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.
Art & Inspiration
Gelatin Painting: A Fun Introduction to Monoprinting
Curious about gelatin painting? Learn how to use gel printing plates, acrylic paint, and simple tools to create playful, one-of-a-kind monoprints at home.
How to Start Your Journey in Mixed Media Printing
Key Highlights Mixed media printing is an art form where you can put different materials and ways of making art together in one single piece. You might use printing, collage,...
What is Gel Printing? A Beginner's Complete Guide
New to gel printing? Learn what it is, how it works, essential tools, and beginner techniques so you can start creating unique prints with confidence.
Balance in Art: Definition, Types & Why It Matters
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.
The Principles of Art & Design: Definitions & Examples
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.
What Are Erasers Made Of? Materials, Types & How They Work
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 Color Psychology: Meaning, Symbolism & Shades
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.
What Color Is Van Dyke Brown? Undertones, History & Best Uses
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.
How to Make Cloud Dough: 2-Ingredient Recipe, Tips & Sensory Play Ideas
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.
Primary & Secondary Colors: Definition, List
Primary and secondary colors are the foundation of color theory. Primary colors—red, yellow, and blue—cannot be mixed from other pigments, while secondary colors—orange, green, and purple—come from blending primaries. This guide explains their definitions, the role of tertiary colors, and how the color wheel connects them. Perfect for artists, designers, and educators, with hands-on mixing techniques (including Gel Press plates) and practical tips for applying colors in art, design, and classrooms.
Watercolor Paper Texture Guide: Differences, Uses & Artist Tips
Watercolor paper texture can make or break your painting. This guide explains cold press, hot press, and rough papers, how each affects absorption, edges, blending, and granulation, and which surfaces fit detailed illustration vs. expressive washes. You’ll also get tips for choosing by style, scanning textured work, safe cleanup, and using Gel Press plates to create custom backgrounds and textures for mixed-media pieces.