Wednesday, May 31, 2006

A shout out to YOU


It's been five months since my book came out and I want to celebrate. I know I've had other books released, but this one just feels different. I've never had such a huge response before. I've had sparkling reviews and articles on it in Editor & Publisher, Figure Magazine, L.A. Times, Newsday, Somerset Studio, Artist's Sketchbook, sheesh! I've had Latina crafting groups contact and invite me out to their meetings. Even a few celebs have taken a liking to it. The list goes on! And it doesn't stop there. There are several others coming up this summer like Adorn Magazine, Venus Zine, Cutting Edge, Knit1 and Seattle Times!

Currently I'm working on network pitches for my Crafty Chica show, and am "thisclose" to submitting my revised novel manuscript to my new agent, Erin. And in coming weeks, my next Crafty Chica craft book goes up for sale to publishing houses. It will be my best one yet. As soon as it is a done deal, I'll post all the details. I'm also gearing up for New York, California and Mexico. Life is glittery indeed. I never thought I'd be doing all of this. I always thought "Well, I'll try it and see how far it goes." And now look. Recently I had someone kid around and call me the Rachel Ray of crafting and it brought a tear to my eye. She started the same way as me, local TV and store demos. It would be my ultimate fantasy to have a career like hers, EVOO and all! But for now, I'm grounded and taking one fast step at a time, holding on for the surreal ride.

So I thought I'd share a project from Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul in honor of the anniversary and just because I'm feeling so perky. To think I was bummed because LOST, American Idol and America's Next Top Model have ended. I worried what I'd do with my Wednesday nights now. Um, jump on getting my orders out, that's what. I feel guilty posting here because Patrick and I still have so many packages to pack and mail to poor people who have been waiting forever.

This is a window shade that is so easy it should be a crime. You simply buy a window shade kit that comes with fabric fusing. Buy your fabric and follow the directions! I took it a step further and added some trim and a hanging tassel.

By the way, if you like the Mexicali fabrics I've been using, they are Alexander Henry. Today I met the head designer, Nicole DeLeon, and she is a genius! Anyway, you must try this project with your favorite material. It really does wonders for perking up a room!

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)

Friday, May 26, 2006

The next Crafty Chica Book

I released my very first book in 2003 through Rockport Publishers. It was called "Making Shadow Boxes & Shrines". In 2004, came "La Casa Loca". I'm so proud of these books because they came out right before the popularity surge of altered art.

Now Rockport has been purchased by Quarry Books and they have repackaged these two books under one fabuloso cover and are releasing it this November as "The Crafty Chica Collection: Beautiful Ideas for Crafts, Home Decorations and Shrines from the Queen of Latina Style"!

Wow, I've never been called the "queen" of anything! I'm blushing!!!
Felicidades,
Kathy :-)

Home from Chica Lit conference in Miami

Got home early Monday morning and I'm still trying to get back in the swing. The weekend was absolutely amazing, empowering, inspiring, all those corny words. I'm sorry, but they all fit! There were 75 Latina writers, published and "pre-published" (a new term I picked up there). The cultures ranged from Cuban to Puerto Rican, Mexican, Bolivian, Equadorian and more. We all shared stories of how writing has an impact on our lives. Alisa shared all kinds of great memories about her childhood and the jobs she held before she became a novelist. There were juicy panel discussions and one night we went to eat at Bongos (delicious!)

I want to share more and post pictures, but I need to get some more sleep. Just got off a long day at work and my batteries need to be calibrated. Bottom line? Chica Lit Club Fiesta was groundbreaking and I know next year it will be bigger and better. I'm so happy I went this year to experience it on such a personal level, mostly to hang out with Alisa and all the other talented authors who were there.

I'll post more later!!!
Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
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