DIY Network

Latina Power A trio of projects to celebrate the arts and traditions of the Latin culture! From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-121

(Continued from page 1)

Latina Power continues with two colorfull projects: a beaded anklet or bracelet and a fabric prayer book that makes a meaningful gift for a special occasion.

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Beaded Anklet

Beaded Anklet

Materials:

glass beads
nylon thread
beeswax
beading needle
lobster clasp

1. Thread needle with a double thread and knot the end three times to secure. Add 15 beads and go through all beads to form a loop.

2. Go through loop three times to make it extra strong.

3. Add enough beads for the length of the project (120 beads for a small size), using multiples of 5, if possible.

4. Add lobster clasp at the end of the loop. Then add three beads and go back through the last three beads to form a small loop; go back through it three times.

5. Go through the first bead back into the long line; add 2 beads of the same color, 3 of another color and 2 more of the first color, to equal 7 beads.

6. Then go through bead #5. Leave 4 beads in the middle.

7. Repeat through the length of the anklet.

8. Turn around to start second layer. Go back through the first four beads of the loop.

9. Add 1 bead of secondary color, 2 of main color and 1 of secondary color; then add a bugle bead and 1 more of the secondary color, totaling 6 beads. Go through bead #4.

10. Add 2 of main color and 1 of secondary color; go through middle bead on upper loop.

11. Repeat through all loops of the anklet. Change strings.

12. Finish up by going back through the project and cutting any loose strings.

Super Santitos Fabric Prayer Book

Kathy Cano Murillo's Super Santitos Fabric Prayer Book

Materials:

8 pieces contrasting fabric, 10"x10" each (figure C)
1 package inkjet-printable fabric sheets
4 pieces of batting, 9-1/2"x9-1/2" each
assorted fabric scraps
assorted religious images
assorted trims: threads and/or embroidery floss, medals, milagros, buttons (figure D)
sewing machine or permanent fabric glue
scissors and straight pins

Figure C

Figure D

	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

1. Print the religious images on the fabric sheets, according to package directions, and cut them out.

2. Lay out the fabric squares (these are going to be the pages for the book). Arrange the images and fabric trims on each page, creating layout that you like. Pin the images and the trim in place.

3. Using the fabric glue or a sewing machine, attach the images in place on all the pages (figure E). If you want to embellish the book with embroidery or sewn-on buttons, medals or milagros, do it at this stage.

4. Pair up the pages in sets of two. Insert a piece of batting between each of the sets (figure F) and pin around the borders (make sure the pages are right side up on both sides). Sew or glue the edges of the pages together. Trim the edges to your liking.

5. Line up the pages and pin along the lefthand side. Use embroidery thread to stitch the book together (figure G). To add more embellishments, use hot glue.

Tips: Use contrasting threads and stitches to give the book more dimension. Don't worry about lining everything up--this is a free-form collage, so let your spontaneous creativity flow from your heart and out through your fingertips. It's okay for the pages and pictures to be crooked or for loose threads to hang--it will give the book more character.

Take it to the next level:

• Sew on an extra piece of fabric to create a pocket to hold prayer cards, a rosary or pictures.

• Incorporate personal pictures or prayers by printing them out on the fabric sheets and attaching them in the book.

• Personalize the book to give as a gift for baptisms, weddings or quinceañeras.

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RESOURCES :
Mexican-themed fabrics, oilcloth, trims
St. Teresa's Textile Trove
Website: www.sttheresatextile.com

Prayer cards. milagro and charms
Website: milagromercado.stores.yahoo.net/

GUESTS :

Kathy Cano Murillo
Website: www.craftychica.com

Carmen de Novais
Blog: www.phoenixfridas.blogspot.com

Anita Mabante Leach
Website: www.phoenixfridas.blogspot.com