Diary of a Crafty Chica

Dyed and Doodled Tank!

2013-05-21T00:19:00.000-07:00

iLoveToCreate has kicked off its annual Tie Dye Your Summer campaign, which means there is tie-dye everywhere inmy house. Why? Well, last year I did a really fun series about non-traditional tie-dye methods and it went so well, I was asked to do it again.

Granted, I used up a lot of ideas last year, so I'm working hard at finding new ways to play with the colors. Here his my first one of the summer - doodling on tie dye! Take a look at video, I hope it inspires you!

LINK

HOW TO: Paint Your Own Mexican-inspired Pottery

2013-05-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Mexican pottery is gorgeous, but can also be pricey. Check out my tutorial to see how to make your own versions!

CLICK HERE TO SEE MY FULL TUTORIAL AT iLovetoCreateblog.Blogspot.com

DIY Instagram Canvas Prints

2013-05-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

We all love Instagram, right? All of life’s little moments captured and cataloged right at your fingertips! But sometimes, certain pictures are meant to be hung on a wall for all the (non-Instagram) world to see. Here’s a super easy way to do that!

While on the Crafty Chica Art Cruise last month, Craft Attitude send a package of their product for each of the cruisers. Craft Attitude is a film where you can use your InkJet printer to print pictures and then use a glue stick to apply to a surface. Image transfer done easy!
Supplies: 4×4″ canvases (they work best for the size), Craft Attitude, Aleene’s® Original Tacky Glue Sticks and Collage Pauge® Instant Decoupage™ if you want to add a top coat.

Size each photo to 4×4″ at 200 dpi (high res). TIP: If your photos have words, or you want them to look EXACTLY like your IG feed, then make sure to flip your image so it prints backwards. Insert a sheet of Craft Attitude in your printer and print. Cut out each picture.

Now you need to coat your canvas with the Aleene’s Max Tacky Glue Stick. Generously, make sure you cover ever millimeter.

Remove the backing paper from the sheet of film. Place your image face down (ink side down) on the canvas, and then burnish it in using your finger.

Layered Resin Magnets DIY

2013-05-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

LINK
Looking for an easy resin project? Here's a super easy one, it's also a great way to use up your odds and ends!

TANK TOP TUESDAY: Glittery Stripes

2013-05-14T12:28:00.002-07:00

I try never to toss our my craft fails, because I never know when they'll come in handy. Case in point: I dyed this white tank ombre, but I wasn't super excited with the outcome, it didn't exactly "pop." BUT - enter a glitter transfer sheet and now we're talking! Here's how to make it:

To make this, you'll need:

Tulip® Fashion Glitter® Shimmer Transfer Sheets

Tank top

Scissors or rotary cutter

Ruler

Iron, pressing cloth

I didn't want all the same size of stripes, so I cut the center stripe at 1", the middle ones at 1/2" and the outer stripes at 1/4".

Line them up as you want them before ironing.

Cover with a pressing cloth, and with the iron on high (no steam!), press for a few seconds to bond the transfer sheet to the fabric.

When you're done, it'll look like this! I love it! It really makes a formerly bland tank come alive!

Mama Cray-Cray tips for Mother's Day...

2013-05-12T23:33:00.002-07:00

Mother's Day 2013 is almost over and now that all the celebrations have ended and we're all full from brunch and dinner, this is the time when I really start to reflect on what it all means. Sure, I've soaked up as much wisdom as possible from my own mom, my nana, my aunts and even friends, but you know what? Now that my kids are 20 and 22, I feel like I've really come a long way as a mom! Any of you who have followed my blog over the past twelve years have probably read some of my embarrassing stories about my parenting fails - but there have been successes too, they just aren't as entertaining.

Here are some of my favorite blog entries/kid memories from days gone by. I'm soooo happy I wrote these when they happened. There are so many details I completely forgot!

Maya's first creative project - baking a cake.
Maya outsmarts the tooth fairy.
Maya, artist in the outfield.
When we had to switch shoes at her middle school open house.
DeAngelo breaks his arm and convinces the medical staff that I'm a drunk.
DeAngelo tries to sneak out a large painting of Patrick's to give as a secret Santa give at school.
DeAngelo's first shave.

