Paintbrush Repair

Hello friends! 

Would you believe me if I told you that the brushes in the picture below are NEW?! Yes, these brushes are STILL NEW! A life cut short in only 2 months and + to make matters worse, they broke while I was painting. ::sigh, puppy dog eyes::

Do you have paintbrushes that look like this? Ok, I'll confess: these are the really inexpensive kind. You know, the ones in the kids' craft section in the art supply store? Yes, I have a few of 'em too!

Here's my solution for paintbrush repair using 

Helmar's Silicone Adhesive Sealant.

*Paintbrush Repair first seen on Helmar Adhesive's blog.

I like to use these as texture + mark-making brushes but NOT for detailed work. Why? Because the bristles are too limp + they have a tendency to fall out. Not cool, is it?

The photos below are easy to understand but I want to share a few pointers + introduce you to Helmar Silicone Adhesive Sealant if you haven't heard of it before.

Some reasons why the ferrule detaches from the wooden handle:

• If you let your paintbrushes soak in a water jar too long, the wood expands (acts like a sponge) and loosens the glue inside the ferrule.
• naturally happens in humid climates
• tapping the brush too hard during cleaning
• A sign that your paintbrushes may be too cheap. This has been the case for all of my craft brushes that have done this. (I've heard expensive brushes have this problem, as well.) 

Silicone Adhesive Sealant is great because you don't have to worry about it loosening up like regular glue. There's a super tight, waterproof bond + it's permanent! According to the packaging, it is a multi-purpose, industrial-grade sealant that dries clear + flexible.

Can be used on paper, aluminum, powder-coated metals, stainless steel, glass, most woods + plastics, canvas, porcelain, rubber, concrete, cement products, metals like zinc + copper.

Let's recap:

1. Always ensure surfaces are clean, dry + free from dirt or grease. Do not apply a sealant to wet surfaces.

2. When applying sealant, ensure that the sealant bond has good surface contact. (Secure cap immediately otherwise a cured plug will form in the top of the tube making it difficult to use the product again.)

3. Reattach the ferrule with its handle.

Sealant will ooze out of the ferrule. Wipe away the excess. Helmar Silicone Adhesive Sealant sets within 10 minutes, cures in 7 days.

Remember, when purchasing art supplies, you get what you pay for.

You can't always expect cheap products to yield superior performance. 

Invest in a couple of high-quality brushes, when you can.

You deserve the best!

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

How to Paint Your Own Illustrated Quote

Hey friends!
If you've been around me long enough, you'll know that I LOVE + thrive on positivity - just like you :)

Inspirational quotes are all over my studio, in my planners, sprinkled throughout my lovely newsletter...anywhere I can think to put one!!

Here's a quote that has hit me hard, recently, making me aware of how much time I spend on positive vs. negative thoughts. (There's also a tutorial for you!)

I challenge YOU to speak life, self-love, joy + abundance over yourself, first thing you do, EVERY morning.

TUTORIAL | Paint Your Own Illustrated Quote by Martice Smith II

You comin' to see how I finished this illustrated quote? Yes? Great!

Follow me here, to the Helmar blog, for the step-by-step process on how to Paint Your Own Illustrated Quote

 Thanks + happy creating, xo

Altered Mini Composition Booklets

Today, I'm starting off with a quick tutorial to how to make your own altered, mini booklets.
If you are like me, you feel that the design on those school composition books are just too plain Jane...not your style, at all.

Seriously, what is that faux-leopard-polka-dot-design called anyway?? Anyone?

I'm gonna show you how to jazz those babies up with some beautiful gelli prints + luscious colors. Follow me on the Helmar blog to see the full tutorial!

TUTORIAL | How to Make Altered, mini-Composition Booklets

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

Grungy Springtime Display Sign

My first project is now live on the Helmar Adhesives blog!

Why not celebrate Spring by making this charming display sign, decked out with psychedelic butterflies + silky smooth textures?

 Grungy Springtime Display Sign

Grungy Springtime Sign   |  TUTORIAL

Spring is here!

