New website for Mucha Muchacha Jewelry

Hey all, I have a new website and I'm really excited about it! You can see my new logo, learn a little about me, find out what shows I'll be selling at, shop for awesome jewelry and read my blog all in one place. Do you love it?
www.Mucha-Muchacha.com

The Big-Ass Book of Crafts

Has anyone checked this book out yet? If you'd like to craft over 150 inexpensive projects (and we KNOW you DO!) then you'd better get moving to your local bookstore. Our friend Mark Montano's book "The Big-Ass Book of Crafts" has just come out and can be found at both indie and major bookstores everywhere. Today, Mark was on the show "In the Loop with iVillage" and mentioned Craft Mafia!! Mark Montano and our friend Auxy Espinoza (she photographed everything in the book) will be chatting people up at their book signing at Skylight books in Los Angeles on Saturday March 15th at 5pm! Be sure to go get your copy signed!

Tuesday night's meet up.

I'd like to thank everyone who came out on Tuesday night for February's meet up. It's always fun to meet new people and make new friends. I didn't take any photos this time since I wanted to have more time to chat with everyone. At these meetings we all talk about our various craft and art projects, have lots of drinks and LOTS of laughs. In case you weren't able to make it, here's what you missed: I had a good chance to be loud and laugh a LOT, Morgan taught us how to make a tree out of wire, Eve got some knitting help from the fabulous and sweet Emily, Cathi made people laugh, we learned that FUN Shirley likes to be scandalous, Janice was jonesing for an L.A. Craft Mafia T-Shirt, Emelda was generous with her tools and supplies, cool Michelle drove a long way to hang out with us, Robert met a new guy friend, Kat and Diana both ruled the wire tree tute, Megan shared her awesome business cards with us and brought along her friend that designed them, we got to watch Harry pogo to an awesome song. I think everyone had a good time. I can't wait until the next meet up which will be at Saints and Sinners bar in Culver City in March!

Feb 19th meeting

Hi Everyone, we've had some questions about the meeting this week, so here's some more info:

I am doing a wire tree making demonstration... you don't have to participate, but it you want to bring some pliers (with wire cutting capability). I should have enough wire for everyone, but if you want a color other than green you will have to bring it yourself. Also, if you just want to watch the demonstration, that's fine, too.

Once you get to the Bigfoot lodge, come on in. We'll try to stake out a spot by the fireplace. You can find us with our craft mafia shirts... if you need visuals, see below:


Nichole (left) and Morgan (right)

7pm-10pm tuesday feb 19th
Bigfoot Lodge
3172 Los Feliz Blvd
Los Angeles, Ca 90039
323-662-9227
www.bigfootlodge.com/LAhome.html
There is plenty of well lit metered parking on Los Feliz Blvd that's FREE after 6pm, YES! There is also loads of free parking on the neighboring residential streets.

featured seller-Xochico

This week, we wanted to feature a seller, Alonso, that we met at the Derby Dolls match. His company is Xochico and they made these really awesome rear view mirror plushies. My car is a mess, so here they are hanging on my door knob, but you can get the gist of it. Nichole (Mucha Muchacha) couldn't stop talking about them and rightfully so.

If you go into any panaderia (Mexican Bakery) you will see sweet breads, including these "conchas." They are especially delicious and really interesting looking. So instead of some fuzzy dice, show your LA pride! They come in three colors/flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. They aren't listed on his website yet (http://www.xochico.com), but if you email him I'm sure he will sell some to you.

here's their official company bio

"Xochico (zo-CHEE'-ko) is a combination of two words:
Xochitl* + Company = Xochico.
*Xochitl, the Nahuatl (Aztec) word for flower. Also, the twentieth day of the Aztec calendar.

Maybe hard to remember, but once heard, not likely forgotten. Plus, we think it sounds cool. (Otherwise we wasted a lot of money on business cards.)
Xochico is a small California-based company that markets licensed and original goods to people who like unique products that you can't find just anywhere. Cool stuff, ethnic and international -- we bring a unique perspective to pop culture for those people who don't feel "represented" by traditional companies and products.
We're small but we hope to grow fast, offering new items. Check back often. You might be surprised."

February Craft Meet-Up!

Ok, mark your calendars for our next meeting:

It's going to be on Tuesday Feb 19th 7pm-10pm at Bigfoot Lodge. This meet-up is for crafties like yourself who'd like to learn about becoming a member or just wanna come out to have a good time with us! The fabulous Morgan Kessler of "I Wish I Had a Penguin Friend" will be doing this month's craft demo: "How to make a wire tree". So go grab your crafty friends, come out, grab a drink from the bar, giggle and talk crafty with everyone! Last months meet-up was a TON of fun;)

Here's the info:
Bigfoot Lodge
3172 Los Feliz Blvd
Los Angeles, Ca 90039
323-662-9227
www.bigfootlodge.com/LAhome.html
There is plenty of well lit metered parking on Los Feliz Blvd that's FREE after 6pm, YES! There is also loads of free parking on the neighboring residential streets.

