Sgraffito on the gelli plate: easy, quick printmaking effects

#gelliplate #artjournal #printmaking
I was thinking about fine line pen doodles on watercolour pictures and this led to these wonderful prints on the gel plate.
These are easy to do, no specialist tools needed. Each picture took 10 to 15 minutes each.
I used a blunt rounded object and light pressure.
I think the results look like printmaking tools have been used.
I hope you enjoy.
Kirsten 🌻

[@Nanakinsz]

This is an incredible technique. I've never seen it done with a dried paint layer on the plate! Wow! SO MUCH LOVE for this!!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Deb, thank you!!!! I have SO MUCH LOVE for it too as it’s very very simple. I have so much love for you using capitals too 😂, that makes me feel yeeha!!!!

[@apple369]

I could not click this video quick enough!! LOVE sgraffito. Thanks for sharing.

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Apple, I didn’t know I loved sgraffito until today but I definitely do too!! Thank you for clicking fast!!

[@MaryGadsby]

I had that exact same reaction!!

[@ThomasWheelers]

Hi Sarah here. Your videos are great . You helped me so much. Thank you. Rainy day here and a great day for making art experiments and visiting other artists, like you.

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Sarah, thank you. I’m really happy you like the videos. We are mid summer in Scotland, we do have some sun today, but it’s the first in 3 days 🤨😖😂. I watch videos to inspire me and give me ideas too. It really helps. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!!

[@cidk59]

I do this process all the time, and I just love it. You're right, it can look like a woodblock print or a linocut print. Such a fun process. If you start with a colored background and then pull the print with black, it then looks like a line drawing. I also go in and alter my stencils by allowing the first layer of stencil to become tacky, then I go in and alter it with stamps or line. Just so many fun things you can do with this!!!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi cid, the gel plate is just the best tool. It really opens doors to us mere mortals in a way more traditional methods like drawing and painting does not. I have tried to recreate some of my gel prints straight to paper and it’s just blah and flat. Or even using stencil on paper. It’s just not the same. But lifting it off a gel plate adds life to it.

[@MaryGadsby]

This might be my favorite video you have made, I’m barely gonna finish watching before I run over to my gelli’s

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Mary, from you I will take that as a wow!! I’ve missed your chat. I was worried you thought I was to forward about instagram 😱!! It was in case you had some art on so I could return the appreciation and good feelings you gave me ❤️

[@MaryGadsby]

@@quirkyqueens Heck yeh that was a WoW :D. I loved the result of all those prints. Not taking away from your other beautiful art, I am just partial to that look of rustic printmaking, no clue why. Oh, I’ve been under the weather - I’m so glad I joined instagram to see more of your art and chat with you. And my husband is maybe sick of hearing about you lol, what I didn’t say here I’ve said to him the last few days :D Today I was watching your print video when he came into my art room and he listened for a bit. I don’t think he’ll be buying his own Gelli plate any time soon 🤣but he too loved your voice! I was thinking how I kind of live in the “Scotland of America” (New Scotland? Lol) and too bad our Scotlands weren’t closer because I think you and I would be sisterly friends. We clearly have the same interests and senses of humor :D. I watch almost all the same artists on KZbin as you do, and I appreciate all of them so much - that said, I do feel very akin to your spirit in a way that I hadn’t experienced with other artists, even though I may LOVE their art, maybe they just aren’t quirky or queenly enough :D. It’s the only item on my bucket list to visit the U.K. and track down the little towns of all my ancestors. If hubby ever makes that happen you know we’ll be looking you up!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@MaryGadsby]

@@quirkyqueens PS. I had to laugh. My husband asked about your subscribers and I told him how many and that your channel was new. So he said, (as though every art lover in the KZbin world didn’t already know this haha) - “Well honey, you need to watch all her videos, and you have to subscribe and also you have to comment on every video”. I was trying to reassure him that I knew this and that I do this for my favorite channels, but somehow he was not convinced that I knew about it. It kinda makes me laugh because he clearly has no clue how many art videos I actually watch. But all this to say, you have a non-artist supporter out here in the world too lol :D

[@PaulaMion]

I love this process. The end result reminds me of batiks ..... Really pretty! Thanks for sharing it!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Paula, thank you!!!! My most recent video shows the same technique but much much easier. A bit of baby oil makes all the difference.

