The Phoenix Fridas

Meet the Fascinating Fridas of Phoenix

2011-12-07T17:18:00.000-08:00

The Phoenix Fridas @ Teatro Bravo's Frida event!!!

2011-09-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend - Friday and Sat - Sept 23 and 24th - at 7 pm, some of the Phoenix Fridas will be at the lobby of Teatro Bravo's production of 'Frida.' Join us!

Frida Gathering

Playhouse-on-the-Park, in the lobby of the Viad Building

1850 N. Central Avenue - downtown Phoenix, Az

7:30 pm Frida - the play by By Rubén Amavizca-Murúa
Directed by Israel Jimenez, produced by Teatro Bravo.

We will have a market atmosphere with our jewelry and Frida inspired art.
Come take your picture in our Frida Cut-Out! It should be lots of fun!!!

Check us out in the New Times!

2011-08-31T20:14:00.000-07:00

Really excited about this enthusiastic write up in the New Times!

Join us Friday Night for an all night party with the Fridas as we celebrate Art & Life!

Friday September 2 7 pm Alwun House 12th St. & Roosevelt

6$ in advance and 10$ at the door

get all the details at alwunhouse.org

Viva la Vida September 2, 2011 7pm Alwun House 1204 E. Roosevelt

2011-08-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

Come! Party!

for all the details, visit our friends @ alwunhouse.org

Viva la Vida September 2, 2011 7pm Alwun House 1204 E. Roosevelt

2011-08-22T07:21:00.000-07:00

Embracing passion for life with Art

Me Looking at You Looking at Me Thinking of Frida

2011-08-21T17:57:00.000-07:00

Carmen Guerrero talks about her beadwork, her collaboration with Carolina Kondo and the influences of Frida Kahlo in her work.

2011-08-21T17:50:00.000-07:00

Emily Costello, Smokin' Frida, talks paint

2011-08-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

April Edwards talks about the influence of indigenous women in her art

2011-08-21T17:47:00.000-07:00

Anita Leach talks about the influence of Frida's fashion on her artwork

2011-08-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

Kathy "la Crafty Chica" talks about her adventures in painting

2011-08-21T17:44:00.000-07:00

Gloria Casillas-Martinez talks about her work.

2011-08-21T17:42:00.000-07:00

TODAY: Frida Birthday Party with The Phoenix Fridas

2011-07-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

Emily Costello with her painting!

Come see us today, July 9th, 2011, at The Vision Gallery from 1-5 pm for a Frida Kahlo birthday party! We'll have cake and all kinds of festivities!

'I Leave You My Portrait'
What: The Phoenix Fridas, a collective of Latin-American artists, presents this mixed-media exhibit of works inspired by Frida Kahlo.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, June 10-July 30.
Where: Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., Chandler.
Admission: Free.
Details: 480-782-2695, visiongallery.org.

Phoenix Fridas Art Exhibit (slideshow)

2011-07-04T20:11:00.000-07:00

Here is a slide show of some of the pieces from our exhibit. It runs through the end of this month!

This is our exhibit at the Vision Gallery, titled "I Leave You My Portrait" works and installations by The Phoenix Fridas inspired by Frida Kahlo. June 10-Julu 30, 2011.

Phoenix Frida Sewing Party

2011-07-04T20:09:00.001-07:00

You know how much I LOVE to sew. Singer Sewing Co. knows too! They were kind enough to send me a batch of goodies to host a sewing party with my craft group, The Phoenix Fridas! It was part of a national campaign to promote the new SINGER^® Confidence Stylist^™.

Here's how it went...

Here is April. She hadn't never sewn before but after our party she went on to make art pieces, including a huge hanging heart for our Phoenix Frida exhibit.

Emily is our resident comedianne and painter! She hung the glittery banners, but first had fun with them.

This is some of the fabric we used for our purses. They are still a work in progress. We'll have to have a second sewing party to finish them!

This is Lucia, a paper and fabric collage artist, with an applique purse she made.

Michelle, our multimedia Frida, is deciding which pattern to use!

Well, I didn't have a Confidence machine, but we made good use of my Singer Esteem II, which I love after going through all of this...

This is my former Singer machine, now it serves as an art piece in our studio!

And this is my Nana Cano, using her Singer to make a dress for my Aunt Mitzi. If you read my Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing book, you might remember the part about Scarlet and her Nana Eleanor taking the bus to a fancy dress store where they would choose three dresses, take them in the dressing room and sketch a hybrid of their favorite aspects of the garments. They would then buy the fabric, make the custom patterns and make the dress.

This was inspired by my Nana Cano and Aunt Mitzi. That's exactly what they did!

My Aunt Mitzi always shares sewing stories about my nana. They used to buy the Hollywood magazines and sketch gowns that the starlets wore, and then make their own. My Aunt Mitzi said people would never believe her when she told them that all her clothes were handmade! They thought she bought them at the expensive dress shops!

Felicidades,
Kathy :-)
Check out my new novel! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING

Vision Gallery Salon

2011-06-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

Awesome!
Our Salon at Vision Gallery last night was sooo much fun!

Great to hear all the Phoenix Fridas talk about their art, their process and most of all how Frida inspire us.

I learned so much from all of you sisters!!

We are all so different and yet have so much in common.
Gracias a todas!
I feel very lucky to be part of
The Phoenix Frida!
Que Viva El Arte!

EXHIBIT SNEAK PEEK: Frida portrait by Kathy

2011-06-01T23:41:00.000-07:00

EXHIBIT SNEAK PEEK: Frida's Feast

2011-06-01T00:14:00.000-07:00

Here is a mixed media piece by Frida members, Emily Costello and Leticia de la Vara. Look closely - can you tell what it's made of?

FRIDA EXHIBIT: Annalisa and her wonderful plates!

2011-06-01T00:08:00.000-07:00

When we were putting the Phoenix Fridas: I Leave You My Portrait exhibit outline together, we came up with the idea of having a tablesetting featuring painted bisque dinnerware. I've really come to appreciate ceramic arts and thought it would make a nice, artful addition to our show. Thanks to the team at iLoveToCreate and Duncan Ceramics, we were served settings for two!

I asked Annalisa, one of our Frida members, if she would like to paint the dishes. She not only agreed, but totally went to town on her designs! Here are a few sneak peeks. I'll post a new batch after they are fired!

Getting ready for Vision Gallery - Last day of May 2011

2011-05-31T23:44:00.000-07:00

Well... We are almost there unveiling what we have been working on (frantically sometimes) for the past few months. We've been on the phone, texting and emailing all the Fridas. There are 11 of us! Too many artists! ~ it feels overwhelming at times!!
But life is good! Challenging in a good way!
Creativity comes in spurts and time flies away from all our projects! Just like butterflies...
We will survive! It should be a great show!
I am so excited I can't sleep!!!
I've been working on new beadwork, new mandalas and brand new photographs! Me, Beader Frida ~ what do I know about matting, framing and hanging photos? I just love to do wearable Art! People are my walls. Jewelry is best when worn and when it dances on the movement of life.
But for the sake of art, our passion leads us everywhere. Even to the impossible dreams!

I Leave You My Portrait.....

2011-05-26T02:30:00.000-07:00

We are soooo excited about our upcoming show at
the Vision Gallery in Chandler!
Mark your calendars:
June 10 - July 30, 2001 @ 10 East Chicago St Downtown Chandler.
We hope all our friends and fans can come and participate!

There will be a few special events:
On Thursday June 16th 7-8 pm, some of The Phoenix Fridas will be offering a Gallery Salon on why Frida's love, passion and art inspire each of us. It is free and open to the public. It is a very interesting and enlightening discussion: don't miss it!

The Gallery is also be offering Vision Kidz Classes on Saturday June 18th, (Frida & Animal Masks with Carmen Guerrero at 10 am & 1 pm), Saturday 25th (Tissue Paper Embossed Canvases with Kathy Cano Murillo) and Sat July 9th: Frida Party Favors: Tiaras and Papel Picado with Carmen Guerrero. Call the Gallery to register 480.782-2695.
Be sure to come to our Frida Birthday Celebration
Saturday July 9th 1 - 5 pm
Lots of fun activities, performances and a cake, of course!

The show is going to be awesome with many surprises! Besides our individual art works, we are also exhibiting a few collaborative and interactive projects that are sure to blow your mind!

I am working on new wearable bead works and will have lots of earrings, bracelets and necklaces for sale there.

We LOVE Frida and this show is an opportunity to share this love with everyone!

Join us ~ Let Frida Reign!

Phoenix Fridas Exhibit: I Leave You My Portrait

2011-05-25T21:43:00.001-07:00

LINK

PRESS RELEASE – VISION GALLERY – CHANDLER, AZ

Contact: Yvonne Villareal Torres 480-782-2695

VISION GALLERY is proud to present “I Leave You My Portrait” an exhibition of artworks and installations inspired by the works of Frida Kahlo, created by the Phoenix Fridas. The Phoenix Fridas is a group of Arizona artists, Kathy Cano Murillo, Gloria Casillas, Leticia de le Vara, Michele Delgado, Anita Mabante Leach, Carmen Guerrero, Emily Costello, April Edwards, Lucia Madrid, Monique Sanderson-Mata & Annalissa Rios.

