Sugar Skull Tutorial

at my new blog sight!

click here, and add me while you are at it!

New blog

Hey all, I just blogged about a beautiful opportunity.

Please visit my new blog and do subscribe, and/or follow. I will be posting there, from now on.

Thank You!

Yoli

Here is the linky!

New Addiction! Drive by Random Acts of Kindness

A couple of weeks ago, I blogged about a swap I was hosting on Swap-bot. Well I am happy to say, it just started a couple of days ago, and already, I am getting amazing feedback from a couple of the chica's that dove right in. I only requested that people randomly drop off 3 pieces of art, notes, doodles, or whatever in random areas and take a photo of their deed. However, a couple of these ladies are already knee deep in their RAK addiction and have already dropped off a handfull of RAK's throughout their cities. They have also written to me about how much joy they are getting out of this, and have vowed to continue dropping off random goodness thruout. I opened up a flickr group so that everyone can share their experience and or partake in the challenge. You can find the group here. (please feel free to join and view photos and discussions)

I have yet to drop mine off, but I did make three collaged postcards with a note for the finder. My goal is going to be to drop them off at various places during 2nd Saturday's art walk here in Sacramento. Which brings me to the point of my blog....

I want to challenge each and every reader of this blog to practice one RAK. It doesn't have to be art, it can be a phone call, an extra tip, a letter, a one liner, anything. Trust me, you will get so much more out of it than the receiver. Some are even calling this excercise of good faith, theraputic, and I have to agree.

I remember a couple of years ago, my husband and I were trying to merge on the Bay Bridge's toll booth. We had gotten in the wrong line (fast track) and needed to scoot over to a booth that accepted cash. We had blinkers on, and were trying to make eye contact with anyone who would show mercy on us. We found a little clearance and were just about to merge onto the next lane when a car sped up and laughed at us as we tried to get in front of her. Well Karma stepped in because as they were looking back at us and laughing, she hit the car in front of her. "Ouch".
Another car stopped and let us get in front of them. We were so thankful, that at the toll booth, we paid for our toll and the car behind us. That particular RAK still feels good to this day.

Whoops, look at me, I am rambling! So yeah, do your RAK and let me know how it went. You can post here or at my flickr group. I would also like to challange all my Scary Art Collective ghoulies to participate with me.

Oh, and if you have the time and are in my city, do stop by our shows. We are participating in two shows.

Blood & Guts Do Sell
October 11, 6-10pm
Side Show Studios

Scarry-Art Collective Halloween Show

October 11, 6-10pm
Body Tribe

Do stop by and hollar at your girl!

Easy Encaustic Wax Tutorial. (You know how I do!)

Before I get started on this super easy, fun, & addicting craft/art technique, I am going to list the a definition of the encaustic process. Don't let it scare you because you know I always have a "99 cent" solution!

Encaustic painting, also known as hot wax painting, involves using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added. The liquid/paste is then applied to a surface — usually prepared wood, though canvas and other materials are often used.

The simplest encaustic mixture can be made from adding pigments to beeswax, but there are several other recipes that can be used — some containing other types of waxes, damar resin, linseed oil, or other ingredients. Pure, powdered pigments can be purchased and used, though some mixtures use oil paints or other forms of pigment.

Metal tools and special brushes can be used to shape the paint before it cools, or heated metal tools can be used to manipulate the wax once it has cooled onto the surface. Today, tools such as heat lamps, heat guns, and other methods of applying heat allow artists to extend the amount of time they have to work with the material. Because wax is used as the pigment binder, encaustics can be sculpted as well as painted. Other materials can be encased or collaged into the surface, or layered, using the encaustic medium to adhere it to the surface.

***********************************************************************************

Yeah, who has time for that, or for the mess? I know I don't, so lets get this party started, shall we?

Materials and supplies.

Natural Bees wax: You can find this at Michaels or Joanns in the candle section. Make sure you get clear, and because I like to save my "skrilla" use a coupon. They are always putting out weekly coupons.

Crayons: Here is where I don't skimp out. Crayola shoves in lots of pigment in their crayons. They are not that much more expensive than a generic brand. Trust me, they make a difference.

Quilting Iron: Again, use a coupon people! These run around 30.00. They are so worth it too, because they get super hot and they are small and great for small projects. Oh, and you can use them for quilting too.