This Saturday in L.A.!

Here's where you can find the L.A. Craft Mafia this Saturday. That's right, we'll be there along with 16 other vendors, including Cinnamon Roll Gang! Come to see the bout, check out all of the cools vendors, knock back a few drinks and see bands like The Black Widows, Chum, Jail Wedding and The Los Angeles Fearleaders. It's gonna be a blast..We'll see you there!!!

february meeting!

Ok, mark your calendars for our next meeting:

Tuesday Feb 19th 7pm-10pm....
somewhere on the Eastside
Craft for the night: wire tree demonstration!


more details to follow

Pics from I Made It! Market

Thanks to all of the vendors and shoppers that made it out to I Made It! Market in L.A. this last sunny Saturday afternoon! I've posted some pics of the event on my blog www.OhLookWhatIMade.blogspot.com so be sure to pop by and say hi.

New Artwork for Mucha Muchacha!

Here's the artwork that the talented and sweet Helena Garcia did for my fused glass jewelry business, Mucha Muchacha...I LOVE it! This is a portrait of me, my kitty Mito and my jewelry;) If you love it too, you can buy merchandise rocking this image here:

Wire Tree tutorial

Wire Tree Tutorial!  By Morgan

The image on the left 

is a really neat wire tree 

that I made when I was 

in college.  

People who saw them always liked them, but they took forever to make!

I saw an exhibit by Ruth Asawa and I combined her technique and my own to create a simplified way.

(my photos are blurry, I apologize in advance.)

what you need:

pliers with a wire cutter

and 22 or 24 gauge wire

Cut about 30 pieces of 

your wire and the length 

should vary between 

5 and 7 inches.

If the pieces are really bent,

try to straighten them a bit.

Line the pieces up on 

one side and bundle 

them between your 

fingers

You need to pull out 

about 8 strands 1 1/2" 

longer than the other 

pieces.  Grab them from

around the circumference 

of the bundle.  

This is what the tree 

will stand on.

Wrap the trunk of 

your tree.  Make sure 

not to cover the strands 

that you've pulled out.  

And leave about 

half of it unbundled

so you have enough 

space for the branches.

bend extra 1 1/2" 

of wire outward

Use your pliers to roll the 

sharp ends of the wire.  

This will protect the 

surface of what your tree 

rests on.

Adjust the wires so that it sits

evenly and it stands on its own.

now it's time to start 

making the branches!  

Usually, I make about 

5 main branches, 

but this is your tree!

You can make however 

many you want!

It's a good idea to look 

at trees without leaves. 

If you live in CA, like me 

you can google trees in the winter.

What's fun about this project 

(and frustrating) is that 

you're working in space.  

So if the tree looks great 

from one angle, rotate it 

and see how it changes. 

Here's how mine looks:

I also bend the ends at the top because I like to hang 

jewelry on my trees and I don't like getting scratched by

sharp wire.

But, if you're making it just for looks I do prefer the straight 

end look.

send us pictures of your wire trees:  losangelescraftmafia (at) yahoo.com  or post them in the comment section!

Southpark Flea Market Tomorrow Sun 2/10!

I'll be selling my fused glass jewelry out at Southpark flea market tomorrow! This is a new weekly event in downtown L.A. and believe me, it's NOT your typical flea market. The market is primarily made up of handmade items and vintage clothing. The producers of the market are finicky about which vendors they allow to sell at the market so that can bring YOU all the good stuff!
www.www.southparkfleamarket.com

Today!

Featured Artist: Cathi Milligan of Bead Brains

All week we'll be featuring some of the artists that you will be able to meet and buy from at this Saturday's I Made it! Market in downtown L.A. This is an indie craft show that we are co-hosting and we'd love for you and all of your crafty friends to come out and have a good time with us!

Todays featured artist is "Cathi Milligan, the creator of Beadbrains. It seems like I've always made jewelry. When I got the opportunity to learn glass beadmaking I jumped at the chance. It's so rewarding to work the hot glass into these great little pieces of art. I was learning how to make beads that were much more varied than anything out there I could buy. Now the jewelry I make is unique and special. Color combinations are my choice, not just what's available in the stores or catalogs. And as of recently I 've started playing with Precious Metal Clay and creating my own molds for fabricating fine silver findings and goodies for my jewelry."

Go to www.Imadeitmarket.blogspot.com for more info on I Made it! Market.