[@devonrex4]

Very fun! I love doodling so I will definitely have to try this! 💙💙💙

[@quirkyqueens]

Yolande this was soooo easy. I don’t know why I’ve not done this before!! 💛💛💛

[@lindyashford7744]

This looks a very interesting technique, certainly appeals to me as I have a strong interest in drawing. I have been very wary of trying to draw on my Gelli as fineliners looked likely to damage things. I think the potential for working with positive and negative spaces for high impact is really great and not just with black as the ground. I really like your prints, and thanks for adding a new dimension to working with Gelli plates, which are so freeing anyway! I actually have a set of those ball tips somewhere, with a handle to change them onto. I will definitely be trying this technique!

[@quirkyqueens]

I’ve tried fineliners on the gel plate. They don’t really work. Do you know what I loved the most about this? Little preparation and no plan. It was just simple. I think this could be more refined to give really nice finished pieces…but I’m always over excited and optimistic about these things!!

[@lindyashford7744]

@@quirkyqueens I think it gives a finish a bit like Lino cut or woodblock engraving without the pain! Or the high cost. I really love the rangy edges of the lines too not too clean. I bought my Gelli plates originally because I really have very little hand strength but still wanted to be creative in ways that suit my style. I tried the painting techniques you suggested too, only forgot to oil my gel plate and lost quite a bit of it. Repaired it by hand and love it. So that’s two really good techniques and combined with some Artwhisperer and the two Marks feel I now have a lot to work with that I didn’t find anywhere else. I am not a crafter, always an artist, it can be a handicap sometimes! But multimedia - YES! Thanks so much. x

[@quirkyqueens]

@@lindyashford7744 not at all, I’m so glad it helped!! And the good thing is you can take breaks and go back to it if your hands are tiring or hurting. I’m glad you’re getting to do some of what you love. I love the art whisperer but I don’t know the 2 marks. Could you tell me what there channel is please. I love gel print videos. I could sit all day and watch them.

[@lindyashford7744]

@@quirkyqueens Mark Yeates is one, fantastic artist, he is a teacher or lecturer as well. I will have to check the other Mark. I will post again.

[@lindyashford7744]

The other is Gel with Mark. He is doing some paint on in layers techniques I think you would love.

[@RMurrell31]

Really nice technique.

[@bohohippiebySonja]

Oh my! Now I know how to make my silver show up on the Makers Colour Combo...TY so much Kirsten

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Sonja, thank you more for watching!! Who needs pan pastels anyway 😂

[@bohohippiebySonja]

@@quirkyqueens LOL! Yeah....

[@tamalasneed2263]

Very creative and cute. Thank you for sharing.

[@quirkyqueens]

Thanks Tamala, that’s brilliant to hear!!!

[@amajjikakumara6942]

What a great simple yet effective technique Kirsten! We have finally moved into our new home and I have been setting up my office/art space…. I unpacked sooooo many different black and metallic paints but can’t find my gel plate now 😂😂 will definitely give this a go… soon ish 🤪

[@quirkyqueens]

This is an emergency situation!!!!! A lost gel plate 😱😳😱🤣. I wish you the best in your new home, a new start is always a wonderful feeling (once you get past the fact it’s also a top 5 life stressor 🫣😂)

[@evypetre949]

I love this so much and so many ideas are in my head. I love to Zentangle, I call it organized doodles. 😂 I will be trying this! ❤️💕❤️ xx

[@quirkyqueens]

Aw evy, thank you ❤️💓❤️. That makes me so happy. I’m not very good at zentangling but I did think about it whilst doing this. I get confused about when to change, poor organisational skills obviously 😂. I’m so glad you watched it ❤️🌻❤️xx

[@evypetre949]

@@quirkyqueens I think I even figured out how to get some shading. I love my gellies! 💕😻💕

[@quirkyqueens]

You will need to share on makers. I’m thinking about how I can use this with the stencils too 🦋💓🦋. I love the brainwaves 1 idea can produce 🤓

[@creativecompanion]

Fantastic! Definitely going to try this! Thank you!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi, I’ve been adding a bit of baby oil to the cotton bud tip (second most recent video I’m sure-it’s black and white in the thumbnail). It gives a smoother glide in the paint. 😊

[@user-xd3yd8we4l]

This is a fabulous technique.Never seen it done like this before.I have subscribed. I have 4 days to play this week.

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Judith, 4 days to play on the gel plate is a beautiful thing. A wee cuppa and a biscuit whilst admiring your artwork after is the perfect addition…or is that just me, I love tea and biscuits 😂

[@ellief3177]

Great job! The sgraffito is a simple but very effective technique, especially when you make the patterns more complex. I have just been using posca pens on the gel plate with simple mark making (which was a lot of fun) but now I need to do this. Thank you!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Ellie, I’m the same. I see a new technique and I feel like I need to do it all, now!! I’m hoping after I do a few more of these that we could combine it with other things on the gel plate, such as posca pens. Which I love! Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment!!

