An introduction to Gel Plate Printing

Spend time discovering the wonderful world of gel plate printing and exploring your creative potential. Mono printing using a gel Plate is simple and fun and doesn’t require a printing press, which enables you to take the skills you learn on during this workshop and easily use them in your own time at home. With gel plate printing gratification is immediate, and every print is completely unique. Prints can then be enhanced using mixed media such as drawing, collage and additional print methods. The resulting one-off prints are richly layered and can be colourful or subtle depending on your choice. The soft sensitive surface allows detailed textures such as plants or woven fabrics to be replicated easily into your designs. All possibilities will be fully demonstrated so that you feel confident to produce prints and use your own ideas in this experimental workshop. Help will be given when needed to make sure you learn and are able to take away the skills necessary to continue this great form of printing beyond the day. You will also have choice in how they are presented and taken away for e.g. as greetings cards, mounted prints, present tags. During the workshop you will be introduced to the basic methods of ‘inking’ your plate and transferring the print to paper. You will be shown a variety of methods to add layers of interest, colour, image and pattern to your work using stencils, mark making tools and handmade texture plates. Then, it’s time to unleash your creativity and create your own beautiful imagery. You can expect to make many prints during the session. You will leave this workshop having produced a selection of prints that can be used as they are or developed further using mixed media.