If you haven’t heard of this handy, little gadget it’s time you do. Every artist who loves Mixed Media should have one of these in their arsenal. Careful, though, because using a GELLI PLATE can be addictive!
FIRST OFF – WHAT IS A GELLI PLATE?
A Gelli Plate is a gel printing plate that is used to ‘pull’ mono prints without a press. If this sounds daunting, difficult, or involved, IT’S NOT. So hang in there, find out a bit about this thing and I’m pretty sure you’ll be hooked.
Just like any of the tools in your studio, you should know the basics of how to use it in order to keep your Gelli Plate in good working condition.
DO’S AND DON’TS
The plate is made of a cool plastic that contains mineral oil. The plate will leach a bit of the mineral oil when you leave it sitting on an absorbent surface. It’s harmless, but you don’t want to ruin your work surface so always protect it with a flat, smooth, NON-POROUS barrier sheet, such as glass, or baking sheet, acrylic. You get the idea.
Do NOT use glossy paper, especially gloss photo paper to pull prints because it can stick to (and damage) the surface of the Gelli Plate.
Acrylic paint is recommended. It will most likely stain the plate, but it won’t affect your prints.
If the stain bothers you and you’d like to clean the plate, use baby oil. Wipe the plate with baby oil, then wash it with dish soap and pat it dry with a paper towel.
It’s really not necessary to clean the plates between prints. As a matter of fact, when paint remains on the plate it usually gets pulled up onto the next print – and well, wow, that’s cool.
So, keep printing over and over and over.
I also like to keep the outer edges of the plate clean, because the paint seems to collect there.
Just be sure you clean the plate before storing it. Just store it in the plastic container that it arrived in.
PULLING YOUR FIRST PRINT
Now that you know the basics, I’d say you’re ready to experience some old-fashioned, kindergarten gettin’-messy fun.
1. Here’s my basic set up of supplies: Gelli Plate set onto some non-absorbent surface. In this case I’ve used my plexiglass acrylic palette, but any non-absorbent surface will do. Soft rubber brayer, spray bottle, texture making thingies, wet paper towel in container, sketchbook to work too much paint off of brayer, hand sanitizer for cleaning edges of Gelli Plate (and you), and paper on which to print your masterpieces.
2. Put a small amount of acrylic paint right onto the Gelli Plate. It will take a bit of practice to get the feel of how much paint to use, but soon you’ll get the hang of it and be a master!
3. Use a soft rubber brayer to roll the paint into a THIN layer over the plate.
4. Now create pattern in the paint – for this first time, keep it simple – use a texture tool or your brush handle, whatever, to scratch some sort of design into the wet paint.
5. Lay a piece of paper right over that wet paint.
6. Now gently smooth the back of the paper with your hands, which transfers the paint.
7. Then pull back the paper to reveal your print!
TIP OF THE ICEBERG
This is only the beginning of what you can do with this handy tool. Here’s a rather short list of ideas/techniques for you (below). What I really recommend is that you go to the Gelli Plate website and explore!
- Multi-Color print
- ADD paint onto already dried layers and print
- Put paint onto the plate then SUBTRACT by wiping away with swabs, erasers, sponges, finger, etc.
- Use a ‘mask’ or stencil to block some areas – or put paint on it to print onto the plate.
- Use different papers as a base – newspaper, magazines and the like.
- Write on it.
- Use Masking fluid. Use Golden texture gels.
- If you don’t like a print, just pull another one right over it!
Oh my gosh…I could go on and on, but why not get yourself a great book on the process?
Here is one I recommend from Amazon. Click on the image to see the book on Amazon.:
We get a sales percentage each time anyone clicks one of our affiliate links and purchases a product. We recommend only products that we truly love and use ourselves, and think will be very helpful to you, personally, as an artist. We are not responsible for the content of any affiliate site, but hope the affiliate links will be of service to you.
Any funds collected from your purchases will be put towards our dream of providing future scholarships for our journey trips!
