Printing with Gelli Arts� Printing Plates and DIY Foam Printing Plate Stamps!

Easy-to-make foam printing plate stamps create fabulous textured Gelli prints! Watch this video to see how to create DIY foam stamps for unique prints on cards!

FYI - Joan did this project a few years ago and it was such a big hit - we decided to create a DIY Card Printing Kit and a DIY Stamping & Printing Kit for you!  You can follow along her blog using the items in your new kit.  Feel free to use additional items to create textures or additional colors of acrylic paints!  You can make similar stamps with the foam sheets included in your kits.  

Now on to Joan's original blog!  Have fun!

 

They're so easy and fun to make, you'll have a collection of these stamps in no time! 

Express your creativity by making the stamps for printing your cards! 

There's a variety of materials that you can use to make a texture stamp. Here we're using thin sheets of foam�available at art stores for use as printmaking plates. It cuts easily with scissors or a craft knife�and drawing into it with a pen, pencil, stylus or other pointed tool gives you endless design opportunities! 

Decorative-edge scissors cut smoothly through the thin foam material�and hand punches work well too! If you have a die-cutting machine (like a Cuttlebug, etc.)�you can run it through with an embossing folder and create a very cool embossed surface on the foam. Then cut your own shapes from the embossed printing foam! 

Instead of the foam sheets for printmaking, you can also use styrofoam plates or repurposed clean food trays. 

Incise lines into the pieces with a pencil, ballpoint pen or stylus. Cut or punch out some small areas. The design can be simple shapes, or as intricate as you want. You can plan your design beforehand, or just wing it! 

As you make your marks in the foam, keep in mind that what you see is what you get. So that means you can write words in the foam too! No need to figure out reversals�how perfect for adding a sentiment to your cards! 

The prints in the video are made on the 5"x7" Gelli plate  �using Amsterdam Standard Series Acrylic paints and Pebeo Studio Acrylics. 

(You can use the 5" x 5" Gelli� plate and our new Gelli Arts� premium acrylic paints in your kit).

Strathmore has a new line of printmaking paper and they've made it into beautiful card and envelope sets. The cards and envelopes shown here are all printed on Strathmore Printmaking Cards.

The following steps describe the process shown in the video for creating the Gelli printed card: 

1. Roll a thin layer of acrylic paint onto the Gelli plate with a brayer 
2. Press a texture tool (like bubble wrap) into the paint 
3. Cover with your card and pull a print 
4. Wipe the plate clean (not essential�but makes a nice clean print) 
5. Roll a layer of a contrasting color onto the plate with a brayer 
6. Place your foam stamps on the painted plate 
7. Cover with thin paper (such as deli paper)�to press the stamps into the paint and remove the paint from the plate around the stamps 
8. Remove the cover paper and remove the foam stamps 
9. Place your printed card on the Gelli plate to print a second layer 
10. Rub to transfer the paint and pull your print�the second layer on your card!

TIP: Your printed image will 'pop' more if the paint colors for each layer are of different value (light/dark). You'll get very different results with transparent paints vs. opaque ones. Metallic paints also offer an exciting option as one of the layers. 

While you're printing your cards, also print on the envelopes! 

There are various ways to create a blank space for the address. Here are a few suggestions: 

• Strategically place a piece of torn or cut paper on the painted, stamped Gelli plate to create a blank space. 
• Place a removable label on the envelope as a mask. Print over it�then remove the label. 
• Scrape or wipe off an area of wet paint on the Gelli plate, then print your envelope. 

Receiving hand-printed cards and envelopes is always special! Printing your unique stamp images on beautiful paper enhances your artwork and shows the love! 

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!!!

Winner is Roberta K!

And to show OUR love�we have an exceptional GIVEAWAY for cardmaking!!! 

The prize kit includes: 

1 - 5"x7" Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate 
1 - Strathmore Printmaking Cards - Package of 50 Cards and Envelopes 
8 - Amsterdam Standard Series Acrylic Paint - 120 ml tubes (4.1 fl. oz.) 
1 - Speedball 4" Pop-In Soft Rubber Brayer
1 - Inovart 'Presto' Foam Printing Plates - Package of 20 - 9"x12" sheets 

To enter the giveaway, click on the red "ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE" button below! (This will ensure that we can contact the winner and that entries are limited to one per person. One winner will be selected from all the entries via a random number generator to receive this very special giveaway!) 

Entries will be accepted until Wednesday, February 25th at 1pm. Our lucky winner will be contacted by email and announced here on the blog and on our Facebook page no later than Wednesday, the 25th at 5pm! 

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!!!

Special thanks to our friends at Strathmore for their generous donation to our giveaway prize! 

