I was watching a video on Youtube about 'Painterly Layers' on a gelli plate, so thought I should have a go as I really liked the effect. I discovered a few things:
1. You need to be quite fast (especially if your acrylic paint dries quickly) and can't take too long with each layer - don't let the paper stick to the plate either (!)
2. Using a heavy body acrylic paint is probably the best for this technique.
3. Use light colours working through to darker colours (which is a good thing to remember with any gelli layer prints).
4. I like bright colours best for this technique (although more muted colours would give a different feeling so perhaps I should try them too).
The paints I used were Pebeo studio acrylics, some with iridescent or metallic sheen to them. While these are lovely paints, they were a bit too transparent for this technique and also dried too quickly.
However, I was quite pleased with some of the results. Even the ghost prints were interesting.
This one was an improvement - I added a magenta to the final layer which worked better.
This one was my favourite as I had covered the plate with pattern and colour. The colours weren't quite so transparent and I do like the mix of yellow, orange, pink and blue. I have some System Three acrylics which are heavy body paints, so I shall give them a go next.
I have also been making some cards - the one above was for my sister and turned out pretty much how it looked in my head.
This was for a colleague at work who kindly bought me some fleece tops for felting. It was nice to be able to give it to her the next day.
LOVE your work.
ReplyDeleteAnd your cards are things to treasure.
Thanks EC. The gelli plate is so versatile and there is a lot of inspiration and guidance on what can be done with it out there. My card making is improving and I am starting to be pleased with the end results. (More importantly, I really enjoy making them!)
DeleteBest wishes
Ellie
It looks a very interesting technique, great to try something new. I love your sister´s card, very pretty. Your fleece tops for felting sound interesting too xcx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Chrissie. Sometimes I wish I could focus on just one thing and become really good at it, but there are so many things I enjoy and it is nice to be able to swap depending on what I feel like doing. I have a colleague's birthday next week, so it will be back to the jewellery making!
DeleteI think the gifted fleece top will be made into a sheep (at some point).
Best wishes
Ellie