The exhibition is inspired by Frida Kahlo’s quote, “I leave you my portrait so that you will have my presence all the days and nights that I am away from you.”The gallery will be transformed by the Phoenix Fridas, offering an installation of Frida’s bedroom, artworks, altars and inspirational mixed media artworks.

In conjunction with the exhibit the gallery will offer free programming:

Gallery Salon Discussion - Frida Kahlo’s Influence on Contemporary Artists,

Thursday, June 16^th, 7 – 9PM

Frida’s Birthday Celebration and Artist reception - featuring artist demonstrations, Saturday, July 9^th, 2011, 1 – 5PM

Vision Kidz Workshops :

· Frida Masks with Carmen Guerrero, Saturday, June 18^th, 10 AM & 1 PM

· Tissue Embossed Canvases with Kathy Cano Murillo, Saturday, June 25^th, 10 AM & 1 PM

· Tiaras and Papel Picado with Carmen Guerrero, Saturday, July 9^th, 10 AM & 1 PM

All Vision Kidz workshops require registration for children ages 8 to 14. Call 480-782-2695 to register.

For more information contact Yvonne Torres at 480-782-2695.

What: “I Leave you My Portrait exhibition” A celebration of artworks and Installations inspired by Frida Kahlo by the Phoenix Fridas

Where: Vision Gallery, 10 East Chicago Street, Chandler, AZ 85225

When: June 10 – July 30, 2011

Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday 10 AM – 5 PM, Saturdays 10 AM – 4 PM

www.visiongallery.org

480-782-2695

Framed and ready to quilt

2011-05-04T08:02:00.000-07:00

I used a really wild floral to border the quilt and set if off with a citrine green inner border to give the eye a "rest" before wandering into the riot of flowers.

Batting and the back are ready to layer on, then the final quilting design and binding.

Sew-real image!

2011-05-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

Yep, this is what my four panels look like after being sewn together to form the central area of the quilt. Makes your head spin, que no? I'll put a large hot pink rose in the very center and later "stitch in the ditch" after layering on the batting and back. Getting there!

A pic from the process

2011-05-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

At left, a photo of one of the central panels for my Frida art quilt. I'd appliqued her face and hair, then embroidered her facial features and some earrings. I had been practicing crocheting vintage-style roses and other flowers and thought placing them in her hair would add a nice dimensional touch.

Quilt madness under way!

2011-03-01T17:12:00.000-08:00

I've got a big sewing project to do -- a large art quilt! It is not a quilt in the traditional form, but will be put together using other means besides machine stitching, which is exciting to me! Here is the initial sketch for one panel, which my great hubby helped me with (he's a better at drawing artist than me).

This process always takes time, which is annoying, because I always want to get straight to sewing. But these are necessary steps that will ensure that everything fits closely in the end. I thank my dad, Frank, for showing me how to sketch out a plan, and for my mother, Alice, for teaching me to sew. I'll really need those skills to put this thing together!

Frida meet-up!

2011-02-06T09:25:00.000-08:00

We all got together yesterday to catch up, plan our four big events for the year and...CRAFT!

After our meeting was adjourned, we busted out with bangles from DIYBangles.com and Crafty Chica markers and went to town. There is no better feeling than to add wet color to dry wood, so relaxing!

Lucia worked on her bracelet and told us why her mom named Lucia - after the patron saint of blindness and eyesight! It must have worked because here she is working hard on the details of her bracelet.

April is wearing a bracelet that I made because it was too small for my wrist. The bracelet that April made fit just right, so we swapped! She showed us new pieces from her new collection of paintings.

Here is Emily! She cracks me up. She worked on all these ornate details on her bracelet and then all of a sudden, she grabbed the black marker and covered it all! That's why I love her, she is always spunky and unpredictable! Emily is working on pieces for her space at the upcoming M7 Street Fair. (I'll be there too!)

Anita didn't make a bracelet - yet. She worked on this elaborate crocheted necklace, very intense and beautiful! I can hardly wait to see it finished! She also made us this amazeballs lunch of shrimp, avocados, BBQ and cocktail sauce mixed together. Delish!

Here I am modeling April's bracelet!

Finished bracelets.

Anita made all of crocheted rings! Here is mine, I love it, it is so cute and delicate, yet it is big and colorful too!

I love that our Frida meetings always end with ART!

Phx Craft Rave - this Sat Dec 4th 2pm - 12 midnight

2010-12-01T09:19:00.000-08:00

We are busy getting ready for a fun family event at the Braggs Pie Factory on Saturday. $5 gets you into the door with lots of door prizes and opportunities to do great crafts. Crafting is such a fabulous activity!! It doesn't matter how old or talented you are! Bring the entire family. Kids are welcomed. Join us. We will be making Tiaras and Papel Picado at our station. And Emily and I will have some of our art work (paintings and jewelry) for sale as well. I've been beading my fingers away getting ready for Sat. Hope to see lots of you there!!! Beader Frida.

Phoenix Frida's represented in Albuquerque, NM

2010-11-17T12:04:00.000-08:00

Q-vo! I'm Monique aka Mo-Cha-Cha from Con/Safos, the Phoenix Frida whom temporarily relocated to Albuquerque, NM. I guess you can say I've become an off campus Frida. :) Although I've taken this opportunity to venture out on my own, my partner Anna Rios aka Fridanista, remains in Phoenix. Just wanted to inform yall that I'll be representing the Frida's and Con/Safos here in NM.

So far my experiences here in Burque have been nothing short of positive and the arte here is so inspiring. I've gone out to visit local shops/ galleries and have met so many kind, eager & creative folks. I'm positive The Fridas will be having a show in The Land of Enchantment!

I'll be blogging my experiences on my new adventure and if you are in or plan to visit Albuquerque let me know. I'd love to see familiar faces and meet those whom follow our collective.
As always support your local art scene! Orale'! C/S

Frida goes to school!

2010-10-07T15:39:00.000-07:00

This is a pic of Frida hija de El Moises. She and Mo-Cha-Cha hit it off and are going to be pen pals. Her dad sent a pic of how she will look when taking her school pictures tomorrow... she will be dressed like none other than her namesake! Way to go and check out her headband crafted by her daddy El Moises. C/S

I made Frida earrings!

2010-10-04T09:36:00.001-07:00

I went on a shrink plastic bender this weekend and made all kinds of earrings! This is a Frida pair. I'll be selling them at an event in Los Angeles next Saturday!

In the studio

2010-09-15T18:32:00.001-07:00

Working on new ideas for Dia de los Muertos events coming up. This one is kinda Fridaesque, so I thought I'd give a sneak peek!

Annalisa modeling Carmen's beaded bracelet

2010-09-15T18:30:00.001-07:00

Thank you, Phoenix New Times!

2010-09-15T18:27:00.000-07:00

Special gracias to Cyndi Coon of the Phoenix New Times for featuring our hard work in the Jackalope Ranch Phoenix Culture Blog this week!

Click here to see the story!

We are muy flattered because we are big fans of Cyndi! She is a crafty, artful powerhouse in the Phoenix community! Check out all of her work and web sites!

Laboratory5: http://www.laboratory5.com/
Lab5 Shop: http://www.lab5shop.com/
Lab Five blog: http://labfive.wordpress.com/
Lovely Lula Crafting: http://www.lovelylula.com/
Twitter: lab5

Guest blogger:
Modern Manor: http://modernmanor.wordpress.com/
Provo Craft: http://mixologycrafts.wordpress.com/
Chow Bella: http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/
Jackalope Ranch: http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/jackalope/

Dress sketch and more

2010-09-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

Original sketch

After Anita cut, Emily painted.

Emily sketching.

JoAnn's clerk cutting the lining fabric for us.

Writing of the 14th Amendment on the fabric before Anita sewed the dress together!

The Phoenix Fridas TV segment!

2010-09-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

LINK

Anita, Emily and I sat down and sketched ideas and Anita came across this amazing vintage Vogue pattern. We bought 8 yards of duponi silk and Anita worked her magic on cutting it, and measuring Anna to wear the dress. Next, I dyed the bottom and top and Emily took the waistband and painted Aztec motifs. Anita constructed and sewed the dress together - including a gazillion buttons up the back - and then I embellished with crystals, glitter and glitter spray. Anita polished off the final details. While all of this was going on, Carmen whipped up some beaded wrist cuffs to go with it!

Teamwork!!! We'll post in-the-process pictures after Friday!

Tulip® One-Step Fashion Dye™

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Anna and Monique

2010-09-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

Anna and Monique modeling for the segment! After we talked about the dress, I did a how-to segment on ombre dye, and Monique is wearing the sample t-shirt. We had a great time!

Valle del Sol

2010-09-08T09:30:00.001-07:00

The Profiles of Success luncheon and fashion show is this Friday! Visit http://www.valledelsol.com for more info!

Tears of joy!