Remember, we now have Gelli partners all over the world, so it's easier than ever to find a Gelli retailer near you! 



Good Luck and Happy Printing! 

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Gelli� Printing: Patterns with Peel-Away Masks

Create amazing patterns in your Gelli prints by printing layers with re-positionable, reusable, peel-away chevron masks! Watch this video and see how easy it is to print an intentional and complex layered pattern using peel-away masks from Hazel and Ruby!

What's special about this technique is the amount of control you have over your final print, and how easy it is to achieve it!

Hazel and Ruby have a wonderful, on-trend selection of durable, re-usable, peel-away masks in a variety of images, graphic elements and bold alphabets in great font styles. Their self-adhering stencil mask material is also available in solid sheets so you can cut your own (by hand or a die-cutting machine).

Instead of placing masks directly on the Gelli plate as we typically do, the H&R peel-off masks have a low-tack adhesive that allows you to apply them directly to your printing paper�exactly where you want!

The H&R mask images and letters are fairly large�perfect for using with the BIG 12"x14" Gelli plate! The paper I'm printing on is 9"x12" Strathmore Bristol�to create bleed (borderless) prints.

All you do is peel the mask off the clear plastic backing sheet, press it onto your paper where you want it placed�then roll out paint on your Gelli plate and print as usual! There's no need to be concerned about reversals.

After you pull your print, peel off the masks. They're reusable, so it's recommended that you replace the masks on their original backing sheet and clean them off right away. It's easy to wipe the masks clean with a baby wipe while the paint is still wet. As seen in the video, sometimes they stick to the Gelli plate. Not a problem! They peel right off.

The real fun starts when you print additional layers on previously masked prints! With these
masks, you have total control over the placement of one element over another! Pull a print and when it's dry, place more masks where you want to preserve the previous print image. When that's dry, you can pull another layer on your print. It's so exciting to pull off the masks and reveal the layered image!

The paints you use in layered prints have an important impact on the final print image. You can achieve beautiful colors by using thin applications of transparent paints on each layer. Golden Open Acrylic paints work especially well for this. My go-to palette for transparent pigments is Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold, Quinacridone Magenta and Manganese Blue Hue. I love the clean colors they create when they're masked and layered!

You can get a totally different effect using opaque paints vs. transparent paints. Here's an
example using various Golden Heavy Body opaque paint colors.

Using regular masks, it can be tricky to get precise placement when putting them on a painted plate. Being able to adhere your masks directly to the paper makes it simple! To get the effect in the print above, start with smaller circles. For each new layer, cover the previous printed circle image with a slightly larger circle mask.

So there you have it! Another way to create fascinating prints! Creating complex patterns from simple chevron masks can be just the beginning! These prints are a natural springboard for collage or doodling! This technique is great for everything from canvas wall art to journal pages, cards and more!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!!!

Winner is Judy H!

 

And here we go with another AWESOME giveaway!

This prize will have you making large layered, masked prints!

The prize kit includes:
1 - 12" x 14" Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate
5 - Hazel and Ruby packages of Peel-Off Stencil Masks
3 - 4 oz. jars of Golden Open Acrylic paint
1 - 9" x 12" Strathmore Bristol pad - 20 sheets
1 - Speedball 4" Soft Rubber Pop-In Brayer

All those goodies�and one more FUN thing...
By request, we've taken our 'Addicted to Gelli' badge beyond the virtual realm and made it a reality! So we're adding our brand new pin-backed metal badge to this giveaway!

To enter the giveaway, click on the red "ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE" button below! (This will ensure that we can contact the winner and that entries are limited to one per person. One winner will be selected from all the entries via a random number generator to receive this very special giveaway!) Entries will be accepted until Monday, January 26th, 2015 at 12 noon EST. Our lucky winner will be contacted by email and announced here on the blog and on our Facebook page no later than January 26th at 5 pm EST! 

Enter Giveaway Here!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!!!

Special thanks to our friends at Hazel & Ruby for their generous donation for our prize.

P.S. If you'd like to add our badge to your blog�you can grab the html code from the widget at the top of our blog!

Good Luck and Happy Printing! 

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Gelli� Printing: Dark Over Light

Apply layers of light paint with a DIY sponge dauber, let it dry�then brayer dark paint over it and pull your print. Watch this Gelli video to see it demonstrated step-by-step!

There are many possible variations using this technique. This time, we'll apply the paint from light to dark to produce interesting print effects.

To start, let's make a sponge dauber using a round cosmetic sponge and masking tape. To do this, simply gather the edges of the sponge together, forming a ball of sorts. Wrap the gathered edges in masking tape, which forms the dauber and serves as a convenient handle.

