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What Is Gelli Printing?

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Some art journal pages created with a gelli plate and ready to bind.

What is gelli printing? – good question!

Gelli printing is one of the most fabulous ways to create art whether you are an experienced artist or someone who longs to create but is afraid to put paint to paper.

Because let’s face it, it is very daunting being faced with a blank sheet of paper or card.

Gelli Printing is a way of developing creative confidence very quickly.

To see gelli printing in action, watch my YouTube video on how to make an art journal from start to finish, including a simple binding method.

One of my art journals ready to doodle, paint, write or draw in.

Once you have created your art journal using this method, you will have a beautiful unique book in which to doodle, write, and stick pictures.

So what is gelli printing?

Gelli printing is where you use a plate, made of what looks and feels like a large thin, flat transparent Jelly (Jello).

One of my gelli plates in it’s protective case.

Gelli printing is carried out by rolling a very thin layer of paint or ink onto the plate and then pressing paper or card smoothly across it.

Then you pull the print up and the paint or ink has transferred to the paper.

You can build pictures in layers in this way using stencils or masks or just block of paint rolled across the pad. It’s best to watch my video to see this in action.

Layers of paint and patterns on an art journal page.

Gelli printing is a very relaxed way of painting and also a very frugal way too because you don’t use huge amounts of paint.

You only use very small amounts of paint that are rolled out very thinly on the plate. This way of printing is also known as mono-printing.

Where can you get the plates for gelli printing?

Another page created on the gelli press.

If you visit my Amazon shops, you will find the products you need to get started.

North American readers can find gelli plates and other products by clicking here.

UK readers will find gelli plates and other products by clicking here.

You can read my Amazon Affiliate Statement here.

And if you want to find out how to create binding holes in journal pages, read my previous post where you will find a link to my video showing you how to use a bookbinding cradle.

Have fun with your gelli printing and if you have any questions, leave me a comment under my YouTube video or below this post.