Mixed Media Art: Gelli Plate Printing - Backgrounds & Collage

[@MollyFreibott]

You are doing great. Take a deep breath and remember that you are giving us such an amazing gift in sharing your art and your process. You don't have to be perfect- in fact- get messy and mistakes cuz that's what's going on here at home for us and we love that you are real. Love the videos.

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for that encouragement Molly! I also appreciate you watching and letting me know.

[@The_artistic_yogi]

Robyn McClendon and Yates Makes are very inspiring!!! I would suggest, if I may, more fluid acrylics, thinner layers or paint and wait a little longer for the pull! This way you would get even more layers and a grungy look!

[@pamhemmerling]

Thank you for your tips on using the gelli plate--thinner layers and more patience--good to know. I also appreciate your suggestions on videos to watch--I actually subscribe to both so at least I know I'm on the right track--although they are both pros and I agree very inspiring.

[@debbieyoung9301]

Yes Robyn McClendon is a master on the gelli plate, I love using the gelli plate, got loads of interesting pulls but I struggle to use them😊

[@63artemisia63]

@NathalieBrisebois Look instead for Yeates Makes.

[@pamhemmerling]

@@63artemisia63 Yes, thanks!

[@lenawarelius4195]

😊 i follow Barbara at 49Dragonfly and she used jeans to make marks. So fun 🥳😂

[@yvonnecurtis8080]

I think this were cool, creative and fun. I think you have every right to be confident

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks Yvonne! I don't feel overly confident with the gelli plate but I do have fun using it. Thanks so much for watching and your kind words.

[@gabrielaelisabeth5727]

This is nothing short of amazing! I love your ideas, your art, and your energy!

[@pamhemmerling]

You made my day! Thanks for those kind words. I appreciate you watching.

[@sandrift]

This was posted a while ago, but I wanted to thank you for being brave and putting your work out into the world. I enjoyed this session - you were honest about what you liked or thought worked and what didn’t. I’ve seen some great technique suggestions in the comments, but don’t let anyone tell you you’re doing it wrong. They have their way and you should do it your way. If we all make art the same way, where’s the individuality? I also think people get spoiled by highly-produced KZbin videos and then expect perfection from everyone, but they don’t know how hard it is (and how much time it takes) to make a video. Keep going and keep being yourself. 🙏

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for your encouragement! This video did raise a lot feedback as I think the gelli plate community is passionate about their techniques. I'm just sharing my process in all of my art journey....ups and downs. And I try to take the comments with a grain of salt (except the positive ones, like yours which I embrace wholeheartedly!)

[@Katherine_AZ]

Hi Pam … you mentioned you were interested in artist who use the gelli plate and thought you would enjoy Robyn McClendon here on KZbin. Her palette is very similar to yours and her videos go back many years with loads of tips and inspiration.

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks so much for the suggestion--I also follow Robyn McClendon. I love her videos!

[@ritazita1111]

Robyn is fabulous.

[@pamhemmerling]

@@ritazita1111 I agree!

[@brendacollinsdeeks7268]

I was going to suggest Robyn McClintock as well. She does amazing work with her gelli plate and is a great teacher.

[@susane945]

I love your upbeat and super enthusiastic attitude!! And I also love that you're using the shopping bags. I also utilize all my packaging stuff for heaps of different things.

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks Susan for your kind and thoughtful words! Isn't it fun to repurpose random stuff?!

[@edwin_art_studio414]

Awesome

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for watching!

[@FreshGrey-pm4vw]

so cool- and what fun. cant wait to try it!

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you were inspired to give it a try!

[@lynnesachs2330]

Wow I jested tuned into you’re site. .. but I think I like the way you explain the products is a good thing. I Gelli I am a mixed media artist. Thanks🌻

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks so much for watching Lynne! I am glad you found the video helpful.