2010-09-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

When I finished sewing on the pearl buttons on this great project, I started to cry a little, not from fatigue but because this is such a beautiful garment! The Fridas really collaborated quickly on it and it turned out fabuloso! Thanks to Carlos at Valle del Sol for giving us the opportunity and the creative challenge!

Fresh from the studio!

2010-09-08T06:40:00.001-07:00

Just finished some amazing Power Bracelets for the Secret Phoenix Dress. It should complement and add lots of pizazz to this wonderful project!! Beader Frida.
***
Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

What Frida said...

2010-09-07T23:05:00.000-07:00

"I leave you my portrait so that you will have my presence all the days and nights that I am away from you."

- Frida Kahlo

***
Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

See us on 3TV Wednesday morning!

2010-09-07T23:01:00.000-07:00

We'll be showing the art gown that we made on Good Morning Arizona Wednesday. It was a very labor intensive process (see here and here) and we'll explain it all later this week.

For now, this is the top of the dress. It is silk duponi dyed with Tulip® One-Step Fashion Dye™ and then bespeckled with 400 Tulip® Glam-It-Up!™ Iron-On Crystals™ . Wait until you see the rest, it's amazing! Anita sewed it and Emily painted the waistband. The rest coming soon!

***
Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Crystal-glueing in progress

2010-09-06T19:12:00.000-07:00

This is for the scret Frida project that will be revelaed later this week!

See us on Good Morning Arizona this Wednesday!

2010-09-06T16:09:00.000-07:00

We will be sharing a new project we made at 9:20 am, and then at 9:45, I'll share how to ombre dye fabric!

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Emily's new paintings

2010-09-06T16:07:00.000-07:00

All works copyright, Emily Costello, 2010.
***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Frida-inspired shoes

2010-09-06T15:42:00.001-07:00

Alegria Frida Clogs
I'm normally not the clog type, but I absolutely cannot resist these! They are so colorful, yet the black background makes them wearable with jeans without looking weird. I also dig some of the other styles too! Now I just have to figure out how to buy them, the site doesn't have a BUY button!

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Project in progress

2010-09-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

Emily painted this...

We are currently working on a top secret project for a very big event next week!

I can't spill the beans just yet, but I can share some photos...

I dyed this fabric for a special project i'm working on with The Phoenix Fridas for a big event. I used two colors of Tulip® One-Step Fashion Dye™ : blue and teal.

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Photos from a recent event

2010-09-06T15:13:00.001-07:00

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Con/Safos: Annalisa Rios & Monique Sanderson Mata

2010-09-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

Con/Safos is a collaboration between 2 friends, Annalisa Rios and Monique Mata. These chicas produce arte & crafts with a barrio twist and each piece is unique and one of a kind. They create using the experiences and traditions provided by their cultural Chicano/Native American heritage. In addition to creating pieces from their own mente (mind) they also specialize in custom crafts. Hit them up @ consafos@ymail.com Orale'! C/S

Visit their Facebook page at Con Safos

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Leticia de la Vara

2010-09-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

Visit my store at http://www.cafepress.com/chicanamama

Leticia. That's me. Hardworking office stiff by day, be-dazzler by night. I haven't really found an art niche and love to put my sticky little fingers on any arts or crafts project. Although I do always end up going back to rhinestoning things or "be-dazzling up" accessories. Right now I am working on designing some kids tees with a Latino Urban vibe and hope to shop it out to different shops here and across the country. I also run a Phx based support group for Latina single mothers. We gab, meet up for play dates, and vent. It rocks. I used to front a rock en espanol band, Dios Elefante. Check out my cool line of clothing...

Chale Clothing.com!
Leticia Amezaga's MySpace :O)

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Lucia Madrid

2010-09-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

I'm an artist, realtor, mother, wife, member of Phoenix Fridas and Notre Dame Club of Phoenix... love to play bridge online, create new projects and spend time with my family.

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

April Edwards

2010-09-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

Visit April at http://www.AprilArt.org and on Twitter: http://twitter.com/aprilsdiamonds

My art is representative of my thoughts and feelings that are part of this journey in this vessel I have been provided. My work comes through me and is drawn from a universal memory and experience. I am concerned with depicting truth, lies, perceptions, reality, myths, traditions, the spoken and unspoken that is propagated by society. My themes include nature, religion, diversity, and women.

April Edwards is the owner of Global Nomad Consulting specializing in producing art, events, and community outreach services.

Please take some time to visit the art galleries to see some samples of my artwork. Also, if you are interested in purchasing artwork please email at april@aprilart.org.

Share on Facebook

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Anita Mabante Leach

2010-09-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

Anita is a chicana mamita who spins gold from her sewing machine, crochet hook and knitting needles. She never met a pattern she didn't like. When she isn't designing handbags, clothing and Mexican cowgirl pillows, she is an office professional and a former journalist reporting on issues and people who make headlines in the Phoenix area.

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Carmen Guerrero

2010-09-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

I live in the Arizona desert, have been blessed with a wonderful family and love to do my art. My most precious moments are creating outrageous and unique pieces of jewelry for the embellishment and empowerment of great women. I really want to elevate the art of beadwork.
I am fortunate to be surrounded and befriended by many fantastic people - young and old!!! I love being part of a group of eccentric women artists:

I am married to the artist, el Maestro ZARCO GUERRERO: www.zarkmask.com. We have a very special relationship not unlike that of Frida and Diego themselves. Both artists - one of them much larger than life and completely consumed with his "Mexicanindad"...... E eu sou Brasileira da gema, nascida no nordeste, criada nas praias de Pernambuco com muito siri e comida do mar. Filha de Yemanja!!

Our first son is the violinist QUETZAL GUERRERO: www.qviolin.com. The incredible violin player and musician par excellence! Our second son is the World Champion Capoeirista TIZOC DE NOVAIS GUERRERO. He travels the world flipping around in magnificent form! We are blessed to be the parents of a beautiful woman with an incredible voice: ZARINA CITLALI. I enjoy my family immensely. I live for all our three children (although they are leaving us empty nesters...) and savor every bit of their successes.

I am mesmerized by their creative spirits and their fascinating friends who are the voices of their generation. I love cooking, beading, playing music and just being creative. I also do a lot of volunteering in my community and serve on many boards i.e. www.culturalcoalition.com www.alacaz.org www.amy.com

Here is some of my jewelry for sale. I make many styles and colors of earrings, necklaces, purses, hair jewelry, bracelets and the very sexy and colorful anklets...

Who I'd like to meet: More artists!! The world needs visionaries. Artists are the ones!! Also ... Fantastic women who love jewelry. And the men who adore them!!!

Emily Costello

2010-09-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

My sites:

http://www.facebook.com/emilycostello1
http://www.myspace.com/artedeemily
Interview: HERE

I am irresistibly attracted to the curious and bizarre
which compels me to paint images that amuse me and
intrigue me. Pushing, pulling, playing and layering
paint with brushes and my hands is the foundation of
my art. Born and raised in the Southwest, I find
inspiration from my Mexican heritage and its cultural
icons and images.

Art washes away from the soul
the dust of everyday life.
– Pablo Picasso

Inspiring artists:
Marc Chagall;
Frida Kahlo;
Alphonse Mucha;
Hung Liu;
el Moises

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Kathy Cano-Murillo, founder

2010-09-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

Self-portrait, 2011

Hi! I founded the group in 2005 as a way to unite women from different backgrounds to celebrate art and culture. The one thing we have in common is that we all are inspired by one way or another by Frida Kahlo. I am inspired by the way Frida was very independent and no matter what her situation or obstacle, she always found a way to do what she loved - creating art. In addition to her paintings, she was also an avid crafter.

Visit my web sites:
http://www. craftychica.com
http://www.chicawriter.com

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I'm a hard workin' mamacita. I juggle my family along with a full-time art and writing career.
I've been married to my best friend, Patrick, for 20 years. We have two super sweet, talented and creative kids. I want to be remembered for positive actions. I want to prove that you can have non-traditional "dreamer" goals and actually achieve them through hard work.

I spent years as an entertainment newspaper reporter and craft columnist for The Arizona Republic. I have seven published craft books, including: CRAFTY CHICA'S GUIDE TO ARTFUL SEWING: FABU-LOW-SEW IDEAS FOR THE EVERYDAY CRAFTER (Potter Craft/Random House).

I'm a binge crafter and artist who found a way to make a living out of it. Life is too short not to do whatcha love, right? My biggest challenge is that I'm addicted to bright colors, hi-gloss varnish and glitter. My designs often tend to lean that way. I break out in hives if I try to design with pastels, muted tones or monochromatic color schemes.

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Make a flowered tiara

2010-07-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to Frida today! She was born on this day in 1907.

How Frida inspires me:

I love that Frida made every moment an artful one. Even on her deathbed, she was surrounded by beauty and art. Aside from painting, she embroidered, sketched, cooked, doodled and wrote. She spoke up for what she believed in and was very passionate about love and life. I love that she took control of her own inventory and selling her own work. Except for her heart, she did not depend on anyone for anything, she was very independent.

Here are some of my favorite Frida quotes. Use one or more of them to create your own work of art!

"Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?"

