Botanical Gelli Plate Prints and Concertina Sketchbook

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 botanicals (leaves, flowers, grasses, feathers etc) to produce beautiful and interesting prints on different types of paper to take away with you.

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. You may choose to bring some favourite leaves / flowers etc with you to print.

We will be using our botanical prints to create a small concertina sketchbook (provided) which becomes its own mini work of art. We will be printing directly into the sketchbook and printing onto different types of paper to collage into the sketchbook. (You are also able to make cards from your prints if you prefer).

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 non-toxic acrylic paints, and aprons will be provided.

The botanicals we will be using will be leaves, grasses, feathers, flowers – fresh and dried.

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.