Yoli's Sacred Journey

Feliz Navidad, Sacred Friends!

2011-12-25T13:45:00.000-08:00

Ayeee, I know I always say tIhis, but on the real! Time flies when you are having fun! It's been way to long since my last post, but now worries, I am still here, doing my thing. I just find it hard to take the time out to post up in here. Since my last post, I have been crafting it up and doing shows here and there. My studio time had been super limited, do to my Tia moving in with us while she secures housing here in Sacramento. After 36 years repping in Boston, she had enough with the harsh winters and decided to mix it up here in Cali. Can you blame her? She thinks we are a bunch of whiney babies, complaining about our nights that dip into the low 30's or high 20's. I guess she has a point. Lets just see how hardcore she acts when our summer rolls around. Hahaha!
Anyhoo, I just wanted to poke on in here and wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I am looking forward to positive changes and growth in mi vida. You know, take my attitude to the next level. :-)

Salute to all of my sacred friends!

Yoli

PS. Please visit and like my facebook page! I will be happy to like yours too!

http://www.facebook.com/sacredyolidesigns

Festival De Calacas

2011-10-27T16:01:00.000-07:00

Hello my Sacred Friends! It's been a long time since I posted. October is always an insane month for me. So many events and commitments, and not enough time! I will be posting pictures soon. I was blessed to teach 68 girl scouts how to decorate sugar skulls, show my Chicas Latinas group how to make paper marigolds, as well as build a Altar Installation for the Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose. (my home town) The opening reception is tomorrow night, and if you are in the area, please stop by and say hello. Of course I will be taking more pictures. I am showing for the first time in my former home town, and it feels great!

Salute, my friends! Below is a calendar of events in the San Jose area.

Oct 1 Nov 4 Daily
Altar Exhibit: Tropicana Shopping Center in La Placita 1692 Story Road, San Jose

Oct 6 Nov 4 Daily for Tours
Altar Exhibit: San Jose State University, The Art of Remembrance (1), an exhibit of traditional and contemporary altars curated by Mary Jane Solis at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 5th Fl. and 1st Fl. Children's Section

Oct 10, 12, 17, 19 3:30pm–5:30pm
Mask Making Workshops: School of Arts & Culture @ MHP, 1700 Alum Rock, Avenue, San Jose

Oct 12 6:00 pm–8:00 pm
Reception & Artist Talk: Cultural Heritage Center, 5th Floor, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library

Oct 22 Children's Discovery Museum
of San Jose
180 Woz Way, San Jose.
(408) 298-5437, www.cdm.org

Oct 23
Oakland Museum of California:
Performance by Teatro Familia Aztlan, 1000 Oak Street, Oakland,
(510) 238-2200

Oct 24 Nov 4 Daily for Tours
Altar Exhibit: The Art of Remembrance (2), Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose

Oct 28 $5 $10 7:00pm–9:00pm
Fiesta de las Calacas: School of Arts & Culture @ MHP, 1700 Alum Rock Avenue, San Jose. Please come in costume and bring individual altars and ofrendas. A special Día de Los Muertos performance by Los Lupeños de San José and their Escuela students with guests Son Las Fridas, Comparsa/procession by Teatro Familia Aztlan, Music by Los Violines and Diaz Family with the Luther Burbank Mariachi Youth Program, Altar Exhibit and Refreshments.

Oct 29 11:00am–5:00pm
San Jose Museum of Art's Community Day: El Día de los Muertos,
(408) 271-6840, www.sjmusart.org

Oct 29 11am–3pm
Calvary Cemetery presents
Día de los Muertos 2011
2650 Madden Ave., San Jose,
(408) 258-2940

Oct 30

14th Annual Día de los Muertos Procession and Festival de Calacas, Days of the Dead
11 am All procession participants gather in the City View Plaza across from César Chávez Park on Market Street
12 pm procession begins at Market St. and ends at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library corner of San Fernando & 4th.

Nov 2 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Donations
El Panteón la Ultima Parada–The Last Stop Fandango: Altars and Art Exhibit Aztec Blessing of Altars–Live Music, San Jose Women's Club, 75 S. 11th Street, San Jose

Nov 5 2:00 pm
Día de los Muertos at Davies Symphony Hall SF, (415) 642-1233 www.sfsymphony.org

Waving hand: I am still here! Mary's Graces is doing another Giveaway!

2011-07-31T22:16:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. I hope this blog finds you all well and joyful! I have been blog constipated yet again! I can't believe how time just slips away from me. Socially, my calendar has been full of lots of good times. Camping, boating, fairs, shows, family reunions, and a concert. I am going to have to dig out some pics, because I really have had some great times these past couple of weeks!

My studio has been in limbo as well. I scored a huge L shaped desk. I mean HUGE. I had to rearrange my entire studio to accommodate this beast of a desk, but it is all going to be worth it, when I am done. I will have lots more counter space, and storage. I am about 90 percent done, and when it is ready, I will snap a pic of my new and improved studio! I can't wait!

So for now, I leave you with a great giveaway lead!

Mary's Graces is having yet another beautiful giveaway! Here is a peeky!

Beautiful, right??? So do mosey on over and stake your claim at a chance to win the above Guadalupe! Tell them your friend, Sacred Yoli sent you!

Salute and have a beautiful week!

I'm official! New Badge

2011-07-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

Ooooh, my wonderful friend friend, Donna, of "The Wood Wife Chronicles" , made this beautiful badge for me!
What do you think?

Isn't it fabulous? It links right here to this blog! She posted it at Mary's Graces, a new and very Sacred blog featuring our Etsy Team dedicated to all things, "Mary" and the Divine. The team is very new and open to applications. You can find it here. Please take a moment to view the team members. There are some amazing artists and very inspiring art.

Once again, Thank you Donna, you are truly a giving spirit and you are a beautiful example of "Paying it Forward"

P.S. I am going camping for the first time in since I was 15! (to many years to recall) Wish me luck. I always thought of me as a girly girl and swore when I grew up, I would not be camping anymore, and would only stay at posh hotels, and resorts. Well, here I am, and after multiple years of hotels, big cities, and beachfront vacations, The call of nature is calling my name, and I am actually very excited to be out in the "wild" with my wild girlfriends, on an all "Chica" camp trip!

P.P.S.
Here is the code, feel free to post!

http://sacredyoli.blogspot.com/" title="Yoli's sacred journey by The Woodwife, on Flickr">http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/5918438150_4caf719b10_m.jpg" width="187" height="240" alt="Yoli's sacred journey" />

Sacred Giveaway at Mary's Graces Blog!

2011-07-07T20:58:00.000-07:00

My lovely friend's at Mary's Graces blog is giving away a beautiful vintage Rosario.

Look, here is a picture of the prize.

Beautiful, right? Also, please take the time to go view their blog. It is a new spot, and I love their dedication to all things "Mary"

Graffiti Paint: Paint Party Friday!

2011-06-24T01:11:00.000-07:00

Ooooh, it's another Paint Party Friday, and I was determined to play this week! I have been crafting, sewing and painting like a fiend behind the scenes all week! I have a big show I committed to this Saturday, and I wanted to make sure I had more than 10 items to sell! Whatever I don't sell, I will post at my new Etsy store. So if anything, this show put my arse in gear to make art!

These canvases that I am about to post will ultimately turn into handbags. I started out with blank canvas, and then applied Gesso. From there, I added multiple layers of paints, stencil, free form drawing and then sealed with a good varnish. I will be lining the inside with fabric and sewing them up to Sacred handbags!

These are flowers I made with my scraps.

Besides Frida, I love me some Guadalupe!

This one is called Color Mi Vida

And this last one is called Corazon Graffiti

I got so much work left to do! Yikes!
Have a great weekend everyone! If you have a chance, I have a new art page on Facebook, feel free to visit and pimp out your blog, store, or fan page!
Sacred Yoli Designs Fan Page.
My new Etsy store.
I'll be vending at Sacramento Swing Time 2011, here in Sacramento! (on Saturday)

Paint Party Friday: Cinco Santos at Vox's 5th year Annivesary Art Show

2011-06-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

Whoo hoo, I am actually posting a new piece this week. I made this Mixed Media Painting for Vox's
5th Anniversary Art show. We are celebrating this (2nd Saturday) and I am very pleased with what I came up with. The rules were: The piece had to be 5 x 5 inches, and the subject had have "5" as a theme.

I can get quickly blocked when there is a theme or rules, so I had no idea what to come up with that represented 5. At first, I was going to come up with 5 elements or paint something using 5 colors, but I just couldn't get motivated to come up with something. So..., I prayed to my Santos above to give me guidance. Yup, I prayed to 5 of them, and Viola, I became inspired to paint 5 Saints! You couldn't stop me when I started, and I came up with this piece!

I used a mixture of paint, clay and paper, and to stay "green" I recycled a canvas that had a previous painting nightmare. I think this one is a keeper. Anyhoo it is for sale at Vox Gallery. Here is more info on the show.

Don't forget to visit Paint Party Friday! Lots of great art at your fingertips and it's a great way to get your art seen and appreciated! Have a great weekend everyone!

Time to Shrine officially starts today! 6-5-11!

2011-06-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

time to SHRINE!!!!

welcome to our 2011

gallery of hope

(click to follow link)

the shrine auction opens for bidding

today

sunday june 5, 2011

12:00 p.m. pacific standard time

(you must be registered to leave a comment/bid)

the auction will close

sunday june 12, 6:00p.m.

pacific standard time

the last highest bid entered when the auction closes

will be the winning bidder.

one hundred percent of the proceeds from this auction

supports

Oaxaca Streetchildren Grassroots.

answers to your burning questions

trouble viewing the shrine auction site?

for some reason the auction can only be fully accessed

with firefox/mozilla or google chrome,

internet explorer is not able to open the site.

(Mozilla/Firefox are alternative BROWSERS to Internet Explorer.

for windows use this link

http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/new/

for apple use

http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/internet_utilities/mozillafirefox.html)

how do i place a bid?

you must be registered to bid and comment.

directions for registration are on the main page of the auction site.

there is a small box clearly marked to accept your bid.

please make your bids in dollar amounts. you can increase in any amount you wish.

for some crazy unexplainable reason this program loves your bids,

but does not like dollar signs!

may i bid from outside the U.S.A.?

yes! we welcome all bidders, domestic and international. please note, payment will be

in U.S. currency, paid through paypal at the end of the auction. please

understand those bidding from outside the U.S.A. will be paying

for the shipping costs of their winning bid to the artist of the

winning art item. this makes it possible to offer

100% of the monies raised to

oaxaca streetchildren grassroots.

who are we???

we are a diverse group of artists who

create in joy,

offer with gratitude, acknowledge with love,

transform with conviction.

our lives have been touched in deeply meaningful ways

by the culture of mexico and this is our

way of giving back to those

who have so generously

given to us.

may i join in next years auction?

YES, please!

simply leave your name and i will add you

to next years invitation to shrine!

where can i view more photographs of the art work?

please click here

to visit a sister blog-site dedicated to this annual event.

you will find a feature page with the list of artists

names linked to their personal blog homes.

continue scrolling and you will find every artist

represented with a series of photographs in large format.

how can i help support this years efforts?

please help us spread the word!

you may post this banner on your blog

and link to this post

shrine auction opens today

Paint Party Friday: Fridalicous!

2011-06-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

Wow, this week FLEW by! Last weekend was jammed packed for me. Within 72 hours, I went to a beautiful 50th Wedding anniversary party down in Visalia, Calif, a college graduation party back in Sacramento, the following day, and finally, ending out the long weekend by a way overdue Rucafest reunion with some O.G. homegirls that I haven't seen in what seemed like ages. Oh, and we squeezed in "Hangover 2" as well. That movie is sooooo badddd. and I admit, I laughed my head off. If you haven't seen it, let me warn you, it is hecka raunchy, but, nonetheless it was funnay!

Anyhoo, I wanted to play this week in Paint Party Friday. If you haven't had a chance to play yet, go check out their blog! A great way to work on your painting skills, and make some new friends in the process.

Since most of my current paintings are in process, I busted out this oldie but goodie. This image was wood burned on wood, and painted with acrylics, as well as layered with mixed media goodness and sealed in encaustic wax.

::sigh:: I guess I will never get tired of painting mi Frida!
Happy PPF everyone!
Don't forget to visit the awesome art auction at Recuerdo Mi Corazon! Lots of beautiful and talented artists donated beautiful and amazing art and shrines!

My Sacred House: Art Shrine Auction for Oaxaca Street Children Grassroots

2011-06-01T15:54:00.000-07:00

My good friend Rebecca of Recuerda Mi Corazon has been hosting an annual fundraiser for her charity, The Oaxaca Street Children Grassroots. This will be the 3rd year I have participated and I believe it is a wonderful and beautiful cause.

My submission is titled "My Sacred House"

Close up

This is a mixed media assemblage on a 5 by 7 Canvas board. Features handmade fabrics, found objects, worry dolls from Guatamala, millefiori mosaic tiles from Italy, milagros from Mexico, vintage ephemera image transfor techniques, handmade beads and whatever else I came across in my journeys.

I titled this My Sacred House, because I was inspired to create a place that welcomes all faiths. A place where someone always felt safe and welcomed and a place that would inspire meditation and higher learning. Most of all, a place to love.

To view this piece and a whole lot of other eye candy, read below for all the glorious details!

oaxaca streetchildren grassroots shrine auction opens today!

welcome to our

gallery of hope

(click to follow link)

open for viewing and registration june 1-4

access with firefox/mozilla or google chrome, internet explorer does not seem to work

Mozilla/Firefox are alternative BROWSERS to Internet Explorer.

for windows use this link

http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/new/

for apple use

http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/internet_utilities/mozillafirefox.html

imagine a virtual gallery

teaming with

love, compassion, inspiration, kindness and joy.

a gallery where each offering was created

with the intention of

making a bright difference in the lives of others.

please join our efforts

and help us transform hope into reality

for children in need.

bidding

june 5-june 12

help us make this invitation go viral!!

please place this banner on your blog today and help announce the

the opening of the shrine gallery with a link back to this post.

tweet, blog, facebook, send a flurry of personal

emails to family and friends...

then leave a comment here on your ideas to

help this invitation go

VIRAL

in appreciation for sharing our invitation

i will randomly choose one name from the comments section

to receive a hand tooled sacred heart

from san miguel de allende

in honor of supporting this years

contributing artists.

