Brilliant Paper Clips

One of the best things about being an artist is that you love to personalize *everything*...including those basic, plain Jane office supplies you may use in your day-to-day activities. 

Collection of decorated paper clips by Martice Smith II

Brilliant Paper Clips
by Martice Smith II

Supplies used:
*Gelli printed papers

*Triple thick brilliant brush on gloss glaze
*Paintbrush
*Giant paper clips
*1/4 inch wide ribbon (cut in 12 inch strips)
*Hot glue gun

I created a celestial background using Irresistible colored texture spray in wedding dress (white) and two generous layers of Sheer shimmer spritz in Gold (Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko).

RubberMoon stamps used:

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

Cut out circles from gelli printed papers AND the celestial background. Traced around a small bottle OR you can use a circle punch...which is so much quicker to use!

These will be the "fronts" of our paper clips.

Brush on a 2 coats of Triple Thick Brilliant Gloss Glaze. (I love this stuff!) It's very glossy and smooth to the touch. Let each coat dry for 2 minutes before adding the next. Very similar to resin and it intensifies every color it comes in contact with.

Brush on gel medium to the opposite side of the "fronts" and join them with the "backs" (celestial background).

Stamp images with StazOn solvent inks in Jet black & Emerald City (Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko).  

Tie a bow with ribbon. Make sure the rounded edges of the paper clips are pointing DOWN. Add hot glue to keep everything in place.

Look! Aren't these cool or what?! I love how each one is unique and charming. Which one do you like?

For other embellishments:
-Dot on some Americana 3D Gloss Enamels Transparent Glass Writer in Green and Yellow,

-Draw with Craft Twinkles in Silver and Christmas Red (DecoArt),

-Paint the circles with acrylic paint. None of those painful paper cuts are allowed here!

Now you can say 'Bye-bye' to those boring paper clips. Happy creating!

Dimensional ATCs - RubberMoon Stamps & Imagine Crafts, Cross Promotion

IMAGINE Crafts and RubberMoon Art Stamps are excited to share with you the amazing projects that our design teams have created to kick off the Holiday Season! Over the next few days, we'll be sharing with you inspiration and techniques using IMAGINE Crafts' line of ink products featuring rubber stamps from RubberMoon. Be sure to visit the IMAGINE Crafts and RubberMoon blogs daily for more projects and ideas!

"Dimensional ATCs"

by Martice Smith II

Hello friends! This is Martice, sharing two examples of how to add a simple dimensional effect to your artist trading cards (ATCs). Let's get started!

For my examples, I used Bristol ATCs, measuring 2.5" x 3.5" and 2" x 2" art square from Inchie Arts, LLC.

No need to prime or prep the surface of these cards...Just jump right in and create!

Artist Trading Cards and Twinchies from Inchie Arts

For the first Dimensional ATC, I chose these stamps:

Large Fern
Frida
Kae Pea - Wings

This ATC was created with a layer of paper, matboard, plastic and stamped images.

"Watch me GROW" Dimensional ATC

* Starting with an artist trading card (ATC), I lightly dabbed the surface and sides with Memento Luxe ink pad in Bahama Blue.

* Next, I mixed chartruese green and phathalo blue to create a subtle ombre effect. I used a sponge dabber to apply the mixture of paint onto the Large Fern stamp.

* I stamped the Frida stamp onto white paper, colored with Prismacolor colored pencils, added some doodling with a white ink pen and cut out the image with an craft knife. She's attached to a 2" x 2" art square, sprayed with irRESISTible Colored Texture Sprays: Electric Yellow (Neon).

* In the bottom corners, I used a Chinese metal stamp that reads "Growth".

(Each layer was added with foam dots, to give dimensionality.)

I love the look of the butterfly wings! It was a little experiment for me - I was trying out different inkpads to see which one worked the best on the surface of the Vertigo Sheets (from Imagine Crafts). I decided to go with VersaFine in Onyx Black. After a few minutes, the ink started to "bleed" and darken, so, I quickly sprayed it with varnish. (The wings' edges were painted in liquid gold leaf.)



For the second Dimensional ATC, I used these stamps:

Dogwood Blossoms, top
Alphabet, bottom

 and my very own, homemade washi tape!