Newspaper: Great for absorbing drips and cleaning your tool

Gift Wrap Tissue Paper: You know, the kind you dress up your gift bags with. Dollar store carries it, and so does the rest of america.

Gift Car, Collage, painting,tag,: anything you want to seal up. I sealed wood, paper, and canvas. For demonstration purposes, I am using a Christmas card.

Step 1: I like to get my iron nice and hot, and I set it on high. Be very careful, you can easily burn yourself. After it is nice and hot, I apply the iron directly on my slab of wax, till it starts dripping on my card. I let it drip all over


See the drips? Kinda looks nasty, but I won't even go there......

After you have a fair amount of wax on your card, start rubbing your iron all around your card to melt and smooth out your wax droppings. Have fun, this is the most theraputic part, I can swirl around for hours. If you get to much on one side, you can remelt it and move it around.


Wanna be daring and add some color? Get your crayon and apply it to your iron the same way you did with your bees wax. Use your crayon sparingly! Crayolas put out lots of color and you depending on the size of your piece, you may only need one or two drops. Again, if you have too much color, you can always move it around by melting it and spreading it elsewhere

Here, I added about 4 different colors.


After your piece cools a bit, it is ready to buff out. Using your tissue paper,(thanks for the tip, Krissi, I agree this works best!) bunch it up and rub gently a few times over your piece, and you will notice a nice sheen. You don't have to do this step if you don't want too, but since I like my stuff shiny, I buff away. :-)


Here are three pieces that I sealed in wax. They are going to be part of my RAK Swap challenge that I blogged about previously. (click on link and join my RAK flickr group)

How easy was that? Oh, and you could really go crazy with this technique. try embedding small objects, glitter, tissue papers, anything! I swear, this is so much fun, you will be dreaming about sealing up anything. I may even seal my bills! haha. (I wish)

Anyhoo, if you enjoyed this tutorial, do tell a friend!

Whoops, lemme tell you about clean up. EAZY! While your iron is still hot, wipe off excess wax on newspaper, It will come right off and be just like new. I think this is way easier than cleaning out a crock pot full of wax and having those brushes full of wax.


Saludos!

Yoli

Rawkin Round Robins!

Omygosh!

I participated in the fastest Round Robin Art marathon ever! Ok, maybe not ever, but it was a 1st for me. I attended my monthly "Northern California Mixed Media Artist" class today. It is not really a class per se, but dang it if I don't learn something new each time, so to me, it is a class of deliciously inspired women and teachers.

Today we were instructed to each bring a sheet of watercolor paper and various images, inks,paints, images,trims, etc.

Once we got settled in, we all set up our work stations. A timer was set for 5 minute increments, and once it dinged, we had 5 minutes to get busy, and then pass it to our partner to the left. I believe there were about 8 or 9 of us. At the end of the round, we were the new proud owners of a wonderful collaborative piece of art. We were all so hot and inspired that we did it twice!

Yup, I walked out of there with two completed pieces that were imprinted and created by a bunch of wonderful minds and spirits.


Here are two pieces. (hold on to your chonies!)


I started this piece with tearing a bunch of papers for the background. I love the romantic vintage feel to it.



This second piece I titled, "Buenas Noches"


I love that someone added a Tuscan villa scene. Perfecto!

Speaking of "Round Robins" I am participating in my very first Journal Round Robin. A few Chica's from Swap-botand I are just starting the process. I am making a total of 3 pages for this first book I rec'd the other day. This is one of my entries. (I am keeping the other two a secret, shhhhhhh)

I used collaged papers, inks, glitter, stickers and I hand painted the Chica. This page was inspired by a confessional made on the opposite page. I call this page "Free to Dream" Trust me, it is very fitting to the confessional. :D

Porque it's all Good, Baby!

Yes indeed it is! 1st, Krissi blogged about her good dia, and then her blog inspired me to share my good day. It started about 6:30 pm, when I got home. I know, I know, my good dia got off to a late start, but sometimes good things are worth waiting for, que no?

So, I drive up to my drive way, and my kids are walking across the street towards me. My nephew is in tow. He just started walking a little less than two weeks ago, and watching him waddle down the driveway with joy across his face, well, it's just one of those things that can make your heart melt in an instant.

