Dec 20, 2015

Getting Creative with Cases and Stencils


Hellooo art sistahs! 

Have you ever purchased a plain protective case for your cell phone or iPad with the intention of decorating it yourself, only to realize months have flown by + you're still carrying around that plain ol' tablet case...in public?! ::gasp::

Now, you know betta than that, my friend.

You are an ARTIST!

Use this "blank canvas" as an opportunity to let your gift of creativity shine!


Yes, the color is in your favorite shade of violet but wouldn't you LOVE it even more if yours was customized, making you wanna break dance every time you took it out of your bag to check your email?

I was commissioned to design this special tablet case + documented my entire process, with step-by-step photos.

You will learn how to transform a solid-colored tablet case into a wildly colorful one you won't wanna put down! 

Customized Tablet Case | by Martice Smith II

Customized Tablet Case; StencilGirl stencils, acrylics + paintbrushes

Stencils used in this tutorial: 

Scribble Scratch Handwriting by Carolyn Dube,
Deconstructed Floral Bouquet by Traci Bautista,
Rose Window and Border by Lizzie Mayne

You should've seen how nervous I was to get started...

I didn't want to "ruin" it for my client. BUT she gave me so much encouragement to do my thing + she reassured me that I shouldn't worry because there was no way I could mess it up. 

So, my first marks looked like this...

Customized Tablet Case; first layer of paint

CLICK HERE to see the full tutorial, over on the StencilGirl Talk blog!

Oh! Please be sure to leave a comment letting me know your favorite thing to customize.


Thank you lovelies!



Oct 9, 2015

Whimsical Watercolor Gift Tags and Boxes




Thank you to DecoArt for sponsoring this post!

I designed this project to be super quick, fun + easy to make with just a few special products. DecoArt has a new mixed media line that includes everything you need (Guess what? These little boxes came with my order! Ha! Dont'cha just love re-purposing?)

Supplies:
DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics:
  • Diarylide Yellow 
  • Primary Magenta 
  • Pyrrole Orange 
  • Titan Buff 
  • Titanium White
DecoArt Media Products:
  • DecoArt white gesso 
  • Metallic Lustre- Gold Rush 
  • paintbrushes (Filbert + 2" flat) 
  • palette knife
other supplies + tools:
  • 140-lb Watercolor paper (I like the textured look of cold-press)
  • container of water 
  • paper towels 
  • hair dryer
  • Kraft boxes 
  • markers + pens to decorate boxes 
  • embroidery thread 
  • scissors or decorative punch to create tags 
  • eyelets 



STEPS 1 and 2: Apply clean water to paper with 2 inch flat brush.

Saturate the paper with water but don't allow it to puddle.

(Loose brushstrokes will help the paint flow more spontaneously, in the following steps.)

Select a base color - lightest color
Titan Buff is my first layer of color. Immediately add water to the paint. Paint most of the paper but leave the white of the paper untouched in a few areas. Let dry.

--> Quick tip: A hair dryer speeds up the drying process! 



STEP 3: Continue layering paints (light to dark) 

Gently push the paint around with a filbert paintbrush. Spritz water onto paper surface to force paints to blend without leaving hard edges. This technique creates our beautiful watercolor effect!

Here's the order:  Diarylide Yellow, Pyrrole Orange, Primary Magenta, Titanium White.
(Titanium White was added last, to keep the surrounding colors bright. Remember to allow paints to blend with each other for a variegated wash.)

I love bold, eye catching colors so it's no surprise that DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics are my absolute essentials! They are highly concentrated, pigmented acrylics that will not fade. ONE drop goes a loooong way.

Bonuses...they are professional grade, intermixable + affordable so you can get a whole range of colors to play with.

Did you know DecoArt Media products can now be found at JoAnn.com or at your local JoAnn Fabric and Craft store?


Ooooo! I love how this looks! I hesitated on the thought of cutting this beauty up so I decided to scan it so that I could use it as many times as I wanted. Brilliant idea, right?! ;-)

Once you are satisfied with how the watercolor effect looks, dry the front and back of the paper with a hair dryer or heat gun. (This method ensures that all paper fibers are thoroughly dry.)