[@tutushale]

I love the gelli plate printing. I like to look around the house and find different textures. One of my favorite things on the gelli plate is the bag produce comes in. It makes a cool net looking print. TFS🤙

[@pamhemmerling]

That is a great idea! I'm not that experienced (obviously!) at using the gelli plate so appreciate all the ideas that everyone is sharing.

[@libbygreenberg4764]

New subscriber today! Love my Gelli plate and sometimes use fine kitchen twine for lines, straw, paper with holes made a hole punch, etc. It's endless....

[@pamhemmerling]

So many good ideas Libby! I am such a beginner. Thanks for subscribing!!

[@shaunnalyons4436]

Loved the results. Excellent ❤

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks Shaunna! I'm definitely a gelli plate beginner but there are so many great results that can happen no matter how experienced you are. I hope you give it a try.

[@gailierunninglynx7310]

I never want each video to be over!!!

[@pamhemmerling]

You made my day! Thanks for that!

[@michellespohrer6395]

I love the effect you get with not filling the gelli plate with plate. Great inspiration. Thank you, Pam!

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks Michelle--I hope you give it a try!

[@uniquelylily1166]

I love watching your videos

[@pamhemmerling]

You are so sweet--thanks!

[@catincj1952]

yes, it's addictive! love your style.

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@mendyhand3895]

Gelli print over my crappy paintings. Lol. I’m SO doing that! Thx Pam!

[@pamhemmerling]

Haha! Glad you got a good idea! Thanks for watching.

[@kathhicks6439]

I love this! We have a lot in common as I’m watching you!!! LoVe your colors ( my faves as well;) great pieces! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@pamhemmerling]

Glad to hear we are artist kindreds! Thanks so much for watching!

[@kristinaandthegerman4554]

Froyle is fabulous! And I love hatch marks (are those the right words?) and spirals. I love organic looks too with real leaves.

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks Kristina! And that's a great idea about using leaves.

[@rowinggranny5216]

Another great video Pam, I love watching you work and you give such inspiring advice. Thank you

[@pamhemmerling]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope you are encouraged to be creative!

[@andreaharley4047]

Thanks Pam.i always enjoy yr videos.I like yr honesty re being a novice with the geli plate. ❤❤❤

[@pamhemmerling]

I appreciate that Andrea! I doubt I could pull off looking like an expert in most things but I do enjoy sharing my process.

[@kirstenweidinger3416]

Hi Pam, I loved it a lot watching you playing with the gelplate and colors. I do a lot art with my (self-made) plates and actually I do a big collage with gelprints. I love watching Elizabeth St. Hilaire and Yeates makes at youtube. Thanks for sharing your art 💜

[@pamhemmerling]

That is so interesting that you have made your own gelli plates! Very innovative! Thanks for the recommendations and for watching!

[@outoftheforest7652]

Yes, if you let the under layers dry more.. then go over it with another color and put your paper on it and rub it and let it sit, to activate the original layer that gets cool techniquests

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks, I appreciate that tip. I am often impatient and am realizing I need to pause when I'm using the gelli plate.

[@DarcysMixedMedia]

I love your "let's see what happens " attitude. ❤

[@pamhemmerling]

I am so glad that attitude comes through when I am sharing Darcy. That is truly my intent--to encourage others to try and explore when they are making art. I think trying to be perfect can hold us back from not only learning but enjoying the process.

[@brittahansen8688]

Hi Pam, I noticed, that you had to hold your geliplate in place. I would suggest, that you tried to put a glass plate or a big sheet of sturdy acetat under your plate. This would hold it in place. The next thing I would suggest is, that at some moments of the process you let the colour dry on the plate before applying the next colour. Then put a paper of some kind on top and let it dry there until it doesn´t feel damp any more. So you can pull off all the layers in one step. I love to use my big gelplate to create gift wrapping papers and love the variety. I liked your idea to print on note paper or packaging material and all the different types of paper you used. 🤩

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for all those tips Britta! I am definitely not a pro at using the gel plate but I do love exploring and sharing the journey. I've gotten so many great pointers and appreciate you watching. Your idea to create wrapping paper especially sounds intriguing!