"I leave you my portrait so that you will have my presence all the days and nights that I am away from you."

"I love you more than my own skin."

"The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration."

"I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone, because I am the person I know best."

I think in her honor, we should paint our own self-portrait while wearing a beautiful flower crown. If you want to make a real one, awesome. But if you want a silk version to keep on hand at all times, here is an easy way to make one. Wear it today while you create, see if it brings you new energy! Tell Frida thank you for the inspiration!

Supplies:

1 plastic headband, about 1" wide
Green ribbon
Assorted silk flowers and leaves
Hot glue

Directions:

Wrap the ribbon around the headband and glue the ends down, nice and even and flat. Separate the flowers from the stems. Glue your flowers to the top of the headband, not on the plastic base, but on the silk pedal, so it will grip to the ribbon. Add in the leaves. Let it all cool and wear it with style!

NOTE: To use real flowers, simply use floral pins to connect the flowers to the headband.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

In the Press!

2010-06-25T15:08:00.000-07:00

7/2: 'Let Frida Reign!' with the Phoenix Fridas

by Jessica Testa - Jun. 25, 2010 09:09 AM
The Arizona Republic

It's time to bring out the unibrows.

Let Frida Reign!

What: A celebration of painter Frida Kahlo hosted by the Phoenix Fridas, a Latina art collective.

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday.

Where: Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center, 147 E. Adams St., Phoenix.

Admission: Free.

Details: thephoenixfridas.com.

Let Frida Reign!" will honor the famous - and famously unibrowed - Mexican painter and feminist icon Frida Kahlo on Friday.

The Phoenix Fridas, a collective of eight Latina artists, will host the celebration at the Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center in downtown Phoenix as a sort of Frida festival, featuring entertainment, shopping and a Kahlo lookalike contest.

"Frida is the most celebrated Latina artist in the world right now," said Carmen Guerrero, known as the Frida Beader for her jewelry and beadwork.

Kahlo is most famous for her self-portraits, which often depicted the artist in great pain. In 1925, she was in a bus accident that left her with a broken spinal column, a broken pelvis and other injuries that made her unable to have children.

The Phoenix Fridas was founded by Kathy Cano Murillo, also known as the author and columnist Crafty Chica, who wanted to give Phoenix a women's art collective, Guerrero said.

Each woman in the Phoenix Fridas has a craft specialty. Samples of their work, including paintings, jewelry, needlework, home and fashion accessories, will be on sale at the celebration.

"As we become more of a digitalized society, not enough people are spending time doing things with their hands," Guerrero said. "We have this incredible and creative spirit inside of us. We need more time to play with our creative selves."

Guerrero, a musician, will perform. Murillo will read an excerpt from her new novel, "Waking Up in the Land of Glitter."

Anita Mabante Leach, a fabrics crafter known as La Panchita Frida, said "Let Frida Reign!" welcomes people from all walks of life.

Visitors of any age can stop by the "¡Ay! ¡Brows!" booth, where they can get their own unibrow penciled on.

"People get a kick out of learning about Frida," Leach said. "She lived her life so large and shared herself with people, and that's what we want to do."

Kahlo became more of a household name in America after the biographical film "Frida" was released in 2002, earning Selma Hayek an Oscar nomination as best actress.

While the members of the Phoenix Fridas group are not political in nature, they know Kahlo's name carries connotations of activism. Kahlo and her husband, Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, were Communists.

"We don't agree with Frida's politics, but we do agree with the manner in which she was able to express her emotions," Leach said. "We add to the community a sense of fun and passion as well as a touch of rebelliousness at the status quo."

Leach said "Let Frida Reign!" is a way for the Phoenix Fridas to express themselves amidst Arizona's fierce immigration debate.

"We wanted something that would help temper the extreme attitudes and show that there are a lot of good things about the Latina community just waiting for people to discover and experience," Leach said.

Celebrating common ground is the theme of the event, which uses the Statue of Liberty as its logo.

"This is not an event just for Latinos," Leach said. "This is an event for everyone."

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

In the Press: Folk- Art Fantastic

2010-06-10T15:06:00.000-07:00

Folk- Art Fantastic

See work by Smoker and Dead Frida

By Laura Hahnefeld Thursday, Jun 10 2010

Some paint, make jewelry, design clothing, quilt, or get crafty with scrapbooks and knick-knacks, but for all their many media, local women’s artist collective The Phoenix Fridas – whose exhibit is currently on display at the U.S. Post Office in Tempe – the focus is two-fold: Mexican folk-art and crazy-mad love for Mexican painter and Latina feminist icon Frida Kahlo.

New Times Best of Phx: Best Heroine Worship

2009-09-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

Best Heroine Worship - 2009

Phoenix Fridas

It's the coolest clique in town — a group of female artists who practice their craft(s) in the name of their heroine: Frida Kahlo. Once a year, the Phoenix Fridas throw a birthday party for the enigmatic late artist (she would've turned 102 this summer) and every day, they make art that — in one way or another — honors her spirit. The best-known member is Kathy Cano-Murillo of "Crafty Chica" fame, but local painters Tracy Dove and Emily Costello are also members, as is Leticia Amezaga, who does everything from playing in a band to designing a line of clothing — and she's a pro at the Bedazzler. ¡Viva la Frida! And long may the Phoenix Fridas craft.

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Frida event!

2009-07-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

The Phoenix Fridas had our 3rd Annual Frida Kahlo Birthday Celebration last Saturday at Changing Hands Bookstore.

Frida was born July 6th 1907 and passed away on July 13, 1954. That's why we always hold our event within that week. There are seven in our group and we are all inspired by Frida for different reasons. We are not alone - there were about 200 people who came to the event throughout the day.

I held make-and-take craft sessions and a book reading, April Edwards delivered a presentation on "Toxic Love", Anita Mabante-Leach demonstrated how to make one of Frida's favorite meals, Carmen de Novais sang various songs by female songwriters and Leticia de la Vara read a story to the kids. Emily Costello and Lucia Madrid helped us all out with whatever we needed!

One of the highlights was artist Denisse Leon who came as Frida and portrayed her all day!

Here are some videos from our event!

LINK

LINK

LINK
***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Today is the day!

2009-07-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

SAT JULY 11TH BIRTHDAY BLOWOUT
“VIVA LA FRIDA!”
FEATURES THE PHOENIX FRIDAS CRAFT COLLECTIVE

One of the Valley’s best craft collectives, The Phoenix Fridas, return to Tempe’s Changing Hands Bookstore to celebrate the birth of the world’s most renowned Mexican female painter, Frida Kahlo.

We play.
We have pain and passion.
We love to paint and we live in Phoenix.
We are the Phoenix Fridas – rising up from triple-digit temperatures for the sake of art and craft!”

Now in its third year, this is expected to draw hundreds of Frida fans to Changing Hands, 6428 S. McClintock Drive, @ Guadalupe in Tempe; (480) 730-0205.

“This year we’ve ramped up our presentation to include cooking, a silent auction and photo fun,” says Carmen Guerrero, known as “Frida Beader.” Carmen, a jewelry maker and musician, will perform. A special look at the life of the artist also is scheduled.

Phoenix Fridas founder, Kathy Cano-Murillo (The Crafty Chica!), will lead a free Frida-inspired make-and-take craft project.

A silent auction to benefit a local nonprofit will feature members of the Phoenix Fridas: Kathy Cano-Murillo, Emily Costello, Anita Mabante Leach, Lucia Madrid. April Edwards and Carmen Guerrero.

Participants will be able to purchase original art and crafts from members of the Phoenix Fridas, including paintings, jewelry, hand-crocheted tops plus home and fashion accessories.

The Frida Photo Frame-Up, allows store guests to “pose” as Frida for a quick snapshot. “From Palette to Plate;” features food inspired by the bright colors of the artist’s palette will be presented by Anita Mabante-Leach and will be shared with the audience.

“Toxic Love” a lecture, will be presented by artist April Edwards.

The afternoon will rap up with a Panel Discussion by all the Fridas explaining how the artist has influenced their personal lives.

The Phoenix Fridas, voted Best Art Collective by the Phoenix New Times in 2007, take their inspiration from the late Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The group’s members each take the artist’s name to create a personal crafty moniker.

I'll be photo blogging the event as well!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

In the Press!

2009-07-09T15:04:00.000-07:00

Phoenix New Times

Frida's Birthday Celebration

A A A Comments (0) By Leslie Barton Thursday, Jul 9 2009

More About

Nobody ever called Frida Kahlo an asshole, though, in 1939, the Mexican artist dubbed André Breton and the European surrealists the "bitches of Paris." Oh, snap! Frida existed to paint, and only then was the "Dove" allowed to fly free and depict her dark reality of surgeries, miscarriages, and self-medication. Our local Frida boosters, the Phoenix Fridas, salute the late, great Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón on the occasion of her 102nd birthday. Party favors include panel discussions, art, and musical performances inspired by Kahlo's work and life.
Sat., July 11, 1-5 p.m., 2009

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Inspired by Frida

2009-07-06T15:46:00.000-07:00

Today is the anniversary of Frida Kahlo's birth. Here are some pictures of things I made, inspired by Frida, be sure to add your links as well!