STEP 4: Decorate kraft boxes

Use markers or pens to draw whimsical botanicals, scalloped edges + doodles.

A white china marker is great for creating a hazy, cloud-like effect!

Sharpie markers are my favorite because of their opaque, creamy look on most surfaces.



STEP 5: Make round tags, then embellish!

Use a decorative punch or scissors to create your gift tags.

Or, lightly trace around a circular object with a pencil to create perfect circles.

Cut circles out with scissors or a circle punch, if you have one.


Next, scrape a very small amount of white gesso through a letter stencil with a palette knife.

Give your tags a punch of shimmer by rubbing Metallic Lustre in Gold Rush onto the letter with your finger.

--> Quick tip: The Metallic Lustre is water-soluble so if you accidentally get some of it in an area you don't want, you can go in with a paintbrush + water to clean it up.


STEP 6: Punch eyelets onto kraft boxes + attach gift tags

Punch one hole on the front of your kraft boxes, then another hole at the top of your round tag.

String embroidery floss through the eyelet + gift tag, then tie into a bow.


Here are my finished whimsical watercolor gift tags + gift boxes...

What do you think? Do you like creating handmade gifts? How often do you make them?


Thanks for visiting me today!

For more info on each product, visit DecoArt.com/mixedmedia.

Indulge in more creativity! DecoArt Mixed Media blog is a great place to find inspiration, tips + the latest design team creations. 

We LOVE hearing from you, too! 

Share your projects with us by using these hashtags: #decoartmedia #decoartprojects #mixedmedia



Oct 8, 2015

Graffiti Backdrop Tutorial for DecoArt Mixed Media Design Team

Whoa! I have been invited to join the phenomenal design team at DecoArt! My first project as their NEW DESIGN TEAM MEMBER is already up on their blog. 

Say what, say what?!!!

One of things I love about being a photographer is that I get to style photo shoots. Bringing "life" to  various products, clothing, accessories, home decor + artwork in fun ways to help potential customers "see" how it would look in their own space.

Backdrops are essential because they help accentuate the personality/characteristics of the subject that's being photographed. The one I made for you brings an instant surge of excitement + energy!

Graffiti Statement Backdrop TUTORIAL by Martice Smith II
Graffiti Statement Backdrop TUTORIAL by Martice Smith II

My style is bold, cultural, urban + feminine (but, you already knew that!) This graffiti canvas backdrop complements that + it's very chic for parties or your studio wall inspiration.

Graffiti Statement Backdrop TUTORIAL by Martice Smith II


Don't miss out: Visit the DecoArt Media Blog to see the full tutorial!



DecoArt Mixed Media Art Blog




Oct 1, 2015

Artsy Tote Bag - Guest Designer on Artistcellar

Hi friends!
How do you like to carry your artwork? Do you have special box or bags you haul your work in? 


I am thrilled to have been invited as Guest Designer on the Artistcellar blog!

I am sharing a fun tutorial on how to create your very own artsy tote bag(Thanks to Lisa for providing Artistcellar's most popular stencils!)

Stencil Metallic Tote Bag, TUTORIAL  | Guest post on the Artistcellar blog

Not many of you know this but ya girl can get down on a sewing machine!

Sewing is another one of my passions. (No worries if you're not machine savvy - this tutorial is great for beginners and/or those who don't sew often.)

Stencil Metallic Tote Bag, TUTORIAL
I'll see you in the comments over on the Artistcellar blog!

Enjoy :)




Sep 21, 2015

Pattern Play ATCs

Happy Monday! My last post as a design team member is published on the Helmar Adhesives blog. 

Today is kinda bittersweet for me: my heart is a bit tender because I have to move on...I no longer get to work with some of the most supportive women artists (I'm sure we'll keep in touch, though!) but being a member of the Helmar design team has opened up a few, incredible opportunities + many more ways to share my art with you. What a blessing!

I would like to add that Helmar is an incredibly generous company to collaborate with + they have *the best* selection of adhesives for every type of project you can imagine...for reals y'all

>>> check out the tutorials at the end of this post to learn how I used their products ;-)

For my last Helmar tutorial, I bring to you: 

Pattern Play ATCs


 Pattern Play ATCs by Artist Martice Smith II
Pattern Play ATCs  | tutorial by Martice Smith II


If you missed one of my FREE tutorials on the Helmar blog, no problemo!

You can check them all out, right here:

...let me know which one is your fave!


LOVED these tutorials? Then you will also love my FREE art letter even more. Why? Because I get to shower YOU with digital gifts, artful musings, creative biz jumpstarts + you have access to download a free art print every month!


Click the button below to subscribe NOW so we can get to playin' in some paint!







Aug 22, 2015

Belladonna inspiration and Yummilicious collage papers

Hey hey, lovelies!
I LOVE going for early morning meditation walks. During my walk yesterday, I saw these gorgeous Belladonna lilies and quickly took a photo of them to share with you + I knew they would inspire me to play, once I got back in the studio...

Even though portions of these flowers are wilting, I find beauty in it all.
** Do you see how the centers of the lilies resemble mini suns? 
** Take a closer look: notice the subtle change of bubblegum pink color fading into a warm tan color as the flower wilts away.
** the grass is dead YET these are still blooming!

Perfect example of how WE should find ways to THRIVE in less than ideal circumstances.

Belladonna Lilies; Color palette inspiration from Martice's nature walk
Belladonna Lilies; Color palette inspiration from my nature walk

Side note: I just realized these compliment my sizzlin' Summer colors! Hmmm, makes me wonder if I could be looking for these colors, subconsciously...

Back in the studio, I imported my picture into Photoshop. I selected 5 colors directly from the picture (using the eyedropper tool), to create my own color palette. 

My idea was to design a collection of collage papers ONLY using these colors + white. Ha! Not as hard as I thought it would be!

Guess what? There will be an awesome collection of these yummilicous papers, so keep watch!
 (Better yet, you should join my MUSELetter to know when they're released.)


Each collage paper overflows with intricate stamp + stencil detailing, abstract shapes, patterns, doodling, mantras + of course, it wouldn't be me if it didn't have bold COLOR IMPACT!

Take a look at this one on my desk...
Yummilicious Collage Papers by Martice Smith II
Yummilicious Collage Papers by Martice Smith II

For these collage papers, I mixed my own colors, using: DecoArt Media Fluid acrylics:
Pyrrole Orange
Vermilion
Quinacridone Magenta

DecoArt Americana acrylics:
Banana Cream
Dragon Fruit
Yellow Ochre 

other tools: 
8"x10" Gelli Arts® - Gel Printing Plate
Handmade Foam Stamps and Printing Plates (click to see tutorial!)


Enjoy the sunshine + inspire yourself! Happy creating :)



Aug 18, 2015

Paintbrush Repair

Hello friends! 

Would you believe me if I told you that the brushes in the picture below are NEW?! Yes, these brushes are STILL NEW! A life cut short in only 2 months and + to make matters worse, they broke while I was painting. ::sigh, puppy dog eyes::

Do you have paintbrushes that look like this? Ok, I'll confess: these are the really inexpensive kind. You know, the ones in the kids' craft section in the art supply store? Yes, I have a few of 'em too!

Helmar's Silicone Adhesive Sealant.

*Paintbrush Repair first seen on Helmar Adhesive's blog.



I like to use these as texture + mark-making brushes but NOT for detailed work. Why? Because the bristles are too limp they have a tendency to fall out. Not cool, is it?


The photos below are easy to understand but I want to share a few pointers introduce you to Helmar Silicone Adhesive Sealant if you haven't heard of it before.


Some reasons why the ferrule detaches from the wooden handle:

  • If you let your paintbrushes soak in a water jar too long, the wood expands (acts like a sponge) and loosens the glue inside the ferrule.
  • naturally happens in humid climates
  • tapping the brush too hard during cleaning
  • A sign that your paintbrushes may be too cheap. This has been the case for all of my craft brushes that have done this. (I've heard expensive brushes have this problem, as well.) 

Silicone Adhesive Sealant is great because you don't have to worry about it loosening up like regular glue. There's a super tight, waterproof bond + it's permanent! According to the packaging, it is a multi-purpose, industrial-grade sealant that dries clear + flexible.

Can be used on paper, aluminum, powder-coated metals, stainless steel, glass, most woods plastics, canvas, porcelain, rubber, concrete, cement products, metals like zinc copper.

Let's recap:

1. Always ensure surfaces are clean, dry + free from dirt or grease. Do not apply a sealant to wet surfaces.

2. When applying sealant, ensure that the sealant bond has good surface contact. (Secure cap immediately otherwise a cured plug will form in the top of the tube making it difficult to use the product again.)

3. Reattach the ferrule with its handle.
Sealant will ooze out of the ferrule. Wipe away the excess. Helmar Silicone Adhesive Sealant sets within 10 minutes, cures in 7 days.

Remember, when purchasing art supplies, you get what you pay for.

You can't always expect cheap products to yield superior performance. 

Invest in a couple of high-quality brushes, when you can.
You deserve the best!




Jul 29, 2015

I am lovin' these 4 colors!

Playing with a few sizzlin' summer colors today!

I know you LOVE it when I share my desk cam sneak peeks. (Thank you to everyone who requested to see more!!)

You also know how much I love color, so, today I want to share with you, 4 swoon-worthy colors that are making me super happy right now:
  • Yellow Ochre - Americana Acrylic (DecoArt)
  • Hansa Yellow Medium - Fluid Acrylic (DecoArt)
  • Quinacridone Magenta - Fluid Acrylic (DecoArt)
  • White Pearl - Pearlescent ink (Daler-Rowney)
MarticeSmithART-paints-color palette
Desk cam! Martice's current color palette: Yellow Ochre, Hansa Yellow Medium, Quin. Magenta and White Pearl (ink)


This week, I've been working on one-of-a-kind, handmade art journals . Every single page is custom-designed with painty goodness, textures, creative hand lettering + personal symbology.

My idea behind these beauties is to have them work as collaborative journals. Simply put: I start them, you finish them. There's so much more to come! Stay tuned :)

What are your favorite colors to use while art journaling?



Jul 26, 2015

Digital Quote Collage

Hey BeauTiful SouLS!

Have you ever wanted to merge your ‪‎mixed media‬ creations with ‪‎digital art‬ techniques but feel so intimated by technology? Don't know where to start?

Well, you've got perfect timing...
By popular request, I have put together a FREE tutorial called



Digital Quote Collage | Tutorial by Martice Smith II | http://bit.ly/DigitalQuoteCollage

I take the mystery out of creating art in the digital realm, using easy-to-understand terms, so that you can transform your art like never before.

Digital Quote Collage | Tutorial by Martice Smith II | http://bit.ly/DigitalQuoteCollage
Digital Quote Collage | Tutorial by Martice Smith II


Now is the time to step up your digital art creating game and develop the art you envision!

Oh just think of the possibilities that are waiting for YOU!! 
Leap here for the tutorial >> http://bit.ly/DigitalQuoteCollage <<

**side note: Although this quote isn't word-for-word, the essence remains the same. Thanks for looking!


http://bit.ly/MSARTnewsletter

Jul 25, 2015

Monoprinted Scrap Collage

use up those scraps of leftover, monoprinted papers!
This is a really cool technique to show off the best parts and to play with different patterns and textures in your artwork. 

I have a plethora of scraps, created from my Gelli Arts® - Gel Printing Plate. If you're anything like me, you never want to throw away those precious paper scraps. There's always a future project you could use them for, right? Right?? ::wink::
- See more at: http://helmarusa.typepad.com/#sthash.P3NZ7gfd.dpuf
use up those scraps of leftover, monoprinted papers!
This is a really cool technique to show off the best parts and to play with different patterns and textures in your artwork. 