Those are just a few, you can click on the Mama Cray Cray tab to see all the others.

For those of you moms with younglings hanging around, here are my lessons learned from raising two kids into young adults - and also from being a daughter myself! Granted, you already know this stuff, but here goes anyway!

1. Journal the little stuff.
It's a given that we always take pictures of birthdays, graduations, family gatherings, etc. We scrapbook and document all the high points. But it's everything in between that makes up the BEST memories. Pictures are nice, but if you can take the time to write or even talk into a recorder or video camera and share the gory play-by-play of the mishaps and embarrassing moments, you'll find they are just as golden. When my kids were younger, I worked full-time at the paper, filled orders for our art business and had college at night. Add in dealing with the kids' homework and family politics...sometimes I became very stressed out. The only thing that chilled me and made me laugh again was sitting down and writing out the crazy stuff. I always looked at it like a sitcom, lesson learned by the end and all that. Now that my kids are older, we crack up at the stories. And there is no way they can say "it didn't happen like that!" because it's all right here in black and white!

2. Think big picture.
Even at a small age, it's never too early to teach your kids life skills. Good habits that will stick with them forever. Community. Family. Positivity. Being self-reliant. Our first thought is to always take care of them and do everything for them and even give in to every wish. But it's all about balance. If you don't each them "no" - they'll go through life expecting everything to come easy and will have a hard time adjusting to real life. If there is something they want, but it's kind of pricey, work together with them to raise money to buy it together. Teach them how to entertain themselves without a video game or sitting on your lap 24/7. Bring them into your world and hobbies so they will feel like they are a part of what you do, and vice versa! Give them chores, teach them to be accountable. Teach them about the power of volunteering and being kind to others. Teach them to use the phone, how to take care of a pet, Sometimes when the kids are little, it's easy to think short term and find the quickest way to solve a problem. We think they are so young they won't remember. They will remember! But if you strive to think of the big picture and envision them as adults, you'll see it is worth the extra effort to be a good example.

3. Be ready for backlash and schooling on your parenting skills.
No doubt. We did it to our parents, right? Even if you think you are doing the very best Mother Teresa impersonation on a daily basis, your kids will always remember events THEIR way. Usually they are the victim. And they'll share these stories at the Thanksgiving table in front of all your extended family. When the kids are older, they'll recap every situation and offer their best Dr. Phil. sigh. It's a rite-of-passage for us as parents. Personally, I think it's payback for when we did it to our moms and dads. Just know that someday your kids will be parents too and what comes around, goes around, lol!

4. Tell yourself, "It's just a phase," (but keep one eye on them at all times!)
When the kids get into junior high, things get scary. They change. They want to reinvent themselves and make new friends. They begin to question EVERYTHING you do, say and stand for. They want to distance themselves and they'll pretty much not like anything you like. You'll inadvertently embarrass them. All I can say is to be strong, be positive, be consistent. Sometimes you'll have to bite your lip in order to avoid chaos, other times you'll have to meet them eye-to-eye to discuss the big stuff. But show them that no matter what, you are always there for them. God willing, they will come back to you!

5. Don't be afraid of tough love.
Listen to your inner voice when you know you have to speak up. Don't let small stresses fester, because they will. Think of yourself as your kids' life coach, no one will ever teach them the way you will!It goes the other way around too, sometimes our kids are our life coaches too. Give them respect as the creative, wonderful creatures they are! There is always something to learn to be a better person!

6. The talks - let them come to you.
As they get older, the more info you'll want about what's happening in their lives and the less they will want to share. Have faith in your relationship, take a deep breath and let them come to you. The more you pry, the more distance it will create! It's a fine balance of staying connected and always being around them without doing the smothering thing. There will come a time when they'll want to reach out because they know you love them and only want the best for them.

7. Unconditional love rules!
Always be the bigger person and set the example. They aren't perfect and neither are you. You have to have an open mind and learn from each other so you can grow together and have a good life together. Take interest in everything they do. If you can do this steadily, it will pay off in the long run.

8. Trust them.
You've worked so hard to be a great mom, there will come a time when you have to let go and let them fly. This is the hardest part for me, I'm still learning. Not a day goes by that I don't say "If only I could fix that for them!" But really, it's better to be on the sidelines to cheer them on as they embark on their own journey!