WHAT’S COMING UP?
GUEST POSTERS!
I think you will enjoy them very much. They are people whose work I personally admire.
YOUR 30-DAY CHALLENGE ORDERS
Thanks to all of you who have Pre-ordered the 30-day Drawing Challenge in book form. We anticipate it will be shipped to you around March 25th. Don’t forget that you can sign up to have the Challenge delivered to your inbox each morning of the 30 days, as originally intended. The sign-up is FREE when you purchase the book.
UPDATE
I’m hanging in there with my chemo treatments. Second one coming up this week and I’m losing hair. Thinking about going to have it cut short or shaved. The last time I had short hair was…hmmm, when I was a baby! If I feel really brave, I’ll post a photo on an upcoming post. gulp.
Thanks so very much to all of you who have written encouraging words, sent cards and gifts. It DOES make a difference. So many of you have been where I am now. If you did it, so can I.
Thank you so much for reading!
Kathie xo
Kathie, this sounds fun! Thanks! Thinking of you today!
You are the most positive person I know; maintain that wonderful sense of humor and you will get through this. Our prayers are with you each day. Keep smiling’ and wonderful to hear from you when you are able to communicate with us. Thank you for sharing this new product; I had just heard about it also from another artist. Love, hugs and many prayers, Pat
And will definitely be thinking of you tomorrow!
Hi Kathie! You had me singing it’s all bout the gel when I read your title and instantly brought a smile to my face. Thank you! You’re doing what you need to do and that is still thinking about your passion in life- ART!! And so generous of you to share with us! You brighten our day and I hope you feel soooooo satisfied with yourself that all of us just LOVE how you can inspire us! Just keep doing what you’re doing – going through your treatments just like we approach drawing & art…piece by piece – treatment to treatment. Now you’re on your way to better health! You have so many more people keeping you in their prayers than you can imagine so hang in there. You are amazing! And yes, I will click on the link & purchase that way – of course we NEED this fun painting tool. Thank you for causing us to “sing” this morning!
Mary Ann.. You just wrote everything I was thinking when I was reading Kathi’s newsletter !! Very well said and if you don’t mind, I will use some of your verbiage to send to my cousin who is on her third chemo treatment as we speak. What a positive message from you and Kathie this morning! I took one class from her last year in Houston and immediately saw why everyone loves her infectious, spitfire personality!! Eileen
Kathie, so glad to hear from your positive, up beat self. This project sounds like something that would be fun and messy. Right down my alley! I’ve needed some inspiration and I think you just gave it to me! Thanks, Pat
I really had to chuckle with your “all about the gel” title. I take a class at the gym that uses that song and it always gets stuck in my head! Now I will think of you and how bravely you are dealing with your chemo. I am going to share this with my grandkids. They will love it.
Hugs and prayers,
Pat
So sorry to read that you are undergoing chemo. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time.
Your enthusiasm is contagious! I think I will have to add this tool to my collection! Looks like the possibilities are endless, and I always enjoy trying new ways to use mediums. Really enjoyed the Yupo class last year at HOOT and am looking forward to seeing you there again August! Your positive energy will help you get through your treatments and be victoriuos over your cancer. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you continue on the road to recovery. {{{{{Hugs to you!}}}}
We had a demo on the gelli plate at a recent art league meeting! Looks like fun! May have to give it a go! Prayers continue for your journey with cancer treatments and complete recovery! God’s Peace.
Morning Kathi,
I just went ahead and got the shaved clean hairdo! It was totally the best do. Low maintainance for sure. A little chilly. Ordered fun wigs in colors I always wanted to try on line. That was fun. Got them in the mail, tried all. Returned the bad choices. After chemo, I got my life long wish for curls. Be careful what we wish for. After two haircuts, I got my straight back again. Thank goodness. You are correct. We did it, so can you. Makes us stronger. Now you can do anything, everything, anywhere! Can’t wait for all that! Think of what that will be. Keep good thoughts, stay strong. Thanks for the blog. Have had you in my thoughts and prayers. Glad your angels are watching over you as they were directed. Hugs, Barb
Dear Kathie!
