Creating Washi Tape with Masking Tape

Washi tape seems to be one of those "must-have" art supplies among us mixed-media + collage artists.

I bet you have seen many varieties of this delicate, transparent tape - decorated in just everything you can imagine. You can find washi tape in varying widths + decorated with glitter, butterflies, mustaches (ha haa), text, numbers, faces, inspirational words, scriptures (my fave!)...the list goes on.

I finally decided to try my hand at making my very own - you know - so I don't spend a fortune on buying them. This girl likes to buy in bulk! So, my experiment begins... 

Creating Washi Tape with Masking Tape

I already had two rolls of semi-transparent masking tape on hand, so I used them. (You can purchase them from the Dollar Store, too!)

Next, I had to find a surface where I could lay the tape down + reposition, if needed, without tearing it.

I create hand-made stencils and templates with transparencies so I had a lot of them in stock. I decided to use a clean transparency as my base to keep the tape stationery while I stamped.
...worked like a charm!

STEP 1 // Cover the entire surface of the transparency with strips of masking tape. 

STEP 2 // Select a variety of stamps + inks you want to use

 

RubberMoon Alphabet stamp + my own, hand-carved numbers stamp

STEP 3 // Ink the stamps

I really like the coverage of VersaFine inks (by Imagine Crafts / Tsukineko). They are archival, instant dry pigment inks and the colors stay bold and vibrant - perfect!

For this project, I used Onyx Black and simply applied the ink by dabbing a generous amount on top of the stamp I was working on.

Oh, look at these cute pandas! I LOVE me some pandas! 

STEP 4 // Drying time + Varnishing

Now, the only complaint I have about working on masking tape is that it takes forever for the ink to dry. I did use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process but once the ink was dry, it still smeared just a bit.

I'd recommend letting them dry overnight and spraying them with a matte finish varnish to protect them.

Other stamps used: Script and border flourish stamps from Stampendous Stack Art Kit; Butterfly (A Stamp in the Hand Co.)

*Note: this project has been submitted to: Mixed Media Monthly Challenge #6  - STAMPS!*

 Overall, I'm super happy with the results!

Have you ever made your own washi tape? If so, add a link in the comment section...I'd love to see it!


Happy creating, xoxo

Origami Gift Boxes

It's about that time, friends!
The holidays are right around the corner and people are getting ready for gift-giving.

I've always loved a beautifully hand-made gift...who doesn't?!
Especially when the gift comes from someone who cherishes YOU just as much as the gift they are giving.

Today, I'm sharing what's on my desk: 

 Origami Gift Boxes

These are super easy ("last-minute-gifts") to make and I love making them because I can embellish them however I want. 

No two will ever be the same and as a bonus to me, folding paper can be a great stress reliever...especially around this time of year!

RubberMoon Stamp: 
ge2747 - snowmen w/scarve

Black gesso paper sprayed with texture and glitter sprays (Tsukineko/Imagine Crafts)

 Come on over to the RubberMoon Arts blog to see the whole project...

 Happy Holidays!

Sneak peek number 2...And the WINNER is...

Hey friends! As promised, here's sneak peek #2!

These are monoprints, pulled directly off my Gelli Arts^® - Gel Printing Plate.
I played with neon fluorescent paints by DecoArt and, of course, incorporated some bold mark making and graffiti.
 
I *LOVE* the grungy textures and build up of color I get with each print. I've already learned sooo much from this intuitive painting process...I'll be teaching you in my lesson in the 'My Color is Beautiful Art' 2015 workshop.
By the way, did YOU win? (The winner of my giveaway is at the bottom of this post...)

Registration is now open, so if you didn't win, don't worry - you can still join us! The ENTIRE workshop is $49USD. You totally deserve this unique experience from some of the most talented mixed media artists out there. (my bad, I'm a tad bit biased, lol!)

In my class, I can and will meet you at your level - beginner or more advanced. We're gonna have a blast!

....Enjoy the peeks...

Sampling of monoprints/Gelli® prints created for my upcoming workshop, 'My Color is Beautiful Art'

Did you miss the first sneak peek? Click HERE to learn more about my fun, 3-part lesson.

Click the orange button, below, to register for the workshop.

You'll be redirected to Tiare Smith's website (she's the coordinator of this whole shebang)...

At the bottom of her post, you'll find the registration info. Check out from there and you're good to go!

Got questions? No problemo! Leave a comment or email me HERE and I'll help you ASAP.