Featured Artist: Miriam Dema

All week we'll be featuring some of the artists that you will be able to meet and buy from at this Saturday's I Made it! Market in downtown L.A. This is an indie craft show that we are co-hosting and we'd love for you and all of your crafty friends to come out and have a good time with us!

Todays featured artist is Miriam Dema who "works primarily in printmaking with a focus of screen printing on found and altered surfaces. She also paints and draws in a variety of mediums. The process of assembling, drawing and photographing results in a diverse group of work encompassing limited edition screen prints, drawings, paintings, site-specific sculptural installations, photography and short film."

Go to www.Imadeitmarket.blogspot.com for more info on I Made it! Market.

Featured Artist: House of Lux

All week we will feature some of the artists that you will be able to meet and buy from at this Saturday's I Made it! Market in downtown L.A. This is an indie craft show that we are co-hosting and we'd love for you and all of your crafty friends to come out and have a good time with us!

Todays featured artist is House of Lux! "The House of Lux is excited to present a delightful new Infant & Toddler line, Haute Bebe. These beautiful, unique & thoughtful hand-made pieces, inspire the imagination and cater to those with distinct style and taste. Each item is designed to capture the nostalgic feel of days past while remaining current with the unique and exotic fabric choices. Haute Bebe strives to achieve elegance and luxury through it's fabrics and design details, giving a sophisticated feel without a lot of excess glitz. We believe children have enough sparkle on their own. Haute Bebe believes it's garments will become the items that you won't want to give away even when your child has long out-grown them. They will become memories of special moments in your little one's life."


Go to www.Imadeitmarket.blogspot.com for more info on I Made it! Market.

Featured Artist: Lexi of Handmade by Me!

All week we will feature some of the artists that you will be able to meet and buy from at this Saturday's I Made it! Market in downtown L.A. This is an indie craft show that we are co-hosting and we'd love for you and all of your crafty friends to come out and have a good time with us!

Todays featured artist is Lexi March Lee of Handmade by Me! This chickie is all over the crafty place. She paints awesome portraits, she crafts lovable stuffies and has t-shirt designs that will delight you!

Go to www.Imadeitmarket.blogspot.com for more info on I Made it! Market.

Featured Artist: Borderbaby Creations

All week we will feature some of the artists that you will be able to meet and buy from at this Saturday's I Made it! Market in downtown L.A. This is an indie craft show that we are co-hosting and we'd love for you and all of your crafty friends to come out and have a good time with us! Todays featured artist is Diana Sandoval of Borderbaby Creations and here's what she has to say: "My name is Diana Sandoval. Born in Mexico and raised in East Los Angeles. Growing up in this corner of Los Angeles has truly been a blessing for me. It has inspired me to bring forth my artistic and creative abilities to produce art pieces reflecting my culture. I never had formal training or instruction in the arts, yet I proudly credit both my grandmothers and my father for their great influence. I began painting and hand-crafting pieces for family and friends and seek to expand my work. I tend to be one of those "I paint as I go artist, creating whatever feels right for the moment. I don't have a particular style or theme, yet enjoy creating pieces that represent "Dia de Los Muertos", primarily because of its vibrant colors and it's folklore. I hope you enjoy my work as much as I enjoy producing it. It's my passion. They are my roots."

Go to www.Imadeitmarket.blogspot.com for more info on I Made it! Market.

Crafty Link Roundup!

ones you probably don't know about:



Craft:g33k
Some really cool craft tutorials that are sometimes geeky, but mostly awesome



Craftnight!
If you're in LA, I HIGHLY suggest that you check out this event. Every wednesday night at Akbar JP hosts craftnight! It's the kind of crafts that you did as a kid (and if you didn't, it's never too late). It's very social and friendly...




Indie Craft Fair Guide
A very cool resource of the bigger craft fairs in the country.



Contagious Graphics Printing
I, Morgan, get my stickers printed with this company. Price wise, they're the cheapest I've found and the customer service and quality has been great. If you're thinking about getting some stickers printed, use them (perhaps you would be nice enough to say Morgan from www.iwishihadapenguinfriend.com referred you). Also, sign up for their newsletter and they'll send you coupons.


Some you probably already know:



Etsy.com
(you probably know this one, but if you don't check it out IMMEDIATELY! It's a crafty, online marketplace



Felt Club
it's a great craft fair that comes around twice a year... don't miss it when it comes around next!



craftmafia
not in LA? Maybe there's a craft mafia in your city, or start your own!

This Weekend...

should prove to be a very productive one. I'm headed out tomorrow morning to see if I can sniff out a cheaper glass supplier for my fused glass jewelry. The word on the street is that if I'm willing to drive a bit farther I can save nearly 50% on all my supplies! I can't wait to see the huge, beautiful sheets of glass all lined up and organized...I'm sure to have a good time among all of the colors of the rainbow! What a lovely way to spend a morning.