Also, I noticed a delicious smell wafting through the air. I aske Adrian, "Mmmmm, who is cooking?" He said, "Dad is, he is baking chicken!" Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice. We all walk inside and I am immediatly welcomed by a warm dinner and two fat packages on my countertop. "Mail para Me!"

I eyeball the largest package and start ripping it open. Yeah, I was blown away with this generous gift from BorderBaby Creations.




How awesome is that? La Sirena, embroidered! She even made the frame. OMG, this girl has mad skills. She is an awesome painter too. Oh, and how cool is her name? This Chica hails from Southern California, and I am not sure if she has an online store, but she should! I know she lists her work on myspace and can be contacted via myspace. Trust me, you are gonna fall in love with her work. Do tell her I sent you!


But wait, it doesn't stop there, I still had another package to go! My son beat me to it, and started ripping it open before I could stop him. We both stopped cold, and said WOW. I read the box, and it said, " Yoli, Yes, you get the dropped Shrine! hahahaha, Rose.

I had to think a minute, and then I started cracking up. Rose joined a swap that I was participating in. The hostess didn't know Rose that well, and figured Rose was too new to take a chance on and dropped her. By the time I found out about it, it was too late to add her. I felt so bad for Rose and wrote her that I felt gyped, because I am not going to get the chance to possibly get her shrine.

I stand corrected now. :-) . She sent it to me anyway. Check it out, it was for a Dia De Los Muertos Shrine swap. She clearly spent more time on it than I did.

How freaking cool is that? Rose is a very talented Chica. She sells in shows all over and on the internet. Her work can be found here. You can also find her at myespacio too. Here is her link.

Yes, yes, it was a good day here in Casa Snatchisima.

Oh and I have been meaning to give this loca a shout out too. Last month, I was minding my business and getting my craft on at Scary Craft, (which, by the way, is tomorrow night. Hope to see you there!) when Evie, and her friend stopped by to give me a special delivery all the way from Kansas. Check it out!


It is a knitted eyball con horns and feets, made by The Grim Knitters I was speechless and so surprised! Do check them out, you will find them on Myspace. I am not sure if they have another online presence, but they are definitley worth the visit. Ms. Gauntlette of The Grim Knitters makes knitting ultra hardcore and cool. Her creations really kick so much ass!

Well thats a wrap. I am working on another blog, and I have some homework to finish.

Saludos good people!

Happy Birthday and Giving Thanks

4 years ago, the unthinkable happened. My best friend lost her son to a senseless murder. The shooter did not know her son, he couldn't find find his intended victim and he was determined to cause some damage. He succeeded. He shattered a thousand lives in an instant. I can't even describe what we went through during this tragedy. To this day, I marvel at my friend's courage to carry on without her beloved son. She struggles everyday, and some days are good, some not so good. Today was a tough day for her. Mario would have been 20 today. September 16th and August 6th (day he was taken from us) are two of the toughest days for her, for all of us, actually. When I got home today, there was a package waiting for me. Inside was a glass angel and a small votive candle with the words, Mario's 20th. Michelle dropped off these candles throughout the day and asked all of us to light his candle tonight to honor his birthday. For those who know me well, lighting a candle is very symbolic to me. It calms me, it comforts me and it grounds me. I was going to light one anyway, but I am more than honored to light his candle.

Mario meant so much to so many. I truly believe he was here to remind us how precious life is and how much we have to be thankful for. I mean really, when I am having a rough day, I think about Mario and am reminded how much I need to not sweat the small stuff.

So tonight, I salute my friend's son, and I salute all of you. Life is really a gift. Go hug someone for me tonight.

Below is an "official" photo we used for Mario's press. His story touched people throughout America. From pro ball players, actors, activists, police academies, teachers, students, and loved ones.

One Love

Easy Chica Style Necklace Pendant Tutorial

Hey Chica's in Craft. It is time for another easy breezy Tutorial. I actually made this project for a swap partner, and I liked it so much, I decided to make one for myself. You can keep this as simple as 123, or you can go as elaborate as you want. I am going to keep this tutorial on the simple side, and if you do make your own pendant, feel free to link it here.

Materials:
Crafty Chica Mojito Paper
Crafty Chica Loteria Cards
Inkssentials Memory Glass and Pendant frames
Decorative paper

Tools:
Scissors
Glue stick
punch cutters (optional) I have a square punch that I used to cut my paper to size


Pick an image to go in the front and in the back of your pendant. I cut out a calavera from Kathy's loteria card, and I cut out an image of Frida for the backside. I also chose a glittered paper for the background of my calavera.