Viva Frida!

(I designed this and my hubby painted it for me!)

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

2009-05-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we had our monthly Phoenix Fridas meeting at Leticia's house. We planned some fabulous upcoming events like our annual Frida Kahlo birthday celebration at Changing Hands Bookstore and a gallery show for the Scottsdale Art Walk. The whole time, anita crocheted. By the time we left, she had made eachof us a flower pin to take home!

One of my favorite topics we discussed: Usually we pick one charity and all of us donate a portion of our proceeds to that cause. Inspired by Celebrity Apprentice, we decided that each of us will choose a charity and we will take turns donating. I love this idea because, just like our style of art, we each have different interests. I have chosen Valle del Sol as my charity. Back in the day when Patrick and I were struggling to make ends meet on an artist's income, Valle always gave us jobs to keep us busy when other companies would not even return our calls. From corporate gifts to making hundreds of centerpieces, they always kept us in mind. What goes around comes around. I literally have a list of all the people who believed in us back then, stuck with us, and still support us to this day. I am thankful and constantly send good their way whenever I can!

During our meeting we had two guests drop in. They are also crafty chicas! Their husbands' have a hobby too: fixing up low rider and classic cars. While their guys show off their wheels at car shows, these chicas set up a table to sell their Chicano crafts.

One of our Fridas, Leticia, leads a novel-reading group with these young women and discovered they had my books! She invited them to come to the meeting to get their copies signed. Goosebumps swept up my arms, I was so flattered. They even brought me handmade gifts!

They are called Con/Safos. Con Safos translates as "with safety", but growing up as a third-generation Mexican-American in Phoenix, I've always heard the term used to mean "!!!!!!!" I don't quite know the exact words, but all I can say is it means "!!!!!"

These lovely chicas use it to mean they make !!!!!!!-style crafts!!! Yes, lots of exclamation points! Anyway. check out their MySpace page!
All that talk about cars made us Fridettes discuss pimping out our PT Cruisers (three of us are owners) to show off at our events!***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Spread the Sparkle Tour!

2008-08-11T00:09:00.000-07:00

***
Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Frida stand

2008-07-14T15:48:00.000-07:00

Frida photo board
Originally uploaded by craftychica

Last Saturday, The Phoenix Fridas, had a celebration for Frida's 101th birthday! It was at Changing Hands bookstore and scores of people showed up! We had presentations, a slideshow, a food demo, I showed how to make flowered tiaras, and two of our members - Emily and Anita - made this fun Frida photo stand!

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Young Fridas

2008-07-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

Frida tiara crafters
Originally uploaded by craftychica

Frida fans come in all ages!

This is at our event today.

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Emily's bingo saint

2008-07-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

Emily's Bingo Saint
Originally uploaded by craftychica

The members of The Phoenix Fridas each decorated one of the Crafty Chica Empowerment Guardians and we held a silent auction. The funds raised went to the Cultural Coalition, local non-profit group. This saint is Emily Costello's. Isn't it great?

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

New Times Best of Phx: Best Latina Art Collective

2007-09-15T15:01:00.000-07:00

BEST LATINA ART COLLECTIVE - 2007

Phoenix Fridas

Frida Kahlo remains an important Latina cultural and feminist icon for many artists (even after that awful movie they made about her a few years ago), so it makes sense that she's the namesake for this local women's artist collective. The Phoenix Fridas, as you might guess, focus their work around Mexican folk-art traditions, though they go about it in very different ways. The group works with diverse mediums — some women paint, others are jewelers or clothing designers, another works mostly on crafts like scrapbooks and knick-knacks — but they all love Frida and they identify themselves as feminists... whatever that word means these days.

These chicks love Frida to the point that they've even given each other nicknames: Smoker Frida, Tia Frida, Dead Frida, Crafty Frida, Beader Frida, Paper Frida, Frida Bill and, well, you get the point. Like a Latin-flavored sewing circle, the women share ideas, support each other and promote their art. They show occasionally at Paper Heart and their works can also be purchased through their MySpace page. In spite of the slightly misleading title, you don't have to be a Latina to join. You just have to love art and, of course, all things Frida.

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Crafty Chica contact info

2007-04-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

CLICK ON THE IMAGE

***
Kathy Cano Murillo, the Crafty Chica.
Phoenix Fridas

Crafty Chica Workshop: Cortona, Italy!

2006-10-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Celebrating Latin Culture in the Tuscan Country Side
September 15-22, 2007
Cortona, Italy
$2445.00 (other rates available)

more info: 508-254-8265 or email: infotuscany@aol.com

Note: Sign up by December 15th and recieve a FREE set of glittered ornaments!

That's right! I'm going to be teaching a week-long course in Cortona. Did you ever see Under the Tuscan Sun? Cortona was the setting for the film, and now we'll be there too! I hope you can join me, I'm so, so, SO looking forward to this adventure. It's a really good deal because not only are there gobs of art projects, there are also all kinds of side trips, wine and chocolate tastings, shopping excusions and more...

About Cortona, Italy
Cortona is one of the true jewels of the Tuscan "hill towns". Cortona, which is often called the "City of Art", has its origin as an Etruscan city that pre-dates Roman times with sections of its walls dating back some 2,500 years. As is typical of Tuscan hill-towns, Cortona is a walled city that, for purposes of defense, was built atop a prominant geographical point. The stone buildings and streets not only have the romance, style and charm that are particular to Tuscany, but also speak of the lives and times Cortona has witnessed. An encounter with music and art, with history and with spirituality. Getting to know this timeless city is a real discovery of our past. Cortona offers testimony to its history as well as an enchanting view of the landscape by Lake Trasimeno and the Appenine mountains.
Here are the details.

I bring everything you need. You can bring any favorite mementos or pictures or tools. Everything is Latino-themed, however I will be bringing Italian items and pictures also.

Projects
Glittered Canvas Art: We make a heart painting using glitter.
Flirty Flamenco Journal Set: Three journals collage, oilcloth, international phone cards
Mi Amor Love Shrine: Shrine dedicated TO L-O-V-E.
Latina Power T-shirt Fabric collage on a shirt.
Muy Mexicana Picture Jewelry Set: Charm bracelet, earrings and necklace.
Tesoros Tin Box: Embossed tin on wood box.
Perfecto Postcards: To send back home!

Itinerary
Saturday: Arrival in Cortona
-Arrival and Check-in in Cortona at assigned three-star hotel
-7:30p Welcome to Cortona wine and chocolate tasting at La Saletta.
-8:30p Dinner in Cortona at La Loccanda del Loggiatto

Sunday - Cortona
-9:00 -1:00p Morning Workshop
-1:00p Lunch TBA
-3:00-6:00p Afternoon Workshop
-7:30p Wine tasting at Tonino's Terrace
-8:30p Dinner in Cortona at La Saletta

Monday - Cortona
-9:00-1:00p Morning Workshop
-1:00p Lunch TBA
-3:00-7:00p Afternoon Workshop
-7:30p Wine tasting Il Pozzo
-8:30p Dinner in Cortona at Trattoria Toscana

Tuesday - Florence
-Day trip to Florence with lunch provided.
-12:00p-Reservation at Uffizi Gallery, meet at entrance at 11:45 (reservation entrance)
-5:09p Train to Cortona
-8:30p Dinner in Cortona at Tempero

Wednesday - Cortona
-9:00a-1:00p Morning Workshop
-1:00p Lunch TBA
-3:00-7:00p Afternoon Workshop
-6:00p Tuscan Cooking Class

Thursday - Cortona
-9:00a-1:00p Morning Workshop
-1:00p Lunch TBA
-3:00-7:00p Afternoon Workshop
-7:30p Wine tasting at Tonino's Terrace
-8:00p Dinner in Cortona at La Saletta

Friday - Cortona
-9:00-1:00p Morning Workshop
-1:00p Lunch in Cortona at La Loccanda del Loggiatto
-3:00-7:00p Afternoon Workshop
-8:30p Farewell Wine Tasting Dinner in Cortona at Osteria del Teatro

Saturday: Departure
- Morning Check-out
- Open-air Market
- Departure from Cortona or we can help you plan an extended stay!

What's included:
Included in the Toscana Americana "Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul" Price:
- All workshops and supplies.
• One week stay at your assigned three-star hotel including but not limited to Electricity, heat (in the winter) hot water, clean bed linens, towels, soap.
• Ground transportation: All day trip destinations; local points of
interest as detailed in the Toscana Americana "Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul" itinerary.
• All sightseeing tours and field trips as specified in the Toscana Americana "Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul"" itinerary.
• All luches and dinners, unless otherwise noted in the Toscana Americana "Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul" tour itinerary. Lunches may be
chosen from lunch menu. Dinners are chosen from a prefix menu prepared for our guests. All lunches and dinners are group
style.
• Wine and non-alcoholic beverages with lunches and dinners limited to selections prechosen by Toscana Americana.
Drinks with lunch and dinner shall be considered as being 1/4 liter of wine and 1/2 liter mineral water per person, per meal.
• All basic tips, including long distance coach drivers and guides, except where national regulations and supplier rules
forbid. Participants should consider adding $1.00US per day for extra or exceptional service for all of the above personnel.
English-speaking Guides for all guided day trips as noted in the Toscana Americana "Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul" itinerary.
• Itinerary may be adjusted to accommodate seasonal openings and/or unexpected closing of attractions, restaurants,
museums, etc.
• Published Toscana Americana "Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul" prices are Per Person, single occupancy, based on a minimum group of eight registered and enrolled participants.

