How to make Gel (Gelli) plates for printing.
Yes, you read it right, Gelli Printing! Sometimes called Gel plates, Gelli plates or Jelly plates, in this tutorial I share with you how to make flexible printing plates which take colour and texture incredibly well to create exciting monoprints. The resulting prints are worthy of a place on your wall or can be developed further using mixed media - ideal for scrap booking, journalling, bookbinding and card making.
This mixture makes enough for an A4 sized mould at a thickness of 1cm
If you are unsure as to whether your mould is too big or too small then test the capacity by pouring 450ml or 1 pint of water into it.
YOUR ONLINE GELLI PRINTING COURSE AWAITS...
Learn lots of different ways to produce Gelli prints using natural elements, stencils, transfer techniques and collagraphs whilst layering colours and textures. More information here.
"INGREDIENTS"
200ml / 7fl oz glycerine
250ml / 9fl oz boiling water
20 gelatine leaves
UTENSILS
Bowl
Spoon
Measuring jug
A mould with a flat, smooth base such as a baking tray, cake tin lid.
Prep time 20 minutes
Setting time 2 hours plus overnight
METHOD
Rehydrate the gelatine leaves according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Squeeze out the excess water and place in a bowl.
Pour over the boiling water and gently stir SLOWLY until the gelatine has completely dissolved.
Add the glycerine a little at a time stirring VERY GENTLY between each addition. Be careful not to create air bubbles, if you do simply skim them off the surface with a spoon.
CAREFULLY pour the mixture into your mould. If any air bubbles occur skim them off. Leave to set at room temperature for approximately 2 hours. Once set, move to the fridge and leave overnight. It will shrink slightly, making it easier to take out of the mould.
STORING YOUR GEL PLATE
Your gel plate can be used again and again! After each printing session, carefully clean it with water and allow to dry. It can then be stored horizontally at room temperature between two pieces of thick plastic such as acetate, Perspex or acrylic. Don’t use thin plastic such as polythene or cling film as this will mark the surface.