Kathy Cano Murillo - The Crafty Chica Creates!: Latinx-Inspired DIY Projects with Spirit and Sparkle

Introduction

Lets do this!

Welcome to The Crafty Chica Creates! Its been twenty years since I launched my brand, Crafty Chica. I had no idea that celebrating my Mexican-American culture via glue and glitter would lead to a thriving career of creativity, but here we are!

This book is a personal invitation into my world of making and affirmational thinking. The magic of these projects comes from not just the design, but also the intention you put into them. Some past favorites are included, plus a whole new collection.

Whether youre an expert or a novice, join me on this journey. Im your workshop teacher, leading you through each project and the purpose behind it. All these ideas touch on a range of techniques and themes, but each is meant to bring magic to your creative spirit.

Mexican music and munchies are not required, but they help keep the mood festive!

I created these DIYs to brighten your living space and bring good energy, all with a splash of Latina spirit. Theyll pep up your dcor and your mood, too!

You can use these projects for:

As you work on each project, you can choose to make it as is or be innovative and add your own twist. Youll find ideas to use beloved Latino-centric novelties in unexpected ways.

I hope youre excited about what lies ahead. Now, lets get crafting!

1

What Is Latin Style, Anyway?

How can one accurately define Latin style? Before visions of a man sleeping in a sombrero sitting by a cactus or a string of chili pepper lights pop in your head, read on. Those stereotypes are everything Latin style is not.

Latin style is diverse.

The term Latin is as vast as a global food buffet. Before you reach for an artsy antacid, relax. This book keeps it simple. These are projects I dreamed up that celebrate my personality and cultural background. My point of view is that of a third-generation Mexican-American Gen-Xer. There are many others like me who can relate. But Ive also discovered there are many others who have a completely different perspective and style from mine. All are completely valid, worthy, and authentic.

Thats why I always tell people to make these creations so they represent your story, incorporating your personality as much as possible. Not only will these become your legacy crafts, but you might just discover something new about yourself.

My biggest inspirations are the homes in the Southwest region of the United States. Using Mexico and Spain as the inspirational foundation, these houses have walls that sport stucco or faux finishes in rich, bold tones and are trimmed with Talavera tiles. The floors are lined with either Saltillo tile or painted concrete. The furnishings are chunky and oversized, and the accent pieces include painted tin candlesticks, coconut masks, wood-block prints, red clay patio chimneys, and bright baskets. The tones range from earthy to glossy and contemporary to primitive.

But thats just one version. Traveling through Mexico, Ive found minimalist dcor with light touches of color and metal. There is no right or wrong. Its all about the story you want to tell.

No matter what aspect of Latino life lights your fire, there are ways to harness it for an expressive twenty-first century art form.

One example is the ancient Aztec calendar. It was created centuries ago as a means of foretelling the future. These days, the intricate circular design is used for concrete wall hangings, stylish empowering T-shirt, jewelry pieces, and even company logos.

Latin style is a gregarious way of living that is woven, painted, carved, sketched, punched, sewn, and chiseled every minute into holidays, meals, and family gatherings. Think hot hues on floor rugs or party favors, scrumptious serving dishes embellished with searing chilies, centerpieces layered with ornate hand-punched tin, and rows upon rows of papel picado (Mexican paper cut) banners hanging from the ceiling. Whether a solo piece or an outlandish combo, they are all apart of the fiesta family.

But thats just my perception of Latin style that I call Mexi-boho.

Whats yours?

2

Materials and Techniques

Just because your colorful ideas are doing some fancy mambo steps doesnt mean your organizational skills can join in.