[@DarcysMixedMedia]

Cool!! ❤

[@quirkyqueens]

Thank you Darcy ❤️🪴

[@jackiecopeland1835]

Fantastic results. You are the Queen of the Geli Plate!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Jackie, that might be the best thing anyone ever said to me!!! 😂🥰 thank you.

[@pennyrosejournals]

Hi Kirsten 👋 . These are great. Not a technique I have tried before. Now I am itching to pull out the gell plates once again and have a play. I understand what you mean when you say the look more like print making than other techniques. Thanks so much for sharing 🙂

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Kirsten 👋🏻. The gel plates are just the best items ever!! I was amazed at the kind of Lino cut or wood block effects. Thank you so much for watching…and commenting 😁

[@mjrewerts]

Awesome! I thoroughly enjoyed this! As an artist who loves to draw, I can’t wait to try this method! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@quirkyqueens]

I like drawing, but I’m not so good at realism. I find it quite difficult and I lack the patience to finish it. 🤨🤔🙄😂

[@lotusflowerpassion]

love these will have to try this 💖

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Debra, I love these too, especially the middle one. I need to make some more, I think it’s definitely better on a small plate, quite tedious otherwise. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment too,m 💕🌺

[@superfly2449]

These look great!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi super fly, thank you so much. They were quite easy to do too!!

[@irisn3188]

Wow! Great idea! Thanks

[@quirkyqueens]

You are so welcome Iris, thank you!!!! I have improved the technique a bit I think since this video. Made it more glide and clean.

[@merryaijlman7833]

I just found your channel. What an awesome technique. Your accent is so adorable, I love it. ❤😊

[@quirkyqueens]

Thank you!!!!! The second sgraffito technique video is much better (the black and white picture…second last video I think, you commented so you’ll recognise the thumbnail). I’m really glad you found my channel!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Michellemixedmedia]

What a fun technique! Love the results.

[@quirkyqueens]

That is so brilliant to hear from you!! Thank you!!!!!

[@ClydePlatt]

Thanks for this. I will use some zentangle drawing techniques with it.

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Clyde, apologies I’ve had the lurgy, like proper man flu illness!! I like zentangle, although I get a wee bit obsessed with over curving corners and it becomes blah.

[@ClydePlatt]

@@quirkyqueens Sorry to hear about your lurch, but your description of it - proper man flu - has me cracking up. I tried a basic zentangle on the Gelli using your technique. I’m thinking that I need to use a different black paint for the scratch coat. The one I tried was messy - bits flying everywhere - and I had to make multiple passes in the areas of thicker paint. I know what you mean about the blah - I get to a point with it where I just want to figure out how to finish. But it was worth a go. If there was a way for me to send you an image I’d do it. Cheers. And feel better, eh.

[@quirkyqueens]

@@ClydePlatt I had bits flying everywhere too. It’s messy but it’s another addition to the abstract mark making. I’m glad I made you laugh, although laughing is not for me in my current state of self pity!

[@ClydePlatt]

@@quirkyqueens I hope you get better and back to your quirky self quickly.

[@sharonkiss3581]

I love this creative approach can’t wait to try it

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Sharon, you’ll love it. Little effort for big outcome. Very easy too.

[@debrahowell1431]

This is amazing

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Debra, thank you!!!!!!!

[@maramakesjournals2319]

Brilliant!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Mara, thank you!! It was very easy!!

[@chrisloudart]

Love the way these turned out! Nice work!😊

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Chris, thank you so much!! I’m a big fan of your channel 😁

[@christyhartman]

This is fantastic. I love this technique. Brilliant.

[@quirkyqueens]

Me too, and it’s simple. I’m going to try it with stencils.

[@KathyBrooksArt]

What a great technique with lovely results. So interesting and it looks relaxing too. It may be fun to try a portrait (pet or human, or other) by putting photo under your glass and following it. Enjoyed this very much. Thanks.

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Kathy, thank you. And that is a wonderful idea!!!! I’m so glad you liked it, and for taking the time to comment. If you don’t mind, I think that would be a great video to film.

[@mollygorger6852]

What a great idea! Gotta try it. Thank you!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi molly, thank you!!!!!!!!! 😁😁😁

[@arsenioamador2370]

Brilliant technique!

