It's been a couple of weeks since I introduced my Gelli Arts printmaking journey to you.
I've been practicing diligently since then, making hundreds of prints. Most of which are pure garbage. With the garbage prints, if they are not salvageable by adding more layers of printing, I simply start over fresh by pulling a print of a solid color -- which covers up all the garbage.
Sometimes these prints are refreshingly surprising in that, depending on the color of paint I am using, a bit of the old garbage peeks through and it is all GOOD. Otherwise, I have a fresh canvas on which to do more practicing.
Because of wanting to recycle and reuse, no paper ever goes to waste. Some of these prints have multiple layers of paint. As I previously said about covering up the garbage, sometimes the multiple layers are wonderful. If they become too busy, however, I simply start all over with a fresh coat of paint -- covering up the garbage.
I am definitely making progress in this method of printmaking. But, at times I can make prints for 1-2 hours and only end up with three prints that I am happy enough to keep. Frustrating. But I just keep plodding on.
I have become completely obsessed with this process. To the point that I'm not getting enough of my other papercrafting done. But, it's a healthy obsession, don't you agree?
The plate I've been working on most recently only measures 3" x 5", so these prints are much smaller. Precious treasures. I love their size.
These last five prints I am showing you, I plan on keeping for my own personal collection, to watch my progress.
So far, I have only been using the cheap bottled craft acrylics in my printmaking. I have more expensive tubes of acrylic for the next step. I keep telling myself that I should move on and try some other paints and methods. But, I love these so much and I feel I can still learn and improve even mor before moving on to the expensive stuff.
If you are interested in taking up this type of printmaking, or just wanting to learn more about it, you can find out more about it by clicking HERE. If you go to that site, they even have a link to some videos. Check them out! It's very addictive -- but a healthy addiction!
Gelli
Smiles.
These papers you have made are beautiful and works of art all on their own. Thanks for linking up with #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty
ReplyDeleteSo pretty and unique. Thank you Linda for sharing this post at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I shared it on social media.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like so much fun & they're SOO pretty!
ReplyDeleteWow! Those are beautiful! I've never heard of this before so I headed over to YouTube. I'm not sure I have the eye for this but you sure do!
ReplyDeleteYour paper printing is pretty. I have never heard of this craft beefore but I love the look. It is understandable how one could become obsessed with this technique. Thank you for sharing at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I have shared on social media.
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful! Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty!
ReplyDeleteI was obsessed when I first started - having so much fun just playing and printing. I haven't played in a while - you've got me itching to get back to it. I use a lot of the prints as backgrounds for ATC cards.
ReplyDeleteATCs! That's a great idea! Now, you get back to your Gelli plate and have some fun! We could do a trade!
DeleteLovin that last blue one! Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteKim
I know what you mean. Gelly printing is fun but not as easy as it looks in videos when the pros does it, huh? Keep at it! :)
ReplyDeleteAre you using cardstock or watercolor paper for these prints?
ReplyDeleteI need to experiment with gelli printing some more, especially now that I've learned that less-than-spectacular prints can be covered with a solid pull, allowing me to start over without wasting lots of paper. To date the vast majority of what I've ended up with has been less than impressive, so it's kind of reassuring to hear that it's not just me, but rather the learning curve involved in gelli art.
I would be proud of any and all of the prints you've shown in this post, but the five you showed separately are magnificent! The last one, the blue one, is my absolute favorite.
You might have already done this in a previous post I missed, but I would love to see some of the finished prints used in cards or other projects!
Joyce, I always appreciate your thoughtful and thought-provoking comments! I used mostly cardstock. I tried deli paper, which so many seem to love. Not me! Flimsy and not at all pleasing -- at least to me. I also use pages from a dictionary that was born the same year I was. I'd thought it would be cool to have the words and pictures show through in some places. But, with so many layers, it doesn't happen. I keep accumulating prints that I love. Not sure how I am going to use them though.
DeleteI love all the layored texture on these prints! I'm sure they add a lot of depth to your projects! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThere is so much more to card-making than I ever thought. Love the colors and texture here.
ReplyDeleteI love all the colors and textures on your prints. Thank you for sharing at Ravenwould.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW's DIY Party!
ReplyDeleteGelli printing is a lot of fun. I got my grandaughter to try it and she likes it too.
ReplyDeleteBarbara @https://fairmeadowplace.blogspot.ca