subject:
A chance to meet Crafty Chica?!? You bet! (Can you tell I've been reading your columns online for a while now?) And of course it would be great to meet other LA getcraftyers, too!
I'm pretty centrally located in LA and can recommend several places to meet for coffee over a fairly wide area. However, let me offer an alternative: how about y'all come over to my place and I'll make brunch?
Posted by kindarana on 2006-02-07 08:36:28
Post Subject:
This has nothing to do with books, but I hope it cheers you up:
When I went to a tourist trap in Mexico last Christmas, I saw all the crap they were selling and couldn't bear to buy it because if I wanted real Mexican art, I should just get it from Crafty Chica.
Posted by hipkitty on 2004-12-20 17:43:26
Post Subject:
http://www.lisavollrath.com/articles/ - is an awesome one if you are into paper type crafts
http://www.geocities.com/thechecker2000/p-p.html - for some great beading patterns
Here are a whole bunch more that I keep in my notepad:
Craft links
Craft Town
http://www.craftown.com/
Crafts
http://www.recipegoldmine.com/crafts/crafts.html
Crafty Chica
http://www.craftychica.homestead.com/
Daydreaming On Paper
http://bellsouthpwp.net/d/r/drv1913/archive.html
DIY net
http://www.diynet.com
Fashion Icon
http://www.fashion-icon.com/studio/index.html
Frugal Craft
http://www.frugalcrafts.com/
Funky Recycling Ideas
http://www.nzert.org/oldweb/Recycling__ideas.htm
Holiday Crafter
http://www.holidaycrafter.com/page1004.html
HSN
http://www.hsn.com/cnt/sf/default.aspx?sz=31&sf=CT
Matchbox shrines
http://www.aisling.net/gallery/shrines/elvismatchbook.htm
Not Martha
http://megan.scatterbrain.org/notmartha/
oddrocket
http://www.oddrocket.com
oddrocket
http://www.oddrocket.com
She Made This
http://shemadethis.com/main.htm
Tracey Porter
http://www.tracyporter.com/make_and_create/index.shtml
Wacky Uses
http://www.wackyuses.com/uses.html
Beading
Aunt Mollys Bead Street
http://www.flash.net/~mjtafoya/home.htm
Beadnik Bead Patterns
http://members.tripod.com/~beadnik/index.html
Beltana Beading Patterns
http://www.angelfire.com/co2/beltana/main.html
Checker beads (Patterns)
Bead patterns
http://checkerbeads.tripod.com/index.html
DonnasDreams Beading
http://www.members.tripod.com/DonnasDreams/index.html
Elainecraft Beading Patterns
http://www.elainecraft.com/instructions/instructions.html
Howing Rabbit Bead Patterns
http://www.howlingrabbit.com/
Jelly beads Patterns
http://www.geocities.com/jelly_beads/2.html
Joust beads
http://www.joust.com/AB/index.html
Large stars
Directions on how to make large beaded stars
http://www.homestead.com/eaglespirituk/pentaclemedium.html
Paper Beads
Make your own paper beads!!!
http://www.geocities.com/titanicsunrise/Crafts.htm
Picture of a large star
http://groups.msn.com/shinycraftypeople/mycreations.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=1287
Ruby's Beadwork
http://www.rubysbeadwork.com/
Small Stars
Directions on making small beaded stars
http://www.geocities.com/thechecker2000/stars2.html
Book binding
Book binding
http://www.sff.net/people/brook.west/bind/bindit.html
Book making
http://world.std.com/~deanb/zgg/book_5st_1.html
Posted by brdgt on 2006-06-05 09:58:12
Post Subject:
I've seen a lot of books made into purses lately. Here's an HGTV article about it.
You could also gut the contents and use the hardcover as a cover for a hand-bound journal. Softcovers can be used for all kinds of art - lightswitch covers, recovering tins, what have you...
And Crafty Chica has a book purse in her new book!
Posted by alteredtome on 2005-10-08 18:26:49
Post Subject:
Oh Crafty Chica, that completely sucks....it's just evil for someone to do this kind of thing. Now I'm worried about the Royalty Free Clip Art CD that I got, sold on eBay (don't worry, none of your hubbies work, old vintage black & white images). Are you having any luck finding the people that made the original CD? Ug, I'm up here in CO, but if I see it here, or see it online, I will definitely let you know. Is this something that you go to the police for, or do you contact a lawyer, or both?