DeAnn Acton*Caya Papaya

Christine Alvarado*Du Buh Du Designs

Mita Barter*Mitabee

Natty Moss Bond*Original Art by Natty Moss Bond

Rebecca Brooks*Recuerda mi Corazon

Jan Bush-Wood*Lucy's Baby

Daisy Coba*Daisys Art Shop

Georgina Diaz*La Llorona Arts

Lisa Dinunzio*Priti Studio

Dawn Elliott*Alter Ego Mexicana

Adriana Esqueda*La Llorona Studio

Jenny Fillius*Ladybug Circus

Tina Forster*TAODA

Gemma*Gemmahouse

Dee Dee Hampton*Dee Dee Hampton

Stephanie Hilvitz*Mango Studio

Lisa Jonesmoore*La Vida Artistica

Yoli Manzo*Yoli's Sacred Journey

Fran Meneley*Fran Meneley

Abi Monroe*Abi Monroe

LK Moonwood*My Muse

Constance Muller*Rochambeau

Karin Otto-Burfict*August Moon Studio

Adrienne Patrick*Regenerations

Paula Scott*Molokai Girl

Deb Taylor*Deb Did It

Sarah Wallis*circles of rain

Mi Corazon: Paint Party Friday

2011-05-20T00:53:00.000-07:00

Yay, I am actually able to play in Paint Party Friday! (This week) If you like a good challenge, peep out their blog and add yourself to the list. Not only will you get lots of new peeps to your blog, but you will discover beautiful and wonderful talent as well. There are lots of amazing artists on board, and everyone is so beautiful and positive.

Here is my submission for the week. I call this "El Corazon comes Primero" because I truly believe we were put here on earth to love and create community and cooperation.

But that is just my humble opinion. :-) Have a juanderful weekend everyone!

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

2011-05-04T21:58:00.000-07:00

So Tomorrow is Cinco De Mayo! For the first time in ages, I decided to go amongst the crowds and party with the best of them. A large group of us are going to a local restaurant in town where they are having an outdoor block party featuring my favorite local band, The Midnight Players. They are a cover band and play the best old school and R&B jams. Not only that, the people watching at their gigs are off the hook! Lots of old school Cholitas and Cholos, oh my! hehe.

I thought I would kick up the party mode and wear something festive. I will have to rock it all day, since I am working pretty much all day tomorrow. I looked through my tired closet and found an old Mexican peasant blouse I bought ages ago. It is kinda large and boxy, but I love all the hand embroidery on it. Then an idea hit me. I remembered I saw an altered Peasant shirt in Crafty Chica's book, Crafty Chica's Guide To Artful Sewing. Have you seen it? It came out a couple of years ago, and it tends to be my go to sewing book. It is full of beautiful colors and easy projects for both the novice and the expert. She cover's it all. Trust me, she even put in one of my baby novice tips, because I am such a wannabe sewer, and I have my tricks to hide blunders, mmmkay?

Anyhoo, like I said, I started with a peasant blouse, a purple t-shirt and some ribbon. Viola! This is what I ended up with.

I am going to pair it with some jeans and some strappy sandals. Oh, maybe I will wear one of my crocheted roses in my hair. Whoohoo. outfit is done. Oh and this took me like 30 minutes to do!

Have a wonderful Cinco De Mayo, my lovely amigas and amigos!

Everything is coming up Roses!

2011-04-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true. On my quest to learn how to crochet, and to find the easy "Rose" pattern, I came across this one!

Yeah, I know, I got a little carried away, but can you blame me? adorable? I admit, I love instant gratificational crafting! I am working on that. I am still trying to develop patience. But at least I can still look at you and my homies and say, "Yes, these are handmade, and I made them all by myself, so whut, whut??!!"

hehe, just keeding on my hyphyness.

Anyhoo, can't you just see these adorning jackets, hair, lapels, etc? I want to make some delicate ones out of that thin pretty yarn and adorn some t-shirts. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

Of course I am going to give up the pattern! That's how I do!

Pattern: Row 1: Chain 20-30, depending on how large you want your flower.

Row 2: In fourth chain from hook, Treble stitch 4 times. In every chain from there, Treble 5 times in each chain all the way till end, and finish off.

Shape into flower. It should already be trying to spiral itself when you are finished. When you are ready to add it to your favorita project, tack on with a few stitches to hold in place. THAT IS IT!

Yay, happy crocheting and let me know how your roses turn out. To further inspire you, here is a little ditty (Rose's Turn) from my my all time favorite Broadway musical. Bette Midler did a fantastico job!

Omg, I love that performance! Gives me shivers! If you haven't seen this play, there are several TV adaptions, rent it! It is the best musical EVER. ok, well, I am not a musical buff whatsoever, but I first saw Natalie Wood's version when I was about 6 or 7, and I was captivated by every song, and even the subject matter! Aye Dios!

Happy Hump Day friends!

Tutorial: Easy and beginner friendly rag quilt blanket

2011-04-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I posted a blanket I made on Facebook and I got a lot of comments wondering if this was a sewn or no sew project. Well guess what, I actually busted out my sewing machine and got busy! Now I am not a sewer by any means, but I do have a lil 80.00 sewing machine I bought some years ago. I even let it sit about a year in it's box. You see, I was excited to have it, but too intimidated to use it. (::shivers::) After some coaxing from my girl, Crafty Chica, and a few introductory lessons on how to thread and turn it on by my other girl, Krissi of Krissi's art Estudio, I took the plunge and sewed a few little things. Let me emphasize, LITTLE! However, I did have the confidence to use my sewing machine as an extension of a paintbrush. I love to mix elements up and sew on papers as well as fabrics. You know, a couple stitches here, a few there, but never any "Big Girl" projects.

I believe the largest items I made were handbags and art journals, nothing that required to much sewing and or (ghasp) Cutting! I am still a little scared of cutting and piecing, so to make a quilt styled blanket would have been 100 percent out of my equation!

Fast forward to a trip to Beverly's in my hometown, where I came across a blanket on display with a set of directions right next to it. I was immediately drawn to the colors and the touch of it. It was made from flannel cotton and I noticed that the rag edging looked like it could be very forgiving to the unsteady hand that may or may not know how to cut a straight line!

I told my girlfriend, LOOK, I think we can do this! She was as equally as excited and we started bolting around the store to buy our 5 choices of colors to make the blanket.

I must say, this was super duper easy and it really did give me a lot of bang for both my buck and my ego!

Here is what I ended up with!

It was so much fun, I want to make a handbag with this technique, as well as mixing it up with some mixed media elements! (stay tuned)

Here is the video to show you how to make it. You can also go to Beverly's website and get the directions from there too!

Have fun my friends! (wow, it feels good to blog again!) Orale!

Guadalupe Mixed Media Painting :Paint Party Friday

2011-04-20T02:24:00.000-07:00

Hello my fellow artistas and art friends. Even though my postings have been limited lately, I have been getting busy in my studio. Not only have I been painting, but I have picked up crocheting and even a little quilting! I have lots of pics to share, and I I wanted to get started by posting this piece I did for a recent show. I have some prints on order and will post them on Etsy.

To kick start my creative urges, I read my girl, Gloria's blog, that she is participating with other painters in a Friday Paint Party Challenge. I thought, hey, I wanna play, so this will be my first submission. If you love looking at at art, there are some wonderful artists participating!

You can click on this pic for more info. :-)

Have a wonderful Easter Weekend and thanks for stopping by!

I will be showing at Festival De Familia in Sacramento this Sunday! April 3rd 2011

2011-03-30T14:07:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! I haven't shown in a while and I am one of the featured "Mixed Media" artists! This is a huge honor to me, and it is also pushing me to paint and create on the daily. I have been working on about 8 mixed media paintings and I will try to post pics of them very soon. In the mean time, here is the flier, and if you are in the area, please stop by and say hello!

Click here for more details!

Tutorial: Upcycled Party Popperz!

2011-02-26T17:12:00.000-08:00

I have been saying I am going to do a tutorial for way to long, and thanks to my homegirl, "Crafty Chica" aka, "Craftochuca" as my my auto-correct function on my fancy pants phone likes to call her. lol. It still cracks me up when I think about it. (Sawwry Kathy)

Anyhoo, check out her site, she has this Crafty Share it Saturday Party going on at her blog and if you participate, she will enter you for a chance to win a tre cool prize, Ehmmm, hmmmm, I want some of that action!

But I digress............

So yeah, I have had this tutorial up my sleeve and now I get to share. It is not the most O.G. tutorial, but it is a classic and this is how I put it together. :-)

Up-cycled Party Popperz.

Ingredients:
Recycled sturdy toilet paper rolls. (you can also use paper towel rolls too)
Your stash of paper, ephemera, fabric, pics, magazines, etc.
Candy or loot for the inside of the popperz.
glue
scissors,
ribbon or string.
That is about it, but sky is the limit. You can throw anything on these babies, and make them your own.

Here we go.........

I made these particular popperz for my ADORABLE nephew's Valentine's day Party. However these are universal for all seasons and occasions.

This is the loot I chose for the three to four year old lovers that were going to be in attendance.

Yeah Hi, I had to come up with 12 of these puppies in a day. (Don't ask)

First step; Get to stuffing! Go crazy!

Step 2: Raid your stash. This time, I used my fabric scraps. Since it was a Valentine theme, I chose red colors. If I had red papers, I would have used those too.

At this point I used a simple glue stick to apply my fabric to the rolls. To make it easier for me, I cut out a piece of paper the size I wanted to cut my fabric. A template, if you will. This way, I could cut all my fabrics to size before adhering them to the rolls. I also allowed about a 2 inch allowance of fabric on each side of the poppers so that I can secure each end with ribbon.
Remember, at this point you can add layers of papers, pictures, various scraps, anything. I love my glue sticks and I use them for both paper and fabric. :-)

Here, looky.

Isn't that cute? I even used a heart shape punch I had to add as an embellishment to each popper. Trust me, if these weren't for the little ones, I would have got busy and added all kinds of fibers and tiny trinkets, but I didn't want anyone calling me to tell me their kid was choking out on my party favors. Not cool!

Look, Finito! Aren't they cute? I had the good fortune of going to lil Anthony's love fest, and the kids were muey excited as he busted out his popperz to put in their goody bags. Thata boy Anthony! You lil Romeo!

De Colores Collage

2011-02-19T23:31:00.000-08:00

Happy February Sacred Readers.

I just finished cleaning out some tumbleweeds on my blog. I decided to go with a blogger template to, hopefully, make my page load up easier. Any feedback is much appreciated. Oh, and does anyone have a recommendation where I can convert a photo into a banner? I tried updating a photo behind my title, and it was Ginormous! I figured it would be to slow to upload, so I canned the idea.

Anyway, I have a tutorial up my sleeve and a "random act of kindess" challenge coming up. I am in much need of spreading around some good Karma. :-)

For now, here is a collage I recently made for a Round Robin Calendar. 12 of us got together, created a page of art, and made copies for the other chica's, so that we would end up with a calander full of arte!

I titled this piece, "De Colores"

Feliz Dia De Tres Reyes!

2011-01-06T13:49:00.000-08:00

Growing up in the States and not being on top of my religious celebrations and history, I didn't learn about this celebrated holiday until I started a family. My in laws, who are from the motherland, told me that they didn't observe "Christmas" until today, January 6th. I wanted to create an art piece in honor of this tradition, and am still going to work on it, but till then, I thought I would share the origins of this celebrated day.

By the way, Happy New Year! May your year be blessed with happiness, peace, creativity, love and prosperity!

Yoli

(original article by http://www.mexonline.com/history-lostresreyes.htm)

January the 6th is a special day in Mexico. Known as 'El Dia de Reyes' (Three Kings Day), this holiday represents the height of the Christmas season. The date marks the culmination of the twelve days of Christmas and commemorates the three wise men who traveled from afar, bearing gifts for the infant baby Jesus. The children of Mexico in particular look forward to this holiday as traditionally, gifts are exchanged on this date, not on Christmas day.

In Mexico and many other Latin American countries, Santa Claus doesn't hold the cachet that he does in the United States. Rather, it is the three wise men who are the bearers of gifts, who leave presents in or near the shoes of small children. The holiday is also known by the name of the Epiphany which dates back to the 4th century. A grand feast would be held on this day to honor the occasion of Jesus' baptism and to pay homage to the three wise men.


	Los Tres Reyes Magos

Many believe mysterious events preceded Jesus' birth with perhaps the most notable being the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem. This new star appeared in the evening sky just prior to the arrival of Jesus. Three wise men or Magi as they were then known, whose names were Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar, traveled a far distance to pay homage to the Christ child. They brought with them fine gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Three Kings Day remains an important holiday for the people of Mexico. In addition to the gift-giving aspect of the day there is also a culinary treat that is specific to the holiday. Known as 'Rosca de Reyes' (King's Cake), this holiday dessert offers much in the way of symbolism. Shaped in the round to signify a king's crown, this sweet bread holds a special surprise. Baked inside is a small plastic figurine representing the baby Jesus. Whoever finds this token is obligated to host an upcoming party for the occasion of 'Dia de la Candelaria' (Candlemas Day) which occurs each year on February 2nd.


	Rosca de Reyes

The effigy of the baby Jesus, hidden inside the cake, represents another aspect of the holiday. The reason Jesus is 'hidden' inside the bread is to symbolize how in life, the Christ child's birth location also needed to remain secret, in order that his life be spared. The ruler of Jerusalem at the time, King Herod, had been appraised of the mystical signs that indicated the new and rightful King of Jerusalem was soon to be born. Herod's reaction to these predictions was swift and horrible. He ordered his minions to murder all male infants recently born in Bethlehem. However, as destiny would have it, Mary and Joseph found their lodgings in a manger, not an inn. Herod's henchmen didn't think to look for an infant in such a location.