[@carolouimet2851]

Pam i use mine to make paper beads with and my button cards with i love making my own paper am still learning about the gelli plate but having fun with it

[@pamhemmerling]

What a great idea Carol! I am always amazed at all the creative and inventive ideas there are.

[@mariach46]

Thank you Pam for taking us on your journey of discovery! I have a gel plate but I rarely use it, but you have inspired me to now 😃

[@pamhemmerling]

I'm so glad you are inspired to start using your gelli plate Maria! I don't use mine very often either so I'm trying to get better at keeping it in the mix.

[@swanlady0922]

Elizabeth St. Hilaire is also really good with the geli plate and collage.

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for that suggestion Diannah!

[@colourfulcrafts5492]

Right?! Geli plates are so addictive. Once you start you can't stop. Worse things to addicted to 😂😂🤟 love your prints !!!

[@pamhemmerling]

You crack me up--there are definitely worse things to be addicted to! Thanks for watching!

[@nypc_junkiemessnan2190]

Awesome!!!

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching and letting me know!

[@gailallen6350]

Love all the colours you used! Gorgeous prints. I am curious as to whether you did a final pick-up print of all those yummy layers of paint. Haven't read all the comments, but my recommendation of who to watch is Robyn McClendan. She uses a lot of neutrals and mark making.

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for the recommendation--I am subscribed to Robyn McClendan and enjoy her videos. I appreciate you watching--sounds like we like a similar color palette.

[@cheryljensen8766]

Great video !! My favourite channels at the moment are Froyle Art and Created and Made

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for those suggestions!

[@HeiderosesPhotograph]

If you have so much leftovers on your plate, you can roll on either Titan Buff or Nepals Yellow put your paper on it and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then pull everything off the plate. You clean your plate with that and get some interesting designs. Thanks again for sharing your ideas. Also if you sprinkle some water on your paint it will pull off a little and this is a nice effect, too for multiple layers.

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for all those tips! I will definitely give them a try.

[@janetbennell9855]

another great video. I love your ideas and the way you are so natural. just a small point, if you turn your brayer up the other way after you put the extra paint on you roll off paper, it wont stick to the paper which it sometimes does. Hope that makes sense.🙂

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for that tip Janet! I don't use my gelli plate or brayer that often so I appreciate any pointers I can get.

[@liz-anna2365]

Yeates Makes is my favourite artist who uses gel plates to create finished art pieces.

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for that suggestion!

[@rachelzentz3168]

Fun stuff!

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks! I hope it sparked your creativity!

[@The_artistic_yogi]

Hi Pam! I use my gel plate A LOT. I print papers of course, but also make Zin out of those printed papers, sketchbooks, I also print directly on wood (for example, coasters) or textile (for example, tote bags). Hope this helps! Btw, I love your videos!

[@pamhemmerling]

I love how creative you are with your gel plate! Wow--so many good ideas! Thanks so much for watching.

[@shoshronis7044]

THANK YOU PAM FOR YOUR INTERESTING VIDEOS. I LEARN A LOT FROM YOU SHOSH FOM ISRAEL

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for watching and letting me know the videos are helpful Shosh. I hope you are keeping safe--I know this is a difficult time for Israel.

[@liannejohnson5491]

I love my gel plates! I have the 'gel press' brand, which is much less expensive where I live. For me, they are one of those 'when you don't know what to do and need something to get going again' kind of things...easy to grab and start, no prep required. There are so many great ideas I've seen, so I try new things all the time and it's really fun. I have an 8x10, a 5x7, and a set of little 3" shapes that I use as stamps on other pieces. I use just about everything I find that might make interesting textures and patterns, along with stencils, silicone trivets in cool patterns, cut out masks in various shapes...it is one of the most versatile things in my studio and I am here for it LOL.

[@pamhemmerling]

Oh, you have so many good ideas Lianne! I agree that it is a great way to begin when you don't know what to do because there is no wrong way to use it.

