If you've been thinking about starting a blog, or maybe you have one and can't think of what to write, here are some ideas to get you rolling!

1. What is your mission?
Do you want a blog to support your business? Maybe to document family stories? Vent about your day gig? Think of what you want to get out of your blog, what kind of people you want to attract and how you want them to feel after reading your posts. Once you know why you are blogging and who you want to reach, come up with some guidelines for your posts that support your mission.

2. Write what you know.
Think of things that you know inside and out because you do them in your daily life. Hello? You are an expert! Making jewelry, working with kids, writing, etc. Share your tips and advice on what you know best!

3. Think simple.
You don't have to write about saving the world, your thoughts on world peace, or spilling your guts. You don't have to write a gazillion paragraphs. Maybe it is just about taking pictures and letting the images speak for themselves.

4. Be creative.
Interview other people, have contests, write mini-reviews of your favorite TV shows or movies, embed videos, link to your friends' blogs.

5. Meet other people.
Take time to comment on your favorite blogs and those writers will likely come back and post comments on your blog!

6. Incorporate blogging in your routine.
Pick a time of the day when you can spend 30 minutes to write a blog post. i often do mine late at night when everyone is alseep. My friend Margot always seems to post early in the morning. another friend of mine blogs on her lunch hour at work. If you can find a regular time, it will be easier to stick to!

7. Start a multiple person blog.
If you feel like a blog is too much to take on, invite a friend or relative to co-author with you. That will ease some of the pressure because you can take turns. And it will be good for readers because they will see different perspectives.

Here are theme ideas to build a blog around:

- Chronicle a personal journey or new venture you are on.
- Things that make you smile throughout each day. Share why you like them.
- A fan blog for your favorite shows, artists, pets.
- ______ of the day. (Pick one item/theme and post a new link every day on it. Example: Pillow, earrings, fire hydrant, product packaging, etc)
- Pick a popular street that you drive on a lot and write about what you see on each day there.
- Reviews of places where you shop, eat or hang.
- Things you like to collect. Make your site the go-to place for something kitschy, like weird salt and pepper shakers.

You get the idea! Some people don't even need to think of a theme, they just sit down and go! My advice is not to let your fears get the best of you. And don't worry about if anyone will read your blog or be interested. Just do it because you love it! People will come.

One reason why I love blogging is because of my kids. I love that I can click on any previous year and read all kinds of stories about things they did. Time goes by so fast, and it is easy to forget day-to-day adventures. By blogging life as it happens, you are, in a sense, writing your autobiography! How cool is that?

What are you waiting for???

Think you can’t fit art in your schedule? Think again.

When I talk to people about what holds them back from, it’s always lack of time. There are clothes to fold, long work hours, TV shows to watch… Ultimately, the crafty hour is put at the bottom of the to-do list. If this is you, move it on up, chica! Don’t feel guilty about devoting a few minutes a week to expressing yourself. Incorporating creativity into your life will take the edge off of stress, surge your spirit with girl power self-esteem, and give you something cool to show off to your comadres and colleagues. But only you can take that first step. Here are some tips of getting in the artsy frame of mind.

1. Keep a daily journal.
Pick up a blank book, the kind with the thick creamy pages that are thirsty for your thoughts. Decorate the cover with gems, sequins, ribbons and letters. Give your journal a catchy name; make it your new best friend. Force yourself to write something or doodle everyday. Don’t think about it. Unplug that flashing sign called ‘common sense’, and just let your imagination flow on the pages like soft serve ice cream. Jot down quotes that made you raise your eyebrows, attach pictures and write up funny captions for them, pick up a leaf from the park and insert it in the back pages, use colored markers to practice a new way of signing your name. Fill each page with your wish list of the day, and pick one to focus on. Carry it with you and ask your friends to sign it like a yearbook. Keep a special page to write down your ideas for projects.

2. Plan ahead to get crafty. This doesn’t mean to punch in “8 a.m. Saturday: Be creative” in your Blackberry. All it means is to pick a project, and chew on it for a couple days. See if you have the supplies in your house, if not, add the craft store to your list of errands. Look at the week ahead and pinpoint a block of time when you can get rolling. Even if it means waking up two hours early one morning, do it.