Another lovely custom associated with the Three Kings Day holiday centers around the evening meal. Traditionally, the supper served on this special day is delicious corn tamales accompanied by hot chocolate. This makes for a perfectly quintessential Mexican meal and one that is enjoyed by everyone in attendance.

Feliz Navidad!

2010-12-24T12:21:00.000-08:00

(yep, that is me, back in the day)

Ohmygosh,

I cannot believe how fast this year zipped on by. The last post I made was for Dia De Los Muertos, and looky here, it is Christmas eve already! I just had to stop the non stop cleaning and cooking to wish you all a beautiful Christmas. I hope your day is full of promise, peace and happiness.

Do you have a favorite Christmas memory? If so, please share. I have several, but real quick, my favorite memories, outside of the holidays with my beautiful sons, are the memories I had as a preteen. My best Christmas's were spent at my Gremma Elena's house back in my hometown of San Jose. We celebrated Christmas on Christmas eve, where we all gorged ourselves on my Gremma's cooking and the adults gorged themselves on the fine liquers. Hey, it was the 70's mmmkay? This was not only welcomed, but accepted. I have lots of pics of various family members with a beer in hand and even a cig!.

Ok, ok, I am getting side tracked. But seriously, at the time, the night seemed to last forever, because the aunts and uncles believed in torturing us into waiting till midnight before presents could be opened! The nerve, lol, But looking back, I do appreciate the wait now, because without all the waiting there would not have been so many memories, right?

Oh how I miss the laughter, teasing, singing, musica and most of all, how I miss my Gremma and Grandpa!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Even though I had been quiet on the blog front, I have still been crafty! I had a little gingerbread making party with my nieces and nephews a couple of weeks ago. Here is one of their creations!

Salud!

Dia De Los Muertos Film Preview in San Francisco

2010-11-17T10:06:00.000-08:00

I am so excited! What a wonderful opportunity to support the arts, independent films, and of course Dia De Los Muertos! Last year I was interviewed by these film makers. This is a total grass roots project and I am so glad to see that they are making progress in getting this project off the ground. This Friday, November 19th, they are featuring a preview and fund-raising event. If you are someone you know is in the area, please pass them along this information. Of course, I will be out there too, and would love to meet you there! Saludos!

Yoli

The Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, the filmmakers, and Instituto Conexiones invite you to an evening of reflection on the Mexican Days of the Dead, and how this special tradition is celebrated in San Francisco. On this night we celebrate the veteran artists and organizers who have made the Days of the Dead meaningful for Mission residents, the greater San Francisco community and beyond.

The evening features a work-in-progress sneak peek of the film, Día de los Muertos in San Francisco, an experimental documentary currently in production that follows the history, influences, evolution, elements of, and positive contributions of the Days of the Dead, as they are celebrated in San Francisco.
The stories are told through the voices of cultural workers and artists who have worked tirelessly for years to create a very profound series of cultural events and experiences that nurture communal healing and build community across cultural differences. The film provides timely testimony to positive Latino contributions to the larger U.S. society.

A silent auction & door donations will support the film´s completion.

To donate now towards the film´s completion, click here.

Evening highlights include:
- Meet and join us in thanking the organizers of the Days of the Dead events happening throughout San Francisco during this season each year.
- Open Mic - all are invited to share their music, poems & reflections about what the SF Days of the Dead celebrations have done for them (on camera = a chance to be in the film!)

- Film Preview followed by Q&A with the filmmakers and artists.

- Special silent auction includes limited edition Posada Prints

www.NewWorldPrints.com

This event will take place in the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts Gallery on one of the last days of their beautiful Día de los Muertos 2010 altars exhibit - this year themed ¨Death Becomes You/La Muerte Eres Tú,¨curated by Maurizzio Hector Pineda.

Don´t miss this special San Franciscan gathering!

---:---

Honorary Hosts & Guests

Herminia Albarrán Romero, Traditional Artist (5th Generation)
Adrian Arias
Miguel Antonio Perez, Marigold Project Organizer
Nancy Charraga, Casa Bonampak
Maica Folch, Marigold Project Organizer
Carolina Ponce de León, Galería de la Raza
Jennie E. Rodríguez, The Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts
Martha Rodríguez-Salazar, San Francisco Symphony
Patricia Rodríguez, Artist & Art Consultant
Michael Roman, Artist
Miguel Angel Quintana, Poblano Artist
Yolanda Garfias Woo, Anthropologist-Artist
René Yañez, SOMArts Cultural Center
Victor Mario Zaballa, Artist

---:---

Host Committee

Elizabeth Addison, Artist

Jessica Anello, Instituto Conexiones
Susana Aragón, Visual Artist

Debra Bok, SOMArts Cultural Center

Elena Castanon, Wikreate
Elizabeth Choe, Host Committee Chair
Colette Crutcher
Annamarta Dostourian, Artist & Art Instructor
Candi M. Farlice, Artist
deCoy Gallerina, Performance Installation Artist
Oscar Granados, Instituto Conexiones
aManda Greene, Instituto Conexiones

Bjorn Heinbach, Visual Artist
José León, Futuro Picante
Bruno Lopez, Artist
Ytaelena Lopez, Artist
Yoli Manzo, Mixed Media Artist
Juliet Flower MacCannell, Writer, Artist, Teacher
Patricia Montgomery, Artist
Glorian Newton, Instituto Conexiones
Harlow Salvador Newton, Tico Guide Travel
Lissa Newton, Instituto Conexiones
Carla Oden, Day of the Dead Artist
Maurizzio Hector Pineda, Exhibit Curator
Chris Provost, Musician & Event MC
Brenda Rasmussen, Spirited Artist
Denise Richards, Academy of Art University
Veronica B. Rojas, Visual Artist
Amy Seidman, Incredible Places
Shizue Seigel, Artist & Writer
Lourdes Suncin, Instituto Conexiones
Sunny, Instituto Conexiones
Lia Tealdi, Doll Artist
Dorota Walczyk, Instituto Conexiones
Jason Wallach, Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts

Rio Yañez, Visual Artist & Curator

---:---

Partners & Collaborators
Branca Nitzsche Photography
Consulate General of Mexico in San Francisco
Casa Bonampak
Galería de la Raza
Incredible Places
Instituto Conexiones
The Marigold Project
Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts
New World Prints
Nomad Printing & Services
SOMArts Cultural Center
Xavier Quijas Yxayotl

---:---
The Filmmakers
Manuel Arias, Director of Photography
Christian Figueroa, Film Director
Kimberly María Newton, Executive Producer

Instituto Conexiones, Production Partner

---:---

RSVP for this event on Facebook - click here

I will be vending at Somart's Dia De Los Muertos 2010 Show!

2010-10-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! I have been asked to vend at tomorrow night's show (Friday, October 8th 2010) at Somarts Cultural Center in San Francisco.
If you are in the area, this is such a beautiful show. The altars are breathtaking! Artists have been working on their installations for over a month and it is truly a stunning show. This is also a great family event. In addition to the installations, there will be live entertainment and a host of vendors.
If you are within the area, do come by and help us celebrate the reception of this month long exhibit!

Passion Para Papel

2010-09-29T22:45:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love paper? Can you truly imagine a paperless world? Yes, I know we do need to be kinder and wiser about our paper use, but as an artist, I LOVE paper! All papers! Fancy pants paper and recycled paper. I especially love to re-purpose throw away papers.

My girl Rebecca of Recuerda Mi Corazon has decided to make a blog crawl dedicated to all things paper. Do check out her blog tomorrow, (Sept. 30th post) she will be featuring links to everyone who is sharing their amor for paper!

I thought this was a perfect opportunity to link up some of my favorite paper tutorials as well as show off a little mixed media number I made with paper scraps and fabric scraps to make a one of a kind paper/fabric collage. I made this on Sunday!

Omg, this project was so much fun. I am planning to turn it into a small clutch/bag.

Ok, now for some paper tutorial love!
Loteria Dress Cards
Easy Brown Bag Tutorial
Recycled Envelope Tutorial

Happy Creating!

Sweet Loteria Dress Notecard/Gift Card Tutorial

2010-09-01T16:02:00.000-07:00

I have a quicky for you!

How freakin cute are these????

They are insanely easy and fast to make, and I adore them! You can use them as notecards, gift tags, ornaments, etc!

Supplies:
Loteria Cards. (I like The Crafty Chica line)
Construction paper
Scissors
Decorative edge scissors
Glue stick
embellishments. (I used ribbon and silk roses)

I just drew out a simple dress pattern. Since these are going to be notecards, I outlined my envelope on the loteria card, so that the dress I made would fit inside the envelope. (pretty smart, huh?)

Then I cut out my dress using my plain scissors. I used the first dress as a template and cut out a bunch more.

Then I applied glue to the back of the dress and glued to a plain piece of construction paper.
Using my decorative scissors, I cut around the edge of the dress leaving a little scalloped border around the dress.

I went through my stash of ribbon and tied around the dress, gluing a small flower as an accent.

Viola! these little dresses took less then 3 minutes to make!

I am going to make a hole punch on some of them, and run gold ribbon, to use as a gift tag.

I might even attach some beads to it too. Don't let me get started on the glitter opportunities either!

Enjoy and have a fabulous weekend!!!

Guess who has been creeping back in Swap-Bot? Needle Felting Attempt.

2010-08-18T22:30:00.001-07:00

Guilty!

Jes, Jes, es true! I went back! I mean, I had to do something. I have been suffering from a bad case of "Creative Block" for quite sometime! What better way then to get my mojo groovin again?

So I purchased a needle felting kit from Etsy ages ago, and it had been sitting in my closet, when one day, I decided to lurk back on Swap-Bot. I almost didn't remember my password, that is how long it had been.

As I was trolling, I came across a needle felt ATC Challenge! Perfecto, this would MAKE me do something I have been wanting to do for such a long time. I know with practice, I can get really good at it, but for now, I am just having fun. It really is quite easy and very calming? It also helps getting out some pent up frustrations. Stabbing away with my needles had an uncommon soothing effect on me. I am sure there is some much needed therapy behind that statement, but for now, needle felting will have to scratch that itch.

Anyway, Here is a picture of what I started with.

This is what I ended up with.........

I know, it's not rocket science, but it was actually easier than I thought and there are a ton of tutorials on Youtube. Here is a pretty simple one to get you going.

Easy Fabric Fortune Cookie Tutorial

2010-07-22T15:44:00.001-07:00

Here is another sweet tutorial I did a couple of years ago on my Myspace account. Since my Myspace account has overgrown tumbleweeds, I thought I would move this fun and easy breezy tutorial over here. It is so fun and simple, and these would make excellent make and takes, party favors, etc. You can get as funky as you want too. I see, charms, fibers, paints, and or all of the above. Please feel free to share your creations and or stories behind this tutorial. Happy Creations, my lovely friends!

Easy Fabric Fortune Cookie Tutorial

I know there are a ton of "Fortune Cookie" tutorials out there, but I am always on the search on how to simplify a project without compromising it's integrity. (lol, check me out trying to sound all technical!)

Anyhoo, here is my version. This can be made in any size. Fill it up with trinkets, love notes, fortunes or anything you fancy!

Supplies Needed:
Fabric of your choice
Sticky back Felt. (you can buy this at any craft store that carries craft felt)
Heavy gauge wire.
Pen
Circle template
Scissors
Wire cutters

Trace your template around the back of the sticky side of the felt.

Peel back the paper and lay a piece of your wire across the felt.

Get your piece of fabric, wrong side up, and press your sticky side of the felt down on your fabric. Press and smooth out all air pockets and wrinkles and cut around your felt, till you have a clean circle.
(your wire should be sandwiched in between your felt and fabric.)

Now the magic happens! Fold your circle in half. Felt on inside, and fabric on the outside. Use the wire as your guide. The wire serves as the "spine" of your cookie. Once it is folded in half, you want to push the center and at the same time, grab the ends and fold them in so that they touch.

The wire will hold your cookie in place.

Don't be shy, fill em up with your favorite trinkets, love notes, fortunes and sweetness!
Viola! Seriously, you can do this little handmade goodness in less than 5 minutes!

Tell a friend!

Tutorial: Easy Vintage Felt Flowers!

2010-07-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

Hi My Lovely Chicas,

I have been pretty dormant lately, but I do miss you all and I thank those of you who have subscribed and kept me on your list. I am going to make an effort to blog and comment more. I have been getting my creative Mojo back! I am transferring some tutorial I have from another blog site over to this site. I do hope you enjoy!

Tutorial: Easy Vintage Felt Flower Tutorial

Who doesn't love a little flower now and then. These little babies can
be made a bunch at a time (porque they are so easy) and be used for all
kinds of projects. Jewelry, hair pins, jackets, t-shirts, dolls,
collages, ok, you get the picture. I'll hush now, and get to the
tutorial.

Here is a pic of the finished product. (of course you can do so many variations, but I will keep it basic for now.)

Supplies:
candle (lit)
felt in assorted colors
scissors
embroidery floss
Needle
Decorative button

That's it!

Step 1.
cut
your felt in long strips. the longer your strips, the larger your
flower will be. These strips are about 10 inches and length. You will
want to give your strip a nice soft wavy cut.

Step 2 (this is the fun part)

Grab
your strip and drag it slowly across the flame of your candle. This
will give your felt a nice curve to your strips. Be careful not to go
to slow, or the flame will eat up your felt. Also be careful not to
burn yourself.

When you are done, your strips should look like this.

Step 3

On the opposite side of your burned edge, make a simple loose running stitch across your strip.

Step 4.
Pull the end of your string and your felt piece will form a circle.

Your
felt strip should look like this. (note, I used a contrasting thread so
that you can see it more easily, but you may want to use matching
thread) Once your circle is in place seal it shut with a small stitch.

For
my Flower, I stacked to circles together to form my flower. After I
stacked my two circles, I added a button in the center to finish it
off. I also can envision a little clay face in the center too. The
possibilities are endless.

Viola!

I glued this to a hair pin for a purrdy hair flower, however I would love to see or hear your ideas!

