Faith Impressions Kit by Keri Sallee

Get ready to unleash your creativity with gel printing—the ultimate fun and easy way to make unique, stunning art!

Whether you're a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, gel printing offers endless possibilities for crafting one-of-a-kind prints full of vibrant colors, textures, and patterns and monoprints.

Monoprinting is a versatile and creative printmaking technique that produces unique, one-of-a-kind prints.

Unlike other methods where multiple identical copies are made, monoprinting allows you to create individual designs that can't be exactly replicated. A popular way to explore monoprinting is through gel plate printing, which involves using a soft, flexible gel plate to transfer paint or ink onto paper.

Using our flexible gel plate, you can layer inks, play with stencils, and experiment with objects like leaves or lace to create beautifully textured designs.

Gel plate printing is especially enjoyable because it encourages spontaneity and creativity.

What makes gel printing so exciting? It’s the thrill of spontaneity! No two prints are ever the same, and every time you lift the paper off the gel plate, you'll be surprised by the magic you've created.

Perfect for cards, art journals, mixed media projects, or just letting your imagination run wild—gel printing is where creativity and fun collide!

Ready to dive in? Grab your gel plate, some paint, and start printing today!

Monoprints are a captivating form of printmaking that lets you create one-of-a-kind art pieces. Unlike traditional printmaking methods that allow for multiple identical copies, monoprinting offers the excitement of producing unique, unpredictable results every time. This technique is perfect for artists of all levels who love experimenting with colors, textures, and layers to create expressive artwork. If you’re looking for a creative way to explore printmaking, monoprints are a fantastic choice!

What Are Monoprints and Monoprinting?

Monoprints are prints that can only be produced once, as each piece is made by transferring an inked design from a smooth surface onto paper. This method is spontaneous and flexible, allowing for various artistic effects such as layering, texturing, and blending colors. Monoprinting can be done with different surfaces like glass, acrylic sheets, or gel plates, making it accessible and easy to try at home or in the studio.

Why Monoprinting is a Must-Try:

• Unique every time: Each print is one-of-a-kind, so no two prints are ever exactly alike.
• Endless creativity: You can mix techniques, textures, and colors to create different effects and styles.
• Perfect for all levels: Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting out, monoprinting is easy to learn and fun to experiment with.
• Quick results: Unlike some other art forms, you can see your work take shape quickly, which makes monoprinting satisfying and rewarding.

How to Create Monoprints: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Gather Your Supplies

Here’s what you’ll need to start monoprinting:

• Printing plate: You can use a gel plate, a sheet of glass, or even a plastic surface as your printing plate.
• Ink or paint: Water-based acrylic paints work great for beginners. Printing ink designed for monoprints is also a good option.
• Paper: Choose a smooth or slightly textured paper, depending on the look you want. Watercolor paper or printmaking paper works well.
• Brayer (roller): A brayer helps spread your ink or paint evenly across the printing plate.
• Texturizing tools: Stencils, leaves, bubble wrap, combs, or brushes will help you create textures and patterns on your print.
• Palette knives or brushes (optional): If you want more control over your design, you can apply paint or ink directly with these tools.

2. Prepare Your Printing Plate

• Begin by placing your printing plate on a flat surface.
• Squeeze a small amount of ink or paint onto the plate.
• Use your brayer to roll the ink evenly across the surface. Roll in multiple directions to ensure a smooth, even layer.

3. Create Your Design

Here’s where your creativity comes into play!

• Add texture: You can press various items, like leaves, lace, or stencils, into the ink to create different textures and patterns.
• Draw into the ink: Use a palette knife, cotton swab, or brush to draw directly into the ink for a more painterly effect.
• Layer colors: Try adding multiple layers of different colors for a rich, dimensional look. Be careful to let each layer dry slightly before adding the next to avoid muddying the colors.

4. Transfer the Print

Now comes the most exciting part—transferring your design onto paper!

• Place a sheet of paper carefully on top of the inked surface.
• Gently press down using your hands or a baren (a smooth, flat tool) to ensure the ink transfers evenly. For more intricate textures, rub in small circles over the entire paper.
• Once you feel the ink has transferred, peel the paper off slowly to reveal your unique monoprint!

5. Let it Dry

• Allow your monoprint to air dry completely. Depending on the type of ink or paint you used, this could take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.
• If you used acrylic paint, you may want to spray your print with a fixative once it’s fully dry to preserve the colors.

Tips and Tricks for Successful Monoprinting

• Experiment with layers: Monoprinting is perfect for layering colors and textures. Try making several passes with different designs to add depth to your print.
• Use stencils and masking: You can place stencils on your printing plate before applying paint to block out areas and create interesting negative spaces in your design.
• Play with pressure: Vary the pressure you apply when rubbing the paper to achieve different effects. Lighter pressure may leave areas of the print with more subtle texture, while heavier pressure will create bolder lines.
• Mix materials: Incorporate collage elements, such as tissue paper or leaves, directly onto your monoprint while the ink is still wet for a mixed-media effect.

Why Monoprinting is Fun

• Instant gratification: You don’t have to wait long to see your results—just peel back the paper and enjoy the reveal!
• Creative freedom: There are no rules with monoprinting. You can mix colors, layer textures, or even redo areas you don’t like.
• Every print is unique: The excitement of creating something that can never be exactly replicated is a big part of the fun. Each piece is its own original work of art.

Monoprinting is an amazing way to unlock your creativity and explore new artistic possibilities. Whether you're creating abstract designs, detailed patterns, or experimenting with textures, monoprints offer endless opportunities to produce beautiful, original works of art. So gather your materials, set up your printing plate, and get ready to dive into the world of monoprinting!