I wonder if you and your hubbie put out your own CD, with express instructions that these are for personal use only, cannot be reproduced for any commercial venture, if that would help, in that suddenly, the real deal is out there, which makes for competition. Both of you are very talented, and there is obviously a demand for your images. Just a thought, since it may take a while to track down all of the sellers, and find the original, uh, image-stealing rat (trying to say it without cussing).
Best, best, best of luck to you, in solving your mystery, and protecting what's yours.
Posted by susan*s on 2004-05-10 16:27:32
Post Subject:
oh my goodness Crafty Chica! Your stories are the best!
My boyfriend also has big hair--it's beautiful, black and curly. He keeps his glasses in it on the top of his head! They stay perfectly. I absolutely love big curly hair, especially dark colored (I have straight/wavy light brown hair, blah).
I have a few hair disasters to recount:
-In high school I was going to the prom and wanted to get my hair done, so i went to the local beauty college. I asked for an updo, picturing something elegant and princessy. The woman working on my hair gave me a real Southern Girl Special--she built it SO high that I was taller than my 6-foot boyfriend, that it brushed the ceiling of my car when I was driving home, and it contained two packs of bobby pins and a TON of hairspray. It was hell taking it all out later that night!!
-A few years ago I had hair almost to my waist. I went camping with my boyfriend and didn't brush it for a few days so it was a bit tangled (I have super, super thick hair). We got back to Portland and I started feeling sick. The next day I was in agony. I ended up having to have an emergency appendectomy and my hair was trashed, there were fist-sized knots in it! When I got home from the hospital I had to cut it all off, and I couldn't even donate it to Locks of Love (which is what I always imagined doing with two feet of hair when I was ready). It was so sad feeling unbelievably crappy and having my hair 80% gone too...
-Then, last summer when we first moved into this apartment, we didn't have any window screens and we kept getting flies in the living room, which was super annoying. So Andrew hung a roll of flypaper in the middle of the room, it never attracted any flies and I hated it, so I asked him to take it down (he is much taller than I am) and he said he would. Well, i had my long hair up in a ponytail and he asked me something a minute later, and I turned my head fast and felt something grab the ponytail... and it was the FLYPAPER!! I started screaming, it was so so horrible. he had to pull it of my hair and it hurt! I was so traumatized, I was hysterical. I just grabbed the scissors and chopped it all off--leaving me with boy-length hair all of the sudden. My cut-off hair was just tangled with fly glue and once again worthless for Locks of Love. The thing about that emergency haircut was that everyone loved it! I thought I looked like a boy but when I went to a party that night convinced I looked horrible with swollen eyes fro mcrying and no hair, I actually got a lot of compliments.
Now my hair is long again, but I have no appendix left and have banned all flypaper from my house so hopefully I will not ever have to go through this hair trauma again! And this time when I cut it off I will donate it!
Posted by lizzymahoney on 2006-04-15 08:06:17
Post Subject:
Do you have inexpensive stick pens available near you? Crafty Chica did this really simple thing with the clear ones. She inserted pretty paper to personalize them. She has lots of other stuff, some way more involved.
If you have a party supply place nearby, you can find stuff like tiny bottles of bubble maker. Use a printer to print colorful labels, or make your own with stamps and glitter. People will use them right away, attracting more people to buy them.
A more involved crafty fundraiser is bracelets made with team colors, or school colors. It takes a little experience to handle the crimping and attaching clasps, but you probably could make some money with stringing on stretchy elastic, too.
Posted by CraftyChicaAZ on 2006-02-06 23:56:55
Post Subject: Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul (and my anxiety attack!)
Hi crafty chicas!!!
I'm having a pity, anxiety party and you are invited!
Tomorrow is the release of my fifth crafty book (it is a fun d-i-y book with all power pop Latino-themed projects). What am I freaking? Because all along my publisher has told me to be prepared to work hard, that I'm dealing with two niches - Latinos and crafts. "A niche within a niche".
All along I looked at it as the opposite: "I'm not targeting one big group, but TWO!". I'm optimistic!!
But now, on the eve of the book's release, I'm having a panic attack. They are the publisher, what if they are right and my book is never discovered because it truly is a "niche within a niche"? How can I move 50,000 copies?