[@quirkyqueens]

Thanks arsenio, I’m so glad you liked it.

[@jaynapodgorski8561]

Fabulous idea. Love the simplicity of this technique. Great work my friend. Love it 👍🙂 🧡🍂🍁

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Jayna, thank you so much. Simple is my favourite method too. 🍀🪴🌷💙

[@DoneByDazia]

This is truly fantastic and I'm so excited to try this out

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Dazia, thank you!!!! I like your profile picture.

[@8433alice]

Awesome! Again!

[@quirkyqueens]

Your painting of boots in your profile picture is more awesome. It’s amazing!!

[@rachelwren-vipond6029]

Fab. ❤

[@quirkyqueens]

Thanks Rachel ❤️

[@angelinamichelle8474]

Very cool! I love gel printing. Thankyou so much for sharing!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Angelina, thank you so much for watching!! I love the gel plate too, you can experiment in a way that is not possible on paper.

[@RishaBond]

Lovely!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Risha, thank you so much, I’m glad you liked it!!

[@fruitlessbeast]

Came for the accent. Left with a new technique. Thanks for taking the time.

[@quirkyqueens]

😂🤣😂 I go to the supermarket for milk, then leave with the biscuit aisle 😖🙄

[@couldwellbe4227]

This was fab and you’ve inspired me! Thank you xx

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi, thank you so much!! I love being inspired by a video, even if I end up doing something completely different!!

[@rolfhogfeldt7645]

Love the technique and style! You are an inspiration ✨️

[@quirkyqueens]

Thanks Rolf, that is amazing to hear!! I’m so glad you liked it. 😁

[@MartieMc]

Amazing !!!

[@quirkyqueens]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😁😁😁

[@donnacarraway9182]

That takes patience but it’s beautiful!! Thank you!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Donna, thank you!!!! It’s actually quicker than you would think, although I did do it on the small 5x7 plate. I think on the big plate you’d probably want further apart lines…or it might get tedious.

[@donnamorina7846]

Wonderful technique! The results are beautiful. Thank you for the inspiration 😊

[@quirkyqueens]

Thank you! I think so too. I’ve been working more on trying ways to have black outlines on the gel plate, like a woodblock or etched effect. 😊

[@em......]

So gorgeous! I have done something similar, but I have only done dots, I didn't think to make a whole plate design. I love it!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Em, I’m the same!!! Why did we not do more 🤔🤷🏼‍♀️. Thank you for watching and commenting, it’s so great to hear that you liked it.

[@susanbilyeu22]

Awesome technique, I'll try it for sure - very clever!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Susan, thank you, it was a very easy one too!!!!

[@keariewashburn4680]

I love these art/ pictures that you have created. They are beautiful Thank you for your video 😊

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Kearie, thank you. They were surprisingly easy!! And thank you for watching…and taking the time to comment 😊💕🦋

[@rubyjuly723]

Wonderful technique! Thank you for sharing such a fun project!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Linda, thank you!! I really liked the effects of it. The gel plate is so versatile.

[@gerriekaychurch658]

WOW! This is fantastic! Never seen it done this way thanks for demonstrating it😊

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Gerrie, thank you!!! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ve also used this technique on disposable palette paper which worked well too. 😊

[@LynnLBE]

These are so beautiful ❣️❣️❣️❣️.

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Lynn, thank you. I think the one I did on video was the best. I’ll be doing a lot more of these 💓💕💓💕🦋

[@cindyhirz6328]

This technique is very cool! Love it 😊 Thank you for sharing

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi cindy, thank you. It was very easy and cool. Thank you for watching, and taking the time to comment!! 😊😁

[@annecanright4918]

really awesome! Thanks so much for your work-you are so thoughtful and really seem to love researching new ways of painting things including jelly plates...

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Anne, thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. I love seeing how far you can push the painting techniques, see if something new appears. Often it’s a disaster…but not always!!!!!

[@AnnePelz]

Such a great idea! I will definitely give this technique a try and I have got the feeling that it could be addictive. 😉 Looks very relaxing and meditative. I can totally understand why you had to do a voiceover and didn’t talk while working on it. 😅 Thank you for the inspiration!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Anne, you’re very welcome!!! I had a look through your IG reels, very nice!!!! I particularly liked your painted plants (I purposely just liked that one so you know what one I mean). I usually start talking at the same time then at some point realise I’ve not spoken in ages so need to voiceover!!!! 🫣🥰

[@Momcat6]

These are beautiful! Thank you for sharing your clever technique ♥

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi momcat (I love your profile name), thank you sooooooooooo much 😁💗😁💗😁

[@judyhammond3181]

I enjoy making patterns, so you have got me very inspired. The way you create with the gel plate is amazing.