The paints used in this video are DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylic paints, and DecoArt Dazzling Metallics. They're wonderful for this technique!

The key is to allow the painted image to dry on the plate. This technique is perfect for using thin applications of fast-drying acrylics! If you like to take time to develop an image on your plate and have been frustrated with fast drying paint... give this technique a try!

Here's how:

1. Apply light colors to your Gelli plate with a sponge dauber.
• Leave areas of the gel plate unpainted.
• Add focal points and patterns by dabbing paint through stencils
2. Allow paint to dry thoroughly.
3. Load your brayer with a dark color and roll it over the dry paint on your Gelli plate.
4. Quickly cover with your printing paper, rub to transfer the paint � and slowly pull your print. This should pull up just about all of the paint on the plate.

This is a simple technique, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Use fast-drying acrylic paints.
• Avoid any blobs or thick applications of paint since they take a while to dry.
• Allow the painted image to dry completely. (Do NOT use heat to hurry the drying!)
• Roll a thin layer of paint over the dry paint � then quickly cover with paper.
• Give a little extra time when rubbing to transfer the paint to the paper.
• Pull the print slowly. The paper can tend to stick to the plate a bit as you pull the print.

Here are a few variations to try:

• Use metallic and/or interference paints. They'll pop against the final dark layer.
• For a painterly print, apply the paint with a soft brush instead of a sponge dauber.
• Press texture tools into the paint while it's wet.
• Experiment with different color combinations for very different results. Be sure to create enough contrast.

The dry layers of sponged paint created some unexpected interesting paint textures! 

These prints can be great beginnings, too! Add doodling on them with paint pens, colored pencils and your favorite drawing media.

As you can see, there's great potential for creative explorations in printing with dark over 

light colors. Have fun!

This Contest is officially CLOSED

 

Judi W. is our Winner!!

 

And we have a SPECTACULAR GIVEAWAY!!! Including a signed copy of my new book, Gelli Plate Printing!

Our incredible Prize Package includes:

•  1 - 8"x10" Gelli Arts� Gel Printing Plate
•  1 - Speedball 4" Soft Rubber Pop-In Brayer
• 12 - 1 oz. jars of DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics
•  6 - 2 oz. jars of DecoArt Dazzling Metallics
•  1 - package of round cosmetic sponge (latex-free)
•  1 - set of 5 Sharpie Water-based Paint Pens 
•  1 - Signed copy of my book, 'Gelli Plate Printing'

Leave us a comment below and let us know your thoughts on the blog  - we love hearing your feedback. 

To enter the giveaway, click on the red "ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE" button below! (This will 

ensure that we can contact the winner and that entries are limited to one per person. One 

winner will be selected from all the entries via a random number generator to receive this 

fabulous giveaway!) 

Entries will be accepted until (Monday, Oct. 20th, 2014 at 12 Noon EST). Our lucky winner will be contacted by email and announced here on the blog and on our Facebook page no later than (Oct. 20th at 5 p.m. EST)!

Enter Giveaway Here

This Contest is officially CLOSED 

Special thanks to our friends at DecoArt for generously providing the paints in this giveaway!

Good Luck and Happy Printing!

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Gelli Printing with DIY Combs

Combs make such interesting patterns in Gelli prints! Watch this video to see how easy it is to make your own combs from everyday materials!

Using combs ranks among my favorite methods for creating patterns and mark-making in 
monoprinting. In fact, I've included several examples in my new book, Gelli Plate Printing, 
demonstrating how to make your own combs.

The comb is an effective tool for creating dynamic lined patterns. There are many durable 
materials that you can easily cut teeth into to create a comb tool. The fun is in making a bunch of custom combs that can produce an assortment of different lines and widths.

Among my favorite combs are those made from eraser caps! Placing the eraser cap on a 
pencil first makes it easier to handle while cutting. Work on a cutting surface, and use a craft knife to cut tiny V-shaped notches in the tip of the eraser. This creates a versatile mini-comb! Try using it for making cross-hatch marks... and all kinds of gestural swipes! Gotta love those tiny lines! Great for making gestural lines and marks!

TIP: It's best to avoid letting acrylic paint dry on this tool, but if it does, use your craft knife to carve out any dried paint that may become clogged between the comb's teeth.

Erasers are perfect for turning into combs! Simply cut notches out of the edge of an eraser 
with a craft knife�and you're good to go! If you carve your own stamps, you may have some left-over carving material. That's perfect for making combs too!

Old credit cards, hotel keys and other laminated plastic cards are great for making into combs and scrapers! Sharp scissors are a good choice for making your cuts. But avoid making pointy teeth, as they could scratch the surface of the Gelli plate.

