Tutorial: Gelli Plate Prints

Thanks for stopping by!  Earlier this week I had an article published at Unruly Paper Arts showing a variety of prints I made with my Gel Arts Printing Plate.  I learned how to use it when Julie Fei-Fen Balzer demonstrated it during a class in October. Seriously? I went into that class thinking I do not need a Gelli Plate.  I have enough stuff.  I didn't even want to watch the Gelli Plate demo. However! Julie did such a good job, I had to buy it in both sizes!  Rude not to.  

The plate is best stored in the plastic packaging it arrives with. You can print with it on paper, fabric, etc.  I used deli paper (also known as waxed paper) which I buy in 500-sheet boxes and use for a variety of things.  This is what it looks like clean:

Set the plate down on your work space and spread a layer of paint on it. I like the inexpensive paints from Dick Blick.  Personal preference determines whether you use liquid acrylics or heavy body paints... just know that the thin layer will dry quickly so you do need to move fairly quickly.

                

You will get better results if you make a thin layer as in Photo #1, but I'm showing you two versions so you get a feel for how you can mix and play with your colors.

Lay a stencil on top of the wet paint and put a sheet of deli paper on top.

  

Press down on the paper with a brayer, or simply smooth it out with your hands.

                 

 Lift up to reveal the print:

I've done it again with a darker paint to make it easier to see.  Note you get the positive and the negative impressions, depending on how you flip the stencil:

The fun comes with layering.  I used a lot of different stencils (Stencil Girl, Prima, The Crafters Workshop) and a lot of different paints.  Here's a bold solid one:

And here's a more muted, softer print:

The sky's the limit with this plate! There are a dozen prints on the UPA article.  I think these last two images show how versatile the Gelli Plate is... no matter what your style.  I used the Sizzix Tag & Bookplates die to create my tags. 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

Enabler Alert:  Dick Blick has them on sale right now!  Click the picture below to see.

 Marjie 

Comments

[Anne R]

Hi Marjie, I too, watched the video and thought - no, I have enough but you make it look so easy and so much fun that I may have to have a rethink! All your bold patterns are wonderful but for me that more muted, softer one is absolutely stunning and would look amazing on a canvas with lots of pretty embellishments....... Well done for being published in Unruly Paper Arts top!! How fantastic is that. Hugs, Anne x

[giogio]

mmmmmm I tried this summer with the cooking gelatine and I didn't got a good result...maybe I needed the real artsy one? Love your samples.Thank you for sharing!

[Corrine]

We are all becoming gelli addicted I suspect. Just found out from Carolyn there is a new huge size....simple turtorial..love the positive negative views. xox

[Julie Tucker-Wolek]

Wowwwwwwwwwwww! These are AMAZING!! I just loveeeeeeee the colors and those textures are FAB!!

[Terry]

I am so glad that my friend is not rude! Most likely I will break down as well, because this tutorial is amazing! First I need to organize that crafty room of mine and maybe I will have a place to place and find these! Happy Friday!

[Buttons]

How on trend are you missus!! Gelli plates are also featured in the Feb issue of The Craft Stamper I notice. I haven't heard much about them but your tutorial is really interesting - may have to have a bash! Hugs, Jenny x

[Julie Case]

Marjie, these are way cool! I love all the patterns you've made. Looks like you've been having a lot of fun. I've seen these before, but now that you've explained the process, I'm going to have to get on the line with Santa. TFS :)

[Sharon]

Wow these prints look great Marjie!! Fabulous tutorial!

[Helen Tilbury]

I recently discovered these & think they look like endless fun! They are pricey though & I don't think I'd use it enough as a scrapbooker mainly!! Love those tags!!

[Janine Whitling]

you enabler alert made me laugh!

[Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries]

Great results with the gelli plate Marjie! I find it still too expensive...so I enjoy watching the lovely backgrounds you and others create!

have a nice weekend, Alie :-)

[Lisa Sackett]

I've not gotten into the Gelli plates yet...but your work with them looks great. I'm sure it won't be long until I give them a try though. LoL

[Alison]

Fantastic tute Marjie, hoping to find time to play with my plate again soon, once the Christmas rush is over :o) xx

[Anita houston]

Enabler!!!! I finally broke down and purchased them! Love that Dick, um Blick that is!

[Carolyn Dube]

My husband just doesn't understand about the Gelli plate. I showed him your wonderful post and begged to have my 12x14 Gelli plate early (he's holding it hostage for Christmas).

[Sandra]

ohh that looks really cool! I think I need one now too... Thanks! ;) Hugs, Sandra

[Barbara Ford]

How can you keep using more and more techniques! This is amazing. You must be the queen of all things stencil-like!

[Lynn Stevens]

WOW, that's pretty cool. never seen this before!

[Silvia]

And another fabulous tutorial - thanks again. Such a plate is on my wish list.