[@marlenevidibor8054]

You can iron out creases in paper with a warm iron.

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for that tip!

[@deborahneumann9162]

Yes, the gel plate is VERY addictive!!! Sometimes I'll step over to the plate after supper... look at the clock a bit later and am shocked it's midnight and I've got prints laying all over the place... like 60-70 of them; some are even on giant sheets of tissue paper. LOL Fortunately, I have a 3-panel wooden room divider in my bedroom; using painter's tape on the top 2 corners, stick them all over it so they can dry; overlapping halfway. It will hold about 40, I think. Then I have to use the back of my bedroom door, closet doors... you get the 'addiction', right? LOL 'As far as other 'gel plate' Artists you asked about... Elizabeth St. Hilaire is someone I've been watching for a few years now. She uses a lot of her own designs of stencils, masks, and foam stamps to create some very intricate designs with. Some can just be framed, as is, off the gel plate. Since I'm a 'Narrative Collage Architect', I use a lot of my own papers as ephemera in my surreal collage designs. Makes them unique. Again, I thoroughly enjoy your videos. Thank you SO much! Deborah

[@pamhemmerling]

Oh, Deborah you are indeed a gel plate addict! Love this so much! Whenever you can get in the flow like that and lose track of time, well that is creativity at its best. Thanks for the suggestion of Elizabeth St. Hilaire I will definitely check out her videos.

[@deborahneumann9162]

I have quite a few of her stencils and some of her foam stamps (she is through JOGGLES). She does a LOT of layering with 2-3 stencils (mostly 2)... 4-5 layers of paint included on the print and the resulting images are totally frameable. Also, another one of my favorite Artists who masters the gel plate with a very different flare than Elizabeth is ROBYN MCCLENDON. I think you would enjoy her immensely. Again... keep making those FABULOUS videos! MUCH Love & RESPECT... Deborah@@pamhemmerling​

[@pamhemmerling]

@@deborahneumann9162 I just watched a few of her videos and subscribed--really amazing! Thanks for the suggestion. I already subscribe to Robyn McClendon's channel and love her style as well.

[@deborahneumann9162]

Glad it was helpful, Pam! Have a lovely evening (:@@pamhemmerling

[@laurienix4121]

I have also had my paint brush separate! I blame it on keeping it in the water too long and I use inexpensive brushes. Thank you for your inspiration.

[@pamhemmerling]

Good to know I'm not the only one who mistreats their paintbrushes! I definitely leave mine in water too long--all the time! I appreciate you watching Laurie.

[@sharonputman3633]

Great lesson I don’t have a geli plate or a deli plate. 😊 I really liked the layered pages!

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks Sharon! I wouldn't invest in a gelli plate (deli plate!) unless you are certain you would use it--it's easy to buy a lot of random supplies that never get used. I'm speaking from experience!

[@Truthfully7]

They can be made with gelatine, see KZbin

[@pamhemmerling]

@@Truthfully7 Thanks Barb!

[@joank8370]

I'm late to the party but Jackie Bernardi painted papers and Eddie Makes Art are 2 of my favorites. Jackie tried medical exam table paper and found it was really transparent. I bought a roll and you get a lot for about $6. Her video comparing transparency is fabulous!

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks so much for your suggestions Joan! I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

[@mjrewerts]

I really wanted to see you put a layer of paint on and lift up everything you had built up on the Gelli plate. Sometimes those ghost prints are the best. Yes it’s very hard to stop 😅. I enjoyed my Fall by going outside and collecting leaves for botanical prints. I like to watch Art Whisperer.

[@pamhemmerling]

I love the idea of making botanical prints with leaves. I will definitely give that a try. And thanks for the tip on who to watch for more gelli plate ideas.

[@angelinamichelle8474]

You have to watch Yeates Makes. He is the guru of gel plate printing. Next level amazing...

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks, Angelina for your suggestion. I have seen his videos and I agree it is amazing what he can do with a gelli plate.