So I'm on my knees right now, clasping my glitter-encrusted fingers to you all. Please, please, pretty please with a helping of expensive vintage glass glitter - will you help me spread the word far and wide? Here is the name of the book:
"Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life" (Rayo, an imprint of Harper Collins). Tell your peeps it is only $13.57 on Amazon! Buy two and shipping is free!!!
I know in my heart that there is an audience for Virgin of Guadalupe fabric collage art. And a string of patio lights made from nasty Mexican romance comics. Did I mention the Aztec Body Fondue?
Tonight I'm lighting a row of hot pink prayer candles that I embellished with pictures from my book, in the hopes that I will wake up tomorrow (and the next days) and my book will be "My Big Fat Latino Craft Book" success...
A chica can dream, right?
Peace, love, glitter and eternal good karma if you even tell ONE person. It can even be the grocery store clerk, or the mailman, a message group of crafty amigas are even better.
Posted by surfer rosa on 2004-05-28 09:33:20
Post Subject:
I hear you, Crafty Chica! I think that movie looks great-- and I think a matinee is the perfect thing to do after a stressful week and at the beginning of a cold!
Posted by revafisheye on 2005-05-09 11:43:54
Post Subject:
The biggest risk I ever took was moving to NYC from NC with $600 in my checking account ($400 of it was immediately paid to rent), no savings and no job. Best move (in all senses) I ever made; I'd do it again in a second.
Crafty Chica, you are clearly not jumping off the cliff blindly. Kudos for knowing when you can afford (financially and emotionally) a scary, but exciting, change. As we say in improv, "follow the fear." It always pays off.
Posted by artgeek on 2006-11-08 00:00:30
Post Subject:
CraftinFool, was Oranges the first book by Winterson you've read? I only ask because it's quite different from her normal fare and wanted you to be properly warned. Please note, however, that this is only meant as an informational warning--I certainly don't want to scare you off her books. She's one of my favorite authors and has a beautifully unique voice!
Anyway, on to my reading this month...which was, unfortunately, pretty minimal. I've been busy on the homefront and had a harder time than expected making my way through one book.
David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas took me the bulk of the month to read, but it was oh-so-very worthwhile. Anything I would do to describe the book would only cheapen what was a great literary experience. I'll definitely be looking for more by this author.
I also managed to read The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cornwell, second in a series of books about the Danes and Alfred the Great. I've been a fan of Cornwell since my husband turned me on to his Arthurian trilogy, and these books have been similar in that they use a minor character to give a view onto historically/culturally important people, events and themes.
Otherwise, I only had the opportunity to look at two crafting books: Supercrafty and Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul. The first I was kind of "meh" about and didn't do much other than flip through it, but the latter really impressed me. The projects were unique and fun, but what really stood out was Kathy Cano Murillo's voice. I mean, the woman even made the introduction to her book fun and inspiring. How impossible of a feat is that? Every page seemed to vibrate with a sense of fun and can-do and why-don'tcha-do that I found just irresistable.
I also started To Kill a Mockingbird last month--inspired by our thread on classic books--and just finished it this morning. A friend of mine is also going to rent the movie for us to watch some afternoon this week, so I'll be doing a whole lot of cultural catch-up on the Harper Lee front.
About the book itself, I'll say it certainly deserves to be considered a classic and had just amazing, but utterly believable characters. I'm grateful for the time and attention I gave it.
Posted by louisa on 2005-06-15 11:44:20
Post Subject:
I love that quote Crafty Chica! I recently had a bit of a run-in with my sister in-law.. Who told me I had given a bit too much advice.. I recommended she go to the natural health stores and get some supplements for her son.. I am not sure what, but there are about 6 stores in a row where we live in vancouver.. My advice was go and ask them what is popular..what people have been buying. Fish oils...that kinda thing. I take Concerta for my Add and my nephew is ADHD and my brother doesn't believe in medication, so her hands are tied.. The school is recommending medication. I feel bad for him because I know what its like. Anyway I just asked if she had visited the stores and found something.. The funny part was she said, I am sure you don't give your friend Jules advice...and I do all the time. She just ignores the advice she doesn't want--I would call it feedback and info-choices..Advice has such a negative connotation for some. Well another friend of mine said save your philosophy and deep stuff..for a few select friends on your inner circle.. with everyone else interact on a shallower level. There are people that no matter how fantastic your ideas and insight are..don't want it. Your own personal energy will be so much higher...once you save your precious energy only for those in your inner, inner circle.. Hope that helps.. Or as my dad says to everything. "there are people like that!"