Get Your Shrine On: An Art Auction to benefit Oaxaca Street Children

2010-04-23T16:46:00.000-07:00

come shrine with us!!!!

susanna gordon

these are over the moon happy dancing skeletons!!!

with overwhelming support, the shrine auction is extended

please help spread the word

AUCTION to benefit Oaxaca Streetchildren Grassroots

closing

APRIL 25, SUNDAY at 6pm PST

recuerda-mi-corazon

give away here!!!

tere troya

dawn elliott

Shrine Auction

recuerda-mi-corazon

April 16- April 24

there is still time to transform a shrine

into a bright future for a deserving child

Eggs with Attitude: A Free Tutorial

2010-03-31T17:35:00.000-07:00

Hi Kids, I posted this tutorial last year. It was a hit and I thought it was worthy of a repost. :-)

Decked Out Urban Grafitti Eggs Worth Finding. Tutorial

Awwww, just in time for Easter! I have been wanting to do a tutorial on Easter egg decorating for quite some time now, but I wanted to make something unique, fun and easy. I think I managed to do it. Big bang for cheap bucks. You know it's going to be easy, so don't let these pictures fool you. Here are a couple of pics of the finished product.

Don't they look delicious? The best part is, that no chicks were sacrificed! These are made from el cheapo plastic ones. I know, not too environmentally friendly, however, I had to pick, and saving a chick won over filling a landfill. I am sure these can be recycled some how, some way.

Ok, on to the tutorial.

Here is a tiny list of supplies.

bag of plastic eggs
varnish. I used Crafty Chica's varnish with glitter.
(if you are using a plain varnish, add glitter for a little vavoom)
various ink pads
decorative tissue paper (gift wrap tissue papers work great)
Newspaper
black marker pen
gold leaf flakes (you can get these at Joann's or Michaels and use a coupon)
water
wax paper (for your work surface and for a place for your eggs to dry)
paint brush

**optional**
crayons and small quilting iron

Normally, I take pics of steps, and I did, but they disappeared somewhere from me taking out my memory card and sticking it in my puter. Grrrrrrrrrrrr.

No worries, because it is so easy, and there are so few steps, I am confident, that you will be able to follow me.

Step one.
tear your decorative tissue and newspaper into small strips . and then coat your eggs with varnish and start applying strips in random places. I covered some eggs with just tissue, some with just newspaper strips and some with a little of both.
After eggs are completely covered, let dry.

Step 2.
Give your eggs a little rub down with your colored ink pads. I just rub the eggs directly on my ink pads in random places. If they get to much ink in one area, I just wipe a little of the excess off with a paper towel.

Step 3. Dip your brush into your water container and then dip brush into your gold leafing and start applying to your eggs in random spots. Go as crazy as you want. I love the gold shimmer, and I love the blinged out look.
Let dry.

After eggs are dry, you can start free drawing some doodles on your eggs for a more "urban feel" of you can grab your favorite rubber stamp and stamp a few images here and there. Really, at this point, you can do anything. glue some charms, fibers, anything. There is no wrong or right way to complete your eggs.

**optional**

To take my eggs to the next level, I heated up my mini quilting iron and melted some crayons directly on the iron, and randomly applied the melted crayon to my eggs for an encaustic touch.

Need more explanation on encaustic? Click here for an easy tutorial I did in the past.

Viola,

Tricked out eggs that will be the talk of the hunt!

I hope you give this idea a try, and do tell a homie!

Somerset Studio and My New Studio

2010-02-10T15:56:00.000-08:00

Ayeeee, It's already the middle of February? Shingow! Why is time such in a hurry?

Anyhoo, I hope your New Year is getting off to a banging start. As for me, I can't complain. I have had many MANY changes going on in my life. Personally and professionally. I am surprised I am not rocking in a corner somewhere, but I won't even get into that. I do have my health, kids are good, I got a roof over my head and I have had many MANY blessings, so I am, and have to, focus on the positive. After all, there is always room for good, que no? Si, si! Always!

One big "Up" for me, was a surprise I got last month. One of my facebook homies gave me a shot out on facebook to congratulate me. Apparently Somerset Studio chose an art piece I submitted way back in July, and included it in an article they wrote about the "Women in Juarez" I couldn't believe it! Of course I had to run to the nearest store and buy my copy! I have always been a fan of all of Stampington's magazines, and to see lil ol me in their magazine, well, IT FELT GOOD!

It is still available, and for reference, here is the cover.

January/February 2010

I made a tiny appearance on page 76 and a photo of my submission is on 79. Whoohooo!
Big thanks goes to the Magazine and also to my beautiful homie, Monica Magness. She actually put out the call to send in our submissions to Somerset in hopes to shed some more light on the ongoing tragedy that continues today.

Here is a full picture of my submission

What a great way to start my year, right? Well, I have to admit, creatively, I had been in a slump. My makeshift "studio" aka my formal dining room, had been out of control for months. Seriously, I would take one look in there, and immediately close the pocket door and run for the opposite direction. It just made my head hurt to look at the piles and piles of papers, glues, supplies. I had bags and bags spilling onto the floor and scraps of fabrics, yarns, rick rack, everywhere. It made my head hurt.

Then out of nowhere, my lil sis, who is now a grown up, announced that her and her son were moving out. Caught us by surprise, but we saw it coming, and although I miss them so much, I am happy for her and excited to see her become her own woman. She has grown by leaps and bounds and we are all very proud of her.

So, with a vacant room, I had no choice but to get in there, and make my permanent studio a reality!

Painting the walls was a must to serve as a cheery background to all my art collections. After a couple of weeks of purging old supplies, and hanging art and moving closets, viola! my own private sanctuary!

Here are a couple of snap shots.

Of course a girl has to sleep and ponder........

I am already creating and playing again! Good times! Next on my list is to finish a couple of shrines that I started months ago! Yay, it feels so good to know where everything is at. My personal challenge will be to keep it clean! Haha!

Happy creating everyone!

Happy Holidays, I will be vending in San Francisco!

2009-12-17T15:28:00.000-08:00

Wow, here I am, blogging after how long???

Yes, I am still here, still creating, still living and still working on my fitness! I think the last time I blogged, I mentioned I am walking 5-6 days a week?, well now, I am jogging! OMG, I never ever thought I would jog! I stayed away from that madness since Jr. High!!.

Here I am, some, unmentionable years later, and I am almost at two miles a day! On top of that, a friend talked me into Hot Yoga, aka, Birkram Yoga. Ever heard of it? That is 26 Yoga poses in a room that is, on average, 106 degrees in temp. We won't even talk about the humidity level! Just imaging 25-35 sweaty bodies to the mix.

At first, I cursed my friend for even talking me into this practice, but here I am, one month later, and I am going 4 times a week! Oh, I still curse her, but I have to admit, I have never felt so accomplished after a work out ever. If you run across a class, I highly recommend it. You burn around 800 calories per class, not to mention the strengthening and posture benifits!

Ok, ok, enough of the workouts, I finally found my mojo and have been working like a fiend, painting, sewing, drawing and creating one of a kind graffiti styled bags and wallets. I will be vending them this weekend in San Francisco. If you are in the area, please stop by and say, "Hola" to your girl!

Here are the details. (I will be vending on Saturday, December 19th!. tell a friend. There will be lots of other talent to take advantage of too!

WHAT: Crucero Artero Navideño

WHERE: Studio 24 | Galeria de la Raza 2851 24^th St. S.F., CA 94110

415-826-8009 www.galeriadelaraza.org

WHEN: Friday, December 4 | 3-8pm

Saturday, December 5 | 3-8pm

Sunday, December 6 | 1-6pm

Friday, December 11 | 3-8pm

Saturday, December 12 | 3-8pm

Sunday, December 13 | 1-6pm

Friday, December 18 | 3-8pm

Saturday, December 19 | 3-8pm

Sunday, December 20 | 1-6pm

HOW MUCH: FREE

INFO:

¡Felices Fiestas….! Happy Holidays! Tis the season to be spending time with your friends and familia, decorating your house to look like it snowed inside, jingle bells, mangers, and of course GIFTS. Stop by our arts & crafts bazaar and find unique treasures made with love by some of our finest artists and artisans. Take a break from cold streets and warm yourself in Studio 24 with chocolate caliente, empanadas, craft making, special holiday music, and one-of-a-kind gifts at sweet prices your wallet will appreciate!

Featured Artists:

Muheeka

Craft talleres:

Sat. Dec., 5 Calaca Puppets making

Go ahead and let the kid out in you! Come get crafty with some paper, glitter, markers and more to create your very own Calaca puppet! For only $7 you can make and own your very special Calacita!

Sat. Dec., 12 Guadalupe-inspired make-and-take "Adornitos"

Create a Virgen de Guadalupe ornament, or your own interpretation of her: An Aztec warrior goddess, a personification of winter, or an homage to Latina power and mystique. No sign-in necessary, just make your ornament here at the gallery and take it home, ready to hang any place that needs a little sacredness. Only $7.00! We'll have lots of clip art, crepe paper, glitter, plaster add-ons and other precious embellishments available.

2857 24th St. | San Francisco, CA 94110 US

Day of the Dead Window Display in NYC!

2009-10-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

Art By Mia presents
A Day of the Dead
El Dia de los Muertos

Altar & Visual Arts Display curated by
Mia Roman Hernandez
chashama 266 Window Space
266 West 37th Street
October 28 - November 1, 2009
Contributing artists:
Juan Carlo Suazo, Olga Ayala, Maria Sanchez, Yoli Manzo, Kathy Cano-Murillo, Cyndi Garcia
FREE and open to the public
Sponsored by CARIB: Caribbean Association for Resource, Information & Building

chashama Window Space, 266 West 37th Street

between 7th and 8th Avenues, A/C/E/1/2/3 to 34th Street, N/R/Q/W/7 to Times Square; M16, M34 buses to 8th Ave, M10, M20 to 36th St.

Art By Mia presents
A Day of the Dead / El Dia de los Muertos

Altar & Visual Arts Display curated by Mia Roman Hernandez

Contributing artists:
Juan Carlo Suazo, Olga Ayala, Maria Sanchez, Yoli Manzo, Kathy Cano-Murillo, Cyndi Garcia

October 28 - November 1, 2009

El Dia de los Muertos embodies the greatest expression of hope and faith. People construct altars in homes and graveyards in order to feed the souls of the dead. The feast for the dead originated as a form of ancestor worship. Celebrations begin with the cleaning of the graves and the construction of the ofrenda, or altar. It is a time of remembrance, and the sorrow of the departure of loved ones is caught up in a celebration of the continuance of life.

Sponsored by CARIB: Caribbean Association for Resource, Information & Building details

Thank You Mia, for including me in this Sacred Event! I am so deeply honored to be included amongst such talented women!

If you can't make it to NYC, here are a few more photos! (photos by Olga Ayala)

Below is a photo of the Beautiful Mia and Olga. Not only are they hawt, the are both extremely talented and inspiring artists. Both are from New York, and show regularly!

Here is a close up of the above flier.

Yoli Manzo returns to Santa Clarita Craft Lab!

2009-10-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

I was going to write up a blog to share about my upcoming class at SCCL, however, Cyndi did such a wonderful job, I thought I would just repost here! (Thanks Cyndi)

Hope to see you there, and do tell a friend! This is one of my favorite subjects!

Yoli
**************************************************************************

Yoli Manzo returns to SCCL!

I'm so excited about the upcoming Class and Visit from Yoli Manzo, aka Sacred Yoli! Yes. It's true. Yoli is returning to teach another fabulous class here at Santa Clarita Craft Lab!

Her class is scheduled for Friday October 23rd, and she's teaching a "Day of the Dead Shrine Wreath Class." Yoli travels all the way from Sacramento to be here with us and it is such an honor to have her. She is a great Mexican Pop Artista. Her art work always tells a story.

This is a current Piece that Yoli will have exhibited at the
"SomArts Dia De Los Muertos Show 2009"
You know there's a story in there somewhere.
Fantastic Yoli!

Here is a little something about my girl Yoli:

Yoli Manzo, was born and raised in the Silicon Valley. She now makes her home in Sacramento, California where she immerses herself in cultural art exhibiting muse from latin folk art such as Dia de los Muertos, Frida Kahlo and religious saints. Her signature has been described as having a very sharp edge that is admirable for a woman artist. She uses mixed media, strong colors, plenty of glitter and her edgy wit worthy of her label. Yoli Manzo and her art work, including shrines, jewelry, handbags, dolls, skulls and paintings have been featured in art galleries, television, and art festivals throughout northern California as well as internationally via the web. She is a member of the Scary Art Collective and Northern California Mixed Media Artists.

This is from Yoli's "Graffiti" series.

And here are the details for her Day of the Dead Shrine Wreath Class:

Day of the Dead is a Celebration of Life and Ms. Yoli Manzo, aka Scared Yoli will put us in the right spirit while teaching this class!

Students will adorn their black Altar Wreaths with their own hand painted skulls!

This is the Wreath we will create in Yoli's Class.
It's Fabulous!

Students are encouraged to bring their own photos, mementos, and other special objects to adorn their Shrine Wreaths with a personalized touch!

Check out the detail on the skulls.
Yoli will instruct us on how to paint our own skulls.

Dedicate your Wreaths to that someone Special and celebrate his/her life.

Class starts at 7pm and goes until 10pm! This class is only $45!

Over the last couple of years Yoli and I have become really good friends, although most of our time together has been spent on blogs, myspace, facebook, and via emails. She has gone out of her way to meet up with me on several different occasions to show her support to SCCL and to me. She is so busy sharing her kindness and generosity to so many others, and I am extremely grateful and proud to be on her list of people to support.

I hope you can take the time to join us on Friday October 23rd and Celebrate with us the gift of Life by creating this wonderful piece of art taught by this wonderfully special and talented Artista, Ms. Yoli Manzo.

This is one of my Favorite pieces by Yoli Manzo.
I feel it represents the way she reaches out to people through her heart
and her art.

Altars for the Spirits/Offerings for the Living: dia De Los Muertos 2009

2009-10-10T22:32:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends! I know I have been MIA from blogland, but I swear! I am alive and well! I wanted to give a shot out to a beautiful show that I will be part of! If you are in the San Francisco area on October 16th, please come by and visit us! In addition to exhibiting my piece, (pictures to come) I will also be vending my Sacred Graffiti hand bags and wallets!

