I recently (finally) jumped into the wild world that is gel printing. I got a Gelli plate for my birthday last year, and it sat in the package for over a year! I had heard about it in a mixed media class that I took about 5 years ago, but at that time just brushed it off, assuming it was something that was too complicated or not that interesting. About a year ago, for whatever reason (God knows!), I joined a group on facebook called “Gel Printing Enthusiasts”. I don’t even remember doing that. I’m not on facebook anymore, but at that time, I was so enjoying seeing all of the different things people were making on their gel plates showing up in my feed every day. I also enjoyed reading all of the encouraging comments. It definitely sparked an interest, but still not enough to try it. It wasn’t until I started art journaling and discovered the amazing benefits of digital paper. I was able to find whatever textures/old letters/papers that I couldn’t find anywhere else, as digital files on etsy, and then print them to use in my journal. Which made me realize that I have a brand new Gelli plate, just sitting and waiting for some attention. So I spent several evenings watching numerous gel printing how-to videos on youtube. I even had my boys getting into it. Armed with that knowledge, I was finally brave enough to crack open the package to attempt to make my own art journaling papers. And boy, am I glad I did. Although the idea of a monoprint seems counter productive when it comes to printmaking, the fact that you can scan your prints and print copies whenever you like makes it more worthwhile in my opinion. I absolutely love vintage textures, so being able to make your own in any colour combination you desire is a bit of a dream!

So for days now, I have been collecting bits of nature outdoors (though it’s a bit early for that) and trying out any and every technique I can remember. And trying not to buy all the texture tools. I think I may have to go on a bit of a scavenger hunt at the dollar store next time I’m in town, but it’s pretty incredible what you can come up with simply with stuff you already have. I’m really looking forward to trying out flowers and leaves this summer.

And if you also have a gel plate hiding away in a cupboard somewhere, this is my formal encouragement to watch some how-to videos, get inspired, and give it a try!

ALSO..

I have uploaded some of my custom gel print designs to my etsy shop if you are interested in printing them and using them in your art journal! http://www.emeraldthrone.etsy.com