***The winner is....Sue Chesley***CONGRATULATIONS!

Thank you all for helping me spread the word and entering my giveaway. I appreciate YOU! xoxo

Later!

My Color is Beautiful Art Workshop 2015 - OPEN for Registration!

Today is YOUR day!

Registration has opened up for the exciting, brand new art workshop experience of:

My Color is Beautiful Art 2015!

Come immerse yourself in a visual feast of yummy color, gelli plate textured prints, and soulful imagination from 8 super talented ladies. There's something for everyone, in this new offering You DESERVE to treat yourself to this! JOIN US, here!

It's sparkly and beautiful and filled with an INCREDIBLE line up of teachers! :) Wow! It's so rewarding to do this for so many people. I'm just overjoyed with how many people's lives this project is enriching!

---->> The entire workshop is $49 Yes! Super deal for all the great offerings you'll get. <<----

Later on today, I'll have another post for you with another peek into what I'll be teaching (I shared my first sneak peek right HERE).

I'll also announce the WINNER of my giveaway for a free seat in the entire workshop...stay tuned :)

Peace & Love!

My Color is Beautiful Art 2015 Workshop - Blog Hop Day 3

WELCOME to Day 3 of the

'My Color is Beautiful Art' Blog Hop!

I'm so excited to have you as my guest today. I want to thank Tiare Smith for kicking off the blog hop so nicely.

This will be my first time teaching an online course and I'm truly grateful to have such wonderful people -such as yourself - to encourage and support me along the way. Who could ask for more?!


OK, enough mushy talk! I have so much FUN stuff to share with you about the lesson I'll be teaching.

Celebrating YOU in all of your glorious colors - Join the fun!

There will be 3 Phases:

1st Phase:

• Loosen up and have fun! We'll start the class with painting abstract backgrounds - exploding with vibrant, energetic colors.

Enjoy a few sneak peeks...

2nd Phase:

• Learn to embrace your sacred, whimsical doodles and incorporate them into powerful, tribal symbols

3rd Phase:

• Creating cardboard stencils
• Screen Printing (incorporating bold, tribal symbols)
• Mounting your artwork for display

We'll learn a fun, quick and low-tech screen printing technique using cultural and personal symbols as stencils.

At the end of our lesson, we'll have an amazing tribal-inspired poster, showcasing our own, eye-catching symbols and doodles. YOU CAN DO THIS!

Still wanna see more?! Sneak peek #2 is right HERE

update, 11/11: **Giveaway is now closed**

Now, it's time for my G I V E A W A Y . . .

Complete the form below for a chance to win a free spot in 

'My Color is Beautiful Art' 2015 Workshop

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You have until Monday, Nov. 10th to enter. I will announce the winner on Tuesday, Nov. 11th (CST).

Thank you for helping me spread the word!  I look forward to meeting you all in the workshop.

Remember: You can also get an EXTRA entry to win a spot by visiting the blog hop on Tiare's Blog HERE

Next in line is the lovely and oh-so-fabulous, Mystele!

Peace and love,

My Color is Beautiful Art 2015 Workshop - Blog Hop Day 1

WOOOO HOO! The blog hop for the 'My Color is Beautiful Art' 2015 Workshop has officially started! That's right - we are in full effect!

'My Color is Beautiful Art' 2015 Workshop

Today, you can check out general info about the workshop and even download a nice PDF, highlighting each instructor. (grab your copy on Tiare's website)

Several instructors, including me, will host a GIVEAWAY - so you have plenty of chances to win a spot in a class!

Each day during this hop, you'll get to meet a different instructor. This is the perfect time to meet your teacher and learn more about her. C'mon, don't be shy...

Here is the Blog Hop Schedule! 

KICK-OFF! November 1 – Tiare Smith (general info about workshop)  

• November 2 – Amanda Trought - http://realityarts-creativity.blogspot.com/
• November 3 – Martice Smith II <<Meet me back here, on my blog for my GIVEAWAY!

• November 4 – Mystele - http://www.mystele.com/
• November 5 – Aysha Livingston - http://aydaycreatives.com/
• November 6 – Trina Willis -http://trinamadethis.blogspot.com/

• November 7 – Kiala Givehand - http://www.kialagivehand.com/blog
• November 8 – Carol Porter - http://cporter8.blogspot.com/

BLOG HOP FINALE: November 9 – Tiare Smith – http://www.tiaresmith.com

 Happy hopping and best wishes to ya!