Diary of a Crafty Chica

Thank you, AZ Mag!

2009-11-23T21:12:00.001-08:00

This is the new issue of AZ Magazine - my name is on the cover and that is a first for this chica! Tonight a Facebook friend showed it to me and I just about fell out of my chair.
Muchas gracias, AZ Magazine!

The Valley's 25 Most Intriguing People:

Page 70 AZ/ December 2009

5 People To watch in 2010

KATHY CANO-MURILLO conquered the crafts

world this year with her line of glitter and

other products at Michaels, as well as her

seventh craft book, "Crafty Chica's Guide to

Artful Sewing." But what we really can't wait

for is her novel , "Waking up in the Land of

Glitter," coming in March, which we expect to

be as fun and glittery as she is.

Peace, love, and glitter!

Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

This blog interrupted by...ChaCha!

2009-11-23T19:53:00.001-08:00

She likes to do a kamikaze leap onto my lap while I'm trying to work. and then she snuggles up and gives me that look!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

A Texas waffle! Yum!

2009-11-22T08:26:00.001-08:00

Some of the prizes I gave away today!

2009-11-21T15:18:00.001-08:00

One of my demos: glitter heart w/ paper on paper!

2009-11-21T10:33:00.001-08:00

Using one of my new iron-ons, glittered plastisol!

Flocked Iron-ons as Farbic Stamps!

2009-11-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peek at one of the demos I'll be doing in San Antonio this weekend!

LINK

Basically, you iron on the design, and then save the plastic backing, coat it with paint and use it as a stamp for fabric! Not only do you get a fancy embellishment, but you can also upcycle the packaging as well! The front of the packaging can be used in decoupage projects too! I'm a big time recycler, so I made sure each product has a lot of use in it!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

The power of positivity

2009-11-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

Last month when I was at iLoveToCreate headquarters, I noticed happy signs hung up all over the building. This one is my favorite! Every time I walked by it, I smiled. Even if I just spilled paint on my new $50 blouse, I'd glance at this message and was reminded me of the good things in life.

I know, I know, it is just a piece of cardboard with a corny saying, but it works for me. I'm not sure who chose to hang up these colorful affirmations, but it's genius. The more we surround ourselves with words and images of things that make us happy, the more the bad things won't seem, well, as bad.

It goes even deeper than the sign. It goes with every action we make, every inflection of our voice, the vibe we carry when we enter a room, even down to our status updates on Facebook or Twitter. Our actions can change people's moods in an instant. We carry a lot of power with how we present ourselves.

If you are in a frumpy mood because you stubbed your toe on the dog dish one morning, and then stomp past the desk guard on your way into work, you have just passed that bad juju on to him and he will pass it to someone else, etc. It's hard to shake the bad stuff, but I've learned if you don't shake it off and let it go, you'll only attract more of it!

Bottom line? Life goes on. Unless you are the President, NOTHING is worth losing sleep or peace over. When I lived at home with my parents and would come to them with what I thought was a life or death situation, they would always tell me, "Be thankful, it could always be worse."

In this day and age, everything is at a make-or-break moment for all of us. It takes all our will - and 100% enthusiasm and faith - to be that little bit of extra weight to tips the scales in our favor. After a recent stressful week, I found my happy place again. Instead of worrying, I'm back to embracing all the gifts each challenge brings, appreciating each lesson. It is what it is - make it work! The glitter jar is always half full. OK, sometimes 1/4 full, but as long as there is some kind of visible sparkle, everything will always work out.

The power of positivity is endless!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. The winner of the "Name That Scene" drawing is....BELLA KARMA! Email me your mailing address!

A glittery kind of night

2009-11-18T21:18:00.001-08:00

I've been busy prepping dozens of samples, prizes, and demo step-outs made for my trip to San Antonio this weekend. I'll be at Michaels showing it all off and giving away some prizes!

Detour...

Don't forget to check and see if there is a Michaels near you that is carrying the line! If there is, pretty please share the news with anyone and everyone to shop, shop, shop. I'm just a tiny speck of glitter in the huge universe of craft supplies, every little bit that sells helps so much! My dream is to be the underdog that conquers.

*Clears throat, closes eyes and puts palms facing out*

My vision is this: A guy in a gray suit wearing Buddy Holly eyeglasses is working the reception desk up at the crafty headquarters. A report comes in on the emergency fax machine. He glances at it, rips off his specs as his jaw drops. He fumbles and climbs across the table to reach for the red Batline phone and tells the top honcho people "I think you need to see something! We just got a report in from the Crafty Chica line! These sales numbers are crazy, people across the land are buying up every jar of glitter!"