3. Think portable. If you only have little pockets of time available, choose beading, crochet or journaling, projects that can be tucked inside a small purse. These crafts are perfect for when you are waiting for your next class to start, stuck in a doctor’s office waiting room or at a boring party. OK, maybe not that last one!

4. Join a local crafty group. I call it “Craft n Chat”. Check out the local paper or Internet message boards to find “meet ups” for crafting or Stitch ‘N Bitches, for knitting or crochet. This is where people of similar interests get together on a regular basis and gossip, gab or gloat about their lives and others. These kinds of groups always welcome newbies. Better yet, check out page XX to learn how to start your own craft group.

5. Take a class. Some people need a structured environment and that’s just fine. From chain stores to mom-and-pop shops, there are workshops galore on every technique and theme under el sol. Stained glass, mosaics, jewelry making - you name it, there’s a class for it. If you want a flexible alternative, visit a local scrapbook store where they have open labs. You simply pay a small fee to use their supplies, and there is always an instructor around to help. Classes are a great way to “sample” different genres. Once you find one that connects with your personality, you’ll know exactly what supplies to invest in.

6. Have a crafty chica party. Woo-hoo! Call a couple friends and invite them over to make an easy craft, such as greeting cards. Buy a box of blank cards, scissors and glue and tell everyone to bring embellishments to share. At the end, swap them with each other.

7. Set up a cozy corner. Cozy corners are vital to peace of mind. Don’t let anyone tell you different. You don’t even have to craft there, it’s just a comfy area in your home that feels calm and soothing. Find a nook in a room, a cushy chair, a soft throw and a rug that feels sumptuous between your toes. This is a place for you to sip your favorite tea, read magazines, paint your nails, listen to your iPod, indulge a good book or just shut your eyes and pretend you are in a Cuban café listening to a percussionist. While you’re there, you might as well pick up a set of knitting needles and yarn!

8. Take a spontaneous field trip. Have the frump-girl blues? Fight it. Pick a place that is off your radar and go there. I guarantee you’ll become inspired again. Try window shopping at the most expensive mall in the city, visit a coffee house in an uncharted neighborhood, go to an author signing for a book you never heard of, check out the closest cluster of antique shops, visit a local gallery or sit on a park bench and people watch. Heck, just go to a bookstore and grab a stack of design magazines and books. Flip through them and buy the ones that made you think, “Hmmm, I can do that!” Spontaneous field trips infuse your mind with new faces, colors and ideas.

9. Surf the web. Open your favorite search engine and type in “hip crafts” or whatever topic you are curious about such as “altered art”, fabric collage”, etc. you can also sign up for crafty forums where you can mingle with other crafty ladies and share ideas.

10. Visit a new area at the craft store. It’s easy to get pigeonholed into one type of hobby. If you are into scrapping, then you probably know that area of the store like the back of your paper cutter. For one day, ditch the obvious. Visit the kids’ area, the yarn selection, the framing department. Chances are, you’ll learn something new!

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Everyone is looking to score some extra coin these days. But there is no need to slip into Code Red panic, especially if you have a creative mind. Now more than ever, we have to think of the word "crafty" in a different way. When it comes to paying that electric bill or funding Missy's orchestra trip to Catalina Island, you can't wait for people to shop on your web site. you have to go out and get the business.

As someone who has made a living from thinking crafty, I'm going to share ideas of how you can put your artistic skills to work. I want you to keep your main business going of your one-of-a-kind designs - but consider my tips as a part-time gig. I'm not saying they will fund that entire Catalina trip for your kid, but maybe help with the spending money.

1. Mixed Media and/or Fabric Goodie bags.
This is something I figured out recently when overhauling my art room. Get some clear Ziplock bags and set them out in a row. Go through your papers, beads, trims, pictures, etc and sort them in the bags by color or theme. Give them each a name and make a colorful label for each bag. Once you have a nice array, put them up for sale on eBay or Etsy. You could even visit local indie craft stores and sell wholesale to them!

2. Scrapbooks.
If you are a big scrapper, make samples layouts that fit different types of businesses. Approach those businesses and offer to make a gorgeous scrapbook for them. All they do is supply the pictures. Sure, you can hit weddings and birthdays, but why not try hair salons, restaurants, dance studios too? It will be a great promo tool for them to show their customers. Video companies do it all the time, why not scrapbook artists?

