Way Too Much Fun!

Hi, Honoré here: I'm so looking forward to next week's workshops with Dyan Reaveley, but I just have to share the workshop Queen Patti created for us loyal subjects the weekend before last: Peeled Pages...

In the Peeled Pages workshop, we used the Gelli Arts Printing Plate (Patti introduced it in the Painted Pages workshop I wrote about here). And, we used tags for our pages (read this post and you'll know that my heart swooned.) The Gelli Plate is so versatile, easy to use and to clean, and best of all, it's a lot of fun! Your imagination can run rampant, limited only by the sky. Coupled with tags, you can create for days, weeks...forever.

In this series of photos, Patti is demonstrating the process for creating the tag page:

Step 1 - Prepare the gel plate with paints and pattern...

             Step 2 - Place tag on plate and rub to transfer the paint/design...

                          Step 3 - Peel the tag off the gel plate. I ask you: how easy can that be?!

Here are a couple of my classmates and a look at their Peeled Pages Tag Albums:

Alice (best known as Al)

Sue  (best known as Immie)

and  mine!

(Oops, I think my album is upside down!)

One of the best things about taking a class at The Queen's Ink is the access to products you have: inks for stamping and misting, paints, tools, very helpful staff and of course, the Queen, herself! I urge you to check out the class schedule and treat yourself to a fun and fantastic learning adventure. I guarantee you'll have way too much fun!

Cheers~

gel printing fun...

Hi, it's Honoré here. If you remember, earlier in October, the Queen's Ink got a new product, a gel printing plate by Gelli Arts that makes it totally possible to monoprint without using gelatin! Clearly a 21st Century advancement. In my first/last post, I indicated that I had purchased a gel printing plate and that I'd share experiences and impressions. For starters, I had fun! Really super messy fun!

If you check out this post, you'll see a link to a video demonstration on how to use the gel plate. First, let me say it really is as easy as demonstrated, and clean up is a snap too. However, my workspace, hands and apron did not stay clean and neat as you'll see on the video. Or could it be that I'm just messy?!

I tried a variety of ways to make marks: rubber and foam stamps; stencils; and found items from the kitchen and various junk drawers. I used plastic forks, Q-tips, a meat tenderizer, a toothbrush, paintbrushes with different tips, my fingers and even a seashell I found. Stencils work least best as the paint always has a tendency to leak - it's better to dab paint on a stencil. I liked the impressions made by the rubber stamp better than those created with a foam stamp. The most fun were the "household found items." My suggestion: gather those items before you get started and just play. Here are a couple photos from my playtime:

The left, teal print was made with a stencil; the right, with stamps.

All the markings in this photo were made with the found household items; the yellow piece is also printed on muslin. I really like the texture and the clarity of the markings. Gonna have to try printing on fabrics, more.

Queen's Ink has both sizes of the gel plates: the 6 x 6 and the 8 x 10. I think if you like printing and want to try your hand at a simple, fun and creative way to print your art journal pages, tags and other mixed media pieces, you can't go wrong with this tool.
Let us know what you make.

Cheers~

PS. And it'll make a great gift too; even children,I'd say ages 8+, will take to it.