Posted by CraftyChicaAZ on 2005-12-15 15:09:24
Post Subject: Harper Collins signed me on for another book!!!
Jumping up and down...
It's a sewing book! Working title is Crafty Chica's Stitches Gone Wild. It's a book for people who want to sew but are too busy to learn ALL the gory details. It's easy techniques with fantastic project ideas so everyone can have fun indulging in fabrics, threads, etc... without getting frustrated at the directions. Kamikaze sewing in a way!
Posted by sjkmaurice on 2005-04-14 09:29:43
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Thank you Crafty Chica for your polite reply. I posted because I wanted support but you can see what I got in return. Especially you Ruggedchick; you are quite rude as well as misinformed. But since you lost your boyfriend, maybe that's what your problem is.
This is so not like me because I avoid petty, meaningless, idiocracy for the most part because I believe it doesn't belong in my life, but I had to respond. I can't believe you would take an arguement about something as childish as "schoolyard taunting" and take it to this level. Yeah, whatever, have your own opinion and be as obnoxious as you want about it, but this is just plain vicious. I hope that when you experience the feeling that comes with the terrible loss of a loved one you remember how cruel you were and I hope it makes you feel even worse. Blast me for this; I know you will and I don't care because you, whose thoughts you think are so valid in all our lives, are nothing but a mean-spirited insitigator. This must be the "troll" behaviour that was talked about in another post. It's sickening.
Posted by red.sugar.stars on 2005-04-13 22:22:35
Post Subject:
Thank you Crafty Chica for your polite reply. I posted because I wanted support but you can see what I got in return. Especially you Ruggedchick; you are quite rude as well as misinformed. But since you lost your boyfriend, maybe that's what your problem is.
The rest of you who replied I don't give a hoot for the lot of you.
Tsia was incredibly ill mannered and disrespectful toward me and I don't accept that from people.
As far as this board goes, I can't stand the cliquishness of it and I will not be a part of it. This is a loss for you as you will lose an intelligent thoughtful poster as well as a good swap partner but I'm sure you're not intelligent enough to even figure that out.
Carry on.
Red sugar - I'm sorry you got a message like that, not cool at all. My advice? Just let that message go and ignore it.
Just like in our daily lives, we hear and come across all kinds of sucky comments and people (I encounter them all the time at work!), just let it roll off your back, don't let it mess with your day. Comments like that have no value and aren't even worth giving energy to, it's not worth it.
Whaddaya say? Let's let this post die and move on to more interesting life-fulling, inspring, entertaining topics for our own crafty good.
Posted by susan*s on 2004-05-12 17:45:36
Post Subject:
OK Crafty Chica, that was the best & funniest thing I have ever read. You rock!
I have a few specific bookstores in mind to target: Powell's in Portland, definitely--there are 7 locations. S&B has sold REALLY well there so I bet your book would be a great fit too. Also, in Raleigh, North Carolina there is a very cool indie bookstore called Quail Ridge Books that does great book events, too. My mom is friends with the owner and she is really involved with promoting books she likes herself (my cousin wrote Cold Mountain & she really pushed it, it sold thousands of copies at her shop and then just got huge).
As for national chains--what Bonnell said about B&N is really helpful, I think! It's great to know that stuff.
Posted by comadre on 2004-09-20 13:48:15
Post Subject:
I like what Crafty Chica said:
what about a general "mi familia" section or even a "lifestyle/family" (too broad?)where we can post about things dealing with trying to exercise, discerning mom-in-laws, kid issues and/or that funky co-worker at the office?
Since becoming a mom my crafting life has changed radically. My toddler scoops up beads and throws them around, I want to know what is a safe way to store my supplies that won't put her in danger, how do I find the time to finish projects when I'm doing so many other things, etc?
Maybe it's more of a life balance issue, but for some reason parenting puts life balance on the forefront. And it affects my craft life!
