How to do Monoprinting Art with Found Object DIY

Get busy making monoprints using the Gelli Arts gel plate, acrylic paint and random found objects.

This fun craft is fast and easy, there's no skill level (try it with kids for a fun craft day) and it's a surprise every time you pull a print.

Gel plate printing is great for background texture in scrapbooks, card making, junk journaling, art journals and as fun modern art.

Supplies Needed for Gel Printing with Found Objects:

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• Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate (5x7)
• Brayer (5-7" wide)
• Plaid's Multi-Surface Paint (Variety Pack)
• Print Making Paper or Laser Print Paper 24 lb
• Baby Wipes

VARIOUS FOUND OBJECTS:

Puzzle pieces, packaging, bubble wrap, netting, paper cutouts, paintbrushes, feathers, flowers, leaves, packaging, pencil erasers, plastic bag, everyday objects, sponges, paper towel, and don't forget to take a look in the recycle bin for other options!

DO NOT USE SHARP OBJECTS

No special paper needed. 

Watercolor paper, copy paper, tissue papers, just a piece of paper...and actually, you can gel print on fabric and other surfaces too!

WHAT IS GEL PLATE PRINTING?

Gel Plate Printing is a form of printmaking, it has interesting textures, various techniques, image transfer options and is a unique printing method.

Unlike screen printing, etched plate, a reprintable block or stamping, gel plate printing is only good for one single print, a monoprint.

Mono meaning one, and print.

There are ways to do a series of monoprints using ghost prints as well as an in- kind print, but it's a new monoprint every time.

Gel plate printing has an element of surprise every time you pull the final prints because of the various effects and interesting textures that can't be duplicated the same way next time in second prints.

The abstract compositions can be layered and layered using negative space or leaving blank space on the printing surface for journaling.

Step 1: Gel Plate Printing with Found Objects:

Begin by removing the plastic sheet from the top and bottom of the flexible, smooth surface of the Gelli Arts gel plate.

Then add a small amount of acrylic paints to the top surface of the gel plate, the printing surface.

Roll the paint around the top surface until it is smooth, if it is too thin, it may lift off the paint as it dries too quickly...if the paint is too thick, it will have trouble making crisp prints.

Experiment a little to find the right amount of paint for your climate.

Step 2: Gel Plate Printing with Found Object

Now press the object onto the surface of the gel plate right into the wet paint.

Press it firmly with much pressure, but not hard, and careful not to let the found object slide around on the paint (this may be an indication that there is too much paint on the gel plate).

Read about the next step before beginning your monotype print!

Step 3: Gel Plate Printing with Found Objects

Now you have quite a few different options to finish off the mono print:

(I encourage you to experiment with all kinds of printmaking techniques and decide what you like the best)

1. Immediately remove the item and place a piece of paper over the top of the gel plate, press firmly all around and then pull up the paper, revealing the print!

2. Remove the items, let the paint on the gel plate dry completely, then coat a thin layer of paint over the top of it and then place a piece of paper on the gel plate. Stack some heavy books on it and let it dry completely, about 10 minutes. Then remove the books, and pull the print off the gel plate.

3. If the object is thin, press the paper right over the top of it, leaving a negative space silhouette left on the paper for a different texture. 

A single print can be the background to an art piece, journal page and more...or you can continue to add paint and textures to the top of the paper producing various effects.

Or grab a fresh sheet of paper and create a new monoprint with bold, vibrant colors and textures.

Gel plate mono prints with found objects can be as simple or as complex as you want.

This fun paintbrush shows even the size of the brush, I love the detail that the jellie plate is able to capture in the paint.

This is such a fun medium to try out different techniques, just get a stack of copy paper and lots of acrylic paint and try out all the printmaking options to find what you like the best.

This could become your favorite hobby for sure!

That's it!

Enjoy making monoprints with the Gelli Arts Gel Plate, Plaid's Multisurface acrylic craft paint and some found objects of various sizes.

This fun craft is great for all paper crafting, card making, journaling, abstract compositions, bookmarks, fine art and much more!

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CHECK OUT THIS 10 PART SERIES ON GELLI ARTS GEL PLATE PRINTING USING PLAID MULTI-SURFACE PAINTS!

CHECK OUT THESE OTHER MONOPRINTING POSTS!

How to Make Gel Plate Monoprints (DIY Art Printing)

Learn how to make gel plate monoprints with just a few simple supplies, a few minutes and no skill needed.

Monoprints are single time prints and can be created with just paint or layers of texture and impressions.

These are super fun to create and I'll teach you how to get the best results, but you can experiment and make them your own in no time at all.

How to Create Bookmarks with Gel Plate Printing DIY

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Let's get started creating these gorgeous ginkgo leaf printed bookmarks!

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Card making is one of my favorite, and OG crafts, I started card making in 2006.

These cards with monoprinted backgrounds are easy to make, stunning and perfect for any occasion.

Let's get started using these beautiful mono prints!

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This is a fun nature craft that works with the leaves used on gel plate ginkgo leaf prints, with a subtle amount of gold acrylic paint on each leaf surface.

Let's get started creating these natural and earthly bookmarks!