[@outoftheforest7652]

I picked my gelli plates up after a long hiatus and realised that I wasn't letting the under layers activeate again so I was leaving a lot behind... I think this might also be the proble3m with my image transfers

[@pamhemmerling]

I think you are right--I'm sure that is why I was having some difficulties. Thanks for letting me know.

[@messerdesigns2055]

Thanks for the great ideas. I bought the 3 small gelli plates today before I even watched this. I have a couple big ones, they are fun!

[@pamhemmerling]

You must be a gelli plate pro! Do you mostly make collage paper or do you use them for other things as well?

[@messerdesigns2055]

I mostly make collage papers similar to yours but I may try fabric then stitch over it.

[@pamhemmerling]

@@messerdesigns2055 I love the idea of using fabric! I may have to give it a try.

[@bethtilley2777]

Just fyi Golden is really good with replacing paint that may have not lasted the length of time they say. It wouldn’t hurt to contact them and see if they would replace that tube with a new one,

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for that tip Beth! I will try that next time I have a tube that dries out.

[@DeeFay-fl1hs]

You asked about other gel plate experts - Barbara Gray, Clarity Stamp UK is brilliant. It’s a great tool with no end to the possibilities. Thank you. Smaller plates are useful too.

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for those recommendations Fay--I will definitely check them out.

[@trinapatterson8872]

Elizabeth St. Hilaire is a collage artist that uses mainly her geli prints She shows lots of great techniques

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks Trina--I will definitely check her out.

[@calliefox6656]

Mist your ghost prints a bit. Picks up more when you using thick paint. Love the fun!

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for letting me know Callie. I am obviously not a pro at the Gelli Plate so have appreciated all the tips.

[@abra3cadabra3]

You need to press more uniformly over the entire plate. You tend to press at the top of the plate and then the middle of the plate but you neglect the bottom of the plate. You’re not picking up as much paint as you could be because you’re not pressing thoroughly enough. Still, you got some nice looking prints there.

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for that tip and feedback. I will definitely remember that the next time. Thanks for watching.

[@kathhicks6439]

So…. I create paper sculpture fairies, mystical messengers and others… I love to create their clothes using jelli plate!!!

[@pamhemmerling]

You sound so creative Kath and those paper sculptures sound amazing!

[@queenbeeetta]

RobynMcClendon is the Heli plate queen she knows all there is to know about Geli printing and she’s a pretty neat lady. I believe you would enjoy her videos 😊

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks so much for that recommendation Etta!

[@junktube4000]

I purchased a gelli plate a couple years ago, kept it stored in it's package. It seems to have shrunk in size. Is this bad?

[@pamhemmerling]

Unfortunately, I am not a gelli plate expert so I really don't know how or why your gelli plate would have shrunk. Maybe do a google search as I'm guessing you could find the answer that way.

[@livzyful]

You might be happier with your prints if you leave them on the plate longer. It’s fun to play.

[@pamhemmerling]

Good to know--thanks for your feedback!

[@debbiebAU]

Another great KZbin gel plate channel is PM Artist Studio. They do 4 lives a week

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks Debbie--I will definitely check them out.

[@gwynnedjackson3871]

Froyle Art and Robyn McClendon, here on KZbin, i know you would enjoy very much!! 😊

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks so much for those suggestions--appreciate you taking the time to let me know.

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

I would get the paper down faster with less time for the paint to dry.

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for your feedback--I'll give it a try.

[@marlenevidibor8054]

Mixed media paper.

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks!

[@annettenorman8173]

I love your prints! Check out Froyle Art, she is the queen of gelli printing and collage! Keep it up!

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks Annette! I will definitely check her out--I appreciate the suggestion.

[@ellenvd5543]

Thanks very much for sharing, I like your ideas too! Here is a video about making texture on the gelli-plate....in a different way! kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2XOn2Bpg76ph8U I use Tissue-paper for my gelli-plate. After that i make sort of abstract flowers with it. (On a painted background)

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks so much Ellen! What a great idea--I appreciate you sharing.