End of detour, thanks for going there with me.

Crafts.
Glitter.
Drama.

My life would not be complete without the drama.

On Monday, I was chatting with my sister on the phone, we agreed to go to lunch. I got so excited I stood up and PING!...a laser beam of pain shot up my spine. Crap. I hate it when that happens. The back bully usually visits twice a year. One time I tried to do jumping jacks and another time I hopped up and down out of joy when I saw a long time friend. PING! Both times I was down for a few days. (Perhaps I should avoid any sudden upward movement for the rest of my life?)

Basically, I've been crippled this week. Mommy don't have time to be crippled. Thank goodness for family and Excedrin Back and Body. On the first day, I literally worked from my bed (think Frida) with a pillow between my knees. I ever-so-carefully made my samples for San Antonio. I also conducted some interviews. And wrote too. If there were any typos in my blogs so far this week, it is because I click-clacked them from my iPhone touchscreen keyboard! With my notepad by my pillow (by my head), DeAngelo answered the phone and brought it over to me. Patrick went out and bought my art supplies. Maya answered my emails. I directed this crafty circus from my bed, every so often going "Owww!" and "#$%^&*!" Yesterday was a bit better, I got out of bed and was able to kind of function on my own. Thank God for family, did I say that already?

With such a big, eventful weekend ahead, I prayed and prayed last night. Today I made myself get out of bed for good. I took a walk in the morning (up and down the hallway, like my Nana has done for years) and put on non-art clothes, make-up, and I even drove! I kept thinking of my dad, and he zipped around town with one leg, a pacemaker, and an aching body. If he could do it and not complain, so can I! I'm still as agile as the Tin Man, but I can feel everything loosening up and slipping back into place. Boy, do I appreciate having a working body!

The only glitch was when I asked DeAngelo to help me get up. I held out my hand - all innocent and vulnerable. I'm used to Patrick helping me, he gently guides me up and holds my back until I'm upright and content. I thought that was the universal way of helping bad-back people rise. Wrong. DeAngelo grabbed my hand and YANKED, as if he were pulling a monstrous, stubborn weed out of a dense flower bed.

"AAhhhh!!!!" I screamed! "Noooo, not like that!!!"

The Chihuahuas heard my cries and came sprinting into the room. They circled him like West Side Story gang members and began to snark and bark at him. DeAngelo let go of me, threw his hands in the air and surrendered. "What did I do?" he asked, shrugging.

We calmed down the doggies and I explained to him the correct "Daddy" way to help someone up with a bad back. We have been giggling about it all night. At least now he knows, right?

Later in the evening, we noticed Maya hanging out in the garage. She was practicing her Beauty and the Beast number for her school musical audition. I pretended to be Paula and DeAngelo, Randy.

"Belle is confident, smart and sassy, project that in your emotions and gestures!" I cheered.

"Articulate, act over-the-top cartoony, Maya - that way you will look exciting to the audience!" DeAngelo said. "You can do it!"

We coached her to greatness! I took her to the audition tonight and we'll find out Friday if she gets a call-back. Wish her luck!

Oh, one last goofy thing. I heard Martha has tinsel glitter out. I am so curious to see what tinsel glitter is. Shards? Flakes? Mini-strips? It has been bugging me for weeks! Tonight we went to Michaels and I remembered the tinsel glitter as Maya was unloading the goods in the check out line.

"I'll be right back, I'll hurry!" I said, ignoring Maya's eye roll and my back pain. I slowly turned, and gently shuffled my way to the Martha aisle. I found the display, looked down, saw "Tinsel Glitter" - but it was too low for me to grab because of my lousy lumbar. I had to decide in an instant whether to risk the return of the PING! or hot tail it back (in slow-mo) to the check out line.

Guess which one I chose? Hint: No PING! tonight. The tinsel glitter will have to wait!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

San Antonio, 48 hours away!

2009-11-18T07:22:00.000-08:00

Both myself and my daughter Maya will spend the weekend in San Antonio to demo the new Crafty Chica products! We'll be there from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, and from opening to close on Saturday and Sunday. Bring your kids, family, neighbors, co-workers and come join in the fun!