Homemade washi tape, made from masking tape

* I blotted the Alphabet stamp in irRESISTible Colored Texture Sprays: Lady Bug (red) and stamped it onto the ATC, flipped the stamp upside down and stamped in another area- just to give it some character and visual interest.

* Next, I added a strip of washi tape near the bottom, a few sprays of Shimmer in silver and sparkle, and a light splattering of black gesso in select areas.  

* I stamped Dogwood Blossoms on a scrap piece of gessoed phone book paper and applied two foam dots to adhere. Look at this sassy ATC!

detail of "Blossoming" ATC

I just love how my homemade washi tape holds up!
If you look closely, you can see that some of the letters appear to have a red drop shadow. This simple illusion was created by slightly offsetting the washi tape over the stamped area (in red).

The finished ATC looks like this:

"Blossoming" ATC

 
I hope you've enjoyed these two examples!
Peace to you and happy creating!

---
Supplies:
Bristol Vellum surface, ATC (2.5" x 3.5")
2" x 2" Art Square from Inchie Arts, LLC.
irRESISTible Colored Texture Sprays: Lady Bug and Electric Yellow (Neon); Imagine Crafts
Memento Luxe inkpad: Bahama Blue
VersaFine Pigment inkpad: Onyx Black
Black gesso

Vertigo Sheet from Imagine Crafts
Metal Chinese Stamps
Sheer Shimmer Spritz - Silver and Sparkle
Foam dots - small

RubberMoon stamps:
kp5025 - frida
Large Fern - Art Stamp
Kae Pea - "Wings" - Rubber Art Stamp

ge2234 - dogwood blossoms
rm2594 - rubbermoon alphabet

Origami Gift Boxes by Martice Smith II

Hi! Martice here, reminding you: 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 each part is hand-crafted + 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!



I folded several sheets of 12x12 inch scrapbook paper to create these one-of-a-kind origami gift boxes. Some are commercially printed sheets but I adore the gelli printed ones I created myself, so of course I had to use them too.

For the happy snowman box, I applied a string of silver Craft Twinkles Glitter Paint (DecoArt) along all four edges of the lid, after I did all the folding.



Black gesso, is now, one of my 'go-to' mediums when I'm working with anything that has glitter on it. The black gesso (DecoArt) dries to an opaque, matte finish and I love the smooth consistency. It's a perfect contrasting element to use with any glitter or sparkly sprays because it allows the glitter to take center stage and shine, shine, shine!

I sprayed White irRESISTible Colored Texture Spray and Sheer Shimmer Spritz in Sparkle (both from Imagine Crafts) on a piece of lightweight paper that I had dry brushed with black gesso. I was excited to learn that the irRESISTible Colored Texture Spray dries very quick AND has incredible texture!



This paper was used to line the insides of the origami gift boxes. How extravagant!

The box's base was made from collaged magazine pages and covered with tracing paper I painted Lipstick red. I like how the layering of these two papers interact with each other: the text gives a contemporary edge while the soft transparency of the tracing paper keeps it toned down yet allows some energy to still be present.

Another box is created from my stash of gelli prints. I added my graffiti script with a Micron brush pen.

The inside is lined with sparkly paper and commercial scrapbook paper.

Tags were made with recycled cardstock from product packaging. I used the Tags & Labels stencil (Americana Mixed Media), threaded mini jingle bells and glass berry beads on the embroidery floss for some festive charm.


To complete my Origami Gift Boxes, I stamped Snowmen w/ Scarf in Onyx Black onto the white tag. Look how much fun he's having in the snow! I love the snow and can't wait to jump in it myself!

Snowmen w/ Scarf stamp

 

 A smaller piece of the sparkly paper was folded to create a pull tab for the lid and glued on top of the embroidery floss.

I hope this project has encouraged you to present your gifts in a more personalized way.



Do you like gifting hand-made items to your friends and family?



Happy holidays!