[@luckysue3]

Yates Makes & Robyn McClendon are masters of gelli printing. This video, in comparison, reminds me of being on a motorway & watching a car crash take place in slow motion.

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for the recommendations. Sorry you had a bad experience watching the video.

[@63artemisia63]

I really wanted to learn about your “uncomplicated” idea but the goose chasing wore me out. That is, you say something , decide it’s not what you meant to say or decide to say it a different way, then you go back to the beginning of your sentence and start over. Halfway through that sentence, you do the same thing. The phrase goose chasing, I think, comes from how hard it is to maneuver a group of geese into one spot because they all keep scattering in different directions. Having notes or even a script can help you stay focused and make videos shorter. There’s no shame in doing it. (And I don’t mean any disrespect by suggesting it.) Even people who’ve been making videos for years use notes/scripts. Maybe start with a “cheat sheet” of materials: Catalyst wedge, silicone tip tools, Color Shaper, etc.? Just a thought . . .

[@pamhemmerling]

I appreciate your feedback and will take your suggestions into consideration as I realize I am not the most articulate person especially when on camera. You sound quite knowledgeable about making videos so do you have suggestions for how to write and incorporate a script into a simple video? As I'm doing it all myself--from concept, to materials, to video, to lighting, to sound, and to editing anyone with more experience that can offer an easier way is appreciated. My goal is certainly not to wear the viewer out--I'm sorry that was your experience.

[@63artemisia63]

Thanks, Pam, I’m glad you weren’t offended by my comments. I’m planning to watch more of this one. What about studying some of your favorite videos, making notes about what you like, then asking those people for advice? Do you feel like you need to be talking the whole time? If you do, that might push you to talk when you’re not clear about what you want to say. What kind of rehearsing do you do before you start the actual video? You have lots of subscribers and positive comments, so you may not need to change anything. And it sounds like you already have your hands full making videos by yourself.

[@pamhemmerling]

@@63artemisia63 You have lots of good suggestions Lynn. Honestly, since this is not a paid gig I have a limited amount of time and energy to put into it. Clearly, I am not a professional nor do I claim to be. I like sharing but I will acknowledge that I make lots of mistakes and don't always edit those out. My hope is to encourage other creatives to start where they are and to realize that perfection is over-rated, it holds you back in so many ways. If I felt I had to get it all right I would be paralyzed and unable to hit the record button. I do recognize that my videos aren't for everyone and I'm okay with that. Obviously, if people were paying me I would put the extra time and effort into rehearsing, scriptwriting, and investing in better equipment. But at this point I'm just making free videos, sharing what I'm doing and hopefully motivating others to begin.

[@63artemisia63]

@@pamhemmerling Well, there you go then ;o)

[@cindyjespinoza]

Just found you last night and your videos ARE inspiring. Putting yourself out there takes guts, keep going!! You will get more comfortable on camera. I ordered a "Deli plate" today LOL @@pamhemmerling Thank you!!

[@kathrynmoon8793]

I’ve been gel printing for 4years. Just when I want to create papers with certain colors, various textures or to give myself a challenge using stencils for layering. Then I cut up or die cut pieces to use for greeting cards. I’m in the process of creating papers for collage. I have learned quite a bit from professional artists Robyn McClendon, Elizabeth St. Hilaire, Gerda Lipski in Germany and Yeates in the UK.

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for all those recommendations Kathryn!

[@kathrynmoon8793]

I keep waiting for you to put down a single color with the brayer to pull a complete print with all of the layers. Letting the paint build up as you have continued to do through this video wastes the layers ofpaint closest to the surface of the plate! You’ll enjoy the process more as you learn from your experiments!🙂 Being mindful of the drying time of your paints and their opacity or transparency will help you create papers without all of the doubting you do.🙂

[@pamhemmerling]

I appreciate your feedback--you are clearly more of an expert than me! I should be watching your videos! I have loved receiving all the tips as I obviously have much to learn.