9. Accept the fact that there are some things you'll never know about them - and that you don't want to know. 'Nuff said!

Sorry if this was way corny, I just felt compelled to share. My kids still have a lot of growing up to do, and now that they are almost through college - a whole new journey begins, and I'm excited about that!

Now it's your turn to share lessons learned about raising your kids! Please do!

DIY Crystal Coin Jewelry

2013-05-09T12:46:00.002-07:00

My "Mexi-boho" version of Kristen's project!

Earlier this week I came across a project from one of my all-time favorite blogs, GlitterNGlue.com by Kristen Turner. She made this gorgeous necklace (pictured below) from an English coin (click to read her post!).

DIY Coin 'N Rhinestone Pendant Necklace by Kristen Turner at GlitterNGlue.com

Her project looked so easy and chic that I decided to make some of my own jewelry using Mexican (and one Brazilian) coins. To give it my own spin, I used wood bases as a background.

To make thus project you'll need coins, small wood pieces, markers (I used Tulip Fabric Markers), ring bases, crystal trim or Tulip Glam It Up Crystals, and a super strong glue, like Liquid Fusion.

Color the wood pieces with the marker, you can also use paint if you want.

Glue the coin in the center. Add a medium line of Liquid fusion around the rim of the wood. If using loose crystals, pick them up and place them one-by-one on the wet glue and set aside to dry. Once they're dry, turn them over and glue the ring base to the back. You can also glue a bail on the back to make them a pendant instead (or drill a hole like Kristen did!).

For this ring, I used crystals on a strand. I like the black border around the sparkle, it gives a lot of body to the design!

My finished rings!

Here is how the ring looks on my hand. Yup, I like big jewelry. You can use smaller coins for a smaller look. If that's the case, I'd go with smaller crystals as well!

5 DIY Gifts for the Creative Mami

2013-05-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you have a lovably eccentric mom who doesn't exactly fit with the mainstream crowd? She's artful, a bit edgy, colorful and quirky. Sure you can go the gift card route, but you'll also need to go above-and-beyond to show her that you "get" her. Make something special for her! Here are five easy projects you can make in in the next few days. If you have any other ideas, please share your links in the comments below.
OK, here we go!

1. Lotion Bars. Whip up a batch of your mom's favorite, luxurious scent. This is a clever way to entice her to stop, relax and pamper herself! Don't forget to dress them up in a cute ribbon. She'll like that!

2. Spiked Handbag. Just because your mom is, well, a mom, doesn't mean she is wearing housecoats and slippers 24/7! Maybe she is a cool, hipster, punky kinda mami, right? In that case, pick up a pack of studs and make over a handbag like this!

3. Stamped Metal Charms. Is your mom seriously hardcore on the outside, but mushy and sentimental inside? Bring her to tears by stamping an empowering message on a Mexican milagro charm. Choose words of strength or words that are meaningful in your relationship. Relax, it's easier than you think!

4. Virgin of Guadalupe Glittered Cuff. If your madre is into MexiBoho style, with a dash of sparkle, stitch up a wrist cuff that will set her apart from the rest. This jewelry piece is better than Jared, people! It's the Virgin of Guadalupe framed in the zigzag stitch!

5. "Glory Days" Shadow Box. Does Mom often say things like, "When I was young, I used to dance all night..." or "My waist was this small..." Find a photo of your mom in all her youthful glory and glue it inside a shadow box. Let her know that even though she is your mom, you can look into her eyes and see the young woman she once was. That spirit still lives within her! Help your mom reinvent herself to show the world that she is still here to make her own signature mark! She was, and still is beautiful!

Getting our @Target on! @SeHablaMusica

2013-05-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Top left: glasses and the CD; Maya added crystals to her glasses! One of our cruisers put them on her Chihuahua! Center: Our cruise swag bag, that's only some of the contents! Lissette modeling for us, and bottom picture is one of the Target giftcard winners, Theresa Armas! As soon as she got home, she went shopping with her mom!

When I was at Hispanicize 2013 last month, I posted a picture of me sporting a pair of Target sunglasses.