Click below for details

- Frequently Asked Questions.

- Rates & enrollment form

- Terms & Conditions

- Photos of Cortona, Italy

Saturday: Arrival day with evening opening wine and chocolate reception.

Sunday: Overview of class, introductions with one another. The first half of the day, students make a simple Frida Kahlo-inspired profile portrait using a paint-by-number canvas kit that they will decorate any way they like using paints, papers, ephemera, glitters and more. The goal of this project is to have visual representation of ourselves at this moment in time. We will hang these up around the classroom and celebrate them! Second half of day: Custom T-shirts. Using fabric transfers and letter stamps, we will embellish a t-shirt to wear
throughout the week. Students can decorate something else with the supplies instead of a t-shirt if they like.

Monday: Flirty Flamenco Journal Set: We will embellish a set of hardcover blank journals with vintage pictures of flamenco dancers, feathers, lace, exotic trims, crystals and more. In the second half of the day we will create a small oilcloth journal. The second half of
the day we will make a mini assemblage address book using Mexican phone cards.

Tuesday: Day trip to Florence with special Uffizi Gallery visit, shopping, sightseeing and lunch.

Wednesday: Viva Latina Picture Jewelry! We will make a collage picture/charm bracelet using small images, milagros and trinkets. We will make a charm rings to match, as well as a beaded picture necklace. These can be any theme you like! This will take up the whole
day.

Thursday: Love Shrine! We will use images from Mexican novela comics, sequins, mini-mirrors, ephemera, fabrics and more to make a glittery cigar box love shrine. At the second half of the day we will talk about Day of the Dead and make a community altar to our loved ones who have passed on. We will make a small Day of the Dead shrine from large matchbox covers and learn how to make paper flowers.

Friday: Collage Treasure Box! This is a chunky wood box that we will decorate to store all our items in. We will build compartments in it, and make it as three-dimensional as possible! At the end of the day we will use exclusive Crafty Chica rubber stamps and collage sheets to
make a gorgeous set of Latino-themed greeting cards.

Saturday: Departure day.
***
Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Jewelry Making Show: Baby Bracelets

2006-09-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

This morning my episode aired on DIY Jewelry Making with host Jackie Guerra. I taped it in Burbank, CA two years ago and it finally aired - yay! For more crafty ideas, visit my site at CraftyChica.com, or check out my new book: Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul.

Safety Note about baby bracelets: Keep the beads small and their quality high to prevent chipping or breaking. Pay close attention to the directions, making sure you tightly crimp off the wire and use a sturdy lobster claw clasp so it will not come apart. Test this by pulling it to make sure its secure. Make sure to measure your baby's wrist for correct sizing, and don't make it too tight or too loose. Also, don't attach any charms. Never leave a baby unattended while wearing the bracelet.

Here are the recipes for the projects.

Double Strand Baby Bracelet

Materials:

1 roll of soft flex .014 gauge wire
2 small 1mm crimp tubes
140 small 1mm pink glass seed beads
6 medium 2mm pearl beads
2 4mm split rings
1 lobster clasp
needle nose pliers
scissors

1. Cut two 8 inch strands of soft flex .014 gauge beading wire.

2. Take one strand, and then slide on a crimp tube one inch down.

Figure A

3. With the needle nose pliers, grasp the one inch end of the wire, and then fold it over to create a small loop. Feed the end through the crimp tube so there is a short tail sticking out the other side (figure A).

4. Crimp using needle nose pliers. Repeat for the second strand.

5. Open a split ring, and then slide on the two strands through the loops just created.

6. Slide on 10 small pink glass beads onto one strand, and then do the same for the other strands. Make sure the beads slide over the wire tail.

7. Slide on one medium pearl bead through both strands. Pull it so the beads are packed tight. Repeat this process six more times.

8. Close off each end by adding the crimp tubes, snipping the excess wire to one inch, and then feeding the ends through the tubes and through the holes of the beads on the strand. Crimp into place.

9. Attach the other split ring, followed by the lobster clasp.

Classy Crystal Chain Bracelet

Materials:

high quality chain without breaks in the links
10-12 small 1mm glass light pink seed beads
4-5 2mm Swarovski hot pink crystal beads
2 high quality 4 mm split rings
1 lobster claw clasp
wire nippers
needle nose pliers

1. Start at the end of the chain, and then count out four links. On the fourth link, use wire nippers to snip it off so the chain will be in two pieces.

2. Using needle nose pliers, carefully bend open the eyehole on the eye pin, and then hook it on the chain that has three links. Close it shut tightly with the pliers so the chain can't come off.

3. Now you will have the wire from the eye pin sticking out. Slide on one of the light pink glass beads, followed by a hot pink crystal bead, and then one more light pink bead.

4. Snip the wire down so there is a 3/4 inch tail.

5. Pick up the longer piece of chain, and then attach the wire through the end link with the needle nose pliers. Bend it tight so the chain will not come loose. Repeat this process five more times, or until you have reached the desired length.

6. Use needle nose pliers to attach a split ring to each end of the bracelet, and then add a lobster claw clasp to one end.
***
Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

We've moved!

2006-09-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

Come visit us on MySpace!

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Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

This is what happens when you have too much fun!

2006-01-09T15:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had the first Phoenix Fridas meeting of 2006. And what a meeting it was. We all brought beads, findings and needle nose pliers and dove into the crazy world of charm bracelets. I made this kamikaze charm bracelet watch. I hope the right kind of event comes up for me to wear it. Heck, any day should be fine to show it off! I love it. That is as long as it doesn't get caught in my hair, like so many of my charm bracelets tend to do.

We had a great meeting. We planned out two big events for 2006. And we put up a MySpace page, so if you are on there, please add us a friend!

Phoenix Fridas
Crafty Chica

Anyway, we met at Lucia's which was a fabulous place to get inspired. Every wall from the floor to the celing was covered in Mexican art. From paintings to crochet to collage. I came to the conclusion my house is frumpy and boring, purple walls and all. After hanging out at Lucia's, I want to amp it up a few dozen notches!

If you aren't in a craft group, you should put one together. It will add so much color to your life. Not to sound like an ad, but I have a whole feature in my new book about putting together a craft group. I love being a part of the Phoenix Fridas so much. It's the only place where I can sit and talk about supplies, projects, ideas, the ups and downs of varnishes and not get kicked out on my butt. I swear, we all chirped about CRAFTS for two hours straight! They were also kind enough to let me read them the first chapter of my novel. They thought it was "sexy"! I didn't intend for it to be sexy, do I seem sexy? Hardly! But I gladly took their opinions as a plus!

This morning I weighed in and I'm now down 20 pounds! It feels so good! Tonight I start my Afro-Brazilian cardio class at the downtown Phoenix center. I hate exercise and I refuse to do it. But my friend Fatimah is teaching this class and it is right up my alley. This is the only kind of exercise I can do because it won't even feel like exercise, it will feel like dancing and playing. I hope!

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Our first collaborative project!

2005-11-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

The Phoenix Fridas had a debut show! This is our collective altar we made in honor of she with the flowers in her hair. I'm so proud of all of us, I think our styles fit together so well, yet they are all so different. Maya and I went to First Fridays to see the show, and it was wall to wall people. There were someother very powerful installations there. We stood a bit away from our altar so we could hear what people were saying about our work. It was all very positive. Here are some more pictures from Tracy's blog!

***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Nat'l TV debut: Uncommon Threads!

2005-07-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

The past couple weeks have been so hectic. Not only have I had 10 design jobs all due within days of each other, I've had to help Patrick field incoming orders, plus cooking, laundry and such. Thank God the kids don't have homework these days because of summer vacation!

The grand finale of it all was five days in Los Angeles to tape episodes for a new craft show for the DIY Network. It's called "Uncommon Threads" and it's a show about various very COOL needlearts projects that craft groups do. The group I belong to is The Phoenix Fridas and four of the six of us headed out there to share our thready inventions. It was quite an experience! Here are some highlights:

- For the past month, I've been power-embroidering and speed-crocheting in order to meet my deadline of having excellent "heroes" (final project samples) for my segments (I had four of them). The last thing I worked on was a Techno Tote that I decided I would start and finish on the plane ride.

It's a clean 3x5" design using two simple stitches. How hard could it be? So I'm on the plane, hooking as usual, when I feel electro shocks shoot through the tip of my left index finger (I'm left handed). It's the most crucial digit of the ten. I use that finger for everything when it comes to making stuff. At first I thought it had to do with my iPod (??), and then maybe the plane. My fellow Fridas: Keri, Anita and Carmen informed me that it was not, in fact, due to the plane or my iPod, but that I had probably burnt out my nerve from over-use.

