Crafty Chica shares intel on her style faves and creative business
The web is full of bloggers and personalities teaching DIY tricks for everything from fashion and beauty to home decor. But none have been so unique and out of the box as Crafty Chic a.k.a. Kathy Can-Murillo. Inspired by her Mexican-American roots, the author, newspaper columnist, and youtube sensation has put a festive twist on crafting. Move over Martha Stewart because your cutesy garb is okay, but Crafty Chica’s quirky creations are the next big thing! I first met Kathy when we worked at a nationally ranked local newspaper. She traded in the newsroom to launch her own brand, which included a line of crafting materials at Michael’s, writing fictional novels, and a DIY series on YouTube. I recently caught up with Kathy to get intel on her style faves and her crafty business.
What inspired you to launch Crafty Chica blog? I’ve always loved storytelling. Writing became a natural fit for that. When I first heard about blogging, I immediately set up my site and haven’t stopped since!
How long have you been crafting? I’ve always been creative, but legit crafting, when I turned 23. I made some earrings and sold them to a local store and then had multiple reorders and I knew I found my passion.
What is your style profile: Classicist, Minimalist, Mademoiselle, Contemporary, Glamazon, Bohemian, or Rocker? Definitely bohemian, but with a Latina twist!
Favorite in fashion. My favorite fashion item is a purse that I made. I make one a year and I love to wear it because it fits with my personality. It’s a boho-style messenger bag.
What is your most favorite craft project you have ever created? I really love making any kind of assemblages – from fabric collage to shadow boxes, etc. I also recently started creating monoprints. Even without any craft supplies, I would also be fine as long as I have a pen and paper.
What is the big craft trend now? Parties are still huge! Not just one simple item, but a whole themed party. Also, anything that is fast, easy and most of all clever. I’ve been seeing a lot of tables turned upside down into dog beds lately. Anything with a clever twist and function is a score!
Favorite in Beauty. Red lipstick for the win! I simply cannot function without my red lipstick. The new Selena lipstick by MAC looks wonderful—Como La Flor is my favorite color. I’m so upset that I didn’t buy a tube before they sold out. Now they are selling for $99 each!
Favorite in entertainment. I’m an entertainment junkie! My current favorite band is Bomba Estereo, I’ve loved them for years, but now they have some new music out that is the best. I saw this movie recently called “East Side Sushi” (2014) that was just adorable—it is about a Mexican American girl in Los Angeles who gives up her fruit stand business to become an international master sushi chef. I also love the new book, “Self Made” by Nely Galan. It’s all about setting yourself up for success.
Favorite in food. Lavender lattes! I had one last summer when I visited Springfield, MO, and came home and learned how to make them myself.
Favorite cocktail. Vodka with grapefruit juice.
Favorite vacation spot. San Miguel de Allende
You are also a novelist. Can you share how you started writing fiction? I’ve been writing fiction since grade school. It’s been my goal to make a living writing books—I’m on my way there! Even without the publishing world, I would still write stories.
How many books have you written and do you have any projects or books in the works? I have seven craft books published and two novels. I’m working on my third novel, but also have some short fiction pieces that I’ll be debuting soon.
What is a fun holiday craft project anyone should try, even if they are new to crafting? Card making! It’s very easy, you can buy a box of cards and then cut up designs or pictures to affix to the front. You can use diminsional dots to make the image stick out a bit too. Add a little glitter and you are set. It’s so fun to write happy messages inside and then hand them out to random people.
What would your followers be shocked to know about you? You know, I pretty much put everything out there about me. Maybe that I don’t speak fluent Spanish. People always freak out when I tell them that!
If you were a Chic Spy Agent, what would be your code name? Agent Secreto de Chica.
For more info and DIY projects, visit craftychica.com.
Image source: Kathy Cano-Murillo