Posted by acebeader on 2005-11-30 09:03:08
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I stayed away on Friday, but hit JoAnn's on Saturday, they had some good sales all weekend. You are right Crafty Chica, it was nice to spoil myself with some new card making tools!
Posted by lizzymahoney on 2004-06-23 12:04:44
Post Subject:
I tend to bestow things all year round. I don't give gifts per se, but will plant a new tree at my sister's house or bring over something I've made. I'll find things at thrifts that I think of for someone else and just present them.
For Father's Day, I just bought and cut a large piece of denser foam for my Dad's favorite chair, then recovered the cushion. No card, no wrapping, no sappy sentiment. Just a "oh, by the way..." moment.
I have some Christmas gifty items stockpiled, mostly stuff I need to embellish. For instance these seasonal candle kits that need a little more oomph: I'll probably change up the platter, add a decorated matchbox, make a few picks with silk flowers or with real pinecones and stuff, then rebox and give to whomever.
I had made some of Crafty Chica's painted flowerpot candle holders and my sister came down for a memorial service. I told her to take what she wanted and she cleaned me out. They were really cute, but like two matching pairs and five random with totally different styles. Knowing her, she will probably give them to her teacher friends at the school where she works. Whatever.
Every kick I get on about making certain kinds of things for Christmas doesn't last long. I'll do it partway, then get bored. Often I have a dozen or so cookie varieties made that I can wrap at the last minute for parties. But the year I wanted to make truffles and put them in Christmas themed mugs wrapped in colored cellophane with a sprig of holly and a cinnamon stick? I sold the mugs at a garage sale and ate most of the truffles myself.
Oh, I'm an atheist who will say that I am saving the rainforest by not sending cards, but it's really because I can't be bothered with the shallow sentiment at only one time a year. If you can't respond to my occasional emails, cousin, why should I care about sending or receiving a christmas card from you?
Posted by redheadedali on 2005-11-27 00:49:39
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A new tradition is yelling at the cats to stop eating our tree branches. They're stupid.
(snort) That's hilarious. Our cat doesn't try to eat the tree, but we do tend to find ornaments in the weirdest places, like under the furniture.
Favorite holiday movies: Home Alone, A Christmas Story, those cartoons on TV - Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman - maybe they were a claymation type of thing, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (cartoon version).
Don't forget A Charlie Brown Christmas! Then there's Elf - I only went to see it to humor my mother, but I thought it was hilarious. And maybe I'm warped, but one of my very favorite Christmas movies is The Ref - I seriously think it is one of the funniest movies ever made. I am also a TV-on-DVD addict, so I tend to watch the Christmas episodes from the shows I have in my collection: My So-Called Life, Buffy, The Vicar of Dibley, Gilmore Girls, etc. Also, it's not technically a Christmas movie, but a big part of Desk Set with Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy takes place at Christmas time, and I love that movie.
OK, stopping now.
Alison, Christmas lover
P.S. Crafty Chica, that idea of giving ornaments out to random people is genius - now if I can just find the time to make some ornaments. ;)
Posted by cannibalsandwich on 2005-05-18 13:11:25
Post Subject:
the one with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders doing scrapbooking was almost more than I could take.
I sooo don't regret not getting a satellite dish. (Sorry for garbling the English language. I writes like I speaks, and I'm from California.)
That being said, where's the Crafty Chica Hour? Maybe they don't want to turn off the tole painters by being too hip. How about something on the art quilt movement? Mosaic basics? Collage art that didn't start it's life in a scrapbooking store?
If GetCrafty gets to take over the DIY Network, I want to help!
Posted by artgeek on 2007-03-18 10:25:55
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I think "share a craft" is for sharing patterns, asking questions about different crafts, etc.
In a perfect world, "girls gone crafty" would be where members share info about their crafty businesses, articles, books, etc or information about crafty businesses, articles, and books they like/don't. So, when the Crafty Chica gets a new book publishes, she posts in GGC or like that previous thread where a member had a horrific customer service experience with an Etsy seller...that goes in GGC.
I'm really put off by people who sign up, post a link to their business on the blog, in the "crafty businesses thread," start a thread in GGC and never return. To me, those aren't members, and we're just giving them oodles of free advert space.
I think the original intent of GGC was to empower our crafty members to sell their wares and get help doing so, but now it's just absolutely ignored.
