Gelli Plate

I've never heard of that before. Very cool! I kinda want one now. Where did you get it?

I have a gelli plate but actually prefer using what Sandi Keene suggested in a class--one side of a Cropper Hopper paper holder. It works just the same, easier to store, and so easy to clean up. I use that more than my gelli plate.

But to answer your question. I use:

*Punchinella
*Lids in various sizes for circles
*Use a moist paint brush to create your own designs
*Plaid decorator tool

Cool! Would love to see that!

krazykatlady, love those!!! REALLY love the 2nd one. Your zentangle work is stunning!

Krazykatlady, I love your zentangle/gelli print combo's!! Love the bright colors on the first one.


I admit I had a gelli plate on my wish list for some time and when I finally placed an order for the 8.5x11 one. I started doing more layouts and less mixed media. So I haven't even opened it yet. As soon as I get completely moved and settled, my dd and I are going to do a crafty weekend and I totally plan to get it out.

Carolyn Dube does a gelli plate workshop and has some video's on her youtube channel, including using her hands and fabric. I didn't take that workshop but I do subscribe to her on youtube. I figure I'd just play.

I really don't have any favorite color combinations but have noticed that when I do print I tend to stick to two or three colors that day, and then the next time it will be other colors entirely. I hang my prints to dry on wires that have been attached to the wall and looking at it now I see a lot of pink, aqua, turquoise, and salmon on one wire and then purple, emerald, yellow and orange on another.

When I bought my Gelli plate I got the 6x6 because I wasn't sure I would like it and the bigger plates are pricey for something you're not sure about. I found that I love to print but haven't gone bigger mostly because of the price.

I have stacks of prints (probably a foot tall) that I haven't actually done anything with. I've thought many times if I still scrapbooked they would be perfect to use instead of buying patterned paper. I have made a lot of tags that are also hanging on my wall, screaming to be used. And let's not forget the strips of packing tape.

I guess my biggest problem is using what I've made and taking it to the next level - completing an actual mixed media project. I have one canvas of gelli prints that I feel needs to be added to but can't figure out what. I put together an accordion book of prints that someone online asked me what I was going to do with it (I dunno, maybe just look at it? haha!). I look at what I have saved on Pinterest, over 4500 pins of art inspiration, and I still struggle with creating something of my own. I can't decide if I'm too intimidated by what I see or if I'm struggling because I just don't have what it takes to actually create works of art.

I'll stop now because my post is getting off track of the original topic. Here's a picture of the canvas of gelli prints. There are probably ten layers of deli paper prints that were made using stencils (bought and homemade), masks, bubble wrap, the rim of glass, and a giant fly swatter (makes an awesome grid pattern  ) 


 and another one of the tags that need to used. 




  Ugh. I probably need to figure out how to make smaller photos. Sorry 

I think they are really spectacular!!!

Very cool! Love all your examples! I especially love krazykatlady's canvas!

I love your zentanle work too. Thanks so much. I'm now following you on flickr. You're work is amazing!

love the tags...

Yes, the tags were printed from the Gelli plate. Some of the tags were the manila ones you buy at the office supply store and some were made from thin cardboard.

When I first started using my gelli plate I was intimidated by the whole process and it took lots of printing before I got up enough nerve to actually share what I'd done with other people. The FB group I mentioned above has helped immensely with their encouragement and sharing. I will also say for every print I show there are at least two or more that aren't "share-worthy" 

I recently took a class from Stephanie Ackerman using gelli plates and we used bubble wrap, silicone potholders, stencils and scrapers.

How do you like the book? Are there lots of ideas and instructions? I wasn't sure if I would use it but I did look at it online. It was hard to tell if it would be worth it or not.

Thanks, Betsy! Over 50 techniques with instructions sounds awesome! I guess I could order it from amazon and return if I don't like it. Hmmm, thinking here.