Well, within minutes I had some of the Crafty Chica Art Cruisers asking if we could get some for our cruise. I asked - and Target not only sent 75 pairs of glasses, but also three gift cards to giveaway in our nightly drawings! I also happened to have the Billboard 2013 Award Finalists CD that I got at Hispancize. It was fun to plug in my iPhone and play some Latin grooves for the cruisers!

Visit MayaInTheMoment to see the tutorial and enter to win a pair of these glasses and a package of crystals too!

By the way - Maya got so excited about her glasses that she added crystals to them and posted a tutorial - AND she is also doing a giveaway of the glasses and Tulip Glam It up Crystals!

Make a Yarn-Wrapped Bracelet!

2013-05-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

I so much to share about the 7th Annual Crafty Chica Art Cruise, I don't even know where to start! I think I'll share a little bit at a time! Here is a project using some of the supplies from our juicy swag bags - yarn-wrapped bracelets! Keep on reading to see how to make them. Seriously, it will take about 15 minutes for each one!

Lion Brand Yarn send us each a cute set of Bon Bons, DIY Bangles sent us wood bracelets (which a lot of cruisers painted, covered in fabric and painted) and iLovetoCreate sent us Tacky Glue and Tulip Soft Paints. That's all you need!

Add a generous drop of glue inside the bracelet, and the outside too. Starting on the inside, press the end of the yarn in place and wrap around the bracelet. You can do stripes or swirls, whatever you want! Keep going until you can't see the wood bracelet anymore.

Let them dry for a few minutes, then you are free to wear them! Keep in mind that when you wrap the inside of the bracelet, it will be a bit smaller, so use a larger size.

CHUBBY GIRL DELIGHT: Margarita Cupcakes by @Sprinkles (Review!)

2013-05-05T09:53:00.001-07:00

When I heard that Sprinkles Cupcakes had a special promotion happening for Cinco de Mayo season, I had to check it out. Their offering? A Margarita Cupcake! Miss Maya and I went to investigate - here is our full report!

Here is the little description... ADULTS ONLY? Really? We giggled at the thought of getting drunk on cupcakes. Sign me up! (Maya is only 20).

We bought a six-pack of the Margarita Cupcakes and were on our way...kind of.

We decided that just in case we didn't like the Margarita Cupcakes, we better have a back-up plan. So we each bought our favorite (of the moment) tried-and-true Sprinkles confection. Mine is dark chocolate with sprinkles and hers is vanilla with milk chocolate.

The first thing I noticed was that each cupcake is ever-so-lightly dusted with salt grains around the rim of the frosting.

I did the "Take the bottom off and set it on top to make a cupcake sandwich" routine. I went in for that first bite and...this followed...

It's almost gone. Margarita Cupcake for the win. The moist key-lime cake is infused with a touch of tequila, and the frosting has key lime flavoring to match. The first bite will make you raise your brows because the flavors are so zingy. But after that, you're in heaven - it's tangy, sweet, a teeny bit salty. Nothing is too overpowering, all the flavors blend just right.

Maya was initially hesitant but gave it a try. It wasn't her favorite Sprinkles cupcake of all-time (that is red velvet), but says it is something you have to try because it is so unique, creative and most of all - FUN! Patrick loved it and scarfed one down with a smile. My son, DeAngelo, automatically assumed they were vanilla and was a bit struck back at first by the tequila in the cake and the salt on the frosting. He didn't finish the entire cupcake, he is such a dessert traditionalist!

Sprinkles will have the Margarita Cupcakes on sale through May 23rd, 2013. (I saw this on the Sprinkles Twitter page: Buy one Margarita cupcake, get one free when you whisper “happy hour!”) If you love desserts and Mexican food, I would really suggest going to try one, maybe see if they have minis that you can use for a party. They are such a fun, tasty, novelty treat! NOTE: If you need a lot, call ahead of time and make sure they have them, they sell pretty fast!)

Let's give Sprinkles ideas for future Latin-themed cupcakes! How about a Mexi-mocha version? Red Chili Chocolate? Flan? What do you think?

Have You Tried This Yet? (Giveaway!) #YaProbasteEsto

2013-05-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

Our P&G luncheon at Hispanicize2013!

NOTE: This is a sponsored post, which means I received product and/or compensation for reviewing the products, event, and writing this content. However, all opinions are my first-hand, honest experiences!

