Online course: Learn how to use your Gelli plate

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“I’d like to have something to look forward to every week, online that I can do from the comfort of my own home” - this is the gist of an email that landed in my inbox. Yes, I thought, some me-time where you can forget about things for a while and do something creative. So I’ve created a five-week online course featuring the wonder that is The Gel Plate (AKA Gelli printing!) If you’ve never heard of Gelli printing then here’s a bit about it: What is Gelli printing?

During the five weeks we’ll cover texture and overlays, colour palettes, printing onto fabric, transfer techniques, stencils, collagraphs and end the course with a celebration of what you’ve learnt by turning your favourite prints into a concertina artist book.

You’ll make lots of prints that deserve a place on your wall or can be developed further with other medium.

Suitable for beginners who want to try something new, artists to develop their techniques or for those who just want to revitalise their creativity.

Some nice things that people have said about my workshops:

“Great fun and learnt a lot in a short space of time. Rachel is a great teacher and was very patient with all my questions!”

Chris

“A great way to switch off from a busy week. Thank you for sharing your expertise Rachel”

Gemma

“Lots of fun even though I’m not very arty”

Rachel

“Thoroughly enjoyed it. Good escapism and I will keep practising”

Amanda

You’ll be in charge of supplying your own materials and equipment for this workshop. I have provided a list of what you will need for each session below. At first glance it looks huge but there’s some information thrown in about what sort of paper, paint etc. but please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions.

The workshop is delivered over Zoom. Please make sure that you have Zoom downloaded on your laptop / PC / tablet / phone prior to booking. There won't be a recording for this class.

Information about refunds: Refunds are not available on this course however you can transfer your place to another person. If you need to do so then please contact rachel@iprintedthat.com

Course dates, materials and equipment: A five week course running on the following dates:

Tuesday 7 February 2023 10am - 11am

Introducing the Gelli plate

Gelli plate - I recommend Gelli Arts but other makes are available.

Rubber roller (brayer)

Scrap paper for blotting

*Paper (see notes below)

Fabric (optional) - cotton fabric such as sheeting or calico is ideal

*A selection of water based paint (see notes below)

Selection of leaves, feathers, grasses, flowers

A selection of objects that will make interesting imprints. As an idea, things that work well are bubble wrap, buttons, shells, string, hessian (burlap), comb, textured wallpaper - you get the idea, let your imagination run wild!

Not essential but if you have some hard bristle paint brushes then have them to hand.

Tuesday 14 February 2023 10am - 11am

Transfer technique

Gelli plate

Rubber roller (brayer)

Scrap paper for blotting

Black acrylic paint

Paper - by now you’ll be getting a feel for what paper works for you so make sure you’ve got lots of it!

Pages from glossy magazines. Select black and white images or colour images with strong tonal contrasts.

A selection of water based paint. You can use acrylics, gouache, poster paint and, what I particularly like, DIY emulsion tester pots.

Have the prints that you made the previous weeks to hand.

Tuesday 21 February 2023 10am - 11am

Using stencils

Gelli plate

Rubber roller (brayer)

Scrap paper for blotting

Paper - you know what you like, you’re a pro!

A selection of water based paint

Plastic craft stencils if you have but not essential as we’ll be making our own

Paper for stencil making such as plain newsprint or thin cardboard

Sheet of acetate - if you want your stencils to be reusable but not essential

Craft knife (optional)

Cutting board (if using craft knife)

Scissors

Have the prints that you made in the previous weeks to hand

Tuesday 28 February 2023 10am - 11am

Making collagraph prints

Gelli plate

Rubber roller (brayer)

Scrap paper for blotting

Paper - I don’t even need to say anything!

A selection of water based paint

A selection of different weights and textures of cardboard and paper - have a rummage in the recycling bin

Craft knife (optional)

Cutting board (if using craft knife)

Scissors

Tracing paper or white greasproof paper

Have the prints that you made the previous week to hand.

Tuesday 7 March 2023 10am - 11am

Making a concertina artist book

3 x pieces of your favourite Gelli printed A4 paper

Scissors, craft knife or guillotine

Cutting board (if using a craft knife)

Paper glue

A6 piece of card for the cover - printed or plain

An awl or similar implement to make a hole in the card

Bakers twine, string or thin ribbon 65cm in length

Letter stamps and ink pad (optional)

*Paper - you can print on anything from computer printer paper, coloured paper, sugar paper, card stock to fine art printmaking paper. You can even print on ‘found’ paper such as sheet music (one of my favourites!) or pages from old books. Smooth paper gives a clearer print but textured paper can give some interesting distressed effects. I’d start with a selection of printer paper, card stock at a maximum 200gsm, maybe some textured paper and found paper. The only paper to avoid is glossy coated paper stock (like photo paper)

*Paint - you can use acrylics, gouache, poster paint and, what I particularly like, DIY emulsion tester pots. If you're printing onto fabric then any fabric paint in your choice of colour.