3. Promo videos and banner ads.
Are you a whiz with techy stuff? Look for book authors or bloggers who could use a nice promo video for their site, or a blog banner that pops. Offer a flat rate for your service. I'm inspired by Dale over at Sea Dream Studio. She is a genius!

4. Write bios for people.
If you are a colorful wordsmith, check out crafty web sites and the artist bios. If you think they could use sprucing up, offer to write a fabulous bio for them. Think of it like a blog banner design, except with a paragraph.

5. Passing out postcards or mini-art samples at local artwalks.
This is for people who are out and about a lot, especially at First Fridays. Work with local businesses or artists and have them (or you) design a postcard and have them printed. Charge a flat fee to hit a variety of locations where you will leave postcards on community counters, bulletin boards, or straight handing them out. I WISH I knew people who would do this for me!

6. Teach an online class.
Do youhave a wealth of techniques? Set up an inexpensive online video class where you can share one of those tips in detail.

7. Refresh and resell.
Visit your local secondhand store and buy up the cheapie retro wood stuff from the bric-a-brac section. Paint it in colors that are on-trend and offer them for sale to local businsses either for resale or for decoration in their shops. I once did this and ended up making a 50 napkin holders for a mom-and-pop eatery!

8. Home staging.
Check out local home staging experts in your area and show them your work. Maybe they will buy some of your pieces for their business!

Here are some Crafty Chica tips for vending this holiday season! Please add your own to the comments section!

4. Mash it up! One day I sold my ornaments four to a set and wrapped in cellophane. They had a higher price because I wrapped them all pretty in a gift box. Another day, I ditched the cellophane and allowed people to pick their own set, and I gave the option of only buying one (as opposed to a set of four). Same with the magnets. People handpicked not just one, but often three, four and five ornaments. For my $5 magnets, I offered "5 for $20". This worked really well!

5. Surprise your repeat customers! If you are vending at a local show you do every year, come up with some NEW offerings. Competition is fierce, if people bought something from you last year and see the same things, they won't buy again. But if you have all new designs - not just new colors, but totally unexpected items, you'll keep their interest. That doesn't mean to copy what other vendors are making, push yourself to be inventive and come up with something totally YOU.

6. Bring tools. I brought my tools to make my bracelets larger or smaller on the spot for customers with skinny or thicker wrists. I also brought clip earrings to switch out the pierced ones.

7. Visit the dollar store for small frames and stands. Use these to display prices or features of your work.

8. Do mind control over your customers! Great each person by looking them in the eye and saying hi. While you are saying hi with your mouth, send them an ESP message of "Buy something!" Hey, every little bit helps! :-)

9. Don't just sit there, share your story! You worked very hard making your art. The big event arrives and you just sit there and softly smile at your potential shoppers? No! Stand up, greet people, throw out a factoid about yourself or your work. For example :"We came up with that idea from a friend of our who loved cats..." or "My designs were featured in XYZ magazine this month..." or my favorite - "I watched two movies while I made that shadow box!" People love to hear the behind-the-scenes. Don't go into overshare - "See this scar on my arm? I got it from making that item!" Keep it light and happy. Many times that is all it takes to make them say "Oh, I want it even more now!"

10. Don't unnecessarily overspend. I used to spend a lot of time and money on packaging, and I skipped it this year (except for the ornaments at first). I put the focus on the pieces themselves. Lower your costs (and your customer's!) by passing up the pretty printed bags, tags, cello wrapping, tissue paper, the color-printed backing cards. You are not Bloomingdales. You are an artist trying to make a living from your work. Skip the foo-foo details to save time and money. People are buying your art for the craftsmanship, not the packaging.

11. Bring a care kit. Pack a cello bag with pain reliever, antacid, band-aids, etc.  

12. Come up with special offers. Offer coupons for your online store. Think like Sprinkles cupcakes and Twitter a secret word for a discount or free gift. Have a raffle.

13. Support fellow vendors. Make a swoop around to say hi and introduce yourself. Sometimes you can even do a trade. Remember, we are all part of one big community. The more that ALL of us succeed, the more opportunities there will be, and the longer we will all be able to make and sell our art!

14. Always be thankful. Even if people don't buy something, thank them for stopping by your booth and let them know about your web site. You want them to remember you fondly to make them a loyal customer!

15. Bring a notepad. Take notes of comments and questions your customers make or ask. Jot down problems and how you solved them. That way you won't forget at the end of the show.

