The Crafty Chica Creates!

Latinx-Inspired DIY Projects with Spirit and Sparkle

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date 04 Jan 2022 | Archive Date 18 Jan 2022

Talking about this book? Use #TheCraftyChicaCreates #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

Join the Queen of Latina Style to make joyous, vibrant, sparkly Latin-inspired crafts that are stunning to look at yet surprisingly easy to make.

The Crafty Chica is back! In The Crafty Chica Creates!, a revised and expanded edition of The Crafty Chica Collection, Kathy Cano Murillo enthusiastically welcomes you into her world of making and affirmational thinking with colorful, Latin-style craft projects inspired by her Mexican heritage.

With 45 projects—26 completely new joining 19 previous favorites—get fun techniques for painting, sewing, mixed media, clay, and paper crafts using affordable and recycled materials. While some are more in-depth than others, the projects are ideal for all skill levels. The Crafty Chica welcomes you to infuse the projects with elements of your own cultural heritage to make them personal and unique.

Each project is presented with a materials list, clear step-by-step instructions, a large photo of the finished project, and the personal and cultural history behind it.

Organized by category—Clothing, Artful Affirmations, Home Accessories, Jewelry and Accessories, Garden Decorations, and Fiesta—the projects include:

  • Milagros (miracle charms) layered resin phone grip
  • Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) papier-mache dog sculpture
  • Stamped clay folk-art boxes and ring dish
  • A stunning poncho made from Mexican scarves
  • A picture frame upcycled with an embroidered blouse
 
As you embrace the Latino culture or let your cultural heritage shine with creative crafts, you’ll discover:
  • Innovative ways to work with a wide range of materials, including air-dry clay, resin, and fabric
  • How to fully embrace vivid color palettes
  • Ways of repurposing everyday supplies into gorgeous art pieces that make great gifts
  • Great techniques for sculpting, sewing, painting, and embellishing that will boost skills and confidence
 
Whether you are looking for dazzling things to make for group crafting, to decorate your casa or workplace, to release stress and lift your mood, or for gift giving, The Crafty Chica Creates! is your friendly, inspiring guide.
Join the Queen of Latina Style to make joyous, vibrant, sparkly Latin-inspired crafts that are stunning to look at yet surprisingly easy to make.

The Crafty Chica is back! In The Crafty Chica Creates!...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9780760372180
PRICE $24.99 (USD)
PAGES 128

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (PDF)

Average rating from 16 members


Featured Reviews

DIY with a Latina flare, inspired by Frida Kahlo and all things Mexico.
Some instruction, but not many instruction pictures.
The perfect gift for the more eccentric friend.

Was this review helpful?

This was an enjoyable and very colorful (which I loved) book of craft and art inspiration. While I won't use a lot of the projects as-is, I can definitely see myself drawing inspiration from some of them for my own art. I especially loved the Frida Kahlo fiesta placemats. As a quick flip-through inspiration book I think it's excellent. The instructions for the projects were a bit sparse for those of us not as familiar with Latin culture and art, but there was enough to get the gist of the projects and adapt for my own use.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Quarry Books for providing an e-arc for review.

Was this review helpful?

An wonderful book!

This book would make a perfect gift or a lovely addition to any crafters bookshelf, it’s perfect in every way. The bright colours would make anyone smile, the colours are so beautiful and so are the projects, each project instructions are so well written anyone could follow them

*a big thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc copy in exchange for an honest review *

Was this review helpful?

#TheCraftyChicaCreates #NetGalley

Such a gorgeous book full of colors, cultures, and amazing ideas. I wasn't really sure what to expect -- and was happy to see that I can work on a few of the basic ideas presented here without being too intimidated (Repujado dicho matchboxes, resin phone grip, cigar boxes, greeting cards). It was right up my alley since I'm learning to branch out into wood burning and resin casting. The Peso Picture Frame was brilliant - I have coins from around the world that I wasn't sure what to do with. I'm not yet loving the sewing needle, but Ms. Murillo's projects are inspiring me to (maybe) give it another go. I loved this craft book and, being a Caribbean Latina, I really appreciated the love and culture that came across in this book. Love it!

Was this review helpful?

Lots of projects that are, with a few exceptions, easy to make and celebrate the author's Mexican heritage. Don't avoid the book if this isn't your style. Many of the projects can be easily adapted to other colors, and design influences.

Was this review helpful?

The New Crafty Chica Collection is an upbeat and beautifully curated collection of crafting tutorials with a Latin twist by Kathy Cano Murillo. Released 4th Jan 2022 by Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 128 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.

There are so many pretty projects in this collection that grabbed my attention right away. The book is *full* of colorful and exuberant pieces which are also well made and stylish. Many are utilitarian and some are simply decorative. The book is arranged logically with project tutorials grouped thematically: clothing, affirmations, home decor, jewelry, garden decor, and fiesta. Each tutorial includes a tools and materials list in a highlighted text box, followed by step-by-step directions. I liked that the tools and materials lists are -very- comprehensive, even listing things like straight pins and markers which many (MANY) tutorial guides leave out.

The photography is abundant, clear, and easy to understand throughout. Definitely a plus for this collection. The emphasis is on Latin design and color and the author provides translations with a warm and friendly tone, inviting readers to share in appreciating and celebrating Latin culture. I loved so many of these designs and despite being a half-Jewish half-Irish kid, I reallly want to make *most* of these for myself or as gifts. I even followed her blog (this is a big thing for me since I have more projects to finish than I could possibly do in my lifetime, even if I live to be 437 years old).

Five stars. This would make a superlative selection for public or school library acquisition, maker's groups, activity groups, or the home studio. So much good material for inspiration here. (I love the repurposed vinyl LP cover journal so much)!

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Was this review helpful?

The Crafty Chica Creates by Kathy Cano Murillo is a colourful, Mexican inspired craft book. Full of multiple crafts from flamenco boxes to Mexi-tumblers this has a so many ideas. Easy to follow but could use some more instruction pictures.

Was this review helpful?

This is a wild and crazy book, full of colour and really out there ideas - I love that it gives permission to go over the top with colour and style. It is Mexican with a little bit of Spain, and thumbs its nose to all that is subdue and restrained - it makes me happy.
There are lots of craft things to make from clothing, decoration, pictures, jewellery, faux plant arrangements, and my very favorite - matchboxes..
This book is great, for anyone who is interest in art, this book shows that everything goes and to try without fear the combinations and let loose.
It is also a great craft book.

Was this review helpful?

She had me at the table of contents which features a papier-mâché skeleton doggie waving hello.

Kathy's newest book is every bit as awesome as her 'Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life', and features tons of projects all geared toward brightening up your world - Latin style.

You'll find embellished clothing, shrines, greeting cards, pillows, picture frames, jewelry, and even garden decor that will banish forever the hum-drums from your every day life. Why put up with a dull, drab existence one minute longer? Get Chica-crafting - NOW!

Was this review helpful?

Brilliant vibrant craft book with a clear colourful style. I adore all the projects in here and can’t wait to try some!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my feedback.

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: