Multi-layered, Exotic GODDESS Portrait | Guest Designer at StencilGirl

Hello there, lovely! I'm super excited to be over on the Stencil Girl blog as their Guest Designer, sharing my process on how to create a multi-layered, exotic goddess portrait.

::confetti toss + cartwheels:: 

Here are some sneak peeks for ya but you'll have to visit the Stencil Girl blog to see the full tutorial, OK?

Click here:

Arani, Goddess of Fire 

Deconstructed Floral Bouquet 

Rose Window and Border 

- See more at: http://www.stencilgirltalk.com/2015/05/multi-layer-art-jouranl-page-with.html#sthash.d1TJ4CHy.dpuf

sharing my process on how I created a multi-layered, exotic goddess portrait, combining three, very different stencils. These layers might look complex but I promise, they are simple + ultimately, produce a striking effect. - See more at: http://www.stencilgirltalk.com/2015/05/multi-layer-art-jouranl-page-with.html#sthash.oLt0pVj1.dpuf

Multi-Layer Art Journal Page with StencilGirl Guest Designer Martice Smith II

Multi-Layer Art Journal Page with StencilGirl Guest Designer Martice Smith II - See more at: http://www.stencilgirltalk.com/2015/05/multi-layer-art-jouranl-page-with.html#sthash.d1TJ4CHy.dpuf

sharing my process on how I created a multi-layered, exotic goddess portrait, combining three, very different stencils. These layers might look complex but I promise, they are simple + ultimately, produce a striking effect. - See more at: http://www.stencilgirltalk.com/2015/05/multi-layer-art-jouranl-page-with.html#sthash.oLt0pVj1.dpuf

sharing my process on how I created a multi-layered, exotic goddess portrait, combining three, very different stencils. These layers might look complex but I promise, they are simple + ultimately, produce a striking effect. - See more at: http://www.stencilgirltalk.com/2015/05/multi-layer-art-jouranl-page-with.html#sthash.oLt0pVj1.dpuf

sharing my process on how I created a multi-layered, exotic goddess portrait, combining three, very different stencils. These layers might look complex but I promise, they are simple + ultimately, produce a striking effect. - See more at: http://www.stencilgirltalk.com/2015/05/multi-layer-art-jouranl-page-with.html#sthash.oLt0pVj1.dpuf

sharing my process on how I created a multi-layered, exotic goddess portrait, combining three, very different stencils. These layers might look complex but I promise, they are simple + ultimately, produce a striking effect. - See more at: http://www.stencilgirltalk.com/2015/05/multi-layer-art-jouranl-page-with.html#sthash.oLt0pVj1.dpuf

I've taken three, very different stencils to create this portrait:

StencilGirl Stencils: Arani, Goddess of Fire; Deconstructed Floral Bouquet; Rose Window and Border

This portrait looks complex but my tip is to always start out simple...like this:

Oh look! Modeling paste!
...continuing with another art journal page, featuring modeling paste. I LOVE this stuff!

You gotta see how my page turned out! 

Please hop on over to see the finished art journal page + leave some comment love for me while you're there! THANKS a bunch :)

Multi-Layer Art Journal Page with StencilGirl Guest Designer Martice Smith II 

Multi-Layer Art Journal Page with StencilGirl Guest Designer Martice Smith II - See more at: http://www.stencilgirltalk.com/2015/05/multi-layer-art-jouranl-page-with.html#sthash.d1TJ4CHy.dpuf

Creating UNITY with Repetition

Hi! Today I'm talking about how to create unity in your art journal pages by repeating your favorite elements. If you follow The Documented Life Project, you'll know that our May challenge is all about my fave techniques...Touchy Feely (Texture) using modeling paste. Let's pLaY!!


Here's my supply list overview:
Gelli Arts® - Gel Printing Plate
Art journal
Modeling paste
  
Yummy colors to play with: 
Media Fluid Acrylics from DecoArt Media:

• Pyrrole Orange
• Quinacridone Red
• Cobalt Teal Hue
• Banana Cream (this one is by Americana)

+ small dot of Titanium White
+ small dot of Dark Grey Value 3

Stencils to hoard (oops! I mean to 'use'):
Alphabet Spaghetti
Snake skin
Deconstructed Floral Bouquet

Creating UNITY with Repetition

Repetition, one of the Principles of Design, is helpful when you're layering. Repeating elements (shapes, lines, colors, textures, etc.) creates unity within a work of art + helps you keep control as you build up layers.

Here are 3 tips on how to make this work:

TIP #1// Limit yourself to 3 or 4 stencils + colors, repeating them all over your page/canvas.

TIP #2// Play with a variety of sizes.

TIP #3// Overlap elements. (Use deli or tracing paper add extra dimension.)

Remember, once you master the rules, you can break them mugs like a #BOSS!

My process: 

• First, I decoupaged a yellow + orange monoprinted scrap onto my journal page.

• Then stamped with the Alphabet stencil; outlined certain areas with pencil.

• Glued a piece of deli paper tagged with my graffiti writing - making sure to overlap some of the Alphabet stencil + pencil marks.

• Add handmade washi tape.

• Finally, I applied paint with my fingers into the Deconstructed Floral Bouquet stencil. Wipe away some paint with baby wipe.

Creating UNITY with Repetition | collage by Martice Smith II

Oh look, there's more!

Here, I spread a very thin layer of modeling paste through my snake skin stencil. I played around with the ratio of modeling paste + water vs. modeling paste + glazing medium.  
My goal was to experiment to produce a translucent effect.

Ooooh weee!
I like the mixture of glazing medium the best. (The texture of the modeling paste softens up compared to the mixture of modeling paste + water, which produced teeny tiny air bubbles with no raised areas.)

See how the magenta peeks through the gray? That's because I used a glazing medium!
I know you just wanna reach into the screen + touch it, don'tcha?

...and of course, more hand-lettering ;-)...

Notice that I incorporated 3 variations of my hand-lettering:

variation #1: I wrote directly on the surface of the page with a black ink pen.

variation #2: Using the handle end of my paintbrush, I scribbled into the acrylic paint while it was still wet (gray area).

variation #3: I used a black Sharpie to write chunky letterforms onto a scrap piece of deli paper.

Great way to repeat the same element, in different ways. We're creating UNITY!

 

What kind of things do you intentionally repeat in your mixed-media collage works?

(If you're not sure, take another look at a few of your journal pages to find them, then come back to share a link in the comments so we can check 'em out, too!)

SOUL reminders, continued

Your goal is simple: you want to share your artwork online, without feeling so intimidated.

...but insecurity stands in your way...I get it.

You're all giddy to share your cool art photos, so you go to the computer, upload your photos…

you get distracted, start browsing social media + you see the mass of gorgeous artworks flooding your newsfeed, scroll after scroll…the more you look, the more depressed you become.

::sigh::

BOOM!! You stop, dead-in-your-tracks.

You think to yourself: "My friends + family are gonna wonder why I'm suddenly calling myself an ARTIST", or, "What if they don't 'get' me"?

You start imagining people's facial expressions when they look at your art…you wonder if they are gonna turn up their nostrils like it's some 3-day old tomato + onion sandwich, topped with Uncle Anthony's 'specialty' sauce packed with unknown ingredients.

You cancel your upload, deciding to put sharing on hold - maybe even say something like "Oh, I'll just post it later when I have the time".

You + I both know good 'n well that ain't happenin'.

Do you ever feel like sharing YOUR work online is just like this?

Well, I use to! Heck yeah, I'll be the first to admit it.

That Mr. Nasty Doubt still tries to lurk but ever since I started writing down my SOUL reminders, he gets a K.O. (knockout). Every time.

I believe these insecure thoughts come from a place of being ungrounded within ourselves.

Truth is, not everyone will like every single piece of artwork you share…and that's OK!

However, there is always someone that will. Just give it time for them to arrive. There is no artwork that's wasted - especially if you put your heart into it.

Here's one quick trick to end your insecurity nightmares:

Write a list of things that makes YOU shine.

Simply, write down things you admire about yourself.

*need ideas? read my SOUL reminders, here*

I made a super cute printable, just for you!

SOUL reminders - Collage freebie
This freebie is 8.5" x 11"; contains (1) journaling list (1) journaling card + (2) sticker labels.
Designed using my own hand-carved stamps, brushwork + hand-lettering. Enjoy!

Click here to download

Because sharing should be fun + you should like sharing your art YOUR WAY.

My special request…
My goal is to empower creatives, like you, to build up a positive, internal language. The best way I can do that is by knowing more about YOU. And the way you speak to yourself.

Besides, that's what friends do, right?

Please share your #1 SOUL reminder in the comments section of this blog post.

Hey, we all should talk to ourselves a little more often. Let's make those words positive!

SOUL reminders

Here is a quote that has rung so loud for me today...I hope it inspires you, too!

"Whatever you can do or dream, BEGIN it. 

BOLDNESS has genius, 

POWER + MAGIC in it." {Goethe

writing down sweet, SOUL reminders

I am relaxing this afternoon to write down sweet soul reminders for myself. It's always good to have these messages of support...all the things I need to hear.

I plan on revisiting these soul reminders thru out the year for extra boosts of encouragement. I really like the idea that I will be able to look back on this to feel all the LOVE + SOUL all over again!

::>> ENTER: warm, tingling feelings <<::

You should write your own soul reminders - I promise it'll bring a smile to your face :)

Here are my soul reminders:
1// embrace POSSIBILITY

2// your boldness is electrifying!

3// your smile is contagious

4// my tribe "gets" me + we HONOR each other

5// I BELIEVE in YOU + YOUR DREAMS

6// be a VISIONARY. My well is full of wisdom...TRUTH-SEEKING is my super power.

What are some of YOUR soul reminders?

have an amazing, light filled weekend
xo,

My lesson airs TODAY for Sunday Mornings 2...sneak peek

My lesson for Mindy Lacefield's online class, Sunday Mornings 2: Journaling, airs TODAY!

I'm so impressed by the students who are sharing their work with us + especially opening their hearts to receive God's word.

You can still join us! You'll have "forever access" to the class materials. This means that you can work at your own pace.

You can find registration details, HERE.

I hope to see you in class!

Sneak peek of me working on my demo piece for Sunday Mornings 2: Journaling with Mindy Lacefield

Paper Collage and Stenciled Card

Paper collages are very easy to make and they're the perfect craft activity for the kids!
Since Mother's Day is just a couple of days away, you can whip this up in no time.

I love creating cards like this because it's so personal and, I promise you, they will hold up way better than a regular, store bought card. I credit the layering of monoprints, paper scraps + thick decoupage!

Oh, I should also mention, this is a terrific way to use up those paper scraps you have laying around - time to let them go, my friend!

Meet me over on the Helmar Blog to see the full tutorial + leave some comment love ;)

Paper Collage & Stencil Card  |  TUTORIAL

Radiant Neon Amplify! | Product Review

Have you ever tried the new Radiant Neon Amplify! writers?
No? Well, now is a good time to start! I'll show you a few ways to use these bad boys in my product review, which has been published on the Mixed Media Art website.

(Side note: I get so jazzed when my articles and tutorials get published...even though I am on the Article Writers Team, which means, tutorials are to be expected every month. To me, it's like watching my dream unfold all over again, each time.)

This month, I had the wonderful opportunity to play (oops! I mean "work") with a new line of paint products from Imagine Crafts + write up a helpful review.

Selection of Radiant Neon Amplify! writers | Product Review

Splash a bit of neon color on your mixed-media art creations! I'm sharing my review of the Radiant Neon Amplify! Writers by Imagine® Crafts. Discover how versatile and playful you can be with these products. Learn how to use them on the Gelli Arts® - Gel Printing plate, in your art journal and even with a stencil. After this review, you'll be wanting to add the Radiant Neon Amplify! Writers to your art supply stash!

I even used a few of these colors in my Art Journal Flip Thru VIDEO!

Can you guess which warm colors I used? 

Sunday Mornings 2 Starts TODAY

Hey sweet souls, today's the day we start our new class!

Sunday Mornings 2: Journaling is hosted by Mindy Lacefield. We will be having LOTS of fun in this class, learning new techniques, mastering old ones, connecting with other artsy souls + most importantly, expressing our God-given artistic abilities!

I believe this is a great way to reach people where they are + build them up while sharing our personal stories + love for Christ...are you joining us?

Registration is still open. Click on the image for more details / registration.

 Many blessings to ya! Hope to see ya in class...