I'm Teaching in Creative JumpStart 2021!

I'm sooo excited + honored to be teaching in an online workshop called Creative JumpStart (CJS), hosted by my friend Nathalie Kalbach. 

⁠What is Creative JumpStart?

It’s a one-of-a-kind online mixed media workshop, designed to kick your creativity into high gear from January 1st through February 14th 2021, and BEYOND. Learn techniques, discover new materials + connect with other artists + crafters.

There's a powerhouse of talent in the lineup this year - 45 Mixed Media Artists are ready to jumpstart your creativity in 2021. Check out this cool banner of all 45 teachers! 

This edition of CJS is super special because it's the 10 year anniversary! Woohooo! A super special milestone deserves a super celebration sale, right?! We'd love for you to enjoy our Cyber Monday sale.  

Sign up here >>> bit.ly/CJSMartice

In my lesson, we'll take a stroll around my hometown of Kansas City + I'll teach you how to create a stack of city-inspired collage papers, loaded with messy stenciling + graffiti mark-making techniques.

Kick-off 2021 with a new video every day beginning January 1st, all the way through February 14th. The price is going up tomorrow, so if you want in, today's the day to get the best deal.

Sign up here >>> bit.ly/CJSMartice

You can get Creative JumpStart 2021 for just $49 USD today. (That's only $1.09 per video!)

Our Cyber Monday Sale ends tonight, November 30th at 11:59pm EST. ⁠

See ya in class!

⁠⠀

7 Unbelievably Easy Stenciling Techniques

7 Unbelievably Easy Stenciling Techniques

Hello, you beautiful, creative genius, you!

You're artfully invited to flex your creative muscles + learn how to stencil like a pro!
(I promise, you'll never wanna stop playing in the acrylics after learning these awesome techniques.)

"It's a great resource for absolute beginners to intermediate-level stencil lovers!"

I'm all about helping artists + creatives catapult their work to the next level. If you ever find yourself stuck on what to do next or if you think "there's something missing in this painting" but don't know what that "thing" is, please give stenciling a try. Clickety click to join the fun!

Imagine yourself:

** Being more adventurous with your mark-making
** Developing your signature, knock-out color combos
** Learning the process + sequence of steps to creating playful, intuitive art with a whole new toolbox of art supplies!

'7 Unbelievably Easy Stenciling Techniques' eBook by Martice Smith Fine Art + Design

PRE-ORDER my new e-book NOW for only $9.

E-Book release date will be on Sept. 25th! I’ll send a link directly to your email with access to download the e-book. 

In this e-book, you will learn how to:

• Master 7 in-depth stenciling techniques to transform your work from “blah” to “BAM!” 
• Create simple, loose + colorful backgrounds full of charm, whimsy + wonder
• Use stencils with confidence on a Gelli plate
• Demystify color theory to avoid creating dull colors

Lock in these BONUSES + the OMG! ridiculous price with your purchase*:

• 1-on-1, 30-min. play session with Martice via Zoom video** ($40 value)
• Surprise! You're automatically entered to win a paper pack of 6 unique stenciled papers from Martice, in her signature style! ($12 value)

*BONUSES disappear on Sept. 16th, at the stroke of midnight, CST.

**Video session only available for the first 5 people to purchase 

Thank you soooo much for joining me on this crazy fun + colorful adventure!

NEW VIDEO: Jumbo Gelli Printed Tags

I'm at it again, friends...

NEW VIDEO ALERT!!

I had the great honor of being a guest designer, again, over on the Stencil Girl blog and was so happy to be able to create these tags for my art journals.


In this video, I'm sharing 3 ways to add contrast in your artworks using: SHAPE, TEXTURE + COLOR.


Watch me play with stencils on the Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate to create JUMBO gelli tags for my art journal!

3 ways to add contrast in your artworks using: SHAPE, TEXTURE + COLOR. Watch along as I create these JUMBO gelli tags for my art journal!

**Also, please some me love by leaving a "thumbs up" + SUBSCRIBE to receive notifications when I upload new videos!**

Link to watch the video >> https://bit.ly/JumboGelliTags2

Catch the written tutorial of Jumbo Gelli Printed Tags over on the StencilGirl Talk blog.

Thank you lovelies!
xo, Martice

NEW VIDEO: Creating a Layered Monoprint with RubberMoon Stencils

Hello creative lovelies!