Store # 8794

San Antonio/Culebra RD

5347 W Loop 1604 N, Ste 103

San Antonio, Tx 78253-7301

Here is a pillow I made using one of the Chihuahua Flocked Iron-Ons. I'm going to show "10 Ways to Use a Flocked Iron On". And not just ironing on, I have a bunch of other tricks to share with these versatile embellishments! Wow, I sound like a commercial!

Anyhoo - if you live in the area, come out. I'm doing a drawing every hour, where I'll be giving away something I made, fresh from the art studio! I'll also have oodles of samples!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Outlandish Ottoman

2009-11-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today I'm trying to work magic with a decorating a Snuggie, so I'm re-running an old fave!(New projects coming soon!)

Need a dash of whimsy to brighten up a corner? If you don't want to scour the aisles of your neighborhood furniture store to find a perfect match, take matters into your own hands -- literally.

This handmade accent piece doubles as a comfy footrest and is as easy to whip together as it is fun. Those gushing with creativity can replace the printed fabric with faux fur or leather, or paint or stamp their own designs before assembling the ottoman. Adjust the size to your liking as well.
You can also use the following procedure to spruce up a set of boring barstools, stepstools or chairs.

Find supplies at fabric and home improvement stores.

Supplies
Spray paint
4 wood upholstery feet and braces
1 piece of plywood (24 by 24 inches)
Sandpaper
Drill
Aleene’s® Crystal Clear Tacky Spray™
2 pieces of 2-inch-thick foam or one thick pillow (must measure 24 by 24 inches)
2 yards of fabric
Staple gun
2 buttons
Fishing line and upholstery needle
Screwdriver
Glue gun and 3 yards of fringe (optional)

Directions
Paint the feet in desired color and let dry. Round off the corners and edges of the plywood with the sandpaper. Drill a small hole in the center. Attach the braces for the feet. Apply a coat of adhesive spray to the top of the base and attach one piece of the foam. Spray another layer of adhesive and place the second piece of foam on top. You may use a large pillow instead, as long as it covers the surface of the plywood.

Double the fabric and lay it flat on a smooth surface. Turn the ottoman base upside down and put it in the center of the fabric. Pull up one side of the fabric and staple it to the underside of the base. Continue with the remaining sides until the fabric is securely fastened. Gather the corners tightly around the braces for the feet.

For a finishing touch, add a button to the top by threading it with fishing line through the hole in the base up through the foam and fabric and bringing it back down through the hole in the base. Thread the loose end through another button and tie a knot to secure.

Screw in feet. Use glue gun to attach fringe around the sides.
**

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Chicafied Clay Bracelets

2009-11-13T11:20:00.001-08:00

I haven't made these in years and decided to make a batch last night. They came out better than I expected. Love the high gloss varnish! I used my Crafty Chica Glossy Gloss formula!! Muy shiny!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Crafty Chica in Sunnyvale, CA

2009-11-13T10:32:00.001-08:00

Crafty Chica in Sunnyvale, CA
Originally uploaded by Karen Fayeth

Thank you to Karen for sending me this picture!!! This has been such an exciting two weeks, so happy to see the displays all over the country!

Embroidery Hoop Bulletin Boards

2009-11-13T07:05:00.000-08:00

Can I just say I LOVE, love, love this idea?

This is a large embroidery hoop that is covered in fabric, but wait - there is more! It is actually a corkboard! Ditch your boring rectangle board and add an artsy touch to your office decor!

Supplies:

Large embroidery hoop
Corkboard to fit snug inside back (draw on paper to make a template and then cut cork board)
Fabric
Aleene's® Fabric Fusion™ Permanent Dry Cleanable Fabric Adhesive™
Aleene's® Tacky® Transparent Tape for Crafters™
Foam brush
Clips

Directions:

1. Open the hoop (paint it if desired).
2. Use a foam brush to apply Fabric Fusion inside both hoops.
3. Insert the fabric and replace back hoop. Pull until it is taut and apply clips all around, let sit for 30 minutes.
4. Remove clips and trim excess fabric.
5. Set the hoop right side down on table.
6. Apply Tacky Tape generously around inner areas of taut fabric inside the hoop.
7. Set the corkboard inside so it fits snug up against edge of hoop.
8. Press in place.
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

CRAFTY CINEMA: Name-that-scene Contest!

2009-11-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

I am a hardcore movie buff.

I spent many of my younger years soaking up all the vintage films I could and up until a few years ago I used to help review movies for my day job as an entertainment journalist. I even have a movie library I call "Crafty Cinema!"