Posted by lunacouer on 2005-08-14 23:59:53
Post Subject:
But see, Crafty Chica, that's what we've been talking about. There may be an exception to the hard and fast copyright/trademark laws. Up a few posts, we were discussing a case concerning an eBay-er who was selling handbags, pillows, etc, that were made from licensed fabric. The woman, Tabberone (Karen), was systematically shut down by big companies, MLB, M&M Mars, Disney, because she was selling things made out of their licensed fabric, without a license or permission. She sued every single one of those big-wigs, and won each case. So, perhaps, copyright/trademark infringement isn't as cut & dry as we all thought (see above posts for the links/lengthy discourses).
In the case of licensed fabric, it might be ok to make things out of it, then turn around and sell what you made, without paying the huge fee for a license to each and every company (unlike publishing a book, where you have to make sure you've got permission to publish photos, text, etc, or you really could be legally up a creek without a paddle). Like I said before, you may have to put up a fight to do it, which I'm sure many crafters don't have the time, and definitely not the money, to battle the big-wigs. However, since this women, Karen, won her cases in Colorado, a precedent has been set, and perhaps it would be easier for the next crafter.
Oy-vay, fairgreenlady, who knew that possible demand for a popular college team could turn into a copyright/legalese thread? I don't envy you. I'm so curious what your talks with the college turns up. But hey, college fabric pasties....I think you've hit on an untapped market there.
Good luck, woman. I hope you have fun at the craft show!
Kristina
PS. I'm really glad that you asked your question. It's brought some information to light that I don't think any of us had any idea about.
Posted by revafisheye on 2005-10-12 01:34:42
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Once again, I'm working on a ghostwriting project as NaNo rolls around, but this year I'm committed to do this. It's time I write for myself for a change. My writing partner is swandivenyc; and we're registerd and excited.
Thanks for all of the words of wisdom, Crafty Chica, et al. It's encouraging to hear about the November successes.
Posted by styloplume on 2005-09-25 14:43:23
Post Subject:
I'm There!
Crafty Chica, thanks for the words of advise and encouragement.
I tried to do it last year and flailed... I was way out of practice, writing wise, so I converted my goal to just start writing more.
This year, I'm gearing up by doing writing practice: timed writings, writing from prompts etc.
So far, I have a character and a location. I'm working on developing my character and figuring out her family background and history.
For some reason, I can't exactly plot out ahead of time. I have an idea of where my story will start, but I don't know from there. I'm going to just write and let it happen.
I'm really excited about this. I've been telling my husband for the last month or so that he won't be seeing much of me in November. (I just hope that there are no elaborate family plans for thanksgiving!)
Posted by tabularasa on 2005-09-28 06:27:22
Post Subject:
i did it in 2003 and finished as well. it was hard as hell, but i had a BLAST!!! if you're thinking about doing it, definitely sign up!
crafty chica already gave you some great advice. some things i would add:
*create a quiet place in your house, apartment, etc. where you go to write each day. make sure people you live with KNOW that when you are there writing, you shouldn't be interrupted.
*create a set time to write each day
*let your friends, family, roommates, etc. know what you're up to! not only will they respect the fact that you need quiet writing time each day, but they'll also be a great source of encouragement when you're not writing!
*and i second chica's statement - DON'T EDIT as you go. 1700 words a day is a LOT of writing. if you nitpick from the get-go, you'll never finish. i nearly drove myself crazy trying to get things "perfect" while i was writing, and quickly realized how much i was falling behind. as they say in the world of nanowrimo, "it's about quantity, not quality."
Posted by abigailamy on 2004-06-25 17:50:02
Post Subject:
Hello Crafty TV,
Have you thought of having some of the 20 - 40's crafters on tv? Like Jean (who owns this site) and CraftyChica & lizzymahoney? (I know there are others in here I cant think of right now....). There are some very creative Generation X crafters - and it would be so much FUN to see them! That I know I would love to see.
Yes, it would be great to see a sewing 101 show like Crafty Chica mentioned - that's a great idea. Other things on needle arts could be interesting. I like to do a lot of paper crafts - decoupage, scrapbooking, watercolor, shrinky dinks etc. :) so I don't know how typical I am.
What is your show called? Do you have a website? :) Abigail
Posted by lizzymahoney on 2004-06-01 16:18:16
Post Subject:
Xuli, I don't recall specific posts of yours enough to think that you were a negative person at all. Don't worry about it. There are a couple of others here and there, though.