Last month was my best 30 days of 2013...so far! A big part of that was because I spent a week in Miami, Florida speaking on panels for Hispanicize 2013. In between those sessions, I signed up for the P&G's ¿Ya Probaste Esto? campaign. It translates as "Have You Tried This Yet? The mission of the campaign is to educate consumers on all the different products that P&G manufactures. I had no idea they had so many! I was lured in because these are all items I've always wanted to try, but hadn't had a chance to yet.

We attended a luncheon that was led by style expert, Irma Martinez. She talked to us all about shopping for clothes that flatter our figures, as well as an overview of the many P&G products. We dutifully listened while eating salads and fluffy cheesecake!

I'm not a huge fashionista, I was more excited about the cleaning goods. Here is a tip from moi...you know my glittered floor? I use the Swiffer Wet Jet to clean it each week! So I was beyond excited when P&G sent us a huge box of goodies to try out, and yes, the Swiffer Wet Jet was in there. Oh! Okay, so later on during the conference, I saw that Swiffer had a booth so I entered a drawing to win a ginormous gift basket of Every. Swiffer. Product. Guess what? I WON! So now I have two Swiffer Wet Jets to use, my studio is going to be super sparkling, lol!

Here is the contents of the goodie box they sent all the attendees.
OMG, they are all the gourmet items I've always wanted to try! Scroll down, I'm giving away all this away to one of you!

Once the luncheon ended, we were each given a Target gift card to shop for clothing that flattered our shape. I'm a curvy girl, and I snatched up this cotton frock immediately! Being a hopeless craftaholic, I think I may end up dyeing it? Maybe not. It's pretty as is, regardless, it's perfect for summer! Thank you, Target and P&G!

Now that all the excitement has settled down, I'm looking forward to busting out the Downey Unstopables scent-boosters. Not for their intended use, though, lol. I want to make sachet pouches! They are little yummy-smelling beads that dissolve in water. I've heard of people using them for foot soaks, putting them in the garbage disposal and more. But my fave is using them to freshen up a closet or work area. Hope to blog that soon!

Here's another cool thing I picked up from the event. This collar! totally DIY-able! I love how it is trimmed in chain and then accented with assorted crystals. You can unhook it and use it with any outfit.

By the way - P&G and Latina Mom Bloggers are hosting a Twitter party on Tuesday, May 7th at 6 pm PT. Sign up HERE if you want to join and win prizes. I say, go for it! Here is more info about the Have You Tried This Yet? campaign! Check it out! You see videos and best of all, sign up to receive free samples!

This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Procter & Gamble. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

GIVEAWAY! P&G has graciously agreed to let me run a giveaway so all of you have a chance to win a collection of their products, similiar to the one in the picture above (second photo).
a Rafflecopter giveaway

CHUBBY GIRL DELIGHT: Sweet & Salty Margarita Snack Cups

2013-05-02T09:20:00.001-07:00

Cinco de Mayo is this weekend and it's time to break out the fiestaware, right? Or at least the Mexican food menu and Margaritas. Nothing goes better with tequilafied cocktails than sweet and salty snacks! I found these adorable set of mini-plastic Margarita glasses and thought they wouold make the perfect snack cups/party favors.

You'll neet to pick up a set at Party City, then buy a pack of Puffy Paint or Scribbles Dimensional Paint. You'll also need some salty snack mix, I used Archer Farms TexMex Trail Mix from Target, and sugared fruit slices to put on the glass rims. Separate the stems from the cups and add all kinds of designs using primary colors. You can even use glittered Puffy Paint!

Once they are dry, put them back together and fill with the snack mix. Open the sugared slices, use your scissors to make a tiny snip so you can set one on the rim of each plastic glass. Now set them on the table, one for each person! Don't forget to have that bag of snack mix ready to refill any empty cups!

Lastly - you'll want to have some tunes for your party! May I suggest the new Latin Billboards 2012 CD from Target?

DIY Crochet Cotton Washcloths

2013-05-01T10:38:00.001-07:00

I bet you're thinking - why crochet washcloths when I can just buy them? Well, when you love yarn, you'll find any reason or project to work that hook! Here is what intrigued me about this project - I came across a video on YouTube that showed a stitch combo I'd never used before. Double, single, double, single. To those of you who are expereinced crocheters, you probably use this combo all the time, but for me it's new and here we are!