Also, thanks so much for the great comments and encouraging words. Behind the scenes, I am still crazy busy with my day job, and I am still holding it down with the daily walks. Sometimes I will squeeze in two walks for a total of almost 6 miles a day! Wow, I never thought I would be a person who loves exercise, but it turns out, I have been keeping it up on the daily since early April. Who would have thunk? lol

Here are the details of the show. Tell a friend, and I hope to see you there!

Yoli

Altars for the Spirits/Offerings for the Living: Dia de los Muertos 2009

Dedicated to Al Robles and Victor Mario Zaballa
When: Friday, October 16th through Saturday, November 7th, 2009
Where: SOMArts Cultural Center
934 Brannan Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Extended Gallery hours: Tuesday—Friday, 12:00pm—7:00pm; Saturday, from 12:00pm—5:00pm

OPENING RECEPTION Friday, October 16th / 6:00pm / $5.00-$10.00 Sliding Scale Featuring Classical & Jazz Music by Mutual Admiration Org, Contemporary Mexican & Chicano Music by Liliana Herrera, Special Performance by Tania Llambelis & the Oakland Improv Collective
FIRST TIME EVER: Artist Market of Dia de los Muertos crafts and artfor sale in our Theater!
CLOSING RECEPTION Saturday, November 7th / 6:00PM / Free
Join our flickr group and submit images to be part of our exhibitionhttp://www.flickr.com/groups/digitalofferings

Rene Yañez and Rio Yañez Curators, Nick Gomez Architect

Exhibiting Artists
Patricia A. Montgomery, Elizabeth Addison, Dena Al-Adeeb, Susana Aragon, Adrian Arias, Azul Arias-Aragon, Mara Barenbaum, Jesus Barraza, Virginia Benavidez, Nathaniel Bolton, Nic Bucchi (AKA Flynt, )Carla Caletti, Melanie Cervantes, Deborah Cohen, Alicia Cruz-Hunt, Rick Darnell, Lucinda DeNatale, Kathy DeRosas, Lanell Dike, Annamarta Dostourian, Candi Farlice, Gisela Feid, Juliet Flower MacCannell, deCoy Gallerina, Santiago Gervasi, Francisco Gomez, CJ Grossman, Peter Gurein, Bjorn Heinbach, Rosa Hernandez, Carol J. Stewart, Melinda Johson, Caylly Jones, Fredda Kaplan-Robles, Gina Lim, Philip Long, Ytaelena Lopez, Dean MacCannell, Yoli Manzo, Jeff Marshall, Cris Matos, Susan Matthews, David Molina, Steve Molina (AKA Stix), Fernando Montiel, Mary Molly Mullaney, Carla Oden, Aydasara Ortega, Cassandra Parshall, Txutxo Perez, Audra Ponce, Brenda Rasmussen, Renaldo Ratto, Denise Richards, Russell Robles, Veronica Rojas, Michael Roman, Jeff Roysdon, Enrique Salazar, Nick Salazar, Jos Sances, Nicole Schach, Valerie Schlafke, Shizue Seigel, Malik Seneferu, Julie Slinger, Rosario Sotelo, Ilona Sturm, David Tafolla, Lia Tealdi-Heinbach, Cynthia Tom, Elka Vera, Ellen Vogel, Marcy Voyevod, Alain Waeber, Wilton Woods, Rio Yañez, Rene Yañez, Victor Mario Zaballa

Helloooooooooooooooo

2009-08-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

Goodness, just when I turn around, another month has gone by! WOW, it is so true, the more "seasoned" you become, the faster the time flies!

How have all of you been? I see some of you are still holding down the blog "fort". I salute you! Although I have been quiet on my side of the screen, rest assured, I am still reading!

I can't believe tomorrow is going to be September already! This August has just flown by.

Yes, work has been dominating my time, however I also made a personal challenge to work on my fitness. For the past 4 months, I have been power walking 6-7 days a week at one hour to one and a half hour periods of time. Seriously, I had to do something! the poundage was packing on quickly, and it was time to make my body a priority. Because it can get really hot here in Sacramento, my walks have been starting anywhere from 6:30 to 7:30 in the morning! Ayee Dios! another challenge, because I am normally a tweaker who doesn't go to bed till about 3:00 am! (my creativity usually doesn't strike till midnight when all is calm here at home)

Now I find myself in bed by midnight and waking up without an alarm clock! Who knew?
It's all good. Although I am not keeping track of my weight, I have gone down two dress sizes! Yay! I am even more motivated to keep on going.

No, I haven't stopped creating. I am working on a two Shrine concepts. One for an upcoming show at SomArts Cultural Center in San Francisco and another for a Benifit hosted by Rebecca of Recuerda Mi Crazon.

I am also just about done for a Dia De Los Muertos Prototype project for another class I will be teaching at Santa Clarita Craft Lab in southern California this October. (I can hardly wait, by the way!)

Other than that, just been enjoying time home. Didn't really do any traveling this summer, but to the family cabin and a few road trips. A couple of weeks ago, I went to the charming town of San Juan Bautista. I hadn't been there since my third grade field trip. If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend it. Very cute town, excellent for window shopping and of course the beautiful mission.

Here are a few pics I ganked from the web.

San Juan Bautista

Photo 1108 of 1197

Super Charming!

Stay tuned!

It is Scary Time Again!

2009-07-26T22:41:00.000-07:00

originally posted by my "Scary" partner in crime, Krissi Sandvik

You've Been BEGGING Us For The Last Year!

You know, for a live crochet tutorial! We may move as slowly as tacky glue in January, but we DO move. So without any further excuses, we're bringing you one of the make-and-takes you've been begging us for:

For this month's craft fest, Jenn de la Fuente of Rosebud Designs will be at Scary CRAFT's Night of the Creators to teach us the basics of crocheting while we make one of her super-cute designs - a mini-wallet.

These little cuties are convenient for use as a business card holder or for a few bucks and your ATM card when you're having a night on the town.

SCARY CRAFT'S NIGHT OF THE CREATORS:
Tues., July 28, 2009
(& the last Tues. from Feb-Oct)
6pm to 9pm
Side Show Studios
5635 Freeport Ave., #6
Sactown, baby!
MAP

Important stuff:

Be on time if you are planning to take part in the tutorial (otherwise, show up whenever and work on whatever you like - we don't mind, we're just happy you're crafting).
What to bring:

yourself
size "I" crochet hooks if you have them - Jenn only has a few.
something to sit on. We expect this to be a very crowded event, so don't blame us if you end up sitting on the floor (dude, it's FREE). Oh, and we just might be your new best friends if you come early (5:30) and bring extra folding chairs & a table or two.
you may bring some acrylic mid-weight yarn to play with if you like, but Jenn has some for you too.

We hope to see you there!

psssst! Next month Jenn's coming back to teach us how to KNIT so we'll all be ready when the weather gets cold again (hard to believe that will ever happen with the string of 100+ days we've been having though, huh?).

xoxo

Krissi for Scary CRAFT

My recent trip to SoCal

2009-07-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

Hello Chicas, this here blog is so long overdue. (I am really trying to fight this pattern I have been creating)

I wanted to share my weekend of July 11th and 12th with Yall. I had the honor of teaching two classes in two different fabulous venues. The Santa Clarita Craft lab and C.J's Angels. As if that wasn't enough, I also got to stay with the beautiful Cyndi Garcia and her wonderful "show biz" familia. :D

I couldn't count down the days fast enough! Work had been extremely stressful and hectic, and although I would be teaching, this was truly going to be a de-stresser for me.

Friday the 10th, I filled up my tank and ipod and drove down the 5 (in Chinga) to Valencia, California. It is a straight shot from Sacramento, and because my head was floating, the 5 hour ride flew by. Before I knew it, I was in Cyndi's driveway. I think I even surprised her at my speedy driving skills.

After I unpacked, she took me to take a sneak peak of her famed "Santa Clarita Craft Lab". It was like being inside a beautiful jewelry box. From the wall colors, to her supplies, store and examples of previous projects. Everything, had it's place and was meticulously displayed. I don't know how she leaves that oasis. It is truly a dream studio and store. I am so proud of her, she has accomplished so much, in such a short time. Cyndi is a true testament to the ol saying, "Good things happen to good people".

After a short tour, we headed to a local Mexican restaurant for some cold cervesa and dinner.
Because I was so excited, I had trouble sleeping and I don't think I passed out till around 2:30 am! No worries, I woke up with ease and was ready to celebrate Frida Kahlo's birthday at my first class.

Everyone came ready to party and create their own lil Frida Kahlo doll. Here are some photos of my beautiful students in action.

(pics ganked from Cyndi Garcia. Don't you just love the net?)

The above hot chica is Cyndi Garcia. Rarwwww.

How fab are these dolls? I am telling you, my Fridas really kicked some booty with their doll making skills!

Close up.

Fridas con Chulas

Oh, this was such a fun class! Not only were we creating, but we were partying in the process. Cyndi hooked it up with a big ol spread of yummy treats and we also purchased an amazing Tres Leches cake in Frida's honor. I still look back at this class and feel so blessed.

Again, special thanks to Cyndi for believing in me and inviting me to teach this class. I look forward to teaching again. Cyndi keeps an amazing ongoing calendar of classes, so be sure to check out her website often. She has teachers from all over the country lined up to share their wisdom.

After class was over, Cyndi and I headed out for a quick bite, before settling in her Casa for some relaxing and maybe even another beer. lol.

But wait, there is more. I actually got to bed a little early, because on Sunday I had another class awaiting me. Cyndi graciously drove me to Pomona, so that I could teach my Mixed Media Collage Fresco Tile class. Another amazing Chica that I have known online for quite sometime, and who I actually got to meet in person earlier at the Crafty Chica Cruise had invited me to teach at her most sacred Store and Workshop. None other than the adorable, Annette Armas of CJ's Angels.

This would be the first time I taught this class, so I was pretty nervous. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to translate the steps in a way that would keep the students inspired. Fortunately, I had my angels with me, and right from the gate, all my beautiful students jumped right in and blew me away.

Since pictures speak a thousand words, let me just share with you all the wonderful creations.
Because there is so much to share, I am creating a slide show for you. You will see all my beautiful students, their creations and lots of imagry of all the fine merchandise that CJ's Angel's carry. If you are a mixed media artist, this place is a bonanza of ephemera and shrine making supplies!

Annette and Jose, thank you so much for arranging the time for this class. I truly appreciate your support. You have a beautiful thing going, and I am so proud to call the both of you my friend. Also, shot out to your amazing and talented daughter, Theresa.

To my students, it was a sincere pleasure meeting you all and I hope you all had just as much fun as I had. Your talent not only blew me away, but inspired me even more.

Again, to Cyndi and her beautiful family, thank you so much for the beautiful hospitality. (and the yummy cafecito) You guys are always welcomed at Casa Manzo. Special shot out to Tyler, thank you for letting me stay in your room. I am sure there are so many other young chicas who wished they were in my place. :D

Saludos to all of you,

Yoli

Happy Birthday Frida Kahlo: Frida Art Doll Class Details

2009-07-06T09:30:00.000-07:00

Wow, where is the time going? My goodness, it has been almost two weeks since I last blogged. I swear, I felt like I just blogged a couple of days ago.

No worries, it has been all good around here at Casa Manzo. My day job (Real Estate) has been off the hook these past couple of weeks. Dominating all my time. In between work, I celebrated my regulator's birthday in San Francisco. If you get a chance do check out "The Slanted Door" at the Ferry building. Awesome food, drink and scenery. Awwww Good times.

I also attended Gay Pride a two weeks ago with a group of friends. It was my first time in attendance, and let me tell you, the people watching was off the hook! I also got to snap some pics of Cloris Leachman and Ongina!

Last weekend, was my niece's graduation party. Not only was she top 10 in her high school, but she got accepted at Harvard! WOW! I am so happy and proud of her. She is a beautiful soul.

Ok, enough about my daily activities.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRIDA KAHLO!

Oh how your spirit moves me. I remember back in the 70's when I went to my first Frida Kahlo exhibit. I didn't know you, but was a big fan of your husband. Wow, did that change up in an instant. Your determination, humor and passion and pride has captured all of us. I so wish I could have hung out with you to shoot the chit about your homies.

In your honor, I am hosting a class at the Santa Clarita Craft Lab with Cyndi Garcia.
We will be painting fabric dolls of your likeness. We will also be embellishing and making your signature dresses.

All supplies will be included. Artistas are welcomed to bring their favorite fabrics and embellishments. Cyndi will also have specialty embellshiments available for sale.

Not only are we making dolls, but we will also be having a birthday party in your honor. We will have cake, goodies and all the artistas are asked to dress or wear their makeup and or hair in your honor.

There will be a drawing for a prize for all the Frida's who show up.

Here is a pic of me and my brother in law a couple of years ago.
Frida Kahlo con her homie, Nach Libre. Y-Que!

The class is this Saturday, July 11th. cost is 35.00 per person. Seating is limited and I believe she already has the class half full!

Contact Cyndi at the Santa Clarita Craft Lab for more details! (click on link for contact number and class time)

The next day I will be teaching a mixed media class at CJ's Angels. I'll post the details in a separate blog.

You can also see more class info. on the right of my blogspot.

Oh, I so can't wait. I am going to get to meet a lot of my online homecheezes!

Orale and Viva Frida Por Vida!

Hello World!

2009-06-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have my computer back and everything is A-Ok! I have actually had it back now for little over a week, but for some strange reason, I just couldn't get my mojo back on the Blogging tip! I have been reading all my favorites. That is, the favorites that I remembered to add. Since I had to do a full system restore, I lost all my favorite tabs. :(. But I am determined to restore my favorite blogging list.

So, what does one do when she has extremely limited internet access? Hmmm, let's see. I read, I pumped up my walking regime, and am walking up to 3 miles at least 3 times a week. The other days, I am doing close to two miles.

I also completed a bunch of small internet swaps and then I even busted out some canvases that I have been hording for years and got busy painting! OMG, it was so much fun, that I even got a "non-crafty" girlfriend hooked! Haha. One victim at a time, and I have done my job!

Here are some of my creations.
This piece is ready to be cut up and made into a purse!

