by Sydney Brink
The gelatin plates from Ignite’s Gelli Printmaking Kit are so versatile for making monoprints! Monoprints are unique, one-of-a-kind pieces of art that you can make with any kind of printmaking materials. Using the Gelli Printmaking Kit, you’ll use plates made of gelatin and acrylic paint to make prints. You can draw in paint directly onto the plate, or you can draw beforehand and transfer the drawing you’ve made to the plate via a resist method. Here’s an easy to follow guide on how to make crayon gelli prints!
How to Make Crayon Gelli Prints
You’ll need:
- Crayons or oil pastels
- Brayer*
- Scrap paper
- Mixed media paper*
- Acrylic paint*
- Gelatin plate*
* Already in the Gelli Plate Kit!
Step 1
Make a drawing in crayon! Press hard and use thick lines so that there’s plenty of the wax on the page. Some will get left behind during all of the steps of the transfer process, so delicate linework and light marks might not be visible in the end product.
Step 2
Use your brayer to apply a thin layer of dark acrylic paint to the gelatin plate. The consistency of the paint should be translucent, but not transparent.
Step 3
While the paint is still wet, press your crayon drawing face-down into the plate with your fingertips. Use the barren for a more even pressure across the plate.
Step 4
Remove the paper that previously had your drawing on it. The wax lines should have acted as a resist on the gelatin plate, leaving behind painted lines that mirror the crayon drawing from your paper.
Step 5
Wait until the paint on the plate is dry to the touch, then use your brayer to apply a thin coat of acrylic paint in a different color.
Step 6
Lay a piece of blank mixed media paper onto the gelatin plate. Use your fingertips or the barren for more even pressure to evenly apply the paper over the gelatin plate.
Step 7
Remove the paper form the plate and admire your art! You’ve made a monotype!
Use your crayon drawings in conjunction with stencils, collage materials, or other found objects to make a beautiful and unique print. Check out Ignite’s Gelli Printmaking Kit and share your makes with us on our Ignite Community Discussion Board on Facebook. Happy making!