Here are my selections.

These glitter sheets are awesome. They already come with a sticky back, just peel and stick. (I purchased mine at a scrap book store)

Assemble your front piece. I added a butterfly behind my calavera. Sandwich your decorative paper behind your top piece of glass. I used a little stick glue to tack my calavera to my background paper. Then you are going to add your back piece of paper behind your front image and sandwich that in between your back piece glass.

Front Piece

Back Piece

Next, you will open your Memory frame and insert your pendant "sandwich" inside. Be careful not to force your glass in too quickly. Your glass may crack or break.

Viola, instant one of a kind "Chica Style" pendant. Really, you can do this all under 10 minutes!

Next thing to do is add it to a necklace, or if you are really hardcore, make your own necklace!
Look here, two necklace in 1! Talk about stretching your dollar!

Don't have access to Memory glass or frames? Here is your "99 cent" solution. (actually it is cheaper, but I like the phrase) You can also use the very cheap wooden cut outs they sell at your local craft store. They come in all shapes and sizes. All you have to do is drill a hole and I would seal with a varnish. You can collage, paint, add 3d embellishments. The sky is the limit!


Go ahead, Get Your Craft On!

A New Name & a Cool Guest Artist for September

No, not my name, but the name of our Scary Craft night!

(original post by Krissi Sanvick)

A new name and a cool guest artist for September!

I wanted to let everyone know we had an AWESOME time making hats last month with DyMa Creations. A special thanks goes out out to Miss Dy for lending her expertise as a self-proclaimed Haberdasher and Sewing Mogul Extraordinare to the uninitiated! Check out a couple of the toppers made - these are by Rain and her mom, Kathy! I still owe a blog on last month's challenge, and to let you know this month's (an easy and super fun one inspired once again by Yoli), but that will get its own post - probably tomorrow.

And now for something completely different:

Y'know, we're not JUST "crafters" a term which conjures for most a vision of a housewife gluing stuff to other stuff (not that there's anything wrong with it). Given that the new wave of crafters / DIYers / punk artisans incorporate fine art techniques into their scrapbooking (and vice versa) and wire electronics into their clothing, the term "crafter" just doesn't do us justice.

Enter this month's guest artist Christian Cinder - better known on the grid as simply C!nder - with a new term for what to call people who hoard beads next to their Golden Liquid Acrylics and use Aleene's white tacky glue as often as they use gel medium: creators. Therefore, Scary CRAFT is changing the name of our monthly Sacramento crafting night to "NIGHT of the CREATORS" (Frankenstein imagery intended). However, please feel free to call yourself a crafter ... or an artist ... or a housewife who glues stuff to other stuff (that would be me).

Well don't click away just yet, 'cause C!nder is a giver, and he isn't done yet! Please join us on 4th Tuesday, September 23rd from 6-9 for NIGHT of the CREATORS* featuring a "skull bat 3D paper toy" make & take with C!nder (we're expecting quite a turn out, so an RSVP is strongly recommended! Either post a comment here or send us an e-mail: scaryCRAFT@gmail.com).



He'll bring printouts on cardstock of his skull bat image (no cost to you, but tips for the starving artist are appreciated), you bring some paper crafting stuff: craft knife, scissors, paints, your fave glue, embellishments, etc. While you assemble and embellish your very own skull bat, C!nder will give a 'down and dirty primer on making 3D versions of your own art.' Honestly, this is NOT to be missed!

More information will be posted (including a detailed supply list) next week. Until then, take a few minutes to check out C!nder's blog, his Flickr account, a review of his Hakubots on ToyCyte, and some of his art for sale on Scary-Art.com!

* Don't forget, the creations happen every 4th Tues from 6pm-9pm (except Nov/Dec) at:
Side Show Studios
5635 Freeport (Ste. 6)
Sacramento, CA
www.sideshowstudios.net
Crafty Create-y (we'll have to work on that one) love,

your scribe, Krissi (and Yoli by proxy)

Guerilla Style "Random Act of Kindness" Challenge

Hello everyone, once again, thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read my posts. I truly appreciate it. For those of you who have been with me for quite some time, know that I have a addiction to Swap-bot.com. Yes, yes, I have even been known to lure unsuspecting crafty and artsy souls over there, to share my addiction.

