Jelly Printing: Tips and Tricks for Beautiful Prints

Key Highlights

• Discover jelly printing. This is a kind of mono printing where you use a gel plate. You can make beautiful prints that feel one of a kind.

• Learn about the supplies you need. A gel plate, acrylic paint, and a soft rubber brayer help you get the best results.

• Try out easy ways to work with stencils, found objects, and natural elements. You can add detail and feel to your art.

• See how to put colors in layers and use your beautiful prints in mixed media projects like art journals and collages.

• Get tips to clean and take care of your gel plate. That way, it will give you many prints for a long time.

Introduction

Have you ever wanted to make great, one-of-a-kind art without using hard tools or a printing press? You can try jelly printing, which people also call gelli printing! This easy and fun art style uses a soft gel plate. You can use it to make special prints that are different each time. Anyone can try this method. It is good for new people and for those who have been making art for years. You do not need to know a lot to start, and it gives you so many ways to be creative. Let’s take a look at how you can start gelli printing with a gel plate right now.

Understanding Jelly Printing and Its Unique Appeal

Jelly printing is a new way to make art prints. It uses a soft gel plate that you can use again and again. To do this, you put paint on the gel plate. You can make patterns or add texture in any way you like. Next, press a piece of paper on top. When you lift the paper, the design is there. With this way, you can make bright and layered art. You get unique prints every time you do it.

The thing people like most about gel plate printing is how easy and fun it is. You don't need a special machine or to use harsh stuff, so anyone at home can try it. This makes gel plate printing one of the favorite art forms for many people. You can play around with the gel plate and get different effects fast. You see results right away, which is what makes it feel so good and hard to stop doing.

What Makes Jelly Printing Different from Other Printmaking Methods

Unlike old ways of making prints like woodcut or linocut, you do not need to carve anything when you do jelly printing. The gel plate gives you a soft and ready surface to work on. This helps you save time, and it can let you have more room to fix things, too. When you lift a print from the gel plate, you make a "monoprint." This kind of print is special because each one is different. You will use fresh paint every time you make a new print.

The gel plate is very flexible, which makes it stand out. It can pick up tiny details from different materials, like soft leaves and bubble wrap. You do not need a press to get the best results. Just use your hand and press down. That will move the image from the gel plate to your paper.

This method is easy for anyone to try. You only need a plate, some paint, and paper to start. The cleanup is quick, and you can keep the plate safe by storing it in its original packaging. Because it is so simple to use, people feel free to test new things and have fun. That’s why many artists like it so much.

Popular Uses and Art Forms with Jelly Prints

Gelli prints are very useful and can work in many projects. A lot of people use them to make pretty papers for their art journal. The patterns and bright colors really stand out. You can use them as backgrounds or the main design on your pages.

Many artists use their gelli prints as collage elements. You can cut or tear the prints into different shapes or sizes. This adds both feel and interest when you are making mixed media art. You can also put them on top of fabric, stamps, or drawings. This helps to make new and lively pieces.

Beyond making things with paper, these prints are now loved for making handmade cards, gift wrap, and patterns on fabric. There are so many things the prints can do. You can use this fun way to make art in almost any creative work you like.

Essential Supplies for Starting Jelly Printing

You don’t need a lot of expensive things to start jelly printing. The main thing you need is a gel plate. This is a soft and reusable surface for printing. You will also need a brayer, which is a small roller, to help spread the acrylic paint on the gel plate. And, of course, you need paper.

With these basics, you can start to try out different printing techniques. As you feel more at ease with this, you can add different materials for mark-making. For example, you can bring in things like stencils and simple items you have at home. Now, let's take a closer look at the main supplies you should get.

Choosing Your Jelly Plate: Store-Bought vs. Homemade

When you start, you can pick a gel plate from the store or make one at home. A store-bought gel plate is strong and easy to wash. You will find them in a variety of sizes. Many come in original packaging, like a clamshell, which is good for storage and keeps the plate safe for a long time. These gel plates are made to last. You can use them to make many beautiful prints.

You can also try making a gelatin plate at home. A homemade gelatin plate can be a good and cheap way to start with this. But, it is not as strong as the ones you buy in a store. You have to keep it cold in the fridge. It is a fun project you can do yourself but the plate may not last for a long time.

Making your own plate at home is easy to do. You need just a few things that you can find in most kitchens. Here is a simple way to make a plate in a shallow pan:

Ingredient	Amount
Unflavored Gelatin	4 Tablespoons
Cold Water	1/2 Cup
Hot Water (not boiling)	1.5 Cups
Glycerin (optional, for flexibility)	1 Tablespoon

Recommended Paints, Papers, and Inks

The best and most popular paint to use for your gel printing plate is acrylic paint. Heavy body acrylic paint works well because the color is richer and thicker. If you want something that is good quality but doesn't cost too much, student-grade acrylic paint is a great option. This makes it good for people who are new to gel printing.

Using acrylic paint will help you get the best results with your printing plate.

When you want to use paper, there are many kinds you can use. Simple white copy paper is a good start because it is cheap. You will also find that it works well for most projects. This kind of paper is thin, so it is simple to use for making collages. As you keep trying, you might want to try other types like deli paper, tissue paper, or cardstock.

If you want more detail in your prints, choose thicker papers like watercolor paper. This kind of paper takes in more paint and can show smaller lines and textures well. You can also use fabric, like muslin, to make your own special designs. Trying out different surfaces like watercolor paper is part of the fun.

Tools for Mark Making and Texture Creation

A soft rubber brayer helps you put on a smooth layer of paint. The best part about jelly printing is using simple tools to make marks and textures. You do not have to buy costly supplies for this. There are many things in your home that can help you too.

Look for found objects that have interesting patterns. Bubble wrap is a good choice for making dot patterns. You can also use crumpled plastic wrap, some corrugated cardboard, or the rims of plastic takeout containers to get different effects. A pencil eraser can be used too, if you want to make simple marks that repeat.

You can use art tools like stencils, texture plates, stamps, and silicone tools to make marks. You can also use things from nature like leaves, feathers, and flowers. These give your prints a nice feel and look. Try using anything that will not harm the plate, and see what interesting textures you get from it.

Workspace Setup and Safety Tips

Setting up your own workspace helps the printing process feel easier and more fun. Start by covering your work surface with a plastic tablecloth or old newspapers. Jelly printing can get messy, so it's good to take care of this. You need to work on a flat and clean surface. This step helps your plate stay level as you work.

Keep your supplies close so you can get to them fast. A paper towel or baby wipes are good to have for quick cleanups. These are great for wiping off your tools between each use. You can also use a small basin of soapy water when you finish to clean your brayer and other tools.

It is easy to stay safe when you do jelly printing, because the things you use are usually not toxic. The most important thing to watch is your gel plate. Do not use sharp items on it, or you might cut or pull at the surface. If this happens, you will see the damage on every new print you make. You should always pick soft tools when making marks on your gel plate.

Beginner’s Guide to Jelly Printing: Getting Started

Are you excited to make your first print? This guide will help you learn the basics of gelli plate printing. If you are new, it's good to keep things easy for your first try. You do not have to make a great piece of art right now. The main goal is to have fun and see how the gel plate, paint, and paper work together.

We will talk about how to choose your first materials. You will also get some easy project ideas to try. If you follow these steps, you can feel sure about what you are doing and learn the basics. This will help you do well as you keep going and find new ways to be creative.

Selecting Materials for Your First Print

For your first print, it's good to keep the steps easy. Take a piece of paper and some tubes of acrylic paint. Get your gel plate and brayer too. Standard copy paper is a good pick for beginners. It doesn’t cost much and works well for this.

Pick two or three different colors of acrylic paint that you like. This helps you see how the colors mix together on the plate. You will not feel overwhelmed. When you start with a bright color instead of white, you will notice your design better. It also makes the process feel more fun and exciting.

Having everything set up before you begin is important. Put your paper out, open the paint tubes, and keep the brayer close by. This way, when you use the paint, you can move fast, and not worry about it drying too soon on the plate.

Simple Ideas for Your First Jelly Print Project

When you feel good about the basic steps, you can start to make easy and nice projects. A simple idea is to make a group of kind prints. You can use these one-of-a-kind prints later in an art journal as backgrounds or to add as collage elements.

Don't try to be perfect on your first go. The best part of this way is the little surprises and the one-of-a-kind results you get. You can make a sheet of paper with layers of patterns and colors. That sheet of paper becomes a work of art by itself. These kind prints are often the most lovely ones.

Exploring different textures is a great way to begin. You can try out these simple ideas:

• Press a leaf onto the painted plate. This helps you show the veins of the leaf.

• Take the edge of a credit card. Use it to make lines and shapes.

• Gently press bubble wrap on the plate. You will see a dotted pattern.

• Put a piece of string or yarn down in swirls. This will make fun lines.

• Use a stencil if you want a clean shape that repeats.

Step-by-Step Process for Creating Beautiful Jelly Prints

Making your own beautiful prints can be easy. A clear, step-by-step process is a great way to build your skills with gel print work. You start by getting your workspace ready, and then work your way through each part. Each step is important for getting good results in the end.

We will go through this step by step to make things easy. This guide will show you how to put on a layer of paint, how to add textures, and how to move your design onto paper. By following these steps, you can have a good and fun time while printing every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Gather Materials

First, you need to set up your creative space. Start by putting a protective layer like a plastic tablecloth on your work surface. This will help catch any paint that spills. Make sure the work surface you are using for your gel plate is flat and clean. A clean surface will help you get a good print since any bumps or small bits under your gel plate can change how it looks.

First, get all the things you need and put them together. Take your gel plate out of the package. Put it down on the clean surface. Have your acrylic paints, brayer, paper, and any texture tools you want to use close and ready to go. It's good to have baby wipes near you, too, so you can clean your hands or tools fast if they get messy.

It is important to get everything ready before you start. Acrylic paint can dry fast. After you put a thin layer of acrylic paint on the plate, you need to go to the next step right away. A good setup helps you focus on being creative without any stops.

Step 2: Apply Paint to the Jelly Plate

Now is the time to put paint on the gel plate. Many people use too much paint at first, but you do not need a lot. A little goes a long way when you use a gel plate. Start by squeezing out some dots of paint. Each dot should be about the size of a dime or a chocolate chip. This will help you avoid using too much paint.

Using three to five dots of acrylic paint is enough for an 8x10 inch plate. It is easy to add more if you feel like you need it, but taking away too much paint is not so easy. Put different colors next to each other on the plate so that you can blend them or make nice gradients.

The goal is to make a thin and even layer of paint in this step. If you start with small dots of paint, you will have more control. This will help you use the right amount. It also keeps the layer of paint from looking muddy or losing detail.

Step 3: Use a Brayer to Evenly Spread Paint

With paint on your plate, you will need to use your soft rubber brayer. You want to spread the paint in a smooth and even way all over the plate. Move the brayer back and forth and side to side. Pick it up sometimes and move it to help spread the paint more evenly.

Keep rolling until there is a thin, smooth layer on the roller. You should hear a little sticky or hissing sound as you roll. This means you have the right amount of paint on the roller. If the brayer glides without a sound, you probably have too much paint. If you have too much paint, roll the extra off onto a piece of paper. This will help you get the right amount of paint on the roller.

Getting a thin and even layer of paint is important if you want the best results. This makes it easy to get clear details from your texture tools. It also helps you get a clean transfer onto your paper. If you learn how to do this well with your brayer, your prints will look much better.

Step 4: Add Stencils, Textures, or Found Objects

This is the step where you can use your creative side. After you spread the paint in an even way, you can start to add some texture and patterns. This is what makes jelly printing a good and flexible way to print. Slowly press what you have chosen onto the wet paint.

Using found objects is a fun and cheap way to get different effects. When you use an object, it lifts the paint and leaves the shape or marks behind. If the tool you pick does not make a clear mark, you may have too much paint on the plate.

Here are a few ideas for adding texture:

• Press some bubble wrap into the paint. This will make a dot pattern.

• Use stencils to get clear and sharp shapes.

• Put down leaves or feathers to create patterns that feel natural.

• Draw lines or make swirls using a silicone tool or the back of a paintbrush.

• Crumple up some plastic wrap, then press it softly on the surface.

Step 5: Press Paper onto the Plate and Reveal Your Print

After you finish your design, you can make the print. Take a sheet of paper and slowly place it on the printing plate. I like to match the bottom of the paper to the bottom of the printing plate. This way, if I want to put on another layer later, things will still line up well.

Once the paper is down, use your hands to softly but firmly rub the back of the paper. You have to make sure you rub the entire back of the paper. This step helps the paper make full contact with the paint. The paper should feel just a bit stuck to the plate. If the paper slides around, you have used too much paint.

To show your print, gently lift one corner of the paper. Then, slowly pull it back. You should feel a little resistance, and this is a sign of a good transfer. If there is still paint left on the plate, you can make another print. This second one is called a ghost print and is much lighter.

Step 6: Experiment with Layering Colors and Designs

One thing that makes jelly printing fun is making your print look deeper by putting on more than one layer. You can use several layers of paint to get beautiful prints with nice designs. Wait for your first print to dry all the way. After that, you can add another design right on top.

Try using different colors and change how see-through each one is. A thin, see-through layer on top of a bold design can make the transferred image look really good. You can make another nice effect by mixing colors on the plate before you make your print. Every new layer you add brings more depth to your transferred image.

Here are some ideas for layering:

• Print a bold pattern with a dark color first. Then, put a lighter and softer texture over that.

• Use stencils to put certain shapes on top of a background with more than one color.

• Make a ghost print on top of an old print to get a soft, faded look.

Creative Techniques to Enhance Your Jelly Prints

After you learn the basics, you can try new ideas to make your gel prints better. Try out different materials and ways of working. This will help you get different effects with your prints. You will also start to find your own style.

By using things you find in nature and by blending colors for a soft ombre effect, you can add a lot of depth and personality to your art. Here are some simple ways you can help your unique prints get noticed. You can use them alone or add them to mixed media projects for a fresh look.

Using Natural Materials for Organic Patterns

Bringing things from outside into your studio can help you make nice and real-looking patterns. You can collect natural elements like leaves, ferns, flowers, and twigs to use with your gel plate. The fine lines and shapes from these items show up well in a gel print when you use them for gel plate printing.

To start, put a thin layer of paint on your plate. Press the natural items you want to use onto the wet paint. You can set them up in a way that you like. You might want to make the items overlap, so the design looks full and busy. Or, you can use a single shape for a simple look with the layer of paint.

Carefully lift the natural elements so you can see the marks they made. Next, put your paper on the plate and take your print. You will have a one-of-a-kind piece of art that shows the fine beauty of nature. This way will give your work an earthy and real look.

Blending Colors and Creating Gradients

Blending different colors right on the gel plate is a good way to make strong backgrounds and soft color changes. First, put small dots of two or more different colors on the gel plate. You can put them next to each other or spread out.

Use your brayer and roll it over the colors. Be gentle while you do this. You want the colors to mix just a little bit at the edges. Try not to blend them too much, or you will get one dull color. Your aim is to make the shades change from one to the next in a smooth way. You can make the colors go up and down, side to side, or even in a slanted direction.

Another way to do this is to put a thin layer of acrylic paint in one color on the surface. Then, use a damp sponge or baby wipe to gently take off a little bit of it before you print. This will give your print a softer and smoother change from one part to another. Trying out how you can blend colors with a thin layer of acrylic paint is a great way to give your prints more depth and energy.

Incorporating Hand Drawing and Masking Effects

You can make your prints feel more personal by adding hand drawing and masking effects. First, put paint on your printing plate. Then, before the paint dries, use a soft tool like a cotton swab or the back of a paintbrush to draw right in the wet paint. This method helps you get clear lines and gives your work a special look that shows your style.

Masking is a good way to do this. You can cut shapes from paper and set them on the plate before you use paint. When you roll the paint over the paper masks and then take them off, you get clean shapes with no paint on them. Another way is to put the masks on the wet paint to keep those spots clear before you pull your print.

These ways help you get more control over your designs. The mix of jelly printing and hand drawing or masking is good. You can also create bold looks when you use jelly printing with other ways. These work well in different media projects.

Caring for Your Jelly Plate and Prints

The right care can help your gel plate and tools stay in good shape for a long time. If you clean them often and store them the right way, your plate will stay nice and ready for art or craft any time you want. When you look after your tools, you will also get better and more steady prints each time you use them.

We will talk about how to clean your gel plate. We will also go over ways to keep your workspace neat and look after your tools. On top of that, we will share tips for putting away your finished prints the right way. These easy steps will keep your gel plate safe and help you make good art again and again, without trouble.

Cleaning Your Jelly Plate: Best Practices

Cleaning your gel plate after you use it is important. It will help your gel plate last longer and keep working well. The best way to clean it is with baby wipes. These wipes can get rid of most wet acrylic paint fast. If you find paint that is dry or stuck, you can put a thin coat of new paint over it. Then use a piece of paper to pull up the new paint. This will help take the old paint off, too.

If you want to clean your gel plate very well, use mild soap and warm water. Put some soapy water on your hands and rub the gel plate softly. Rinse all of the soap off. Dry the plate with a cloth that does not have lint, or leave it to dry in the air on a clean surface. Do not use rough scrubbers because they can harm the plate.

Once the plate is dry, you should store it the right way. Put it back in the original packaging, or put it between two clean sheets of copy paper. Keep it flat on a surface that does not soak up water. This helps stop any marks from showing up on it.

Maintaining Tools and Workspace

Taking care of your tools matters as much as looking after your plate. When you finish with your brayer, start by rolling off extra acrylic paint on some scrap paper. Next, clean the brayer with soap and water. You can use a soft sponge so you get all of the paint off. If the acrylic paint dries, you will often be able to peel it right off the brayer.

Keep your stencils, texture tools, and brushes clean. Wipe them with a wet cloth or wash them after you use them. This helps stop paint from building up. Paint build-up can cover up the fine details you want to make. A clean work surface is also important. It keeps dust and other bits from getting on your plate and into your prints.

When you clean your tools and workspace often, you help keep everything ready for next time. This also means your things will last longer and be in good shape. Taking care of your tools can give you better results and make the printing process feel better for you.

Storing Finished Prints and Plates Properly

Storing your finished prints the right way helps to keep them looking good for a long time. Make sure each print is dry before you stack or put it away. If you want to stop the prints from sticking together, place tissue paper or deli paper between every print. This works well if the air is humid.

To store your prints for a long time, use acid-free portfolio books, sleeves, or boxes. These will keep your prints safe from dust, light, and water. Colors will stay bright for many years. It also helps to use high quality, acid-free paper for your prints. This can stop them from turning yellow as time goes on.

After you clean and dry your gel plate, put it back in the original packaging. This clamshell case keeps both sides safe. If you do not have the case, you can keep the gel plate flat between two plain pieces of copy paper. Make sure it is on a smooth surface that does not soak in moisture.

Troubleshooting and Common Mistakes in Jelly Printing

Jelly printing is easy and fun, but many people have some problems when they start. Knowing what mistakes people often make can help you stay away from them. This can make your prints better. Some things people do wrong are using too much paint, getting smudges, or having the paper stick. All these things can be fixed.

Don't feel bad if the first prints you make do not come out right. It is normal to have some problems at the start. Learning how to fix them is part of being creative. We will talk about some common problems and share easy ways to solve them. These steps will help you keep going and feel good about your work.

Avoiding Overuse of Paint and Uneven Application

The mistake that many new people make is using too much paint. When this happens, the paper does not come out clear, and some details are lost. The paper can also slip on the plate. It is better to use just a very small amount—only a few dots that are the size of a dime.

Getting the right amount of paint needs practice. You want to use a thin layer of acrylic paint. It should feel a little bit sticky. The sound your brayer makes will help you know if you used the right amount of paint. A soft hissing sound means you are doing it right. If you do not hear a sound and the brayer slides too easily, you are using too much paint.

If you use too much, do not be concerned. Just roll the brayer on some scrap paper to take off the extra. Keep doing this until you get a good, even layer of paint. When you get good at this, your prints will show more clear lines and finer detail.

Solving Issues with Sticking or Smudging

Smudging happens for a few reasons. The most common one is using too much paint. If you put too much paint on the plate, the paper can slip when you press it down. To stop this, use a thinner layer of paint. The paper needs to stick softly to the plate and not move around.

Another reason you might not get the best results is if the plate is dirty. A plate that is not on a clean surface, or one that still has old paint stuck to it, will leave marks or mess up the print. So, you should always use a clean surface and make sure both your plate and workspace are clean before you start. This helps you get the best results every time.

Sticking can be a problem, mainly when it is humid. If your prints stick together after they dry, you can put a piece of tissue or wax paper between them when you store them. Be sure that every print is fully dry before you put it on top of another print.

Tips for Consistent Results and Print Quality

To get high quality prints every time, pay attention to a few things. The first thing is the amount of paint you use. A thin and even layer helps you get clear lines and good texture. You will need practice, but soon you will know how much paint to use.

Second, try to work fast. Acrylic paint can dry in just a short time. So, when you put down your paint, add some texture, and make the print, it should only take a minute or two. If the acrylic paint gets dry on the plate, it will not all transfer right.

Try out different types of papers and paints to find what gives you the best results for your style. Good materials can help, but the way you paint matters most. Watch what works, and feel free to try new ways of doing things.

Fun and Creative Jelly Printing Project Ideas

Now that you have learned the skills, it is time for the fun part. You get to use your prints! Jelly prints are not just finished art. They can be the base for many mixed media projects and other creative work. You can use them to make many different things.

From making cards by hand to working on art together, your unique prints can add something special to any project. Let's look at some great ways to use your unique prints in your art journal, crafts, and other media projects.

Making Cards, Journals, and Decorative Papers

Your jelly prints are great for making your own stationery. You can take one nice print and fold it to make a special greeting card. Or, you can cut a small part of it and stick it on plain cardstock. This gives your letters a handmade and creative feel.

Making decorative papers is a great way to use your prints. When you cover a sheet of paper with several patterns, it makes a good background for your art journal page. You are free to write, draw, or add collage on it. These papers work well for bookbinding or to line envelopes too.

Don’t feel nervous to cut your favorite prints. A small part of a print might be just what you need for your next mixed media work. When you use prints as part of other projects, you can try new and fun things. It’s a good way to let your mixed media ideas grow.

Collaborative Class or Kids’ Activities

Jelly printing is a great way for children to have fun in the classroom. This activity is open-ended so kids can be creative. It gives them quick and exciting results that keep them interested. Jelly printing helps children learn about color, texture, and how to use layers.

For a group project, each child can make a few prints. You can put these prints together to make a big mural or a class quilt out of paper. This helps kids learn how to work together. It also shows how everyone’s kind prints can join to make something nice and good for all. The simple, kind prints that children make are always full of charm.

To make sure you do well with kids in a group, keep these tips in mind:

• Keep the project easy. Use stencils and found objects to add feel and look.

• Give them a clear goal, like making collage papers they can use for another project later.

• Use water-based, non-toxic paints. Make sure the area has good air flow.

• Go over how to care for the plates, so they do not get scratches or damage from sharp tools.

Mixed Media Projects with Jelly Prints

Your gel prints can be a great base for mixed media projects. You can use them for backgrounds in your paintings or art journals. Try adding layers of paint, ink, or drawings on top. The patterns and colors that are already on the gel prints can help guide how you want your new art to look.

Cut your gel print into shapes that you can use as collage elements. You can mix these with photos, text from old books, and other things you find. This way, you get a collage that looks rich and full of different textures. The way a gel print looks gives your work added depth that you can’t get easily with other materials.

You can also try using image transfers on your prints. Adding your prints to bigger media projects can help you find new ways to be creative. This is a good way to build your own artistic style. The only limit is what you imagine.

Conclusion

To sum it up, jelly printing is a fun and open way to make art. It lets you try new things and get creative. You just need the right supplies, some easy tips, and a little bit of your own ideas. With these, you can make some great prints that show off your own style. It does not matter if this is your first time or if you have done this a lot, just enjoy the process. If you make a mistake, take it as a way to learn and get better. Try out different tools and ways of making prints so yours will stand out. If you want to learn even more about jelly printing, you can start a free trial of our workshop. Come join us and find out what you can create!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is jelly printing suitable for children and classroom settings?

Yes, jelly printing is great for children and in the classroom. It is a safe and non-toxic activity. Kids can try out different effects with it and make kind prints that are their own. This is a fun thing to do when you want to make papers for an art journal or work with others on projects. It helps them learn about color, feel, and layering in a playful way.

Can I make my own gelatin plate at home?

Yes, you can make your own plate at home with unflavored gelatin, some water, and a little glycerin. A homemade gelatin plate does not last as long as a store-bought gel printing plate. You will need to keep it in the fridge. Still, this is an easy and cheap way to try gel printing for your media projects. A handmade printing plate is good if you want to see how gel printing works before buying a commercial one.

What paper types work best for jelly printing?

There are many kinds of paper you can use. A basic sheet of paper like copy paper is good if you are just starting. If you want your work to feel a bit different, you can try watercolor paper. Thin papers like tissue paper and deli paper work well for collage and art journal ideas because they are light and easy to layer.

How do I clean and store my jelly plate after use?

Clean your gel plate with baby wipes or by washing it with mild soapy water and your hands. After that, pat it dry. Store it flat, in its original packaging, and place it on a clean surface. This will keep the gel plate safe from dust and damage, so it will be ready to use the next time you need it.

What is jelly printing?

Jelly printing is a type of mono printing. It uses a soft gel plate. This plate bends and moves easily. You put paint on the gel plate. You can try printing techniques to make different effects. You can get kind prints on paper or fabric without a press.

What do I need to make a gelli print?

To make your first print, you need a gel plate, acrylic paint, and a sheet of paper. A soft rubber brayer will help spread a smooth layer of paint on the plate. This way, you get a clear and detailed look when you use your first print.

Is a giclee print better than an art print?

A giclee is a good inkjet copy of an original piece of art. It is known for how close it looks to the real thing. A jelly print is not a copy, but an original piece of art you make once, called a monoprint. There is no better way between the two because they are made for different reasons. A giclee helps you have a copy of art. A jelly print is the original art and gives you its feel and look with special textures and effects.