I started with Kitchen Cotton Yarn by Lion Brand.

You'll need a size I crochet hook (I used my friend Drew's - The Crochet Dude!)and start with a chain of 25. When it comes to the stitches, you want to do a double, then a single, a double, single, etc. This creates a tight, nubby texture, great for a gourmet washcloth. There are so many pretty colors, you can mix and match any combo, or go with solids.

I think these would be cute to make for a special guest that is visiting your house, or to add a pop of color to your bathroom or kitchen. The best aspect is that they are totally strong and functional!

HOW TO: Turn a Kitchen Drawer into a Planter Box by DesignItGirl

2013-04-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever come across a random kitchen drawer that is sturdy, and you know there is a crafty opportunity waiting to happen, but you're not sure what? Nicole from DesignItGirlBlog has an idea! Check out her DIY on converting a boring drawer into this lovely planter box! Genius!

I'm excited to give this one a try!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL!

DIY Baby Shower Diaper Cake by Mothership Scrapbook Gal

2013-04-25T00:00:00.001-07:00

I'm away on the Crafty Chica Cruise, so I'm featuring tutorials by some of my favorite bloggers! My friend Rina from Mothership Scrapbook Gal has this glorious tutorial on how to make your very own baby shower diaper cake - with photos and steps outs too!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL!

TONIGHT: I'm co-hosting a Twitter party for #KikkomanSabor !

2013-04-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Remember a while back when I shared a Chubby Girl Delight post on the Baja Spring Rolls (they tasted much better than they looked), and I used Kikkoman soy sauce? I think they liked it because I've been invited to co-host their Twitter party tonight!

We'll be giving away Amazon gift cards, as well as sharing recipes, funny stories and cooking tips!

Please join us! Here is the sign up if you want to enter to win the prizes!

Join us for an evening of family recipes, international cuisine and cooking alternatives to kikk up the flavor with @kikkomankitchen !

Date: Thursday, April 25th

Time: 9pm EST / 6PM PST

Where: On Twitter with the Hashtag #KikkomanSabor

Hosts: @asbestrecipes @craftychica @nibblesnfeasts

#KikkomanSabor winners: @estilofamiliar @mamanoticias @whispersinspire

Moderators: @lbconnect and @laflowers

Special Guest: Chef Helen Roberts @KikkomanKitchen

Sponsor: Kikkoman

Tweetchat: http://tweetchat.com/room/KikkomanSabor

Prizes:

-3 grand prize winners : $100 Amazon Gift Card each
-20 winners : $20 Amazon Gift Card each

To be eligible to win, you must join the party and participate during the hour with an original tweet (RT’s not eligible) using the #KikkomanSabor hashtag and answer the Giveaway questions correctly.

Totally Tulip (You 'totally' have to see this!)

2013-04-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

LINK
My friend and co-worker, Alexa (aka SwellDesigner) found this crazy psychedelic promo video for Tulip paints. Released in the '90s, it's like Lisa Frank on a quad Venti mocha.

This is where Maya comes in - she redid the song with an updated twist!

LINK

DIY Metal Stamped Jewelry Tips by Margot Potter!

2013-04-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Have you seen Margot Potter's new blog? She launched it a few weeks ago and it's flirty, fun and fabulous! Titled, DIYDoyenne.com, her mission is to live up to her tagline of "style isn't a number."She shares ideas and fashion for women of all ages, shapes and viewpoints! and her site is loaded with project tutorials as well, like this metal stamped leather cuff. But she doesn't just offer the actual project, she also goes into the art of metal stamping. Here are her tips for successfully stamping your way to happiness!

CLICK HERE to read Margot's article, DIY Metal Stamping Tips!

HOW TO: Dye A Stained Shirt

2013-04-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

I bought this gorgeous white crochet top and hung it among my favorite frocks. It's hard to find cool plus-size goods (much less crocheted designs like this!) But, argh! The Chesty Girl's Curse plagued me recently and I spilled a hecka lotta salad dressing on the front area. I tried everything to get it out, but all I was left with was light yellow blob.

As a last ditch effort I dyed it and now I love this top even more!

CLICK HERE TO SEE MY FULL TUTORIAL ON

iloveToCreateBlog.blogspot.com!