I just posted a new swap, but I wanted to extend the invitation to all you you as well. You don't have to sign up at swap-bot, if you don't want too, you can just post your results here or on your own blog. All I ask is that you share your results with me and or send me the link to your blog so that I can pimp it out.

The name of my Swap is "Guerilla style Random Act of Kindness" and below is the info. I posted on Swap-Bot.

Put this image on your site!

Copy the code below and paste it on your site:

I swap with Swap-bot!

Swap Coordinator:	sacredsnatch (contact)
Swap categories:	Art Challenges Letters & Writing
Number of people in swap:	1
Last day to signup/drop:	October 3, 2008
Date items must be sent by:	November 4, 2008
Number of swap partners:	3
Description:
Ok people, it's time to make someone feel special. I don't know about you, but when I make someone feel good, I also feel good in return. It's a win, win situation. Making someone feel special does not require money, so in this challenge, I don't want you to buy a thing. Use what you have or what is inside your beautiful mind. This swap is inspired by the book, "Guerilla Art Kit" an awesome and inspiring read. The premise of this swap is that you will make 3 pieces of art. Your call, it may be one of the following: A Doodle, A Journal entry, An uplifting quote, A random lette,r An ATC, A sticker, A poem, A mini shrine, A "Dotee Doll", A stuffie, A piece of jewelry, A mixed CD, A card or postcard with a nice note, A Photo. Anything, I am just giving some suggestions, but really, if anything, just write out an inspiring message or even a "Have A beautiful Day" message on a piece of paper. I want you to make at least 3, but you can make as many as you want. Then I want you to leave your "art" in a random place, for a random stranger to find. I then want you to take a picture of your note or art at the place you left it. Sounds like fun? I certainly hope so! I can't wait to get started myself! Here is the link to the actual Swap-bot Challenge http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/21259 Saludos, Yoli

Sacramento Has Much Love For Crafty Chica!

Hey Crafty Homies,

Lately I have been lazy with my blogs and have been cutting and pasting all of Krissi's hard work. (with her permission of course) So this time ,I am going to put in my own two centavos about our day with La Reyna, La Crafty Chica.

Although, I will admit, I am ganking Krissi's pics because I was so busy, I didn't have a chance to take my own. :-)

Friday was Sacramento's turn to represent and show our love for Crafty Chica. She had incredible turn outs at her prior tour stops, and I knew it was time for me to bring out the big guns! Yep, I rallied a few homies and told them to head out to Sacred Casa, because I am throwing a little luncheon Pachanga to help nourish Kathy and family for the final leg of her tour.

My girl, Sharon who is not only my bestest homie, business partner and awesome catorer, helped me with my decorations and shopping the on the night before. We decided to do a panini bar with all kinds of yummy fixings, cupcakes, peach cobler, & macaroni salad.

Krissi brought an amazin"Mexican Fruit Salad with ancho chile powder and a taste of tequila!" Trust me, it was the shizznet,mmmkay?




There was a super tasty menu - each sammie was assembled and grilled to order and we decided to build a custom Panini for the guest of honor.

menu & art by Yoli Mazo of Sacred Snatch Designs; photo by Kathy Cano-Murillo


Some of the decorations we included were Kathy's books (she has about 5 craft books) and my custom Crafty Chica Empowerment Guardian (I made on her cruise, earlier this year) helped to make this a truly Crafty Chica luncheon!



There was even an extra "loving" shrine on display! (You "Go" Kathy!) hehe.

shrine by Kathy (!) for Rain thru www.swap-bot.com


I decided to use Kathy's mojito papers to decorate the cuppy cakes! I thought they looked super festive if I do say so myself.

toppers made by Yoli out of Crafty Chica "Mojito" decorative papers



Here are the "glitter" cupcakes that Amy of Peptogirl Industries brought with her (after battling and finally winning with Mapquest!) Thanks Amy! My son ate just about all of them and lectured me about how these were "real" cupcakes. Hmmmmph. ;-)

Spread the Sparkle Cupcakes by Peptogirl Industries

This was a last minute get together, and I just want to thank all of you that came and helped make this a memorable and special day.

Great minds think alike - Kathy wearing her custom Skelekitty earrings from Krissi and with Rain and the fiesta calavera earrings she made for Kathy.