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

Thank you!!

xo,

Funky Calligraphy, Adventures in Hand-Lettering

No more cringing at the sight of your own handwriting! 

Wouldn't it be nice to incorporate your *own* lettering in your artwork?

I know that you are familiar with my work + know that I use a plethora of lettering techniques, image transfers, motivational words, phrases, mantras, and also, numbers.

But did you know that you can, literally, convey emotions through yours hands?

That's right - your hands! I'll explain in this new tutorial, published over on the Creating Mixed Media Art website...

Funky Calligraphy: Adventures in Hand-Lettering

Funky Calligraphy: Adventures in Hand-Lettering TUTORIAL

click here for the tutorial:

Funky Calligraphy: Adventures in Hand-Lettering

Meet me over on the Creating Mixed Media art website to discover how you can embrace + add personality to your writing, with a handful of fun approaches. ("Handful"...get it? Heeehee!)

Handmade Foam Stamps and Printing Plates

Ever wonder how to create your own printing plates for printmaking? What about designing unique foam stamps? If so, I have just the tutorial, for you!

Learn how to make your own stamps in under 5 minutes with BASIC supplies. Seriously, you probably have these things around the house...somewhere.

Unleash your creativity by adding layers of patterns and textures to your art!
(The full tutorial has been published over on the Creating Mixed Media Art website.)

Handmade Foam Stamps and Printing Plates

Basic supplies you will need: 
• a sturdy backing, like cardboard
• scissors
• craft foam (you can get this at your local craft supply store; I purchased mine from a Dollar Tree.
  A package of 20 sheets for $1!)

After working through this new tutorial, you will have created one-of-a-kind collage backgrounds using handmade foam stamps and printing them on delicate surfaces and baby wipes. (Yup, baby wipes...clean ones only ;-)

Handmade Foam Stamps & Printing Plates | full tutorial RIGHT HERE 

No Compromise, illustration and the Courage to Start Art

Hello friends!
I hope you are off to a great start for 2015.
I have been super busy, filming my very first online art class! Yiipppeee! I had a tremendous amount of fun during the entire process...well, maybe not those late nights editing the footage, but hey, I try to look for the positive aspects in anything!

We start the 'My COLOR is Beautiful Art' workshop in 10 days!! (it's not too late to REGISTER...)

'The Courage To Start Art'

This fashion lady is my 1st face of 2015.
She encourages you to keep pushing your creative edge, make bold decisions to claim happiness in your life and to embrace your "uneek" journey.

We’ve all been there! You have a huge desire to create and share your passions, but our greatest hindrance can sometimes be ourselves- not taking action to grab hold of what we want. In my recent article, I share 3 tips on how to empower and heal yourself with positivity & self-love.

"No Compromise" mixed media illustration by Martice Smith II

One of the phases of my lesson is about mark-making and doodling your personal symbols. This illustration demonstrates a few techniques I share in my lesson, 'Cultivate Your Symbology'.

**Feel free to PIN these images for your inspiration!**

Learn my 3 tips on how I banish the negative, inner critic and change the way I think about myself as an artist.  

READ MORE: 'The Courage To Start Art'

Peace and blessings!

::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~ 

Personalized Gift Tags - On the Gelli Arts® - Gel Printing Plate

Two weeks away! Christmas holiday will be here before we know it!

To me, a gift isn't complete without the finishing touches. By finishing touches, I mean, the addition of your charm to make it special. How about some personalized gift tags?!

I have a very cool way to make mines using a gelatin plate as my starting place. Find out how to create them, HERE.

Personalized Gift Tags - On the Gelli ® Plate

• Personalized Gift Tags - On the Gelli® Plate •

 DecoArt has some great stencils! For this project, I used the Tags & Labels stencil.

Tags & Labels stencil (DecoArt)

Kraft paper gift tags with doodles, acrylic paints, stamped images, and a dimensional, flower sticker. Tutorial HERE

Have fun creating magical moments!

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