Another fun method for making combs is to use decorative edge scissors on a piece of cardboard (like cereal boxes) or craft foam. Simply cut straight across with wavy or zigzag scissors for an instant comb!

There are so many materials you can use to make your own collection of combs! And they're fast and easy to make! Try a few and have fun making fabulous combed prints! To create monotypes with your DIY combs, simply swipe the combs through the wet paint on a Gelli plate, cover with paper, rub to transfer the paint and pull your print. Have fun exploring different ways to create lined patterns! (For more combing ideas, see blog: "Wipe Out Monoprinting")
 
FYI� Materials used to create the prints in the video:

• DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics
• 8" Round Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate
• Speedball 4" Soft Rubber Pop-in Brayer
• 12"x12" scrapbooking card stock (white and black)
• Assorted DIY comb tools

This Contest is officially CLOSED 

And we have a SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!!! Including an autographed copy of my new book, Gelli Plate Printing!

               

• 1- 8" Round Gelli Arts� Gel Printing Plate
• 1- Gelli Plate Printing � book, by Joan Bess
• 15- DecoArt Media� Fluid Acrylics in 1 oz. bottles

Leave us a comment below and let us know your thoughts on the blog  - we love hearing your feedback. 

To enter the giveaway, click on the red "ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE" button below! (This will ensure that we can contact the winner and that entries are limited to one per person. One winner will be selected from all the entries via a random number generator to receive this fabulous giveaway!) 

Entries will be accepted until Monday, Sept. 22nd at 12 noon. Our lucky winner will be contacted by email and announced here on the blog and on our Facebook page no later than Sept. 22nd at 5 pm!

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

  This Contest is officially CLOSED

And a special thanks to our friends at DecoArt� for generously donating the paint for this 

giveaway! 

Good Luck and Happy Printing!

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Gelli� Printing with Styrofoam Plates

Here's a great way to repurpose styrofoam plates to use in monoprinting! Watch this video for ideas on how to make your own unique reusable designs for Gelli printing!

It's fun turning styrofoam plates into reusable texture plates with your own designs! They're perfect for creating texture plates � especially for the small Gelli plate sizes!

Here's how:

Place a styrofoam plate on a cutting surface and using an X-acto knife, cut some slivers or shapes from the plate. Remove them to create a few holes or empty spaces. The plate works essentially like a stencil.

If you have a screw punch, you can use it to make some holes in the foam plate. Always do this on a cutting mat.

One of the advantages of using styrofoam plates is that aside from being easy to cut, you can inscribe marks into it that will show in your print.

To inscribe marks, turn the plate upside-down. With a ballpoint pen or sharp pencil, draw marks into the bottom of the cut plate to create additional design elements. Make small holes by pushing the tip into the styrofoam. When your design is finished, you have a unique printing plate that's ready to use over and over.

TIP: It's a good idea to support your plate while you inscribe the bottom. To do this, invert another styrofoam plate (the same size) and place your cut plate over it. This creates a sturdy support and makes it easy to inscribe marks in the cut sections of your plate.

Here�s how to print with your styrofoam plate:

Apply paint to the Gelli plate and place your styrofoam plate on the wet paint. Place a piece   

of embossed paper or other texture over the plate and press the foam plate into the wet paint. Remove and cover with your printing paper. Rub to transfer the paint, and pull your print. 

While the styrofoam plate has wet paint on it, apply a different color paint to the Gelli plate, then press the foam plate into the gel plate. This will give you a multi-color print. 

So keep those styrofoam plates and trays and make a collection of your own designs! They're easy to stack and store � and loads of fun to print with!

 

This Contest is officially CLOSED

 And we have a fabulous GIVEAWAY!

• 1 � 3" x 5" Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate 
• 1 � 4" Speedball Soft Rubber Pop-in Brayer
• 1 � 5-Tube Set of Chromacryl Paints (2.5  oz tubes)
• 20 � Embossed Index Cards (textured papers)

We are doing things a little differently this month for the giveaway!

Leave us a comment below and let us know your thoughts on the blog  - we love hearing your feedback. 

To enter the giveaway,  click on the red "ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE" button below! 

(This will ensure that we can contact the winner and that entries are limited to one per person. One winner will be selected from all the entries via a random number generator to receive this fabulous giveaway!)

Entries will be accepted until Tuesday, August 19th at 12pm EST. Our lucky winner will be contacted by email and announced here on the blog and on our Facebook page no later than 5pm EST on Tuesday August 19th!

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE!

This Contest is officially CLOSED

And a special thanks to our friends at Chroma for donating the wonderful paints for this giveaway!

Good Luck and Happy Printing!

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