There are ways to weigh in on the con platform without being a total a*s-head. Sometimes when I read the negative people's posts I have to remind myself that life is a learning experience. We don't all get to be adults automatically knowing how to be polite in disagreement.
Here's how I do it, if i may use myself as an example.
Crafty Chica posts a hypothetical thread on a craft that is inconsiderate of toads. I like toads, but don't have a real comment on the craft. I would try to write something like, 'In my experience toads can get their little toady feelings hurt, so I would attempt to accommodate that by..." That way CC is not getting dissed directly or indirectly by me, but the readers are getting another point of view, one respective of toads.
This current trend of saying, "we're all big girls!" is so freaking pathetic. Yeah, if we're so damn big, why haven't some of us learned how to promote positive discourse and positive critique.
Another way is to emphasize the portion of whatever the topic is that you *do* agree with. "Excellent method of handling the vision impaired toad! I may have to try that in this other craft..." Sometimes it's a real stretch to come up with a positive critique, but i think we grow as thinkers and artists when we do.
I hope we don't attract the posting for numbers type. Because of snufkin's comments I looked to see if I could tell, and yup, there is a way to see what the post count is for each person. The higher numbered posters are pretty much all posters of substance. That's not to say that infrequent posters aren't, but just saying from my point of view there is not a lot of metooism evident here.
Posted by gnomeG on 2004-06-15 16:36:08
Post Subject:
I've not done an ATC yet but have been garnering much inspiration from all the other crafty ladies out there who have. I would love to participate! I'll send you a PM soon, Crafty Chica! Tanks!!
Posted by Nancy Flynn on 2006-01-10 11:54:38
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yay Crafty Chica! 20 pounds! I don't believe you can dismiss that as "water weight"-- the first 5 or so, sure, but you're burning other stuff after that. And that class you're taking sounds amazing.
tootsiecat (and others) how do you judge how many calories are in what you eat? i know some recipes offer a calorie count for "servings" but is there any sort of free online chart of the calorie counts of everyday foods?
Posted by tootsiecat on 2006-01-10 09:00:03
Post Subject:
wow 20lbs! that's great crafty chica. way to go! do you have a goal weight?
well i'm on week 2 and i'm cruising along very well. no overeatting. i am keeping a food diary and keeping track of calories. probably very tedious to some but very neccessary to me. i tend to just over eat. i need to keep track. probably not forever just until i have more control over portion sizes. writing everything down also makes me eat more balanaced. i can see all the fruit and vegie entries, i can see that i need some protein with dinner. i also write down my vitamins at the bottom of the page and check them off when i take them. a good reminder!
Posted by jean on 2004-05-26 10:46:08
Post Subject:
My name is Karla and I have never joined a forum before. I've always been more the observer when it comes to the internet. This is a great place, though! Me and some of my friends recently began a book/knitting club that meets once a month and I have, consequently, been introduced to my inner-crafter! I always thought the very word (craft) implied a lesser form of art...specifically, tri-chem. That was my mother's introduction into the world of crafting and, I believe, that is just about where she left off...
Remember tri-chem? Plastic pieces divided into sections that you fill with this liquid that turns hard and, viola!, fake stained glass sun-catcher things. They were super fun to make but we never hung them or displayed them or anything. So I deduced that craft=tri-chem and tri-chem=useless. Not that I wouldn't rock a tri-chem unicorn if you had one handy!
I also skipped home-ec because I was convinced that it was sexist and outdated. But, boy, did I envy my sister's lip-shaped pillow! I decided much too early in life that I wasn't interested in any domesticating activities. It was a mis-led feminist idea. I don't regret it but, I have a lot of time to make up for now! Especially since, I have come to terms with the fact that I am an incredibly domestic person!! I really enjoy being at home and I like to make that place as comfy and fabulous as possible! I'm fortunate to have an incredible boyfriend, a loving kitty-cat and a precious new puppy. I'm not so fortunate to share with them a rented duplex in the ghetto. All of these things, however, create MANY crafty opportunities and ideas.
I love to cook and I'm just learning to knit. I've been in the market for a sewing machine for a long while now and it has just been explained to me that I may be able to take advantage of a layaway-type deal called '90 days same as cash'. Correct me if I'm wrong...you pay 1/3 of the cost and you take it home!!? I'm feeling optomistic.