Hispanicize 2013: Wrap Up!

2013-04-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

Miami skyline, and all the wonderful friends old and new that I got to hang out with! Check out the mini-room that Lowe's set up, it was our comfort zone whenever we needed a rest!

I've been AWOL for good reason. I crafted my guts out during National Craft Month and then I was whisked off to Miami for Hispanicize 2013. I came back fully energized in my brain, but drained in my body. You know how that goes, right? I needed to rest up and recharge. And then, tomorrow I leave for the final Crafty Chica Art Cruise - our 7th sail!

But for now, I want to tell you all about Hispancize 2013! The conference was a five-day event that had more than 1,100 attendees, plus more than 100 speakers and performers. I attended on behalf of Lowe's Home Improvement Stores and their magazine, Ideas Creativas. It's a DIY bilingual magazine with really cool and clever projects for your home! You can get a free subscription by visiting their site and signing up. Free DIY magazine? Heck ya!

I have so much to report from my trip! I thought of what you would want to know the most and decided to make a video. Below are my tops tips I learned from Hispanicize 2013. They are very condensed for the sake of time. However, I'll break out each topic here on my blog as the weeks go by. I'm a former reporter, it's my nature to take oodles of notes!

WATCH THE VIDEO :-)

LINK

I spoke on four panels, in between, I met all my favorite bloggers!

I loved this event because I got to hang out with some of my besties like Rene Alegria and Lorraine Ladish from Mamiverse.com, Denise from Pearmama, Jeshua from BoiFromIpanema and Maya too! Also, new friends like Nina from NinaOnTheMoon, Ana Flores from SpanglishBaby, Juan and Anjelica from Juan of Words, Monique from Curves and Chaos and Nicole from Presley's Pantry! By day, we all sat in sessions that focused on blogging, branding, networking, working with sponsors, learning the art of the pitch, and so much more. There were so many sessions, it was difficult to choose. At the end of the day, there was always a swanky cocktail party. Target had synchronized swimmers to promote their Se Habla Música program and the launch of Emilio Estefan's new Monster headphones! They also had a lush lounge and hosted a cocktail dance party! I was happy to get to meet all the other bloggers in the different networks I belong to - LatinaMomBloggers, LatinaBloggersConnect and LatinaLifestyleBloggers!

We also spent an evening on a McDonald's yacht, dancing and sipping fruity drinks, at the end of the night they drove us by bus to an exclusive McDonald's that was open only to our groups so we could taste the new Premium McWrap.If you follow my vine, you can see a bunch of silly videos. We were muy excited because the staff offered us WHATEVER we wanted to eat. While the thought was tempting, we kept it to a light dinner, yah, that is my story and I'm sticking to it!

P&G hosted a luncheon with beauty and fashion tips from stylist, Irma Martinez. It was to promote their new campaign, Have You Tried This Yet? I felt like a dork because while everyone else was talking fashion, I was like, "I use Swiffer Wet Jet to pick up the loose glitter from my art room floor!" And I was truly excited about that. Later on, they gave me Swiffer pads to take home!

One of the favorite highlights of the whole event was the Adalante Movement session put on by my friend and mentor, Nely Galan. At this forum, Rita Moreno and Charo were there to share their stories of dealing with being Latina in the show business industry. Those ladies endured a lot and told us about their failures and successes so we could learn on our own. (I just bought Rita Moreno: A Memoir audio book to listen to on our drive to California tomorrow!) 'Be Your Own Prince Charming' was one of the themes Nely presented. Instead of waiting for someone perfect to come along and lift you up, compliment you, help you, finance you - figure out how to do it yourself. Be self-reliant, then work to teach others. During this part of the program, the speeches were so uplifting and moving that we were either laughing or crying. Seriously!

Here is Maya speaking on a panel about social media for musicians. I'm so proud of her!

Gosh, I didn't even mention the music! We attended a private concert presented by AT&T that featured some of the Latino music scene's hottest bands. My fave is La Santa Cecilia, but I discovered a new band (to me) that I fell in love with - Locos Por Juana. Check them out!

Stay tuned for more info from the conference. I promise to make it all useful and helpful for you!

...And the winner of the Singer One Sewing Machine giveaway is...