I have a plethora of scraps, created from my Gelli Arts® - Gel Printing Plate. If you're anything like me, you never want to throw away those precious paper scraps. There's always a future project you could use them for, right? Right?? ::wink::
- See more at: http://helmarusa.typepad.com/#sthash.P3NZ7gfd.dpufThis is a really cool technique to show off the best parts and to play with different patterns and textures in your artwork. 

I have a plethora of scraps, created from my Gelli Arts® - Gel Printing Plate. If you're anything like me, you never want to throw away those precious paper scraps. There's always a future project you could use them for, right? Right?? ::wink:: 
Happy Saturday, my friends!

I just can't get rid of these pretty papers! But seriously: can you blame me?!
>> this girl's on the verge of needing an intervention << Hey, I bet you've felt like this, too.
 
If you're anything like me, you never want to throw away those precious paper scraps. Why? Because there's always a future project you could use them for.  Right? Right?? ::wink::

Therefore, I bring to you...

Monoprinted Scrap Collage

Monoprinted Scrap Collage | Tutorial by Martice Smith II (http://bit.ly/PaperScrapCollage)
Monoprinted Scrap Collage | Tutorial by Martice Smith II

Half of my desk is overflowing in BUNDLES of scraps, created from my Gelli Arts® - Gel Printing Plate, stencils, stamps - you name it, I've got it! LOL!
...so many colors, patterns, textures...
I'm tempted to just roll around in these piles! 

Monoprinted Scrap Collage | Tutorial by Martice Smith II (http://bit.ly/PaperScrapCollage)
Monoprinted Scrap Collage | auditioning Gelli printed scraps; adhering them with glue
 


As always, you're welcome to share! Invite your best friends to play with us.
Send them this link: http://bit.ly/PaperScrapCollage

use up those scraps of leftover, monoprinted papers!
This is a really cool technique to show off the best parts and to play with different patterns and textures in your artwork. 

I have a plethora of scraps, created from my Gelli Arts® - Gel Printing Plate. If you're anything like me, you never want to throw away those precious paper scraps. There's always a future project you could use them for, right? Right?? ::wink::
- See more at: http://helmarusa.typepad.com/#sthash.P3NZ7gfd.dpuf

http://bit.ly/MSARTnewsletter

Jul 1, 2015

PUBLISHED in A World of Artist Journal Pages

Somebody pinch me, please :)
I *finally* got my hands on a signed copy of Dawn Sokol's new book, A World of Artist Journal Pages. And guess what...

I'm published!! Hollllla!

Martice gets PUBLISHED in A World of Artist Journal Pages!
 Martice gets PUBLISHED in A World of Artist Journal Pages!
1000+ Artworks
230 Artists
30 Countries


What an honor for me to be included as an artist who inspires so many throughout the art journaling community! 

This book is packed with a plethora of interviews, thought-provoking art, oh, I've also discovered a few techniques that are new to me...gonna have a PlaYdaTe this weekend, that's for sure!

come closer to my journal pages...enjoy :-)

Journal page #1 Titled: "I Am Flourishing without Fear"
Martice Smith II, journal page, PUBLISHED in A World of Artist Journal Pages
Mixed media: image transfers, acrylic, oil pastels, graphite, scrapbook paper + gesso on telephone book pages


Journal page #2 Titled: "Abstracted Flora"

Martice Smith II, journal page, PUBLISHED in A World of Artist Journal Pages
Mixed media: image transfer, watercolor, pressed leaves + flowers, oil pastels, ribbon + gesso on telephone book pages

Wanna be among the first to peek inside my art journals + get access to dozens of mixed media art tutorials, created to help you develop your own style?

Martice Smith II, journal pages, PUBLISHED in A World of Artist Journal Pages
If so, hop on over to my MUSEletter + join the SOUL tribe (click image, below)

http://bit.ly/MSARTnewsletter


A BIG OL' THANKS to DAWN SOKOL for curating such a visual feast!
Martice Smith II, PUBLISHED in A World of Artist Journal Pages
A World of Artist Journal Pages, curated by Dawn DeVries Sokol

Martice Smith II, PUBLISHED in A World of Artist Journal Pages

Journal on!