This is a work in process. I still need to add a few more layers and some gold leafing. (did I mention my love for gold leafing? It is becoming a serious contender to my love of glitter)

This one is ready for a final layer of gold leafing.
Little Frida needs some touch up, and then this will become a clutch. (that is why she is upside down)

These are already made into handbags and will soon be on my etsy store.

I lined her up too.

I love read, orange and greens!

I am also making coin purses and ipod/phone holders.

I currently working on about 5 other canvases and some of them will have a Day of The Dead theme, as well as some iconic imagery.

Stay tuned because my next couple of blogs will feature more information regarding my two classes coming up in a few weeks. (reservation info on the right of my blog)

I will also be hosting a giveaway featuring a huge swag bag from the Crafty Chica Cruise 09 Cruise, as well as the details on next year's cruise!

Viva La Arte Chicas!

June 13th's 2nd Saturday Highlights!

2009-06-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the month again! 2nd Saturday events brought to you by the Downtown Grid's newsletter. Hope to see you roaming the calles!

It's another Second Saturday Art Walk this Sat. June 13th starting at 6pm. There are incredible shows lined up, which we've highlighted here.

The Grid Team will be in front the MARRS Building (20th & J) with our Grid Wheel. Stop by for the chance to spin and win! We'll also be giving out our Grid Maps to guide you through the Central City!

- The Grid Team

Artifacts 907 K St
There’s some incredible talent from SF, LA to New York City in this show including creative minds like Micah Lindberg, Annie Madison, Dan Osterhoff, Mario Hugo and Ryan Pappas. 5-10pm

Verge Gallery 1900 V St
Museum of Love by Daniel Johnston, in a 3 decade survey of the work of one of pop culture's most controversial artists. 6-10pm

Bitchin' Space 2114 19th St
Featuring more than 30 California artists who painted skate decks for this three-day summer show. There also will be the Scion art car, a retro board collection, a visit from Blood Wizard Skateboard Company, skaters and more. Noon-10pm

Buy Out Sell Out (Bows & Arrows) 1712 L St (18th & L)
A HUGE ART AND FASHION BAZAAR that takes place 4 times a year. 20+ local artist and designers. 3-10pm

Viewpoint Photographic Art Center 2015 J St (21st & J)
Annual Member Exhibit. The images in this show highlight the diversity of photographic art created by Viewpoint members. 5-10pm

Vox Sacramento, 1931 H
Grand Midtown opening celebration with “She” featuring music from Reggie Ginn and Ricky Berger. 5-10pm

Solomon Dubnick Gallery 2050 20th St (20th & J)
Natural Conditions featuring works by Annie Murphy Robinson (above image). Also Coming and Going a retrospective of wood sculpture by Barbara Spring. noon-9pm

Axis Gallery 1517 19th St (19th & O)
Anywhere but Here by Patricia Wood. New mixed-media paintings. 6-9pm

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Art Walk Maps are new and improved on the back-side of our latest Shop the Grid Maps.

FREE TICKETS
Sacramento French Film Festival: June 19th - 28th
We have 19 pairs of tickets to give away.
See blog for details.

Meet us at the Art Walk 1050 20th (J & 20th)
The Grid Team will be in front of Asha Yoga (MARRS Building) giving out Grid Maps and info on all your favorite local businesses! Stop by and spin the Grid Wheel for a chance to win! See video.

Rail Bridge Cellars 400 N 16th
Discover Urban Wine Making at it's finest. Tour Rail Bridge Cellars this Saturday. There will be local artists showing their work and you can taste the fabulous wines made on location! 6-9pm

Luxe Salon & Spa 2115 J St ( 21st & J)
Featuring the art of Dylan Wells (image above) and Micah Crandall-Bear. Ash will be doing Hennah tattoos as well as complimentary chair massages and refreshments.. 6-10pm

Asha Yoga 1050 20th St (20th & J)
Come listen to music by Joel Gildersleeve, sip chai and hang out. Plus, there will be a 20% off sale rack in the boutique! 6-9:30pm

Deep Art and Yoga 2030 H St (21th & I)
The Big Photographs on Broadway show celebrates the iconic diversity of Sacramento’s Broadway with large prints by several members of The Focus Group. Music by Kent Lacin and Charles DeWitt. 6-9:30pm

It's All Yoga 2405 21st St (21st & X)
4th birthday Celebration! Art and music from the Aim Higher Adult Development Center. 6-9pm

Old Soul Co. 1716 L St. (18th & L Rear Alley)
Featuring abstract paintings by James Cameron. 6-10pm

Old Soul at Weatherstone 812 21st (21st & I)
Works by Grady Fike entitled "Points of Interest". 6-10pm

Java Lounge 2416 16th St (Midtown, 19th and Broadway)
New works by Jessica Murietta with music by Rob Murietta. 6-8pm

Sunday Tidbits and Glimpses of Current Art Projects and Classes

2009-06-07T22:09:00.000-07:00

Well by now, I was hoping to be back online 100%. No such luck. Friday I drove down to the Bay and had my computer guru trouble shoot my puter. He confirmed it is not the hard drive, and after a few more trouble shots and lots of processes of eliminations, we are hoping that it is just a bad recovery disk. I have to wait 5-7 days for the new one to come in. If that doesn't work, then it is most likely a problem with my mother board. If that is the case, than I will have to send in my lappy, pay the fee and wait another 10 days. Ughhh.

So for now, I will just be hopping on here and there between my son's computer and my office computer. However, my office computer is only limited to viewing property, writing contracts and emails. Not much privacy would allow me to catch up on my beloved blog reading. :-(

In the mean time, I am getting caught up on my creative side. :D

I am making the final touches of the two classes I will be teaching in Southern California on July 11th and July 12th. Once all the details are spelled out, I will surely pimp them out in the hopes to seeing some of you fine people in the class room!

Here are some pics of what I have been I have been doing:

These are two examples of the doll class I will be teaching on July 11th at the Santa Clarita Craft Lab. Oh, and not only is it going to be a class, but it is going to be a full on fiesta! After all, we will be celebrating her birthday! Ayeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Here are the examples of the classes I will be teaching at CJ's Angels, in Pamona, California on July 12th. I am calling the class "Mixed Media Collage Faux Fresco Tile" Wow, what a mouthful! haha

They are so much fun to make! I was inspired by a "Fresco" tile I purchased in Multipiciano, Italy.

I also participated in a couple of ATC Swaps. I love ATC's especially hand painted or drawn ATC's.

This was a Tree ATC Swap I made for my partner.

These other two were hand drawn ATC's. I used the opportunity to brush up on my drawing skills. (or lack of)

I am currently working on a fabric postcard and hand stuffed birdy. Not to mention making a huge batch of Frida stuffed doll forms! Orale, have a great week!

My beloved Lappy is in a coma!

2009-06-03T18:18:00.000-07:00

At least I hope it is only a coma! :-(
I was on my puter the other day, typing away without a worry in the world when she shut off on me. Then, she wouldn't let me back on the internet and before I knew it, she kept freezing and shutting down.

After lots of calls to HP and backing up all my files, I went to the "Point of no return" I grabbed my recovery disk, did a little prayer and restarted my computer. Yeah, 1 day later, and several attempts, she still could not be revived. I called back HP, and after a few more trouble shoots, I am told I have to send her back along with 300.00! Guat? Don't they know that is half my cruise fare? Money for art classes and supplies? "I DON'T think so........."

As luck would have it, I gave one of my "hook ups" a call, and he agreed, "Pshhhhhhhhh" I am better off just getting a new hard drive or a whole new lap top, then to send in 300.00. Thankfully, he isn't to far from me, and I am going to take a little driveto the bay on Friday, so that he can help a sister out.

Till then, I am going to be pretty quiet. I have so much to share too. I tooka lot of pix of Makers Faire and I met so many wonderful people that I wanted to "introduce" to you. I also came up with an exciting class concept that I will be teaching in Southern California on July 12th. Not to mention my Frida Mixed Media Doll class I'll be teaching at the Santa Clarita Craft Lab on July 11th.

Please, for the love of Arte, do stay tuned.

For my Northern Cali friends, my alter ego is hosting a blog giveaway at www.yoliandsharon.blogspot.com. We are giving away tickets to the Monarch's opening game. Tell a friend, and looking forward to catching up with all of you real soon!

Besos,
Yoli

Makers Faire Tomorrow and Yesterday's Handmade Parade

2009-05-29T19:00:00.001-07:00

I am so excited, I can't stand it! I probably have mentioned it 1000 times already, but tomorrow I am headed to Makers Faire! My mother, my girlfriend and I are out the door at 8:00 am. to make the 2 hour trek to San Mateo. I had the good fortune of going last year, and I just knew that this would be a repeat performance for me. I even managed to talk a few other friends into going, and I am equally as excited to see them tomorrow as I am am the show. These chicas are flocking in from San Diego and San Jose. I so have to make sure my camera is nice and charged up!

One of my favorite exhibits will be at the Expo Hall. There, at this magical building, will be about 400 exhibitors and the majority of them will be doing MAKE and TAKES! This is just one of many buildings, not to mention all the outside shows and roaming freak shows!

Here is a video of highlights of last years show!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tkz1KSpiAZ4

(sorry, for some reason, I couldn't get the video to play here, but the link will take you to youtube)

Definitely worth watching! Speaking of other fabulous shows, here is a slide show of Handmade Parade. I attended the show last Saturday. Claire is planning another show in November, here is her link for more information.

Hands down, my favorite vender of the day was the California Caramel Company The chocolate caramel covered pretzels were to die for! Oh and get this, they ship all over!

I also bought some cool supplies from Stencil1, who will also be at Makers Faire!

Claire had an awesome mix of vendors. I am so looking forward to her next show!

Here is my favorite picture of her enjoying her fruits of hard labor.

You go girl!

Ok kids, have a fabulous weekend!

Yoli

Feeling Nostalgic Today

2009-05-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

How are all my good friends doing today? I have been catching up on my blogs today and many of you have posted and shared great stories today.

I too have been feeling a bit nostalgic today. Lots of stories and history to reflect, and for some reason, I have been reflecting hard today. Maybe it is the beautiful day I am experiencing, and or the fact that there are a lot of friends and family that I miss dearly, who I knew would have appreciated the beautiful day and cool breezes that are drifting through the house.

I am extremely thankful for all of them and I just wanted to put it "out there" that I am missing all of you. Although your spirits are with me, I just want to laugh and share a story with you one more time.

I thought I would share one of my favorite interpretations of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by the late and great Israel Kamawiwo. also known as simply, IZ. He had the voice of an Angel and the spirit of a Warrior. I am sure his family is missing him deeply too.

Big ups to my grandparents and my father. I love you.

Saludos to you and yours...

Handmade Parade This Saturday in Sacramento!

2009-05-21T14:46:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, guess where I will be this weekend? Care to rendezvous?

There will be free swag bags, craft demos, make and takes, and dozens of vendors! So Get there early! Claire always knows how to put on an amazing show! Visit Handmade Parade's web page for more information. (link Below) I can't wait to stroll all this craftyness!

Handmade Parade
Saturday, May 23 from 11am - 5pm
Giovanni Hall at 1333 58th Street in Sacramento
www.handmade-parade.com

A Sacred Request For The Women Of Juarez

2009-05-18T00:47:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago, my online homegirl, the fabulous Monica Magness of Girl Gone Thread Wild, put out a unique request. She asked that all of us who are interested, to please create a dress and send it to Stampington & Company. Why you ask? Because she wanted to call on the art community to bring attention to a much neglected tragedy that has been going on in Juarez, Mex. since 1993. (at least that is when it was first documented)

To date, over 500 women from the border town have been sexually tortured and murdered. Yes, over 500. It is a an ongoing nightmare that has been given next to nothing as far as awareness and/or a solution. There are so many theories about what is going on, but for now, not much has been investigated.

Here is a link I found that has a great article about our abducted sisters.

In the past, I have been involved with a few charities and fundraisers to this much worthy cause, and when I read Monica's post, I just knew I had to take part in this project. I had a couple of ideas about what I wanted to do, but as soon as I tried to put my thoughts down, I went blank. It wasn't till last week, that an idea finally hit me. Once I got my sketch down, there was no stopping me! I was on fire. I couldn't stop. I stayed up till 3:00 am a couple of night tweaking at this dress. It started building momentum, and finally it took on a life of it's own.

Finally, today, I added the finishing touches! Here she is, ready to send off to Stampington. I am not sure if it is their "style", but I let the emotions of of these women guide me to the end result. I feel this creation is more of a Shrine than a dress. Either way, I am extremely proud of this piece.

The dress is aprox. 12 inches in length, and the corset is made of lots of beads, charms, santos, milagros and skulls. The skirt is made from painted canvas.

I used a lot of bone calaveras to represent the lost women, and I also incorporated Milagros to represent the miracles we are going to need to stop this insanity. There are also saints and crosses to represent the faith I have in finding justice for these women. Here is a close up.

I painted a simple black wooden cross to serve as a hanger for the dress. I kept it plain, as not to compete with the dress as well to mimic the simple plain crosses that you will find in the desert graves and make shift shrines along the highways in Mexico.

Here is another, rather large, view

I invite you all to join this challenge. I believe Monica is requesting that you turn in your submissions on July 1st. She wants Stampington to be "bombarded" with dresses and awareness. You can get more details at her blog.

Go hug someone for me.

Yoli

2nd Saturday'a Art Walk in Sacramento

2009-05-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

Geesh, I can't believe a week has already gone by! I have been sitting on these pictures way to long.

Anyhoo, last weekend was Sacramento's 2nd Saturday's Art walk. I had the honor of participating in the Women Uncovered show at Side Show Studios. (was fantastico by the way)

My morning started with a creative bang. Sharon, my homegirl, put together a craft class at her home for a bunch of her friend's daughters. The mission was to make their mommas an art scarf for Mother's day. I had so much fun with these little chicas. We jumped right in and crafted and gossiped away. Trust me, I learned a lot that morning!

After the class, I high tailed it to the Rubber Stamp Show that came iin town. I figured I would just breeze through and check out a few tutorials. I knew Judikins was going to be there, and I love watching her tutorials.