Tell me which movie this scene is from (above photo) and I'll draw one name (from those who give the correct answer) at the end of the day to win an advanced reader copy of my novel AND a new Crafty Chica flocked iron-on transfer!

HINT: In this film, this sketch was from a secondary character who was a designer.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

It was a pillow-making kind of night.

2009-11-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

Whenever times are stressful or I feel overwhelmed...I make stuff. Lots of stuff. It helps calm my nerves.

I have two big, life-impacting, on-the-brink of paranoia/meltdown projects happening simultaneously. Writing my second novel (have I mentioned it is due in eight weeks?) and promoting my product line in Michaels stores. I've been working 12-14 hours days between both of them.

I'm also anxiously awaiting the yay or nay from Random House for a new craft book proposal. It is such a cool idea that has not been done yet, and I would be the PERFECT person to do it. It fits with EVERYTHING I am all about. I hope the crafty angels will send it some approval love. In the meantime, I'm crossing my toes (I need my fingers to craft and write) for luck.

One more minor detour, we have our biggest art show the year this weekend, Spanish Market. It is when all our collectors from across the country come to buy our work. The show opens at 10 am, and they are at our booth at 10:01 ready to score the good stuff first. Our challenge: we have to make the good stuff! (OK - here is a treat for those of you who attend Spanish Market this weekend. Look me in the eye and say "GLITTER!" and I will give you a special exclusive top secret treat.)

Patrick has been working steadily on building stock for the show. I produce my pieces in spurts. Tonight I stepped away from writing to make fabric collage pillows. Ahhh, it felt so soothing to escape to that world. At first, I planned to visit the fabric store and buy a batch of supplies. But then I decided that would be too obvious. I chose to utilize what was already on hand. I sewed yarn to fabric, appliques to vinyl, sequins to canvas. I found some vintage tees I had set aside. So many goodies to work with! I ended up with seven fabulous pillows. I will go buy trim, they seriously need trim!

As far as the novel, it is going really well. It is going to be such a wild ride to write and read. The characters are so alive and busy and vibrant and thought-provoking. Just like the first book, the whole family is involved in developing the storylines. Last night I stepped away from the computer to go grocery shopping and when I returned, I noticed Patrick picked up where I left off and wrote a paragraph... and it was great! It made me excited to keep it going!

The product line stuff is going good too! So far people love the new iron ons and glue! Yay! It has been such an exciting week, I'm digging all the feedback, please keep sending it. I'm working on finalizing the street team details and am still looking for peeps in certain areas! Soon come: a tutorial to show how to do the "iron, color, glitter" technique. The kids are off of school today so they are helping me make a video.

A HUGE thank you to all of you who have reported which stores have the display up and which are still being set, it is such golden information! Yesterday I compiled all of your notes and will post a store update later today. Ready to shop? Check the list to see if there is a store in your area, and when you go to the store, look in the "fashion art" area (tie dye paints, t-shirts, etc). The Crafty Chica display will right around there. Look for the sparkly glitter calling out to you :-)

Have a super day, everyone! Thank you again for all the support!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Crafty Chica @ Michaels, Part Two!

2009-11-09T00:00:00.001-08:00

More about the new program! It has a little bit of items from the first round - and new designs too! Here is the store list.

Thank you to everyone who has volunteered for the street team, I am so flattered and honored you want to help! I'll be in touch with you this week for details!

If you go into a store, look in the fashion art aisle for the display. It is on the side of an end cap. Today we went into the AZ location (59th and Bell) and looked at every end cap until we found it! And then we jumped up and down and squealed!

It was so hard to choose what to put in the program because there were so many cool things to choose from. The team at iLoveToCreate showed me the reports of what has been selling the best: glitter, flocked iron-ons, markers, totes, Loteria game, appliqués. Actually everything is selling good! Ack, what a dilemma!

I took a deep breath and thought back to a project I made for Creative Home Arts Magazine. I had taken a new flocked iron-on transfer I designed and then applied it to a fedora. I colored in the areas with my Crafty Chica markers, and then applied Glitter Bond and Crafty Chica glitter. It came out so cool. Maya wanted it so bad that I had to make her an exclusive one! I went on to demo this technique for Michaels at the CHA Super Show and the crowd loved the idea too. I'll have a tutorial later this week.