----------
Products used:

RubberMoon Stamp: 
ge2747 - snowmen w/scarve

Tsukineko/Imagine Crafts:
White irRESISTible Colored Texture Spray, Sheer Shimmer Spritz - Sparkle, VersaFine Archival Instant Dry Pigment Ink - Onyx Black

DecoArt Products:
Black Gesso, Craft Twinkles Glitter Paint Writer, Bahama Blue
(Americana Multi-Surface Satin Acrylic Paints: Chartreuse & Lipstick)

Stencil:
Tags & Labels (Americana Mixed Media)

Other:
"Snowman Sam" and "Black & White Sketchy Ornate" 12x12 inch scrapbook paper (The Paper Studio), Selection of gelli printed papers, White cardstock, embroidery floss, glass berry beads

Whimsical Bookmarks by Martice Smith II

Hi friends! Martice here to show you a few simple ways to jazz up some scrap pieces of cardstock and transform them into whimsically fun and expressive bookmarks.

Today, I'll be showing you techniques on how to:

1 • mix RubberMoon art stamps with modeling paste,
2 • incorporate image transfers and use numbers as symbols,
3 • use a stencil for a cut-out,
4 • and finally, I'll reveal how I combined these techniques into a mixed-media collage bookmark, inspired by Frida Khalo!


Let's get started...Here are the stamps I used for creating these whimsical bookmarks:

(from left to right): 

Frida

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

For the first two bookmarks, I monoprinted backgrounds using a gelli plate. You can see pink and yellow flowers have been drawn in a scribbly, expressive fashion.

Image on left: Using the Kae Pea-New Moon-Art Stamp, I stamped a scalloped pattern. (I only applied ink to the circular portion of the stamp.)



Next, I applied modeling paste through the Faith stencil (from ArtistCellar's Pocket stencils) and topped it off with gold glitter before it dried.



Image on right: An image transfer of a bird's nest is featured.  Using the number 8 from the RubberMoon Alphabet Stamp, I stamped it sideways to make it look like an infinity symbol -  representing the continuation of life.



The background is very cheerful with the yellow gelli printed flowers, isn't it? Since the yellow paint is water-soluble, it interacted with the blue Large Fern to create a beautiful, deep green, which I think adds much more interest to the image.



((Here's a neat, crafty tip! Place a piece of scotch tape directly onto the storybook page, rub for a couple of seconds, then gently peel back the tape. This lift-off technique gives a nice, faded look to the words.)) Click on the image for a larger view.


I added some journaling along the edges of the bookmark to create a border and embellished with a gold leaf pen.


 

For the third bookmark,  I did a stencil cut-out technique.

I love how the key appears to be sunken into the bookmark while the word 'seeker' pops out as a dimensional element.

I traced the inside of the Vintage Key (Mini Steampunk set of ArtistCellar's Pocket stencils) with a craft knife, painted red acrylic paint on a piece of paper, and glued to the back of bookmark.



Background created with:


Save the Date stamp  - I only inked the word 'the' in white and stamped on bookmark.
Next, the word 'seeker' was handwritten with black Micron 03 pen on scrap paper and glued onto foam dot (for dimension).

DecoArt black gesso
DecoArt Multi-Surface Satin - School Bus 
Gold glitter


 

Last but not least, here's the fourth bookmark, inspired by Frida Khalo! 

This bookmark showcases all of the elements combined, plus more!

Techniques include: image transfer, journaling, collage, stamping, plus, applying modeling paste through stencils. I think the addition of embellishments really make the Frida stamp pop!

I wanted Frida to look like a tall, angel-like figure so, I elongated the stamp by drawing her shirt longer. Now, it looks like she's wearing a dress...simple, right?!


For the top portion of the bookmark, I applied green tinted modeling paste through the Mini Chakra Crown stencil and white modeling paste for the Mini Steampunk Wing stencil on storybook pages and attached them with gel medium. (Both stencils from ArtistCellar)

Letters from the RubberMoon Alphabet Stamp create the word 'Passion' at the bottom of Frida's dress (DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics- Phthalo Blue). I cut out and glued the word 'queen' from my storybook and finished the bookmark with some journaling and gift wrapping ribbon.

Background created with:
Storybook pages, collaged

DecoArt Black gesso
DecoArt Gloss Enamel - Yellow
DecoArt Neon fluorescent in Fiery Red
watercolors
acrylics (white paint splatters)

To prevent the water-soluble media (and glitter) from smudging off, I sealed everything with a light spray of matte varnish.

What a fun and simple way to practice these techniques! Here's a final look at all four whimsical bookmarks...

Do you like to make your own bookmarks? If yes, are they plain or decorated?

Enjoy your weekend!