Yeah hi, three hours later, I walked out of there with about 120.00 bucks less than what I came in with. I haven't blown a wad like that on art supplies in a long time! I was doomed for money blowing when Invoke Arts, one of my favorite stamp companies were there. Oh my Gah, do they have some serious rubber eye candy. I had been buying from them for years and I was super excited to see them there!

After going home with my bounty, I had to freshen up, wait for my regulator, because I was dragging him with me to my art show. The regulator is not a fan of art whatsoever, so it wsa like pulling off his fingernails to get him to go. Thankfully, he was a great sport and didn't complain one bit as we wandered from gallery to gallery. I even managed to coax him to Park your Art. This is a super cool Arts and Crafts vending venue held at the parking lot of xyz Real Estate company on the corner of 21st and k.

It was like strolling down memory lane. I knew about 6 of the vendors who were former members of the Sacramento Craft Mafia. Good times.

After a few hours of roaming, we worked up an appetite and I called the kids to meet us at Spaghetti Factory. Surprisingly there was no wait. We all got our grub on and then called it a night in front of the boob tube.

Mmmkay, peecture time!

(I love these girls!)

Dancers at the show! Side Show always knows how to throw an art show!

Yours truly standing with my Arte.

I loved this piece!

two new Skelekitty pieces by Krissi Sandvik

Another favorite piece of mine.

Art lovers.

Nicole Fox and others.

My son (the biggun) and my adorable nephew

Baby Anthony enjoying his pasghetti. (as my oldest son used to say when he was just a little bambino)

Good times!

Funky Fabric Brooch Tutorial. Perfect for Madre's Day!

2009-05-08T16:58:00.000-07:00

Last week at Indie Sacramento, I taught a mini make and take class. I had so much fun and I think "my students" got a kick out of it too. Being that Mother's day is right around the corner, I thought I would share the tutorial with you as well. Of course these would be perfect to have year round, and you can do so much with these too. Hair pins, embellishments for handbags, gift packaging, fabric jewelry, your pets. Oh, the possibilities are endless!

Ok on with the tutorial.

Supplies:
Strip of fabric. I used a piece that was aprox. 22 inches in length and 3.5 inches wide. Fold in half and iron. Cut each end at an angle.

Needle
Thread
Button or any type of embellishment
Green Felt. cut into two leaf shapes. (I used my pinking shears)
cut another small piece for a base for the pinback
Pinback

Step one.
Thread your needle, tie a knot at one end, and do a loose base stitch, starting at one end (open end) and work your way across to the other end.

Once you have reached the other end, the fun part starts. Start pulling on your thread till your fabric strip starts gathering into a spiral shape.

Pull nice and tight and shape it to a rounded shape. At the 22 inches, you should have about a spiral and a half. Next you are going to tack it in place with a couple of stitches.

After it is secure, you can add your button or embellishment.

Next flip it over and sew on your leaves.
Then you will get your base piece, fold in half and cut two slits in the middle. You are doing this so that you can thread your pinback through.

(sorry for the fuzzy pic)

Finally, sew in the base and viola, you are done! Another option is you can always glue your embellishments, leaves and pinback. No one will know the difference!

Here are a few examples of how you can switch it up!

These are so easy and fun to make! But you don't have to take my word for it, check out the faces on these Chicas!

Hey Look, it's Alexa from The Swell Life

Thank you ladies for taking the time out of your busy schedules to craft with me!

2nd Saturday in Sactown on May 9th!

2009-05-07T17:18:00.000-07:00

Hola mi Amigas.

I just wanted to remind all of you that it is 2nd Saturday this weekend in Sacramento! There are going to be so many great shows, and I am hoping for some dry weather too!

I will be participating at Side Show Studio's "Women Uncovered" art exhibit

The May show will focus on new, rarely shown, and obscure female artists. Never before seen artists will stand side-by-side with well-known, but rarely seen artists to celebrate the strength and power of women.

Featured artists include: Alison Monk, Amy Fort, Broken Toyland, Cate Schmiedt, Char Hall, Cy Wylie, Darcy Dick, Dy Martin, Emily Cole, Emma Rebekah Norris, errin lacy, Evie Turner, Gem Platte, Jacquelyn Bond, Jenvy Fox, Jill Allyn Stafford, Kanika Marshall, Karin Faringer, Kelly Croisdale, Kim Brownell, Krissi Sandvik, Larissa Tessler, Linda Nunes, Lori Ann Delappe-Grondin, Margaret Teichert, Michelle Cordova, Nicole Fox, Rachel McPherson, Robyn Slakey, Sandra O'Ben Rauch, Silly Girl Design, Summer Maddux, Tiffany Valdez, Yoli Manzo, and many more!

Side Show Studios
5635 Freeport Boulevard, Suite 6, Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 391-6400
www.sideshowstudios.net
sideshowstudios@yahoo.com

Join us to celebrate the achievements and creativity of today's female artists!

The art will be on display daily from 10am - 10pm through June 6, 2009.

I have a couple of new pieces that will be on display as well as a couple of my favorites.

This is a mixed media piece that I call "Jardin Azul"

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this next piece is my ode to Sacramento. I call it "Sacred Cuidad"

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What can I say, I love sparkly shiny color blasted thingies! haha

This last piece is done in a Retablo fashion.

Can you guess who she is?

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Anyhoo, this show is going to be amazing, and I am really in awe of all that talent that is being featured! I hope to see you there!

P.S. Sacred Handbag is going strong. Here is a link to the latest bidding! Keep them coming, the swag alone is worth more than the current bid!

Saludos,
Yoli

Sacred Handbag for a Sacred Cause.

2009-04-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been almost a year and half since I first started a round robin for the altering of my "Sacred Handbag". For those of you who are new to me, back in September of 2007, I started altering a handbag, and it became a nightmare! I got so frustrated that I almost threw it away, before getting the bright idea to blog my frustrations. I offered to pass it around to a few friends to "doctor" it up for me, and before long, everyone wanted to have her way with it, so one of my good friend's suggested that everyone get a chance to work on it. I was so excited, that I decided to donate it to raise funds for the Diabetes foundation.

Since my girl, Melody of Handmade luck has connections, I gave her the bag so that it will included in the 2009 Online Auction to Benefit Diabetes research hosted by Brenda Novak.

(Copied from Melody of the Sugar Cube Society's blog)

Not only did they all beautify the bag, they all donated swag too. this bag is filled with lots of goodies, including supplies, jewelry, video tapes, and a whole bunch more!

Here are a few pics and more details on this auction. Please pass it along and I encourage all the artists to pimp out this auction tambien!

“The Sacred Bag” which is a collaborative artistic handbag, originated from the mind of Sacramento artist, Yoli Manzo.

Yoli recalls, “The bag started out as a disaster. I was putting it together and felt that I really messed it up. I was ready to trash it. Rather than throw it away, I thought about putting the bag up for an “Artist Challenge” on my blog. I offered to send it out to someone who wanted to save it and auction the finished product off for charity. The response was so overwhelming, that Michele of Fat Thumbs, came up with the idea of letting everyone work on it. Thus the Sacred Bag Round Robin was created.”

SACRED BAG BEFORE...YOWZAH

Each artist took a turn adding a personal embellishment to the bag, or adding pieces of swag. Once they were finished adding their touches, they passed it on to the next artist. This handbag has traveled thousands of miles from the home of the first artist in Florida to the home of the last artist in California. This bag was treated with so much love and enthusiasm, all for the sake of curing diabetes.

SACRED BAG AFTER...QUE BONITA!

The artists included in the process were:

Annamaria (www.artByASM.etsy.com), Kathy Cano-Murillo (www.craftychica.com), Shonda Honkanen (www.ignition916.com), Krissi Sandvik (krissisandvik.blogzpot.com), Michele Hirata (www.fatthumb.com), Alisa in San Diego, Artist Alexa, La Reina of Divine Dolls, Mariah (www.myspace.com/honey_pumpkin_creations), Hella Crafty (www.myspace.com/hellacrafty), Dolores, Vidriosa (www.vidriosa.com), Brittany Heskett of Papermoonies (www.brittsart.net), Lorrain Garcia of Rains Embellishments , Melody of the Sugarcube Society (www.sugarcubesociety.etsy.com) and Yoli Manzo (www.sacredyoli.blogspot.com).

Here is a pic of the bag with swag!

Come Chicas! This is awesome!

THE SACRED BAG IS UP FOR AUCTION STARTING ON MAY 1st at http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/ listed under the category titled HOPE IS WHERE THE HEART IS. Please check out all the items in the auction, as there is some dope stuff for writers, collectors and fashionistas!

Reno, Indie Sacramento, Scary Craft and More Thanks

2009-04-29T10:47:00.001-07:00

Hey kids!

How are all of you doing? I have had a super busy weekend that has let to a super busy week!

Last weekend, I took, ::gulp:: 106 people to Reno. Sharon, my business partner and I hosted two busloads of partiers for good times in Reno. We have been doing this for 9 years now. Although it is a lot of fun, it is also a lot of work to coordinate and entertain these people enough to want them coming back for more, not to mention giving us referrals for future business.

We had a great time, and we gave away some great prizes. We left at 8:00 am on Saturday and returned around 7:30 pm. Sunday I had my Northern California Mixed Media Art workshop followed by working some more.

Wheew!

Yesterday, after work I high tailed it to Side Show Studios go give a brief demo on encaustic wax. I love working this medium. It is so easy and the results are so amazing. You can click on my tutorials at the right of my blog, I have a link to the process I use.

This coming weekend I am off and running again. Between showing property I will be attending Indie Sacramento's Largest Trunk Show in Northern California! This month they are having over 70 vendors! They are also having a "Craft University" and yours truly will be hosting a class at 10:30 am. I am teaching a technique to make "Funky Fabric Broaches" I figured with Mother's day around the corner, these would make excellent gift ideas to have handy.

Here is the link to more information.

IndieSacramento :: Sacramento's largest trunk show & craft bazaar

Posted using ShareThis

Ok, some quick picture sharing time.

Here is a pic I snapped while on the bus.

This is a pic of my Encaustic Wax creation from last night. I used pages from my art journal to seal in wax.

This is an example what we will be making on Saturday.

Also, I would like to give big thanks for the following wonderful craft sites for featuring my Mixed Media Scarf tutorial.

Oneprettything.com (Awesome Craft site)

Scary Craft. Who is maintained by Krissi. She has been on a roll with tutorials, herself as well as scouting other great craft tutorials!

Ok, gotta run, my youngest son has an appointment with DMV to take his drivers test! Send happy thoughts people!

De Colores Y Muchas Gracias to my Homegirls!

2009-04-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

Did I ever mention I love me some big bold bright colors? Si! es true, although my clothing begs to differ. Most of the time you will find me wearing black with a small accent of color, but when it comes to my arte, it is on and crackin! Here are a few journal entries for a Journal swap I am participating in.

This one is my Ode to the Pop Life.

I made it out of my junk mail.

Lately, I have been playing around with graffiti styled backgrounds. I call this one,
"Graffiti Bloom" (I know, not too original)

I am going to be doing a tutorial on a similar technique soon!

the flower is made with modeling paste and actually is three dimensional.

Speaking of tutorials, I want to give a Humongous shot out to the following awesomely creative blog/websites for featuring my "Hand Dyed Art Scarf Tutorial"

Crafty Chica
Craft Gossip.com
I Love To Create.com

I so appreciate the love and I feel so very honored and humbled to be part of your sacred blogs and websites. (by the way, you gotta check out their sites! Pure Art YUM!

I shared today with one of my girlfriends, who by the way, is not into the social networking scene. I told her how excited I was because how I had some major features regarding my tutorial. She was happy for me, but she also said, in a slightly confused state, "but what's the point? Are you selling anything?. I laughed and said, no, no! I mean, I do sell a few items every once and a while, but it is just the fact that I inspired someone! I love sharing, and I love it when I get the lovely comments that someone was going to give one of my projects, "a go" and or especially when I get a comment that someone was going to do this with their child! She was like, "ohhhhhh" not fully grasping why I was I was so happy. lol. My husband is from the same school. He comes from a hard working family and everyone from his familia only sees value in doing something for "money". Don't get me wrong, I love making a living too, but I guess, for me, this is therapy and the need to create is inbred in me for life.

Whoops, sorry, there I go again..............

Bottom line,

Thank you all so much for visiting my lil corner of cyberspace.

Tutorial: Easy Vintage Felt Flower Tutorial

2009-04-16T22:35:00.001-07:00

Who doesn't love a little flower now and then. These little babies can be made a bunch at a time (porque they are so easy) and be used for all kinds of projects. Jewelry, hair pins, jackets, t-shirts, dolls, collages, ok, you get the picture. I'll hush now, and get to the tutorial.

Here is a pic of the finished product. (of course you can do so many variations, but I will keep it basic for now.)

Supplies:
candle (lit)
felt in assorted colors
scissors
embroidery floss
Needle
Decorative button

That's it!

Step 1.
cut your felt in long strips. the longer your strips, the larger your flower will be. These strips are about 10 inches and length. You will want to give your strip a nice soft wavy cut.

Step 2 (this is the fun part)

Grab your strip and drag it slowly across the flame of your candle. This will give your felt a nice curve to your strips. Be careful not to go to slow, or the flame will eat up your felt. Also be careful not to burn yourself.

When you are done, your strips should look like this.

Step 3

On the opposite side of your burned edge, make a simple loose running stitch across your strip.

Step 4.
Pull the end of your string and your felt piece will form a circle.

Your felt strip should look like this. (note, I used a contrasting thread so that you can see it more easily, but you may want to use matching thread) Once your circle is in place seal it shut with a small stitch.

For my Flower, I stacked to circles together to form my flower. After I stacked my two circles, I added a button in the center to finish it off. I also can envision a little clay face in the center too. The possibilities are endless.

Viola!

I glued this to a hair pin for a purrdy hair flower, however I would love to see or hear your ideas!

Stay Tuned...................

2009-04-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to say Hola, and Oh, I have so many blogs in the fire and I wanted to put all of you on high alert. :D.

Coming to a computer screen near you!