I had my program! Iron. Color. Glitter! I even got to develop my own adhesive – Crafty Chica Extreme Embellishment Fabric Glue!

The Crafty Chica power panel has glitters, glue, and new iron-ons: Glittered milagro hearts, a pink flocked Chihuahua, sugar skulls and more. Even better – each transfer is large AND comes with a second mini-transfer too! You’ll also find charms, appliqués and my mojito papers because people just can’t get enough of those!

And for those of your who do not live by a Michaels store that carries the line – please do not be offended! As long as the items sell in this program, they could go on to be in all stores in a bigger display (that is the glorious vision I have in my head!).

Don’t forget, you can always buy items at iLoveToCreate.com!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

VIDEO: Message Holders!

2009-11-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Dress your desk, or someone else's with these personalized photo cubes. Great for holding messages, notes or pictures.

You can also use this idea to make placeholders for Thanksgiving!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Taking a break from writing.

2009-11-07T19:22:00.000-08:00

Painting is a nice, creative breakaway.

Crafty Chica event in San Antonio, Nov 20-22!

2009-11-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to announce that I'll be doing three days of demoing at a Michaels location in San Antonio, TX. I'm going to show 10 different ways to use a Crafty Chica flocked iron on (new designs!), and we are going to do hourly drawings where I'll give away things I've made. Could be a flower pot, could be a purse, you'll have to come and see!

I've never been to San Antonio, but have heard so many wonderful things about the community, the art and culture - I am stoked beyond the sparkle of the brightest glitter flake!

I'll have more updates as the date gets closer! I just got confirmation yesterday and wanted to share the news!

In the meantime, the display will be up by next week, so you can go shop!

Random observation: I just realized that I sure do use a lot of exclamation points...

WHERE:

Store # 8794

San Antonio/Culebra RD

5347 W Loop 1604 N, Ste 103

San Antonio, Tx 78253-7301

The phone number is 210-647-8611

WHEN and WHAT:
Nov 20 @ 5-7pm: Meet'n'Greet with Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica...the first 18 fans will receive a signed Crafty Chica Bobblehead

Nov 21 @ 9am-9pm: Live Demonstrations by Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica...visit the demonstration to enter the hourly drawings for Crafty Chica original art

Nov 22 @ 10am-7pm: Live Demonstrations by Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica...visit the demonstration to enter the hourly drawings for Crafty Chica original art

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

INSPIRATION FRIDAY: Lupe Flores

2009-11-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

This week I'm spotlighting one of the busiest painters around, Lupe Flores. I've been following her work for a few years now, and am thrilled/honored that she is now part of my Inspiration Friday series!

Lupe has mastered what so many artists strive for - a striking signature style. Combine the eeriness of Tim Burton, the doe-eyed innocence of a Blythe doll, delivered with the power of a saucy Lola Beltran ballad...and you have scratched the paint palette of Lupe's work. Well, in my opinion, anyway.

Lupe always has an exhibit going on somewhere and I'm excited that Arizona is on her list. This Saturday is the closing reception for the Vision Gallery's Dia de los Muertos exhibit, and Lupe has four paintings in the show. (I also must mention that there is a muertos fiesta that day too, as well as another exhibit at XICO. So you can come down and see dozens of Arizona artists' work, eat some pan dulce and enjoy the beautiful weather!)

OK, now on to Lupe! In the interview, she shares insight, inspiration and tips for us all. Visit her web site at ArteByLupeFlores.com, and her Etsy shop, http://www.etsy.com/shop/artbylupeflores.

CraftyChica.com: Lupe, if you had to describe your artwork in three movie titles, what would they be?
Lupe Flores: The Addams Family meets Frida meets El Ataud del Vampiro.

CC: You have such a defined signature style. When did you discover it and how did you make the most of it?
LF: Since I was young, I knew what kind of art I wanted to do. My interest in the unusual, unique and insipid inspired my creative bugs… That I started expressing myself in any way possible. My art style has been refined with time and I have enjoyed the my evolution process.

CC: Do you ever hit a creative block and if so, how do you break through?
LF: Yes I do, and when I do I just take a break to let my creative mind refresh itself. I keep a small sketch pad with me where I draw quick doodles, sketches and write down ideas so when I do get blocked I have my lil sketch book to turn to.

CC: What is the message you want to share through your art?
LF: I want to share a piece of me... my soul and give them a sneak peek of what’s inside of me.. my culture, traditions, inner thoughts.