I too was very glad to see a post and hear your always positive vibe coming thru. I bet you would look great in a ‘temporary pixie cut’!! You look so young anyway, with the right short hair, you might get carded when you go out for a glass of wine!!! Although, maybe you get ‘carded’ now? Would not surprise me. 🙂 Anyway, you are in my thoughts and prayers!! Hang in there. We are ALL thinking about you and sending healing vibes your way. As to gelli plates, thanks for the information. I have messed with this a little, but not for a while and the time I did it, I used jello in a pan. Not so easy as this and obviously, only for a couple uses. It was a recipe that used Knox gelatin and you made a big block of that. You can IMAGINE how that goes, I am sure. LOL love, jeanne
Well you sold me on Yupo so now I’ll have to try this too! Looks like fun and I know my grandkids will love it too. Just what I need – more supplies in my stash!!!
Have fun with those colored wigs. You are so good at finding the fun in everything that we know that you will make the best of this road bump. Just know that at any given moments there is someone out here praying for you. We love you.
Glad you posted this since I’ve been thinking about adding this technique to my watercolors. Fun! As to the hair, bald is very cool. Several female friends who have undergone chemo have gone bald. One had her husband shave her head, the other a friend did it. A way to let others be part of the process. Good thoughts to you
you will be beautiful bald. you are in my prayers.
Think of you everyday, yesterday you were a really strong thought for me, hope it was a good day for you. Hang in, you can do this too!
So glad you are keep up with your Tuesdays with Kathie when you can. Thank you for the stamina and courage you are modeling for us!
We are all hanging in there with you, Kathie! Don’t forget to wear your scarves. Silk chiffon works well for keeping tied. It clings to itself. Hugs, love, and prayers for your health to return soon.
All the best to you Kathie -to your health, your comfort and your treatment progress. Just a big HUG from one of your many fans!
Just picked up a Gelli plate yesterday. Such a timely post. Can’t wait to try it out. Sending you heaps of healing, good energy thoughts. Jane
Thank you for the fun & creative ideas you so freely share with us. What an inspiration you are!!
I attended your workshop in The Villages, Fl. And absolutely loved it…. One of the highlights of my winter here!
I had no idea you had this health challenge facing you.. No one would ever had known you had anything going on. Your sweet, up-beat and encouraging manner coupled with a wonderful sense of humor was something I’ll always remember and find encouragement in. Praying for successful chemo & no side-effects. Thank you again for sharing your “gifts”.
So happy you posted this – I’ve been intrigued about what this was about and am ready to tackle it now. I clicked on the link and bought the book and a gelli plate – You are such an inspiration – thanks so much.
Sounds very interesting. Always mades me smile to hear from you. Sending Healing Hugs.
Thank you for the blog. You always give us such interesting things to try. I will have to order the gelli plate book and kit. As Barbara Brook will tell you Sur tarkin has to have every supply she hears about and try every new thing. Someday I will concentrate on one thing and do it very well. Until then I will keep exploring and having fun. I agree with the others that you would be beautiful without a hair on your head. but you do have all those wonderful scarves to wear. I started working on one yesterday when I got my silk scarves in the mail. Had to have 12 of them. Don’t know why I needed that many but it was cheaper that way per scarf. I also have a long brown wig that I bought to seduce my husband who likes long hair. But he decided he liked me the way I was so I have no use for the wig. It would look beautiful on you. If you want it just send me your address by email and I’ll put it in the mail as soon as possible. thoughts and prayers are with you always. hope the chemo goes well for you.
This looks like fun! Have to try! You are one strong and positive broad! I love you for the extreme way u r putting one foot in front of the other and tackling this horrible bump in the road! This is an inspiration to many and there may be that one that needs to see your strength. Stay positive and know that you have many who love you and are lifting you up in prayer!
