Explore Gelli Printing

If you’ve ever wanted to explore printmaking in a fun and approachable way, attending a Gelli print workshop is the perfect opportunity to let your creativity flow. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced artist looking to add a new dimension to your studio practice, Gelli printing offers a versatile and rewarding way to create unique, layered artwork. 

So, let’s talk about what can you expect from a Gelli print workshop, and the benefits that experimenting with this medium can bring to your creative practise.

A Warm and Welcoming Environment

I recently ran a Gelli Print workshop in a local café, collaborating with the owner who provided delicious food. If you are looking for an experience as well as learning a new technique then I suggest you look for a workshop that offers more than just the practical lessons. Find one that welcomes you with a hot drink or perhaps lunch is included with the workshop. This gives you a chance to chat to other creatives, sharing ideas, or just have a catch up. This will set a relaxed tone for the day. A friendly and supportive environment will help you feel at ease and ready to experiment.

What to Expect – An Introduction to the Basics

At the start of the workshop, you will usually receive a demonstration of basic Gelli print techniques. It is important to get confident with the basics, learn how to apply paint to the Gelli plate, blend colours, and use simple techniques to create stunning patterns. My biggest tip is less is more, in the workshops I have led students tend to put way too much paint on the plate, they soon learn that a very thin layer will produce intriguing results. An introduction to the basics will ensure you feel confident before you begin your own creative exploration.

Using botanicals as inspiration is super accessible and will produce some fabulous and often unexpected results. Just pick some leaves on your way to the workshop from your garden or hedgerow. Try using leaves, flowers, and natural materials to create intricate and organic prints. You’ll discover how to layer these elements and explore textures to bring your prints to life.

hands-on experimentation

The true joy of Gelli printing lies in the hands-on experience. Just roll up your sleeves and start creating your own prints using a variety of papers, botanicals, and techniques. Don’t worry about making mistakes — the fun is in the experimentations. Embrace the unexpected results that make each print unique. In the images below you will see the use of a mask to generate a negative and positive print.

benefits of gelli printing

            1.         No Pressure, Just Play: Gelli printing encourages a playful and experimental mindset, helping to overcome creative blocks and fear of making mistakes.

            2.         Immediate Results: Unlike many art forms, Gelli printing offers instant gratification. You’ll see your ideas come to life within minutes.

            3.         Mindfulness and Relaxation: The process of rolling paint, pressing leaves, and peeling paper away can be incredibly therapeutic and stress-relieving.

            4.         Unique and One-of-a-Kind: Each print you create is a monoprint, meaning it’s one-of-a-kind — no two prints are ever exactly the same.

            5.         Applicable to Other Projects: The skills you learn can be used in other creative areas like mixed media, card-making, and collage art.

A Gelli print workshop is more than just learning a new skill — it’s about discovering the joy of creativity, embracing the unexpected, and taking time for yourself.  Let me know how you use a Gelli Plate in your studio practise.