CC: Do you celebrate Dia de los Muertos in your home?
LF: Every year at home we do a small altar with pictures of our dearly departed and decorated with ofrendas. During Day of the dead we pray el Rosario at night and afterwards we enjoy some delicious day of the dead bread from our local panaderia. Day of the dead is a day to celebrate not mourn… Is to sing and celebrate the dead to honor life.

CC: What advice do you have for artists?
LF: Be yourself. Love what you do. Your style is by being yourself. If painting colored curvy lines is what excites you.. DO IT! Have fun. And don’t be scared if your art doesn’t look like that artist or that one…. Remember different is good it what sets you apart.

CC: What is the craziest commission piece you've had?
LF: I received an email from a Lady from Australia that wanted a headless rag doll. Not so crazy for me but it sure made my mom looked at me weird when I told her. I had fun chopping the head off.

CC: Do you ever have any reject pieces, what happens to them?
LF: Yes I do... I have a couple of rejects hanging around my art room waiting for their departure. Some of them find homes, others get to stay on my walls but sometimes others are reused.

CC: What do you do while you paint?
LF: It depends on what art project I’m working on. When I was painting for Vision a Gallery in Arizona for a Day of the Dead Art show I surrounded myself with festive, folkare music to set the mood. But sometimes I am so focused, the only thing I need to do is paint.
*IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE FEATURED FOR INSPIRATION FRIDAY - OR CONTRIBUTE AN ESSAY, POEM, PROJECT, ETC SEND ME AN EMAIL!*

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Focus on the finish line. That's all.

2009-11-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

(Paper mache mask, el Escritor, "The Writer")

Eh, getting stuck in writing my novel. I've picked up a new habit since I did NaNoWriMo the first time. I'm editing as I go. That REALLY can slow a chica down.

I've decided not to make "winning" NaNo (50,000 words by Nov 30) my priority, instead I'm focusing on writing a good book. If I reach 50,000 by deadline, cool, I'll print out the certificate and staple it to my inspiration board. If not, no worries, I'll still have my fabulous story to finish writing by the end of the year.

Tonight I popped into Twitter and read so many tweets from NaNo participants giving up because they are "already behind on word count." This makes me cringe. It's only 5 days in! How can it be so easy to throw in the keyboard?

The point is to keep going until you finish. The true reward is being able to say "I did it!"

Confession: This is my logic in everything except losing weight. I start diets and quit them all the time. I'm not perfect. My time will come for healthy eating, I know. But until then I'm following through with things I know I can conquer. Like writing a new book!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

People are already shopping!

2009-11-05T20:13:00.001-08:00

new Crafty Chica goodies
Originally uploaded by TíaBel

This is from TiaBel, she bought these from one of the Michaels store in California. I love that these stores have the display set early. Awesome!
These are flocked iron-ons, and they come two to a pack. One large one and one mini!

Thank you for sharing, Belen!

This week's family adventures (in pictures!)

2009-11-05T17:36:00.001-08:00

Maya channels her inner Disney princess for Halloween.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Looking to interview...

2009-11-04T23:47:00.000-08:00

1. A current or former health inspector.

2. Someone who has been to NY Fashion Week.

Anyone out there? Thanks!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Crafty Chica products returning to Michaels Stores!

2009-11-04T23:12:00.000-08:00

Crafty Chica products are returning to select Michaels Stores this weekend!

The scoop: I’ve been hinting about exciting news and I can finally reveal it! I couldn’t breathe a word before because everything is hush-hush during product development. Plus, I was holding my breath and praying has hard I could that all the pieces would come together to make this happen!

The back story: In August 2007, we debuted 40+ items at 140 Michaels stores for a three-month seasonal test in Latino markets.

It did well enough (thank you, shoppers!) that now we are doing an extended run in non-Latino markets. [HERE IS THE STORE LIST]

The list covers the entire country, instead of targeted markets. I’m happy about this because now we can prove that the Crafty Chica style is for people of all backgrounds, ages, and gender. You, the readers of this blog and web site, have proven that!

The dealio: This time it is a “power panel” program. Here is a lesson in merchandising – power panels are the long, skinny displays that hang down the sides of end caps.

A call for help! I'm looking to build a street team to help get the word out on the products and help make the program a success. If you happen to live near one of the stores and are interested in helping by blogging, and checking on the display when you go to shop, please let me know. I'll hook you up with some goodies!

Coming tomorrow...the products!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!