Helped along by the awesome food and Sacred Mama's Magic Sangria! She has been guarding this recipe for ages and only busts it out on the most special of occassions!

Yours truly with Virginia, my 'Sacred Mama,' as she makes sangria! Kathy deciding on whether to have white or red...


Patrick wonders if he can take two more days of glitter and estrogen... D'Angelo has already checked out with his Sidekick.


And all of this before 3pm! Whew! Everyone took a little break after that and we met up at the Sacramento (Truxel Road) Michaels store for the official Spread the Sparkle event!

I am so proud of all who came and welcomed Kathy with open arms. Michaels did a fanstastic job announcing Kathy's presence and enhanced everything with cooooooooooookies! I even scored the coveted "Lucy" who is getting a little sparkle lift and seal.

Thanks Kathy! I'll take good care of her!



All of this goodness was followed by a late farewell dinner with Kathy, Patrick and Krissi.
So much happiness on an eve of another fabulous weekend that included crafting, and a BBQ on a beautiful Sunday Evening.

Thank you Universe!

Frida Sugar Baby Is Ready To Go Home!

Yep, Little Frida Sugar baby was handed over last night to Melody of the Sugar Cube Society and is now listed and searching for a firme home.

I made this doll as a donation to help raise funds for diabetes. 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the Diabetes foundation.

Also available, is a sweet lil bay created by Amy of Pepto Girls and Pimp Stitch! So cute!

Gracias everyone!

Look who's here:

Frida



and

Sweet Dreams Ginger



You can find these Sugarbabies along with others at:

Click here

You Better Not Cry, You Better Not frown, Crafty Chica is Coming To Town!

My homegirl, Krissi, did such a fabulous post, I just had to share with yall.

The Sparkle Storm is COMING!

A bunch of us glitter & glue junkies have been telling you for AGES about the Crafty Chica product line by Duncan Crafts, and the Spread the Sparkle Tour Kathy Cano-Murillo is doing to promote the line!

Tonight she wraps up the Southern CA portion of the tour then heads up here for the last three tour dates:

• Thursday, August 21, 6 – 8 p.m.
  2040 Tully Rd., San Jose CA 95122-1300
  (408) 274-6772
  
  
• Friday, August 22, 6 – 8 p.m.
  3691 Truxel Rd., Sacramento CA 95834-3604
  (916) 928-9777
  I'm so excited, I almost peed a little
  
  
• Saturday, August 23, 3 – 5 p.m.
  7400 N Blackstone Ave
  Fresno CA 93720-4301

Wanna little sneak peekage at what's coming Sacramento-ward on Friday? Sure you do!

• San Diego Adventures and Sparkling in Los Angeles by Kathy Cano-Murillo
• Crafty Chica Inspiration Gallery on Flickr
• My Crafty World by Cyndi Garcia of Santa Clarita Craft Lab
• All Hail The Crafty Chica by Karen Fayeth (Oh Fair New Mexico blog)

Be sure to come out and join me, Yoli of Sacred Snatch Designs, the Sacramento Craft Mafia, several Scary CRAFTers in our joint support of her craftiness!



p.s. Be sure to say hi to Patrick - especially if you're a fan of his art or rasta music!

Yes, Yes, lets all get out there and represent Sacramento's amor for La Crafty Chica!

August Scary Craft Night Make and Take and Online Challenge

August Craft Night - Little Black Hats & More!

Hey Scary Kids!

The next Night of the CRAFTERS, Sacramento's original Craft Night is coming for you! On August 26 (a week from Tuesday), at the same Bat-time (6pm-9pm), same Bat-channel (Side Show Studios, Sacramento) we are pleased to present an embellished mini-hat make 'n' take by DyMa Creations!

Join us and make a unique "Little Black Hat" that reflects your style and personality while learning tips and tricks from the Haberdasher and Sewing Mogul Extraordinare herself! Kits are available (see below) or BYO stuff.*** Not sure what to pack in? You can get some ideas from the DyMa Creations Etsy store or view her Little Black Hats with homes. Don't wanna make a hat? That's OK - ya don't gotta. Just bring your crafty self, supplies for whatever you want to work on and a folding chair (if you have one) and join the glue sniffing. WARNING - you may leave covered in glitter.

