Learn how to use your Gelli plate

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This relaxed, hands-on Gelli Printing Workshop at my studio on Rochester High Street is perfect if you’ve received a Gelli plate as a gift (or have had one sitting in a drawer for ages) and want to learn how to get the most out of it.

Over 3 hours, we’ll explore the joyful, unpredictable world of Gelli plate printing - a fun, accessible form of printmaking that encourages creative play. No experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to experiment.

Here’s what the Gelli Printing workshop covers:

INTRODUCING THE GELLI PLATE

We’ll begin with a bit of background - a quick history (they’ve been around for over 150 years!) and introduction to the Gelli plate, how it works and what makes it so wonderfully versatile. Then we’ll dive straight into experimenting.

IMPRINTS & TEXTURE

We’ll start by creating backgrounds and imprints using a selection of natural materials such as leaves, feathers, grasses and flowers.

Then we’ll try out a range of textured objects like bubble wrap, buttons, hessian, shells, string and textured wallpaper - anything that creates interesting marks and patterns.

This part of the session is all about play and experimentation - layering colour, texture and shape to create one-of-a-kind prints.

STENCILS

Next, we’ll explore stencils - how to design, cut and use them to build up pattern and structure in your prints. We’ll experiment with positive and negative shapes, layering colours and textures to see how simple cut-outs can completely transform a print.

COLLAGRAPH

We’ll then move on to creating a collagraph plate - a raised collage that can be inked and printed. Using textured materials and text elements, you’ll make a small collagraph that can be used with the Gelli plate to add depth, pattern and text to your work. This technique gives your prints an extra tactile and personal quality.

IMAGE TRANSFER

Finally, we’ll explore the transfer technique - one of the most sought-after Gelli printing methods. Using printed images, we’ll create bold, graphic prints with strong contrast and clear detail, based on the principles of lithography.

CONCERTINA ART BOOK

As time allows, we’ll select our favourite prints and turn them into a simple concertina artist book to take home - a lovely keepsake of your creative play and a great way to showcase your prints together.

This is a friendly, welcoming workshop - a safe space to experiment, play with colour and texture, and try new techniques in a supportive setting. You’ll leave with a stack of prints, plenty of ideas and the confidence to keep creating at home.

This Gelli printing workshop, which takes place in Rochester, Kent is ideal for beginners, mixed media artists or anyone wanting to dive into a creative hobby. All materials are provided and you’ll take home a stack of your own vibrant prints plus a handmade concertina artist book (as time permits). Come along, relax, and enjoy a few creative hours in an artist’s studio - the perfect way to relax with colour, play and inspiration.

Refunds

Refunds are not available on this workshop, however you can transfer your booking to a friend. If you need to do so then please get in touch.

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