More:
- Bring plenty of change, lots of ones, fives and tens.
- Allow yourself a certain amount to spend on other booths. I always give myself $20. That way I don't overspend!
- Always have a mirror if you sell jewelry.
- Make sure all your work is signed, bring a permanent marker just in case you forget.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!

Finding Your Signature Style
By Kathy Cano-Murillo

You're crafty, creative and have a mean sense of business. Now you want to jump in the trenches of retail and sell some kind of artwork far and wide. But what can you whip up that will catapult you to superstar status and make your bank account rival that of Paris Hilton? It's all in your signature style.

First off - the Crafty Chica rule of thumb is never go for something just for the sake of raking in cash. I'm a strong believer in karma and good intention. If you have the gift of creativity, don't blow it by trying to knock off the latest and greatest invention. You'll only belly flop and it will sting your soul (and savings account).

You gotta find your style, doll. Yo' thang . Whatever it is that you decide to make - trust me - the magic will come from the energy and innovation you put into it. Devise a product that is as individual as your fingerprint on polymer clay. Something that will not only turn heads, but also motivate folks to ask: "Who made this? Can I touch it?".

Here are some Crafty Chica tips for finding your signature style:

1. Experiment. Don't just go "Wow, those juice bags purses are everywhere. I'm going to start a business making some!" Instead, take time to try out different genres such as mosaics, sewing, painting, etc. See which comes natural for you. Consider pricing the supplies (low), time factor, and availability of resources. Once you know what kind of crafty area you like, proceed to Step 2.
2. Know yourself. Make a list of all the tangible and intangible things that you adore. Also, what you are great at doing, the colors that give you goose bumps, favorite quotes, fashion style, etc. Look around your bedroom, your magazine/book/CD collections, and closet for inspiration. Write up a one-line mission statement of what you are all about. Now translate that into a tagline of what you want your designs to represent. Don't fret over it. You can always change it down the road as the process develops.
3. Research. If you see something that is already for sale in a retail store, chances are it is on it's way out, an upgrade is coming soon. Artists, as well as buyers, are always evolving, growing and searching for the next best thing. Plus, you don't want to be a Copycat Cindy, do you? Instead, look between the retail shelves. Go to the bookstore and flip through some crafty books. What hasn't been done yet? Now use what you learned from Step 1 and 2 to come up with something that is super craftificent and most of all NEW.

- Personal example: About three years ago, I wanted so bad to have some jewelry that had Latino imagery on it. I couldn't find any so I tinkered in my studio until I came up with a raw version of my picture bracelets. I thought I was Miss Rock Star Crafter, until I did a search on eBay and found oodles of other picture bracelets. BUT - I had my heart set. So I scoured the universe to find all the picture bracelets I could, so I would know what NOT to use in my design. It worked. Now when people wear my bracelets, they can recognize it and say "Hey, that's a Crafty Chica bracelet, huh?"

4. Go back and experiment more. Take all your findings and pull them together. Go back in the studio/kitchen table/wherever and play around with your supplies and sketches until you come up with something wonderful and brag-worthy. It can be as easy as a line of t-shirts with snarky sayings or as detailed as elegant necklaces for kitty cats. Just think different!
5. Branding/Gimmick. OK, got your design and your missions statement. But what is your "thing"? Now you must come up with a solid name that is catchy and easy on the ears and tongue. Examples:

- I know a 13-year-old girl who did a great job with this. She makes high-end crystal jewelry and calls her line "Cassy's Sassy Jewelry". It plays off her name and her spirit. It sounds inviting. She's only 13!

- There is a lady here in Phoenix whose name is Penny and she is a mosaic artist. On every piece, she incorporates a penny into her design. You don't have to have a convenient name like that; you can come up with some other gimmick, like a symbol or your initial of some sort.

- A writer friend of mine makes soldered collage necklaces. So do a lot of people. But what makes her stand apart from them is that she only uses vintage images of nude women, as well as vintage scraps.

6. Presentation. If you have time, make some nice hang tags to attach to your pieces. Give each piece a name and tell a little story about it. If all of your pieces are one-of-a-kind, handwrite it. If they are similar, print the info from your computer. List the materials used and add a spirited graphic. Don't forget to sign your piece!

Remember, you originate and let the others imitate. You'll feel so proud about your work and so will the people who buy it!