How could this happen at crunch time? I was forced to continue to crochet using my middle finger. It was very awkward and clumsy. My finger was jacked and my mind was numb. Anita and Carmen had two projects to do and Keri one. I had four. And each of them had impromtu homework (more on that later) Just as I was ready to give it all up, fall to my knees and pound my crochet hook into the concrete sidewalk at Media City Studios, Anita appeared. As calm as an angel from sky.

"Kathy, let me help you. I'll make your project tonight. Relax. Go get some rest."

And she did it! It was a challenge for her too. I was using bulky three strand yarn that was really hard to work with, but I loved it because it was so colorful and bright. Anyway, that night Anita and Keri rested their feet in the hotel pool and Anita finished my project while Carmen massaged my index finger with oil. By morning I was back on track. I finished crocheting my step-outs for my upcoming segments. All was right in the universe again.

**
- At noon Wednesday, when the four of us got to our room (Ramada Inn) from the airport, the male receptionist informed us that check-in was not until 3 pm, and they had no space to hold our luggage. "All we have is that sitting area right there," he said, pointing to a living room set and coffee table. My reply?

"Great then! Come on girls, let's clear the table and do our crafts here until 3 pm!"

Keri thought it was a fab idea and cheered, "Right on! Let's order pizza too!"

Within 10 minutes, we had rooms.

**
- I borrowed Anita's pinking shears that her mom had given her as a child. I gave her the scissors back on the way to the airport, she put them in her purse. Later on, I pass through airport security and I hear a man behind me call out "SUPERVISOR! SUPERVISOR!" I thought, "Oh my God! Some tired to bring something deadly on a plane!" I turn around and the guilty party was Anita! She still had the scissors in her purse and it looked as though the security guards were ready to pounce! She wiped the sweat from her forehead and explained the innocent situation ("We're crafters from Phoenix!"). The super stabbed his palm with said illegal object and realized they were duller than the new Bewitched movie and sent her on her way with the pinking shears. Little did he know that Carmen had passed through unnoticed with a sewing kit! Gasp!

**
- My favorite Hollywood anxiety attack was when I discovered right before my second taping that the shirt I had sewn/designed especially for the show was like, um, three sizes too small. It the heat of my creativity, I grabbed a shirt (small) that I had bought for Maya, and did my magic art on it - instead of my size (1X).

I couldn't even get it over my chi-chis! Anita and Keri closed the door to our dressing room and each grabbed pair of scissors. I got the shirt over my head, over my boobs (ouch!). They snipped the back from the top down and then snipped up each side to almost under my arm. I put on my black cover shirt and, wow! Jane, the wardrobe maven of the show, said cutting, taping and pinning is all part of showbiz and it happens all the time.

There were a lot of other goofy things that happened while we there but I'm too sleepy to write about them! It was like a retreat, we all learned so much about each other. The fun thing about our group is that everyone is so opposite - Keri (glue gun artist) is a chit-chattin' rockabilly cowgirl from Wickenburg; Carmen is a Brazilian yoga/healthy food lovin' traditional beader, Anita is a soft spoken mom and wicked seamstress and crocheter. We ate sushi, Indian food, shopped, crafted and had a blast. I wish Leticia and Tracy were able to have gone. Next time!

I want to close this post by saying how nice and gracious the staff from Screen Door Entertainment was. They paid for our trip and treated us like crafting royalty. We were literally the last shows of the season (65 eps!). The staff had been working 12 hour days for the past five weeks, but they never let their enthusiasm fade. Christine, our producer was awesome, funny, friendly and always on the ball.

This is how it goes:

You get there and pull out all your crafty stuff sorted according to project. She looks at it all and assigns homework - like crocheting a purse halfway, or in my case creatively covering up some images I had used on my sample. Keri had to take apart one of her samples to use as a step out, and Carmen's was perfect.

The next day you rehearse. Here is Keri wth Christine. You set up your project in stages and Christine reads the script and pretends she is the host. You go through and do your segment and she times you with a stop watch. She then makes any more last minute suggestions. You hustle to finish those. You go get dressed and wait for your turn. They tape three-four shows a day, which was a blast because we got to meet other craft groups like Kansas City's Urban Arts and Crafts, Material Evolution and The Free Form Crocheters.

When it's time to do the segment, you go into the actual studio and all the crew gathers around the table and you rehearse with the host. The host is Australian TV personality/producer and master crafter Allison Whitlock.
She chats with you to help you relax, practices her lines and then the cameras roll. It's a little tricky because it's live taping, no stops for editing. If you goof, you have to start ALL over. All of us Fridas handled the pressure good (except for my crochet/index finger/shirt thingy).

Here is Jane, the wardrobe wonder. She gave me all kinds of great "plus size" TV tips. Even as far as explaining how to slim down by wearing three girdles and a push up bra! It was method she used on a client and said it had a miraculous result. Being an entertainment reporter, I was thrilled to hear about everyone's jobs. Most of the crew freelances, so I heard great stories about other shows like Starting Over, Knitty Gritty, Court TV and Access Hollywood.

I'm looking forward to doing it all again at the end of next month!

OK, can't see straight, need sleep. Adios for now.
***
***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Welcome to the Phoenix Fridas!

2005-06-12T21:30:00.000-07:00

Almost a year ago, I was gabbing on the phone with my friend Tracy. We were raving about how cool it would be to join a women's arts collective. By the end of the conversation, we decided we would start our own crafty clique! And on that night the Phoenix Fridas were born. I contacted some of my favorite creative chica friends that were working hard at reaching their dreams of creating art for a living - and inspiring other people at the same time.

We've been meaning to get a kick-ass web site up for months, but because of time restraints we haven't been able to. Tonight, I thought, what the heck - I'll put up a blog for us. Check back here to read about our favorite finds and such.

Soon we'll be hosting crafty parties, art shows, workshops and more. This is just the beginning!

Don't you just love the logo? Tracy made it!

Viva la Phoenix Fridas!

Kathy :-)

New site!

2005-06-12T00:39:00.000-07:00

So...I've tinkered like crazy, hopethis new site works out well for everyone!

Those of you joining in, here is a way to get involved:

alt="Click here to join thephoenixfridas">
Click to join thephoenixfridas

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Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Cool Logo...Phoenix Fridas

2005-03-12T13:30:00.000-08:00

Phoenix Fridas
Cool Logo, Cool Blog...Thanks Kathy & Tracy!!!

...My frist BLOG...Phoenix Fridas

2005-03-12T13:26:00.000-08:00

Phoenix Fridas
Wow, this is my first BLOG. I hope I am BLOGGING right.
Well, I guess I will find out...

Keri Plezia's St. Patty's Day ideas!

2005-03-10T22:00:00.000-08:00

Keri demonstrated several fun ideas for St. Patrick's Day parties today on Good Morning Arizona. Here they are!

Centerpiece:
Keri took a large terra cotta saucer and filled it with green moss (you can also use sade) and then added potatoes (in honor of the Irish!), gold coins and in the center she placed a planter and filled it with golden gems and tea light candle.

Plates:
She took two clear disposable plates and inserted paper decorations between them. She also created a game with the plates. She put a different number on the bottom of each of the plates and then put mathcing numbers in a hat. She said you can draw out numbers to give away prizes!

Plastic Beer Glasses:
Using Gallery Glass, Keri drew clovers with names on a piece of glass, let the Gallery Glass dry and then peeled them off and put them on the plastic beer cups!

Keri Plezia is a talented stained glass artist. Check out her web site! She also makes all kinds of other crafts and sells them at Zia Record locations in Phoenix and Tucson, as well the Black Hearts Bazaar Noir boutique in central Phoenix.

Anita Mabante Leach

2005-02-12T00:16:00.000-08:00

Info on Anita coming soon!

Until then, see her writings at Latino Perspectives Magazine.com

Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Carmen de Novais

2005-02-11T23:55:00.000-08:00

Carmen's web site: CarmenCreations.com

Carmen de Novais was born and raised in Recife, Brazil. She has studied piano since age 5, and received her Bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College in Ohio. She has worked in the Brazilian Amazon documenting the situation of Native peoples and the Amazon Rain Forest. She has traveled extensively throughout South America, collecting exotic instruments and investigating the many idioms of folk music. In Arizona, she formed the Brazilian band Zúm Zúm Zúm and her instruments of choice are the guitar, charango, accordion and the vibraphone. Carmen’s philosophy is based on the need to express and explore our indigenous roots through music, theater, ritual and art, in order to foster multicultural understanding and appreciation, while passing on valuable oral and cultural traditions to future generations.

On her art: Carmen de Novais, founder and jewelry designer, started beading as a little girl in northeastern Brazil. Learning from her grandmother how to perforate and string seeds in the backyard, she delighted in making colorful, simple necklaces to wear and give to friends as gifts. Throughout her life, she has explored this traditional artform, constantly challenging herself to think of new ways and colors.

