Crafty Chica launches new line of funky and bold hand made jewelry aimed at Hispanic women

Arizona artist and book author Kathy Cano Murillo (a.k.a. Crafty Chica) releases a new line of colorful and chunky handmade earrings and bracelets adorned with bright colors and vintage Mexican images.

(PRWEB) February 8, 2004 --Being a "big-hair" girl all her life, Arizona artist and craft book author Kathy Cano Murillo (a.k.a. Crafty Chica)whipped up a line of big, bold chunky and colorful earrings that would stand out among her thick, dark and curly black hair.

She discovered she wasn't alone. Other Latinas were elated to discover Kathy's new designs, which she followed up with a line of picture bracelets featuring copies of vintage images from her Mexican-American culture.

"I wanted to find unique jewelry that was hip, edgy and classy - but that also had a Latino flair to it," says Cano Murillo. "I couldn't find anything, so I decided to make my own. Now I can't keep them in stock because so many other Latinas can relate. I've even sold pieces off my ears and arms to pleading buyers! The boutiques that carry my work tell me the same thing. Then these customers show their friends and, well that is what is keeping me so busy filling orders. I never realized there was such a cultural niche to be filled in jewelry design. I love that I tapped into it!"

She calls the line "Latina Power" and has unleashed them onto the retail world. The jewelry is currently being sold in boutiques, galleries and museum stores all over the country, from Arizona to Florida to New York City.

The earrings measure 4" round, are hand sculpted from polymer clay and hand painted in ornate detail. Retail $19.99.

The bracelets are made from wood, acrylic paints, micro stars and varnish. They feature six images including Frida Kahlo, the Virgin of Guadalupe, a Mexican cowgirl, a female skeleton for Day of the Dead, La Dama from Loteria (Mexican Bingo). Customers can choose from other themes as well such as religious images, Aztec, retro ads and racy Mexican romantic comic books and more. Each bracelet measures 7", has silver hardware and comes with a dangling milagro. Retail $30.

See examples at http://www.picturejewelry.com

Kathy Cano Murillo is a professional craft designer, newspaper columnist and artist. She resides in Phoenix, AZ with her artist/husband and two kids. She has authored three national craft books: Making Shadow Boxes & Shrines, La Casa Loca and the soon to be released The Crafty Diva's DIY Style Book. She is known as the Crafty Chica because of her web site (http://www.CraftyChica.com) that offers free craft projects. She has been an artist for 15 years.

Kathy's artwork and extended bio info can be found at http://www.craftychica.com. Use contact info below to find out where Kathy's pieces can be purchased around the country.