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

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...

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!

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

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.

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

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 :)

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  | 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:

• Grungy Springtime Display Sign

• Paper Collage and Stenciled Card

• Altered mini-Composition Booklets

• How to Paint Your Own Illustrated Quote

• Monoprinted Scrap Collage

• D.I.Y. Paintbrush Repair

...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!

I am going to the MOON!!!

Well, not literally...but I do have some amazing news I'd love to share with you:

It's official and at last, I can shout-it-from-the-rooftops that: I've been selected to join the creative design team of RubberMoon Stamps!!! Eeeeeekkkk! What a blessing - I'm so honored to be part of this amazing company. 

*** A big 'THANKS' to Kae Pea and the selection committee for this opportunity. ***

It seems a li'l bit ironic, due to the fact that I LOVE gazing up at the moon, day and night. The moon is so mesmerizing and hypnotic to me. I have created some of my best work in the wee hours of the night; just me and the luminous moonlight. All I can say is this: It was meant to be for me!

RubberMoon | Creative Dream Team

I'm one of the 6 new people they've chosen, from over 40 submissions! Wow! Someone pinch me!  Also, some of the alumni (past RubberMoon contributors) will be joining, as well. Our term starts this month and ends in December.

You can find my posts, once a month, on their blog...my first project will be published later this month!

Please click here to meet all of our team members. I think you will be impressed!

Make sure you visit the RubberMoon blog every Tuesday and Friday to see our art projects and be inspired!