Masking stencil print

2010 / /

simple stencil print by linda germainToday I kept the stencil print simple

  • I found a bright and chaotic gelatin print in my pile of index cards
  • Inked the gelatin plate with the blackest black/blue I could mix up
  • set the masking stencil on top of the inked gelatin plate
  • then printed on to my chaotic colorful gelatin plate print

This stencil print

  • uses a masking stencil that I cut out of 90 lb drawing paper
  • coated with mat medium several time and
  • was created from a photo of my nephew.

You could easily print this with out a gelatin plate, just dab paint on to the print paper by hand while holding the masking stencil in place.  But I try to use the gelatin plate when ever I can.

If you have not tried gelatin printing yet, well then do it!  

  1. Make a gelatin plate here’s the video tutorial or
  2. Follow the written instructions on how to make a plate for gel printing
  3. After the gel sets up and does not wiggle!!! then put it in the refrigerator at least for a few hours.  I like to leave it over night.  Or skip all this and buy a gelli plate
  4. Gather paper and inks or paints, stamping tools and masking stencils
  5. and Play all Day!
  6. then Share your success with the gelatin printmaking flickr group and the Facebook group
  7. Be Sure to check the FAQ page if you have any questions about gelatin printing.

Happy Printing!

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Easy Printmaking with great results

monotype print / /

father and son silhouette a gelatin print by linda germainI am always amazed with the amount of detail that is possible with gelatin printmaking.  That is why I continue to do it day after day.

Easy Printmaking

For today’s ICAD 4 x 6 gelatin print –

I am so happy that I committed to doing the index card a day challenge.  It has –

  1. got me gelatin printing daily
  2. posting images on line daily
  3. thinking about my process more
  4. learning how to share that process
  5. feeling good about keeping a commitment
  6. connecting with like minded people

WOW – that is a lot of good from one little index card print a day!  It is not too late to give yourself the chance to have these benefits and more.  Just jump in the group and start making something on an index card each day and then share it with the flickr or Facebook groups.

 

Tools for gelatin print of the day by linda germain

I have included a picture of

  • the cameo machine
  • my other gelatin plate prints
  • the stencil and
  • the photo that was my reference for this gelatin plate monotype print

If you are new to my way of easy gelatin printmaking then check out these online resources to get you printing and having fun.

Happy Printing!

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New Stencils for Gelatin Printmaking

monotype print / /

dancing girl a gelatin plate print by Linda GermainA new stencil for today’s ICAD gelatin print.  I found these fun copyright free images from Francesco.  I have used the Silhouette/Cameo machine to cut out several so you will see some new figures in my gelatin plate prints in the next few weeks.

Some steps I took to make these

Stencils for Gelatin Printmaking……

  • isolate the image and save as a jpg in photoshop
  • open the jpg in the silhouette software
  • watched several youtube videos on how to use that program
  • be patient with my learning curve 🙂
  • Trace the outline and create the cutting lines (in the program) easy after I got the hang of it
  • Let the machine cut it out
  • Carefully remove the cut out from the sticky mat
  • Then I did coat it with several layers of mat medium to make it sturdy
  • I cut it out of 90 lb drawing paper, but you could cut it out of plastic, mylar, or other material and then not have to coat the stencil.  I do it this way because I like how the ink reacts with the coated paper.

Play with Printmaking!

Then the fun begins –  I pulled out a stack of index cards and started making gelatin prints for the ICAD challenge.

  • Pre-inked the figure
  • Set it to the side
  • Ink the gelatin plate with yellow speedball block printing ink
  • ink the bottom of a flip-flop with blue ink then
  • stamp on to the the yellow layer of ink
  • Place the figure ink side down  on the gel plate
  • Place print paper on top
  • Burnish
  • Sneak a peek
  • Peel back the paper BUT still stuck to the gelatin plate
  • Remove the stencil
  • Roll the paper back down  and
  • Burnish again
  • Peel it off the plate and ADMIRE!

Happy Printing!

 

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Here’s a method to get the perfect gelatin plate print

gelatin plate tips / /

Linda Germain making a series of gelatin plate printsWell, this is the method that I use to create a gelatin plate monotype prints that I would like to sell, frame and share.  I share this picture above which shows you that I make at least 10 prints to get one or two that I really love.  So these are my steps to success –

  1. Find an image that really speaks to you.  This one is my sister on her horse Teddy.
  2. Look at the image as a black and white silhouette
  3. Use photo editing tools or your drawing skills to simplify the image, but try keep some of those important details
  4. You will find lots of videos on line to help you create  the image
  5. Give yourself a break and allow our first few to be less than “perfect”
  6. Use the pre-ink the stencil method to create an image like the ones above.  You have many other options this is just one way.
  7. Use paper and ink that allow you to create with abandon.  Be generous to yourself.
  8. Then start making prints
  9. Look at and identify what you like and put that mark into the next print
  10. Let go of the parts/marks that you don’t like
  11. Make at least 10-20 prints

If you follow those steps I am sure you will create some pleasing gelatin plate prints that you are happy with.

gelatin plate print by linda germain

For example

  • I found the photo of my sister
  • Used photoshop and Silouhette – cameo to cut it out.  Borrowed the machine from another sister.  Oh dear – I am loving it.
  • The images I printed go left to right and bottom to top.  So you may notice a progress.  Notice what marks I liked and kept for the later prints.
  • I liked the dark horse shape
  • I added browns and  blues to the horse shape
  • I made the watery area blue
  • I like the lighter orange
  • I liked the more mottled or textured background
  • I liked the horse lower on the horizon line.

The things that I let go of were –

  • solid black silhouette
  • very centered image
  • flat colors

I would summarize this gelatin printmaking method as “print a lot and keep what you like.”  I invite you to try it and let me know if you like it.

Happy Printing!

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Secrets for Powerful Gelatin Prints

monotype print / /
  • gelatin print by linda germainPlay a lot!
  • Make lots of prints
  • Find what you love
  • Apply some design concepts
  • Create a focal point

So those are my secrets for gelatin printmaking.  Try it an see what happens.  Then share your success or challenges with the Flickr group.

 

Small Gelatin Print here-

  • Three layers of primary colors
  • stamping tool to lift off ink – geometric design
  • underlying layer of yellow something
  • pre-inked red figure to create a focus
  • notice the placement and division of space

Do you think this gelatin plate print works?  Do you find it interesting?

 

If you would like more help or tips for gelatin printmaking then check out these pages

FAQ page for gelatin printmaking

A video and 3  helpful hints

Quick Links to gelatin printmaking help

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