::TUTORIAL:: Brilliant Paper Clips

Hi friends! Isn't it amazing what you can create with the simplest, "plain Jane" office supplies?! I took a bunch of my giant paper clips and turned them into a collection of unique clips with brilliant colors and soft, dainty textures. Last but not least, a colorful ribbon bow was added to finish the look.

See the step-by-step tutorial right here on the RubberMoon Arts blog

Collection of decorated paper clips by Martice Smith II

I love using my stash of monoprinted papers for these smaller projects!

Here are the beautifully designed stamps used in my tutorial:

RubberMoon stamps: (top to bottom) RubberMoon Alphabet, Bamboo, Large Fern, Dogwood Blossoms, Panda

I encourage you to take another look at your office supplies and turn them into something that puts a smile on your face, every time you use them. Happy creating!


*I'm also sharing this project with The Mixed Media Monthly Challenge #7 - Tic Tac Toe
~Bow, Glitter, Ribbon~ 

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

Whimsical mixed-media and collage Bookmarks

I cannot stand to fold the pages of a book! I simply can't bring myself to "dog ear" or fold down the corner of a page to keep my place while reading. You know what I'm saying, right?!

Ahh, come on. Don't gimme that look!

*Sigh* just thinking about it makes me cringe, lol!

I'm always looking for something to keep my place when I finish reading. Most of the time, I'm grabbing for a piece of scrap paper, a pencil or paper clip.

...so that's why I've finally decided to create my own:

WHIMSICAL BOOKMARKS

Whimsical, mixed-media bookmarks by Martice Smith II

If you've never heard of RubberMoon stamps - my friend, you are REALLY missing out! Please take a look at what's to offer on the website, when you have time. There is something for everyone!

All stamps are designed by artists for artists.

Here are the 5 stamps I used in my project:

(from left to right): 
Frida

RubberMoon Alphabet Stamp
Large Fern
Save the Date stamp
Kae Pea-New Moon-Art Stamp

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

See how I created these mixed-media collage bookmarks, right here on the RubberMoon Arts blog!

Universe DreamCatchers

My first blog post as a Creative Team Member for RubberMoon Art Stamps is up on the RubberMoon Arts blog!

Universe DreamCatchers; Martice's first tutorial on the RubberMoon Arts blog!

Hop on over there...see how I made with this beautiful dream catcher, incorporating these two awesome stamps from RubberMoon.

Enjoy my Universe DreamCatchers tutorial!