Universe DreamCatchers

Hello everyone! Martice here from the Uneek Art blog. This is my first post with RubberMoon, as one of the Creative Dream Team members and I want to say 'thank you' for joining us here today.


I think we call all agree that our Universe is truly magnificent, right? Funny thing is, the more I learn about our world, the more I learn about myself and my purpose in life, and to have more faith. You should never feel embarrassed or hesitant to

Speak dreams out loud; decree it's YOURS! Set a positive energy

 form in motion to work for you. (Tweet this!)

Today, I bring you Universe DreamCatchers

These are the supplies and tools I used:

RubberMoon stamps: Large Fern & RubberMoon Alphabet Set (rm-2594)

Cardboard from food packaging OR 140 lb. Cold press watercolor paper -- for the circle templates

Gelli prints

Phone book paper -- for the stars and feathers

Your choice of paints

Note: I used these paints --
DecoArt Americana Acrylic paints: Bahama Blue & Razzle Berry
DecoArt Americana Neons Fluorescent Acrylics: Torrid Orange & Fiery Red
DecoArt Gloss Enamels: Dioxazine Purple
DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics: Phthalo Blue & Quinacridone Gold
DecoArt Multi-Surface Satin: School Bus
Premier tempera paint, White

Gel Medium (or Mod Podge®)

Scissors

Embroidery floss, choose 3 different colors

Let's Begin!!

STEP 1: Create Round Template

Glue gelli print to the circle OR paint a galaxy onto the cardboard.


Set aside to dry, then cut out template.


With circle RIGHT SIDE UP, use an awl (or sharp, piercing tool), to carefully poke one hole in the top and 3 holes, equally spaced apart, at the bottom.

STEP 2: Create Stars

Using phone book pages, paint randomly onto the surface. Scribble positive words, wishes and thoughts into the wet paint.


Set aside to dry.

Draw a star on a scrap piece of transparency. I cut the star out and used it as a guide for the next step.

With this method, you can instantly see which parts you'll like best for your Universe DreamCatchers! I just love simple, little tricks like this one!

Now, the fun part! Take your dry, painted pages from previous step and use the transparency star as a viewfinder - look for interesting sections to cut out.


Trace around the star in 6 or 8 different places. Cut out each star.


Paint the back side of each star in a light colored paint. (I painted mine Bahama Blue)


Set aside to dry.

Such a pretty pile of painted stars and feathers!

STEP 3: Make the Feathers

From the same painted pages, draw elongated oval shapes in random places. These will be our feathers.

On the reserve side of the feathers:


Create a mixture of black and white to make a light gray. On one side of the feather, paint it a darker shade of gray.


Paint the other half white. Blend colors for a more realistic look.

Using embroidery floss, let's create a vein down the center of each feather, following these steps:


a.) With a paintbrush, apply gel medium to the center, along the length of the feather,

b.) Lay down the string of embroidery floss. Apply another coat of gel medium - directly on top of the embroidery floss,

c.) Fold along the floss.

d.) To make a prominent crease, use the handle end of your paintbrush to gently rub along the floss. 
(Do both sides this way.)

e.) Gently open up the feather. Stop right before the floss is exposed. Turn the feather right side up and press the center to one side (left or right), with your finger.

   f.) Use scissors to cut slits at an angle. Stop your cut just before reaching the center.

STEP 4: Stamp Image & Letters

I used the Large Fern stamp (in Phthalo Blue) for the back of the stars and added fluorescent Torrid Orange dots with a paintbrush.

I used RubberMoon Alphabet Set (rm-2594) for the sentiments "Listen", "Recall", "Dream", and   "Wish" on the front of the stars.

STEP 5: Assemble the Universe DreamCatchers!

Retrieve your circle template. String the feathers (attached to the embroidery floss) through one hole at a time. Tie a knot at top of each hole. Vary the lengths of each strand.

Tip: For more visual interest, try using a different colored floss for each hole. Don't forget to embellish with your favorite charms!

Gold flakes, Metal wing charm (from Metal Gallery), Decorative button (from Prima Marketing, Inc., and silver archival ink.)

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

"There wouldn't be a sky full of stars 

if we were all meant to wish on the same one."

~ Frances Clark

Until next time,

Keep those wishes and dreams BIG!

Martice Smith II