For Carmen, beading is a form of meditation, and the jewelry a source of empowerment. These designs are imbued with the positive thoughts and deep feelings of traditional harmony. In away, each piece is a prayer for peace, love, harmony, health, beauty, wisdom and wealth both on a personal and global way.

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Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Keri Plezia

2005-02-11T23:47:00.000-08:00

Keri's web site: Art-A-Facts.com

It's not hard to spot one of Keri Plezia's designs — her unique and creative Stained Glass windows have been popping up all around the resort town of Wickenburg, Arizona for years.

Keri was born in Chicago, raised in north Phoenix and currently resides in Wickenburg. She holds a degree in Graphic Arts but stumbled into Stained Glass design 15 years ago and has built her business around Stained Glass and related products. Her longest running client and biggest supporter, Zia CD and Record Exchange, has been selling Keri's products for more than 16 years and showcases the Art•a•facts line in each of its 8 stores.

Keri draws her inspiration from the beautiful high desert colors and textures surrounding her but is not afraid to incorporate several styles of design when creating a custom window. Keri doesn't limit herself to just creating windows — she also enjoys the challenge of repairing and reconstructing antique windows and lamps.

Keri was recently featured on HGTV's Crafter's Coast to Coast! Click here to read all about it!

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Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Tracy Dove

2005-02-11T23:40:00.000-08:00

Tracy's web site: TracyDove.com

I live in the magical, desert city of Phoenix, Arizona.

My sun, moon and mercury are all in the sign of Aries with Taurus rising.

I grew up under the influence of the 60's and 70's.

I've always been creatively driven, a free thinker, independent, earthy, hippie, bohemian type of girl.

I have been drawing and coloring from a very early age. It evolved into a beautiful art journey for me.

Currently, I paint with acrylics mostly on canvas. My art is definately an expression of my heart, mind and spirit. Pretty much everything I feel or think or love will get painted on something somewhere. My canvasses are covered with a diverse array of subjects ranging from whimsical houses, painted hippie busses and festival scenes to mermaids, fanciful animals, meditating women and messages of the heart and soul.

I am married for over 25 years now. We have a grown daughter who is amazing. I have a dog named Chloe and 7 cats. We are living happily ever after.

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Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Kathy Cano Murillo

2005-02-11T23:23:00.000-08:00

" I hearby swear to use this sacred glue gun only for good, not evil..."

Kathy's links:
CraftyChica.com
Kathy's personal blog
Kathy's published books
Kathy's art for sale

I'm a native Phoenician and an admitted binge crafter. When I'm not sewing or varninshing in my living room-turned-art studio, I run an online art business with my artist/musician hubby Patrick, I author crafty lifestyle books, do crafty demos on local and national crafting shows and I write a nationally syndicated arts and crafts column for Gannett Wire Service and The Arizona Republic. Next to Phoenix, I love New York City! I have two kids and three chihuahuas.

*****
Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Leticia de la Vara

2005-02-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

Leticia's web site: Chale Clothing

Leticia. That's me.
Hardworking office stiff by day, be-dazzler by night. I love being a part of Phx Fridas.
Mostly because the other women in the collective are so talented it's hard not to be inspired when you hang with 'em. Especially for me since I haven't really found an art niche and love to put my sticky little fingers on any arts or crafts project. Although I do always end up going back to rhinestoning things or "be-dazzling up" accessories. From the moment I was 2 and glued one of my mom's rings to a shoe box I have had a constant and comfortable love affair with gluing shining things to inanimate objects. I like walking past one of completed be-jeweled creations and look at how the light catches it from different angles. It always makes me think of fish gills slowly moving in and out and with each breath adding a different hint of color and dimension to the fish.

But back to me! I am a Phx native and have a toddler aged daughter who loves to watch Laurence Welk on friday nights and hit the park on saturdays in her hog (or little red trike, whatever). Our favorite mother daughter past time is to jump up and down to Presidents of the United State of America CDs and growl like dinosaurs.

Art background:Right now I am working on designing some kids tees with a Latino Urban vibe and hope to shop it out to different shops here and across the country. I've decided this time to take the logical approach and beyond just creating I am also taking a small business class to make sure I know what I'm getting myself into on the off-chance that I start raking in the dollas. I was a punk singer for about 5 yrs and still miss doing that. Now my music is pretty much done at home for my personal benefit but I hope to get back behind the mic some day. Maybe re-invent myself as a Mariachi singer with punk influences. who knows. Last holiday season I did a art project with my mom and realized how fun and how creative it can be to work with your mom. It was a blast and I think made us even closer. She had hoped to study art but then marriage and kids came and that got pushed to the backburner so this project was real special to the both of us and I was surprised at how much skill my mom still had considering how much time (30 plus years!) she had spent away from the paints.

Personal background: I also run a Phx based online support group for Latina single mothers. We gab, meet up for play dates, and vent. It rocks. Currently I am also planning a volunteer-based trip to Salvador Brazil and am fundraising for that. If you're interested in finding out more about that send me an e-mail at ChicanaMama@hotmail.com

If someone were to ask me at this very minute (3/11/05 10:35am to be exact) what would I want I would say: A Vespa, a date, and a magic wand that cleans my house and yard so I can spend quality time with my kid and with my crafting table.
When people first meet me: I come off as weird or distant and stumble on words like I just swallowed a Spanish-English grammar lesson and am burping it up in bits and pieces (talk in English with a Spanish sentence structure and vice versa). But once I'm comfortable around you I end up talking a lot and am the type of person who will bring up random conversation items to try and see what kind of person you are.

So that's me in a coffee-infused nutshell.

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Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

Introducing - The Phoenix Fridas!

2004-12-02T15:24:00.000-08:00

It's the debut of the Phoenix Fridas! Six Phoenix female business owners who all have a passionate and sometimes painful addiction to art. It's a women's collective, much like Portland Super Crafty, NYC Craft Bunnies, Austin Craft Mafia, etc...We are really in our early stages and plan to get rolling in the spring, but for now we are doing this show just because we are so excited, we can't wait!

We are having a sidewalk sale all day on December 4th on the front lawn at Alice's Restaurant, 7th St. and Fillmore. Come stop by, we'll have lots of cool stuff there! I made gobs of shrines last weekend. I think after all that writing for the past month, I dove head first into the art studio and emerged with a lot of shiny stock.

Off to bed! Oh - and Merry Christmas! I love this time of year SO much!
***Phoenix Fridas: Rising from the flames for the sake of art and craft.

The Phoenix Fridas

Meet the Fascinating Fridas of Phoenix

The Phoenix Fridas @ Teatro Bravo's Frida event!!!

Check us out in the New Times!

Viva la Vida September 2, 2011 7pm Alwun House 1204 E. Roosevelt

Viva la Vida September 2, 2011 7pm Alwun House 1204 E. Roosevelt

Me Looking at You Looking at Me Thinking of Frida

Carmen Guerrero talks about her beadwork, her collaboration with Carolina Kondo and the influences of Frida Kahlo in her work.

Emily Costello, Smokin' Frida, talks paint

April Edwards talks about the influence of indigenous women in her art

Anita Leach talks about the influence of Frida's fashion on her artwork

Kathy "la Crafty Chica" talks about her adventures in painting

Gloria Casillas-Martinez talks about her work.

TODAY: Frida Birthday Party with The Phoenix Fridas

Phoenix Fridas Art Exhibit (slideshow)

Phoenix Frida Sewing Party

Vision Gallery Salon

EXHIBIT SNEAK PEEK: Frida portrait by Kathy

EXHIBIT SNEAK PEEK: Frida's Feast

FRIDA EXHIBIT: Annalisa and her wonderful plates!

Getting ready for Vision Gallery - Last day of May 2011

I Leave You My Portrait.....

Phoenix Fridas Exhibit: I Leave You My Portrait

Framed and ready to quilt

Sew-real image!

A pic from the process

Quilt madness under way!

Frida meet-up!

Phx Craft Rave - this Sat Dec 4th 2pm - 12 midnight

Phoenix Frida's represented in Albuquerque, NM

Frida goes to school!

I made Frida earrings!

In the studio

Annalisa modeling Carmen's beaded bracelet

Thank you, Phoenix New Times!

Dress sketch and more

The Phoenix Fridas TV segment!

Anna and Monique

Valle del Sol

Tears of joy!

Fresh from the studio!

What Frida said...

See us on 3TV Wednesday morning!

Crystal-glueing in progress

See us on Good Morning Arizona this Wednesday!

Emily's new paintings

Frida-inspired shoes

Project in progress

Photos from a recent event

Con/Safos: Annalisa Rios & Monique Sanderson Mata

Leticia de la Vara

Lucia Madrid

April Edwards

Anita Mabante Leach

Carmen Guerrero

Emily Costello

Kathy Cano-Murillo, founder

Make a flowered tiara

In the Press!

In the Press: Folk- Art Fantastic

Folk- Art Fantastic

See work by Smoker and Dead Frida

New Times Best of Phx: Best Heroine Worship

Best Heroine Worship - 2009

Phoenix Fridas

Frida event!

Today is the day!

In the Press!

Frida's Birthday Celebration

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Crafty Chica contact info