Easy Felt flower tutorial
Mixed Media Book cover tutorial
A "Official" Crafty Chica Swag Bag give away.
Information on the "Sacred Bag" public auction that is full of lots of swag from over 12 artists.
Information on a class I am giving at Indie Sacramento on May 2nd.

Whew! I am dancing as fast as I can!

In the mean time, here are a couple of pics of some art tags I made for Nancy's art Doll Tag Book Round Robin. We had to make a total of 16 different tags for the 16 artist's who participated. Of course, I used one of my favorite muses, Frida.

2nd batch.

Saludos Good Chicas!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

May your day be filled with Sacredness, happiness, and lots of color and inspiration!

Here is my nephew and one of my son's enjoying the art of a good hunt.

Its Time!

I spy with my little eye..............

Hmmmm, I think I need more

That's more like it!

Wait a minute, I hear someone.

Hey, what do you think you are doing?

Are you talking to me?

adrian by you." title="" onload="show_notes_initially();" class="reflect" width="448" height="277">

Pshhh, whatever dude, I still look good!

Happy Easter!

Tutorial: Brown Bag Art Journal

2009-04-10T15:37:00.000-07:00

To follow up on my previous post, here is my version of a very popular DIY art journal.
I love this project, it is so easy and you can make a ton of blanks and have them ready for your next vacation, party, or special event. Each page has a pocket to hold more of your treasures, pictures or tags.

Lets get started, shall we?

Supplies: (Base)
2 lunch sized lunch bags
a hole punch
scissors
glue stick
A pipe cleaner or ribbon

Embellishments galore.
Use anything, collage,paints, fabrics, fibers, stickers, Go for it!

Step 1.

Fold the bottom flap of your lunch bag down and crease. You will be using this crease as a guide to snip off the bottom flap. Do this to both bags. When you are through, you will have openings on each side of your bag. You may discard the bottom of the bag. (we will not be using these for this project)

Step 2

Fold your bags (horizontally) down the middle.

See, it is already looking like a little book, right?

Step 3.
Using your hole punch, punch two holes down the back (folded side) of your bag. You are going to want to do this step, one bag at a time. After you hole punch the 1st bag, put your bag over your blank bag, so that you can mark where the holes are and then punch the 2nd bag. (you just want to make sure your holes are aligned)

After both bags are hole punched, sandwich them (stack) and fold so that you have one book.

Step 4.

Grab your ribbon or pipe cleaner and thread through both holes to bind the book together. At this point, you may want to add multiple fibers and or charms, etc, to get the look you want.

For this tutorial, I will keep it basic, and use a pipe cleaner. I am just going to twist it and cut it off for a clean bind.

After your book is binded, it should look like this.

You should have 4 pages front and back, for a total of 8 pages. Each of the 4 pages will have a pocket, so that you can add more mementos!

For real, this part should have only taken you minutes to put together!
Now the fun part starts. Embellishing! Now this part is a whole different story! This part can take you minutes, days, or weeks! Just depends what your subject is. One thing for sure, is this part is the best part, so have fun with it, go crazy. Do it with the kids, it is a great party make and take!

Here are a couple of examples of my inside pages.

View of my "pocket"

I was playing with some paint for the background of this page.

This page, I used scrap papers and postcards from a previous art show. (pictured to the left are art dolls by Bastet2329)

It's All Good Friday

2009-04-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

Hey Chicksters,

How are all my lovely Chicas doing this on this Good Friday? Indeed it is a very Good Friday here at the Sacred Casa. The past couple of days we had a little scare. My beautiful and super healthy Madre had not been feeling up to par, and wound up in the hospital! Ayeee Dios! My poor mama had some major blood pressure issues, and they (doctors) were trying to figure what is going on with this beautiful patient.

They are still a little uncertain, however they have it under control, and she was able to come home yesterday. She is still not 100%, but she is doing much better.

Special thanks for all the kind words and prayers. We are firm believers in positive energy, and your good thoughts are working their magic. Thank you all so very much.

On that good note, I wanted to share with you pictures from a class I taught last week at a local middle school here in town. I don't know why, but I was super nervous! I mean, I can lecture, stand in front of professionals, quote Real Estate laws, disclosures. Tell a bunch of 1st time homebuyers what to do to protect themselves, I can even give a bunch of creative women instruction on an art project. But kids? Eye rolling, gum smacking tweens? Not so much......... haha.

Thankfully, these kids were awesome. They didn't find the weird lady too loca, and payed close attention to the lesson, and then dove, I mean DOVE right in. :D
Even the too cool for school boys broke down and handled their glue sticks like a champ.

My first class was about 37 students and my 2nd class was another 35 students. My time was limited so the teacher was on her own for class three, but she had plenty of instruction and was looking forward to showing her next class the project. I had to laugh when class was over. There were paper scraps everywhere! It was a scene out of my studio times 30! Ahh good times. I should have snapped pics of the flooring.

Here are a few pics. Aren't my students the cutest?

This project is really simple, and I love to use recycled materials, like magazines, junk mail, bit and pieces of left over ribbon, fabric, anything! Of course I have a tutorial for you and I will be posting it shortly.

If I don't jump back on before Easter, have a wonderful Easter Weekend.

Decked Out Urban Grafitti Eggs Worth Finding. Tutorial

2009-04-07T22:44:00.001-07:00

I hope you give this idea a try, and do tell a homie!

Mixed Media Monday Challenge

2009-04-06T00:35:00.001-07:00

This week's challenge is Stripes and Polka Dots and I got busy.

I think I covered just about everything. Busy, I know, but dang it, that's how I do. :D.

Here is the link to Mixed Media Monday's blog. Check it out and challenge yourself sometime. It is a great way to get the creative juices flowing!

Mixed Media Hand Dyed Scarf Tutorial

2009-04-04T15:12:00.000-07:00

Today, we will make these.

Finally, I had some tiempo to kick it in my studio and put together another free tutorial just for you. I love giving it away. I am really good at it, just ask my homies. Ok, I kid, I kid. What I mean is, I love teaching and sharing! This week was loaded with teaching ops. I recently taught two art classes at a middle school in Elk Grove, and I have a follow up gig at Sac State. I still wrestling with that gig, but I am sure it will all work out.

Oh, sorry for getting off point. Where was I, ahhh yes, a free tutorial just for you! You know how I do, I like to keep it cheap and easy. (shut up Krissi!) I love to find quick and easy projects that can be completed at the same time. Completion is a very big challenge for me. I love starting things, and when the novelty wears off, I tend to kick my projects to the curb. I don't mean to, it just happens. ::sigh:: I am digressing again. Sawry.

So, like I was saying, you can start and finish this project in less than an hour! Heck you can do it in 10 minutes if you want. But since it is so much fun, you will probably like to take your time to do it right. You know, nice and slow! Rarrw. (whoops, here I go again)

Mmmkay, here is your list of materials.

1 blank silk scarf. You can get them uber cheap here,
small spray bottle of rubbing alcohol.
Permanent markers, any brand will do as long as they are permanent ink. Today, I am using the wonderful Crafty Chica Brand. (by the way, I love the big juicy tips on these markers)

Embellishments:
You can go crazy here. For today, I am using rubber stamps, and permanent ink. you can use any brand as long as it is ink based.
Beaded trims. (anything goes)
fabric glue. I used aleene's fabric fusion by Duncan.

Step one.

lay your scarf on a protected surface. I used newspaper. Then grab your markers and get busy. You don't have to be super neat either. (trust me)

I am just doing a random drawing of flowers and then I am going to color in the flowers and loosely, apply color in the background.

After you have the look you want, you are going to start spraying your scarf with your spray bottle filled with alcohol. You can start lightly and just play with it. Don't be shy. Just remember, the more alcohol you spray, the more your colors will bleed. You can stop, let your scarf dry, and add more color and repeat the process as many times as you want. To dry my scarf, I just pick it up and swoosh it around in the air a few times. It dries in minutes.

After you are happy with your results, you can take it to the next level and rubber stamp some images in your background. I am using stayz on ink, but you can use any alcohol based ink and or even use fabric paint or more markers on your rubber stamps.

for this demo, I used milagro rubber stamps. I also embellished some of my flowers with glitter.

To make your inks permanent and wash friendly, heat set your scarf with an iron on low setting.

You can stop here or your can add your favorite trims.

Viola! Finito, just like that. You have a one of a kind custom Hand dyed silk scarf!
This project is kid friendly too.

Please feel free to share this tutorial amongst your homies, and do share your photos!

Keep it Sacred Chicas!

Bloggers with a heart of gold.

2009-04-04T14:26:00.000-07:00

Recently, I discovered that a blog friend of mine, had a serious misfortune of losing her sacred home to a fire. A fire, something so needed, so comforting, yet something that can be so devastating and even deadly. Thankfully, she and her family (pooch included) made it out just in a nick of time. However, her home was not so lucky.

It amazes me that her spirit is intact; even her sense of humor. I can learn a lot from Paula. She is a true testament to strength and love for her family and friends. You can read about it here.

Of course when her other blog familia caught wind of her status, actions started taking place. A few of her friends already opened up blogs with the sole purpose of keeping us updated on Paula's family's progress and also to help raise funds for her family's bare bone's necessities.

You can catch updates right here.

Kind Gestures can be very contagious. Michelle Ward, an extremely talented artist and owner of the Green Pepper Press Stamp Company, created a special "fund raising"stamp just for Paula's family.

Long story short, her stamps are just as amazing as her heart. You can check them out here.
And this link will take you to her rubber stamp store where you can view her other beautiful stamp collections.

I can't wait to receive my set of stamps so that I can make a personal art Journal entry dedicated to Paula and those who love her.

Paula, you and your family are in my prayers.

Saludos,
Yoli

Yoli's Sacred Journey

Feliz Navidad, Sacred Friends!

Festival De Calacas

Waving hand: I am still here! Mary's Graces is doing another Giveaway!

I'm official! New Badge

Sacred Giveaway at Mary's Graces Blog!

Graffiti Paint: Paint Party Friday!

Paint Party Friday: Cinco Santos at Vox's 5th year Annivesary Art Show

Time to Shrine officially starts today! 6-5-11!

Paint Party Friday: Fridalicous!

My Sacred House: Art Shrine Auction for Oaxaca Street Children Grassroots

Mi Corazon: Paint Party Friday

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Everything is coming up Roses!

Tutorial: Easy and beginner friendly rag quilt blanket

Guadalupe Mixed Media Painting :Paint Party Friday

I will be showing at Festival De Familia in Sacramento this Sunday! April 3rd 2011

Tutorial: Upcycled Party Popperz!

De Colores Collage

Feliz Dia De Tres Reyes!

Feliz Navidad!

Dia De Los Muertos Film Preview in San Francisco

This event will take place in the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts Gallery on one of the last days of their beautiful Día de los Muertos 2010 altars exhibit - this year themed ¨Death Becomes You/La Muerte Eres Tú,¨curated by Maurizzio Hector Pineda.

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Host Committee

Elizabeth Addison, Artist Jessica Anello, Instituto ConexionesSusana Aragón, Visual Artist

Jessica Anello, Instituto Conexiones

Jessica Anello, Instituto Conexiones

Debra Bok, SOMArts Cultural Center

aManda Greene, Instituto Conexiones

Bjorn Heinbach, Visual ArtistJosé León, Futuro Picante

Bjorn Heinbach, Visual ArtistJosé León, Futuro Picante

Rio Yañez, Visual Artist & Curator

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---:---The FilmmakersManuel Arias, Director of PhotographyChristian Figueroa, Film DirectorKimberly María Newton, Executive Producer

I will be vending at Somart's Dia De Los Muertos 2010 Show!

Passion Para Papel

Sweet Loteria Dress Notecard/Gift Card Tutorial

Guess who has been creeping back in Swap-Bot? Needle Felting Attempt.

Easy Fabric Fortune Cookie Tutorial

Tutorial: Easy Vintage Felt Flowers!

Hi My Lovely Chicas,

Get Your Shrine On: An Art Auction to benefit Oaxaca Street Children

come shrine with us!!!!

Eggs with Attitude: A Free Tutorial

Hi Kids, I posted this tutorial last year. It was a hit and I thought it was worthy of a repost. :-)

Somerset Studio and My New Studio

Happy Holidays, I will be vending in San Francisco!

Day of the Dead Window Display in NYC!

Yoli Manzo returns to Santa Clarita Craft Lab!

Altars for the Spirits/Offerings for the Living: dia De Los Muertos 2009

Helloooooooooooooooo

San Juan Bautista

It is Scary Time Again!

originally posted by my "Scary" partner in crime, Krissi Sandvik

My recent trip to SoCal

Happy Birthday Frida Kahlo: Frida Art Doll Class Details

Hello World!

June 13th's 2nd Saturday Highlights!

Sunday Tidbits and Glimpses of Current Art Projects and Classes

My beloved Lappy is in a coma!

Makers Faire Tomorrow and Yesterday's Handmade Parade

Feeling Nostalgic Today

Handmade Parade This Saturday in Sacramento!

A Sacred Request For The Women Of Juarez

2nd Saturday'a Art Walk in Sacramento

Funky Fabric Brooch Tutorial. Perfect for Madre's Day!

2nd Saturday in Sactown on May 9th!

Sacred Handbag for a Sacred Cause.

Reno, Indie Sacramento, Scary Craft and More Thanks

De Colores Y Muchas Gracias to my Homegirls!

Tutorial: Easy Vintage Felt Flower Tutorial

Stay Tuned...................

Happy Easter!

Tutorial: Brown Bag Art Journal

It's All Good Friday

Decked Out Urban Grafitti Eggs Worth Finding. Tutorial

Mixed Media Monday Challenge

Mixed Media Hand Dyed Scarf Tutorial

Bloggers with a heart of gold.

Elizabeth Addison, Artist

Jessica Anello, Instituto Conexiones
Susana Aragón, Visual Artist

Bjorn Heinbach, Visual Artist
José León, Futuro Picante

Bjorn Heinbach, Visual Artist
José León, Futuro Picante

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The Filmmakers
Manuel Arias, Director of Photography
Christian Figueroa, Film Director
Kimberly María Newton, Executive Producer