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Vaytierre Valdes!

Your entry was randomly chosen as the winner of the machine! Congrats! Thank you to all of your who entered! Check back soon for more exciting giveaways!

PATIO CRAFT! Painted Pavers and/or Bricks! @lowes

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Everyone goes majorly loca here in Phoenix when spring arrives. We may not get all the fancy, blooming colors on our trees, but we sure savor the last of beautiful weather before the merciless summer hits. I have an ongoing project for our front patio - I've been painting all the accessories, such as the patio chairs, flower pots and vases. Patrick set down a cool pattern of pavers (ok, BRICKS!) and they looked just fine until I went into Lowe's and found these -

sample paints in all my favorite colors! I just about bought one of each! I knew exactly what to use them on - the pavers! Here is my inspiration - many years ago in our first house, we were renters. We couldn't do much to makeover the place, but I noticed the front yard had these giant rocks in the flower bed. I, um, painted all of them in cheery hues! I found out just a few months ago that the people now renting the house love the rocks, they are still there - even through all those other renters after us! So I decided to add a bit of that same colorful spirit to our own flower bed in the front porch area!

You can buy bricks or pavers at Lowe's for super cheap. Sketch your design with a pencil and have fun painting. My suggestion is to map out the design before you start painting so it will have balance in design and color.

Once you're done with all of them, give them a thick coat of outdoor varnish so they'll last a long time. I would try not to keep them in direct sunlight or they'll fade. TIP: Use black Puffy Paint to outline - it will really make your designs POP!

You can see I still have a ways to go, but I love how it's looking already! Color is magical!

About this week!

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Me with Maya, hamming it up as usual.

1. This weekend we had an art booth at The Purple Lizard in central Phoenix. I barely had time to make anything and what we did make, we sold! I love those kinds of shows! This show was definitely a jewelry-heavy affair. Even though we did well, if I had taken the time to really research about the event, I would have known to make jewelry! That's a tip for when you are vending, if it is connected to a shop, ask the owner what their customers have been buying, the price range, etc, that way you can make merchandise to fit in that range and have a successful show! Even then, you just never know. The last two shows, I didn't sell any of my decorated mirror compacts and this show I almost sold out of them!

By the way, what do you think of the blonde streak? I wanted a chunk of highlights and it came out a tad brassier than I imagined. I've had it for a couple weeks and I think I'll have La Beauty Pie tone it down a bit before I leave for Miami!

2. A reminder! If you are interested in taking my latest online class, the discount ends Monday (today!) at 11:59 pm (PT). Here is the link to enroll!

3. Paleta time! While at our show this weekend, my friend brought her kids. While we were all talking, all of a sudden they both shout "PALETAS!" They heard the charming bells of the Mexican ice cream guy from a block away and got the entire place excited. We all ended up eating our juicy paletas. I love that little kids give us reminders of the good things in life - the things we've grown accustomed to overlooking. I can't even think of the last time I noticed the bells of the paleta man, now I'll be ready and in tune (pun intended)!

4. The factory never stops. Filling an order for a super cool shop in Provincetown, called Forbidden Fruit! They've been selling Patrick's paintings and soon, they'll have this collection of mugs (this was before they were painted!).

5. Our display. One table is what we had to work with and we made the most of it! It was such a beautiful weekend!

6. New items. I call these Ceramic Affirmation Charms. This was before I strung them. They fit in the palm of your hand and I made them with a lot of happy energy. Hope to get some listed on Etsy this week!

7. Random crochet video. Later this week, I have a crochet project to share. Here is a video I made for my Vine page. (Psst, are you on Vine? Add me - I'm under "CraftyChica."

8. Here is Maya singing at our event.

9. I ended the weekend by watching Jurassic Park in IMAX 3D and eating a healthy salad. As a way to curb my appetite, I've been wearing a pair of jeans that are a size too small. I get full super fast and am not at all tempted to overeat because the jeans won't let me. How's that for a weight-loss plan?

I hope all of you have a wonderful week!

Peel & Stick Fabric Phone Cases!

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I have a new video tutorial up at the iLovetoCreate blog - it's about how to make peel and stick fabric phone covers. It's genius! Get tired of the look of your phone cover? Simply peel and stick your way to a new look!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL!