Art & Inspiration

A gel printing plate is a soft, reusable surface for making unique monoprints without a press. Roll on acrylic paint with a brayer, add patterns with stencils or natural textures, then pull vibrant one-of-a-kind prints. Plates clean up with soap and water, store flat at room temp, and work for cards, collage papers, journals, and fabric. Great for beginners through pros, at home or in the classroom.

Balance is the design principle that distributes visual weight so artwork feels stable and intentional. This guide explains what balance is, why it matters, and how to use symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial balance to create harmony, focus, and movement. See how contrast, proportion, and negative space affect balance, and get practical tips (plus class-friendly Gel Press ideas) to build stronger, more engaging compositions.

Why do some artworks just “feel right”? The principles of art—balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity/variety—show you how to arrange lines, colors, shapes, and textures for impact. This guide explains each principle in plain language, how it differs from the elements of art, and gives quick tips for applying them in drawings, paintings, and Gel Press monoprints to create cohesive, eye-catching compositions.

Erasers aren’t all the same. From natural rubber to vinyl and modern synthetics, each material affects feel, residue, and precision. Explore how manufacturing works, why friction and adhesion lift graphite cleanly, and when to choose rubber, vinyl/plastic, kneaded, or specialty electric erasers. We also cover additives (fillers, pigments, softeners), allergy-safe options, and simple cleaning/storage tips to keep your erasers performing like new.

Green signals calm, balance, and renewal—and its meaning shifts by culture and shade. From dark green’s ties to wealth and ambition to pale green’s peace, learn how green influences emotions, creativity, and healing. We cover history (from plant dyes to toxic synthetics), global symbolism, and practical tips for using green effectively in art, interiors, and branding.

Van Dyke Brown is a classic, deep warm brown named for 17th-century painter Anthony van Dyck. Once made from peat and soil, today it’s formulated from stable pigments (often transparent red iron oxide + carbon black) for excellent lightfastness. Explore its peat/sepia undertone, how it compares to Burnt Umber, mixing and glazing tips, plus best practices across oil, acrylic, and watercolor. A timeless workhorse for shadows and earthy palettes.

Cloud dough (aka moon dough) is a silky, moldable sensory favorite you can make in minutes with just cornstarch and hair conditioner. This guide walks you through the 2-ingredient recipe, easy color/scent add-ins, gluten-free and allergy-safe swaps, classroom ideas, and storage tips so your dough lasts for weeks. Great for preschoolers and older kids—perfect for sculpting, pretend play, and fine-motor fun.

Meet Prussian blue, the first modern synthetic pigment. Learn its accidental 1706 discovery, iron–hexacyanoferrate chemistry, and why it’s lightfast, affordable, and artist-favorite—from Hokusai to Van Gogh. Explore today’s uses in medicine and interiors, plus step-by-step Gel Press monoprinting ideas that make this deep, cool blue sing. Includes studio/classroom safety and cleanup so you can create confidently.

Create a DIY advent calendar that’s cheaper than store-bought and way more personal. This guide covers modern vs. traditional designs, clever themes for all ages, budget supplies you already own, and non-candy fillers (plus activity ideas). Learn simple Gel Press monoprinting to craft custom doors, tags, and envelopes, and get safety and cleanup tips for family-friendly crafting. Start a keepsake tradition that builds holiday magic all December long.

Unlock better prints with practical color theory. This beginner-friendly guide explains the color wheel, hue–saturation–value, and easy harmonies (complementary, analogous, triadic) to plan palettes that pop. See how Gel Press plates make mixing, layering, and testing tints/shades simple, with age-appropriate, non-toxic paint tips, cleanup, and storage. Build confidence choosing colors that set the mood—and create cohesive, high-impact monoprints.