So good to receive your blog and current info on your journey. You know my love and prayers are always with you!
Love ya,
Jane
Karen Knutson told us about Gelliplate last year at Villages class. She has posted some of the papers she made on her blog a while back. Now to find room for doing it in my small studio! Maybe hubby can let me take over the lanai? Keep spirits up..everyone is pulling for you.
Kathie – I have enjoyed your writings for well over a year now. You are very generous to give out so much quality content and instruction at no charge. I am still enjoying my skills practiced by completing the 30 day drawing challenge of March 2014. I would encourage anyone wanting a kick start for daily discipline practice, to definitely do the 30 days of drawing.
I notice most of your fan club is women, so here I offer my man’s perspective. Years ago, I saw my sister bravely go through a cancer situation and treatments, probably similar to yours. Your husband is a very fortunate man to have you as his wife. Your beautiful face, smile, personality, and attitude will certainly carry you through your treatments, hair or no hair!
Wishing you the best possible results,
Julian Buck
You’ll be a WINNER on this journey too, Kathie! You know my thoughts and prayers are with you everyday and more importantly He is with you.
P. S. I ordered the Gelli book and a plate today. I also ordered 4 wooden blocks…..they’ll be a great addition to my approx. 30 copper tjap family!
Kathie, Always a new adventure in art! I can’t wait to try it. Keeping the faith with you and your chemo. Women rock! We can get through anything!
Great blog and article. Bald is beautiful! Love and prayers to you…
Kathie,
You seem to read my mind. You are definitely posting things I want to try. This Gelli Plate sounds fabulous. I will let you know if I buy one. I’m going to their website now. I am at a complete loss for words in regard to your health. You always sound so up beat. I hope that you have a good prognosis and wish all the very best to you.
Thanks Kathie for the update, you were on my mind and in my prayers very early this morning, as I woke up and couldn’t get back to sleep. The gelli plate sounds very interesting, I guess it’s one more thing I’ll need to look into. Keeping you covered in prayer and love as you go through round 2, a pixie cut on you would be cute, color wigs sound fun too. So glad to see you upbeat, Keep playing in your studio it will help you through the hard patches. Looking forward to another week this summer with you at MISA, my Hubbie in now retired and tagging along to see the sights of the island.
Hi Kathie.
This sounds like fun so I might try it. You always have new fun ideas for us. Thank you. Hoping today went ok. I will be sending lots of positive energy your way.
You are a beautiful person inside and out..with or without hair. Think of all the time saved ! More time to paint and experiment. Love you and prayers be with you.
Thinking of you. Karen is here teaching a workshop, actually she leaves today. We had a really fun week, of course. Praying for you daily, you are doing so great! You inspire all with your attitude and sparkle! Love you girl!
thank you for the wonderful tip….oh, yes, I am so curious as well as curious about the block wood prints you spoke of a few weeks ago,
Kathi, I did not know about your chemo….but you can bet I will be storming heaven ….with big bold and colorful prayers…..God will NOT leave you. He only lets you down so He can raise you up to HIM and make a joyful noise so all will see His power of healing. Chemo sucks but YOU are a strong woman. We look for you back at The Villages in 2016.
I bought a Gelli Plate and a book and a brayer. I am going to have so much fun. Thank you!
Kathi…the Gelli plate is such a blast to play with. I was made a convert a couple of weeks ago. I did feel like I was taking a trip back to Kindergarten at first, but then I got gutsy with layering and realized I was in college…or is that collage? Perhaps both. Such fun! I admire your positive attitude and continued sharing during your plight with chemo. I have every faith and pray that you will continue to “fight like a girl” and show us who’s boss….YOU! I’m not sure you realize how much of an inspiration your artistic and personal journeys are to all of us. Thank you for giving so much of yourself.
I must have missed info that you are fighting cancer and having chemo. I will start praying right now for your recovery. Your art inspires me, and I love your batiks! Please take good take of yourself during these days. Be blessed and may God heal you fully.