I really enjoy collaborating with other crafters and the idea that you can do almost anything yourself! It's even encouraged me to learn to do my own plumbing! I no longer feel that craft and art are mutually exclusive. I've been able to express myself best creatively when I make useful things, things with purpose.
First on my agenda is: converting an over-sized, sweat-stained Stryper shirt into a thing of beauty and creating my own pattern for knitted drink cozies. I am not scared of the profit-making possibilities, either!
I'd like to mention, and maybe I should already know this, that if CraftyChica is the Crafty Chica with the web-site Crafty Chica, you are an inspiration. I've visited your site often and have a file folder full of your crafty ideas! And I like glitter, too.
I hope to be useful to you guys. I've already benefitted from some of your posts. It's a nice community you have here!
Welcome Karla. Yes, so many of us came to crafting late in life, b/c we dismissed in our earlier days as something not feminist. That's why i started get crafty: to create a feminist craft site!
and yes, crafty chica is the same crafty chica. i'm one of her biggest fans and am thrilled that she is such an integral part of our community.
ok, off to tie-dye some clothes in a prada-rip-off sort of way, so i can look chic in italy.
Posted by Karla on 2004-05-26 10:36:55
Post Subject:
My name is Karla and I have never joined a forum before. I've always been more the observer when it comes to the internet. This is a great place, though! Me and some of my friends recently began a book/knitting club that meets once a month and I have, consequently, been introduced to my inner-crafter! I always thought the very word (craft) implied a lesser form of art...specifically, tri-chem. That was my mother's introduction into the world of crafting and, I believe, that is just about where she left off...
Remember tri-chem? Plastic pieces divided into sections that you fill with this liquid that turns hard and, viola!, fake stained glass sun-catcher things. They were super fun to make but we never hung them or displayed them or anything. So I deduced that craft=tri-chem and tri-chem=useless. Not that I wouldn't rock a tri-chem unicorn if you had one handy!
I also skipped home-ec because I was convinced that it was sexist and outdated. But, boy, did I envy my sister's lip-shaped pillow! I decided much too early in life that I wasn't interested in any domesticating activities. It was a mis-led feminist idea. I don't regret it but, I have a lot of time to make up for now! Especially since, I have come to terms with the fact that I am an incredibly domestic person!! I really enjoy being at home and I like to make that place as comfy and fabulous as possible! I'm fortunate to have an incredible boyfriend, a loving kitty-cat and a precious new puppy. I'm not so fortunate to share with them a rented duplex in the ghetto. All of these things, however, create MANY crafty opportunities and ideas.
I love to cook and I'm just learning to knit. I've been in the market for a sewing machine for a long while now and it has just been explained to me that I may be able to take advantage of a layaway-type deal called '90 days same as cash'. Correct me if I'm wrong...you pay 1/3 of the cost and you take it home!!? I'm feeling optomistic.
I really enjoy collaborating with other crafters and the idea that you can do almost anything yourself! It's even encouraged me to learn to do my own plumbing! I no longer feel that craft and art are mutually exclusive. I've been able to express myself best creatively when I make useful things, things with purpose.
First on my agenda is: converting an over-sized, sweat-stained Stryper shirt into a thing of beauty and creating my own pattern for knitted drink cozies. I am not scared of the profit-making possibilities, either!
I'd like to mention, and maybe I should already know this, that if CraftyChica is the Crafty Chica with the web-site Crafty Chica, you are an inspiration. I've visited your site often and have a file folder full of your crafty ideas! And I like glitter, too.
I hope to be useful to you guys. I've already benefitted from some of your posts. It's a nice community you have here!
Posted by muraldevotee on 2008-05-05 17:42:55
Post Subject:
Hi Crafty Chica! Please add my links to the list! I paint a lot of different things for sale in gift boutiques and recently on Etsy.
Check out my handpainted keychains with kids faces!
http://www.justadddots.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.muraldevotee.com
Posted by thepursefairy on 2006-01-28 19:05:31
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Crafty Chica,
I saw the article about you and how you started! Congrats! I think it was in some womens mag. I can't remember! You give us all who are just starting out hope!
Thanks!
I make purses and other accessories from recycled material!