Today, I’m giving you behind-the-scenes access to watch exactly how I create my super fun backgrounds.

Armed with only a handful of supplies, you get to watch my every move as I build up layers of color and texture, create a sense of depth + sprinkle everything with some hand lettering.

By the end of this video, you’ll feel more confident to approach the blank page or canvas, equipped with a bunch of easy to apply techniques to your own masterpieces.

LINK TO VIDEO* > > https://youtu.be/g-eE_eBeM8g

*Subscribe to receive a notification when I upload a new video! ;-)

RubberMoon Stencils:

• Months and Numbers Planner Pack of Stencils
• Kae Pea Paper Lanterns Stencil

Supplies + Tools used:

• Paper to print on (white cardstock)
• Acrylic paints (Titanium White, Sap Green, Cerulean Blue)
• Gelatin plate + Rubber brayer
• Sponge
• Craft mat or paint palette

::Project steps::

STEP 1// Create a monoprint using a stencil and a gelatin printing plate.

STEP 2// Apply second color; Pull second print

STEP 3// Stencil directly onto pulled print
Using acrylics and a cosmetic sponge, hold the stencil in place with one hand as you pounce the acrylic paint onto the stencil. (A sponge allows you to have more control and to help you vary your pressure.)

Remember to pounce off excess paint to prevent seepage under your stencil.


STEP 4// Journal with paint pens + embellish!
Add dots, lines and repeat shapes from stencil design.

There is no wrong way of doing this - just have fun, make bold color moves and enjoy the process of experimenting!

----

I hope you enjoyed my video on creating textured backgrounds enhanced with RubberMoon stencils.
xo Martice

24 Epic Art Journaling Playdates: I'm teaching with 21 Secrets!

Scene from one of my videos in 21 Secrets.My workshop is called 'Metallic Mandalas + Expressive Journaling'

A few months ago, Connie, from Dirty Footprints Studio, invited me to be one of the teachers for her annual, collaborative workshop called 21 Secrets.

She's one of the biggest sweetheart ladies I know. She kinda reminds me of you: a generous, caring soul who gifts hugs like there's no tomorrow + likes to get wild, smooshing thick acrylic paints around in her art journals with her fingers. 


Our workshop theme is COLOR!  

Obviously, my answer to her invitation was, YEESSSS!!!

If you've seen my work, you'll see just how much I like adore color. Trust me, chica...I'm a lost case when it comes to slangin' color around. There - another secret, out.

::looks away, innocently::

Hey! Lookie here...

I know how much you LOVE sneak peeks, so, here ya go!

Just imagine:

• Creating journal page after journal page, armed with the confidence + skill to create the art of your most colorful dreams

• Kicking 'blank page' overwhelm to the curb + learning how to explore + document inspiration, like a pro

• Basking in the sense of accomplishment you feel after finishing a journal spread, worthy of sharing with your family...even friends online!

This could be your new reality, once you dive into...

I had a blast making + filming this workshop for you!
There are 4 videos in my workshop BUT there's so much more! If you decide to join us, you'll receive 23 additional workshops on all things COLOR!

My goodness!

24 different teachers pouring out their hearts onto colorful palettes + sharing mixed media techniques to enhance your art journaling experience. 

There's a sale happenin' right now!*

Use this code at checkout to save $10: COLOR 

(Remember, this code is good from Aug 17th - 19th.)

The regular price of the workshop is a super steal - it's ONLY $98 (USD) YES! For the entire workshop!

A downloadable PDF will be sent to all participants on Monday, September 26th.

• Pick and choose which workshop to start with first

• It's all self-paced, no deadlines!

• There's a private Facebook community waiting to 'oooh + ahhh' all over your precious creations

Wanna know who the other 23 teachers are + what their workshops are about?

Cartwheel over here to learn more + register

*When you click over to 21 SECRETS from a link at my site, you are using an affiliate code. That just means I receive support from your purchase, at no extra cost to you, should you choose to join us. Your support means the world to me + it helps me create more of the classes you LOVE.

Thank you, from my heart to yours.

Showering you with confetti,

COLOR, take me awayyy...... 

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 :)

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)

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?

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

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 | auditioning Gelli printed scraps; adhering them with glue

 

click here for the 

Monoprinted Scrap Collage | TUTORIAL

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

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!)

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,

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!