***IMPORTANT: For this class, kits ABSOLUTELY MUST be reserved in advance. Please message us or comment below to reserve one or more of these kits (CASH ONLY PLEASE - price is dependent on embellishments chosen - payable to artist at time of class):

• $8-10: full kit (5½" hat form and your choice of embellishments)
• $5-7: embellishments only (BYO hat)
• $4: hat form only (BYO embellishments)
• oh, and of course, $0: no kit - BYO everything or craft on your own - no reservation needed!

Other important stuff to bring: sharp scissors and your own bottle of Fabri-Tac (by Beacon Adhesives) fabric glue. If you don't have that stuff, just sit next to someone who shares!

See you at the crafting tables!

Online Tutorial & August Craft Challenge!

Hey Scary Crafters, it's Krissi again. La Snatchita and I have been a wee bit behind on our craft challenges, and we want to tell you that we know and we're deeply apologetic (psshhh!)

Well, my friends, I'm happy to say that the drought is over! Here is a tutorial from Jennifer Perkins of Craft Lab /Naughty Secretary Club brought to us via our own Sacred Snatch Designs.
Now, here is YOUR challenge:

1. Create your own 'batik' decorative paper(s) using this technique
2. Make something using the paper you just designed - anything is OK, ATC, mixed-media on canvas, envelope, card, paper your office, whatever.
   

For our non-local folks, you will:

1. Post a photo of your masterpiece (along with a "before" shot of your finished paper) on your blog/website/Flickr/whatever account, then
2. Post a comment on OUR blog with a link to your photo
3. Complete all of this by Monday night, August 25th at 7pm PDT (10pm Eastern)

Sacramentans may either follow the above procedures, or bring their creations to Night of the Crafters on the 26th (we'll take photos). After the glitter clears, we'll gather all the pics together and post them in a singl blog (with links back to all of our wonderful contributors, of course)!

DRAW ON, SWEET CRAFTERS!

Winner, Winner, Carnita Dinner!

Between this blog and my other blog I re-post on Myspace, there were a total of 29 entries.

::Drum Roll Please::

And the winner of the Batik Muerto plaque is none other than.........
Sofia (sp) from Simply Strands!

Congratulations girly, email me your addy and I'll get it out to you in a jiffy!

Thanks everyone for playing, you all rock! For those of you who tried the technique, please send me a picture. I would love to see your creation!

Besos,

Yoli

Easy Crayon Batik Technique Tutorial & Give Away!

I watched this technique on Jennifer Perkin's Craft lab show the other day. It looked so easy that I ran to my crayon box and got busy! Guess what? It was totally easy and I made a couple of goodies and have been getting requests to do a tutorial on this technique ever since! So with that, Tada......

Here you go, and on top of a technique, I am also throwing in a drawing for the item below. All you have to do is leave a comment and bam, your name goes into a drawing and the lucky winner will be notified for their mailing address. Sound fun? Of course it is! I will take comments through next Monday, August 18th, and will announce the winner on Tuesday. So, get your comments in and hey, tell a friend!

Materials you will need.
Black Acrylic Paint
Crayons
Paper
Water
Brush or Sponge
Paper Towel

Seriously, that is it! By the way, this is a GREAT project for the kiddies too.



Step 1. Start coloring! Use any pattern or design you want. I like vibrant colors, but you can use any color combination. I suggest applying a good amount of pressure on your masterpiece. The waxier, the better!


Completely cover your entire paper with your groovy artwork.


After your page is done, crumple your paper in a wad like the one below. Squish it good and hard, the more wrinkles, the better!


Next, you are going to spread your masterpiece out on a nonstick surface (or a protected table)


Pour some of your black paint in a container and add some water. I didn't measure, I just made it on the soupy side. Then you are going to get a sponge or brush and cover your masterpiece completely in the black paint wash.

Like This.

Next, before it dries, you are going to wipe off the excess paint with a paper towel.


Lay out to dry. (they dry pretty fast) Tada, you are done. You can use these papers as you like. Use them in everything; Altered Envies, Journals, ATC's, Decopauge, Cards, you name it, you can do eeet!

I love the organic look to it. It really does look like dyed batik, but without the dyes and mess!

So below is a little Dia De Los Muertos plaque I made with the batik papers. This will be my drawing prize. Just leave your comment below, and I will draw your name on next Tuesday!

Thanks again for stopping by and be sure to visit often!

Yoli