08 November 2026 – Afternoon – Lisa Tank: Gelli Plate Christmas Cards

Description

Gelli Plate Christmas Cards

This workshop is suitable for beginners or anyone who would like to spend time experimenting with paint and printing and will introduce you to the delights of simple printing without a press using Gelli Plates. This workshop will also incorporate collage (using the prints we make), stencils and stamps, and other provided inspiring materials to make Christmas cards.

In this fun and vibrant workshop, we will spend time learning the basic techniques of rolling out acrylic paint on to the Gelli plate and making prints on paper. You will be shown how to use a variety of techniques and to produce beautiful and interesting prints on different types of paper.

We will then be using our prints to create Christmas Cards. You can also print directly onto the cards with the gelli plate. Design is up to you, you might choose to make Christmas Trees, Baubles, frosty winter wonderlands for example, keep things simple or go crazy with bling! There will be lots of materials to help with your design ideas and help to create some unique cards to give out to your friends and family.

What is Gelli Plate Printing?
Gelli Plate printing uses a gelatin plate, loaded with acrylic paint on the surface (usually applied with a brayer, or roller) to press paper or fabric. It is a mono printing technique which means that each print you make (or ‘pull’) is unique. Patterns can be created on the plate, or areas masked off, before paper is laid on top. Gentle pressure on the back of the paper (using hands or a brayer) is sufficient to transfer the paint to the paper.

Please note:We will be using acrylic paint which is water soluble and non-toxic, but I recommend you wear an apron just to protect your clothes. Paint will wash off your skin with soap and water but if you want to wear gloves, then we have some available.

About the tutor:

Lisa Tank delivers fun and lively workshops which enable students to produce lots of work to take home. There is a mix of demonstration, practice, background information and as much or as little support as required.