[@quirkyqueens]

Aw Judy, thank you. The gel plate is like the best play park you remember as a kid. So much potential for a great day.

[@marywagner9927]

I love the bright colors - they are beautiful!! You have a different way of looking at gel plates that I find very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Mary, thank you so much!! I like making final pictures with it. I think it’s too wonderful to just make collage paper with. I rarely start any painting on paper or canvas now. Straight to the gel plate. I think I like that you apply the top layer of the painting first, and can adapt to mistakes or change of mind much easier too. I am hoping to get a bigger one for Christmas.

[@penkakostadinova9136]

Kristen, I love sgraffito technique and I love the way you did. Thank you for sharing!❤️🌹

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi penka, thank you so much. It was enjoyable and easy, which is a perfect combination!! ❤️🦋🌷🪴❤️

[@artcuriousbymnw]

So innovative! I love your doodles too. Great job Kirsten

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi myriam, thank you, sorry for the delayed reply. I was at a wedding yesterday…and too drunk to reply responsibly 😱😂. I hope your travels are continuing to go well.

[@artcuriousbymnw]

@@quirkyqueens Kirsten i wish I could read your unfiltered comments 😂😆❤️

[@HeiderosesPhotograph]

This is an awesome technique and all does look beautiful. TFS

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Anne, thank you soooo much!! I need to do it again, in combination with other techniques, see what’s possible.

[@morningdewgarden7432]

I really love this and I'm going to try it today when I go to play in the studio!! You have such great ideas for techniques! Thanks!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi, thank you so much. I’m really glad you like them. I like trying different things on the gel plate.

[@cathydale104]

Absolutely love this!!! Thanks for sharing. Going to give this a go later today. ☺☺

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Cathy, thank you!! I hope you enjoy. The gel plate is brilliant no matter what you do anyway!! 😂🥰🥰

[@forgetthedustrhonda8622]

They r beautiful good on you

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Rhonda, thank you. I love the gel plate…not sure I make it obvious enough 🤔😂

[@mr.wilson77]

very inspiring to me; thank you

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi mr Wilson, thank you!!! I like to experiment on the gel plate.

[@timeenuf4200]

Clever and unique technique for gel printing. Will have to give it a try. Thank you for sharing your idea, talent, time and inspiration to make us better artists.

[@quirkyqueens]

Aw, this has made my day…thank you 💕

[@barbaracabrera207]

Oh, WOW!! This is amazing!!! I've never seen this technique before. I can see this becoming very popular! You did a brilliant job! I LOVE it!! Thanks for sharing, Kirsten. Austin TX USA

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Barbara, you are just wonderful!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

[@theantiquelittlegirl5891]

I’m a new subscriber, thank you for these great videos! I can’t wait to try this sgraffito technique 🌻

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi, I’m so sorry I took so long to reply. I’m really glad you liked it. I love your profile picture, I really hope it’s a young you 💐

[@theantiquelittlegirl5891]

@@quirkyqueensit is a young me, from 1956! I tried the sgraffito technique and my results were not so great. I bought the tools like you used, and I found that using them like an eraser rather than scraper worked better. But, if you see this, do you have any advice? Should the paint be wet?

[@L.WolfMoidell-is6vz]

I somehow missed this one. I love to see that you're always trying out new techniques. You are quite talented.

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi L, thank you as always!! I’ve had the lurgy (Scottish slang word for bug, virus, something worse than a common cold) so my reply is very late!! Apologies. I’ve been trying to think of ways to use the gel plate on a canvas. I’ve been looking at unstretched canvas as a possibility as I can manipulate it much easier. It’s not something I’ve bought or used before so am having to research. I’m thinking well known art shops may be a good starting point so I at least know I’m buying the right thing. I will also aim for archival…I’m sure someone gave me some excellent advice around this….🤔😎 (that’ll be you so you know!)

[@anniedufour4148]

Merci beaucoup pour toutes ces idées, j'aime beaucoup le résultat.

[@quirkyqueens]

Merci Anne, j'ai pu comprendre en grande partie ce que tu as écrit cette fois !! Même si j'avais encore besoin d'aide pour répondre 😂🌷

[@carolynking5418]

Wow! Love this technique. Thanks so much for sharing it. Your a cent is so lovely , too.....❤

[@quirkyqueens]

Aw thanks Carolyn, I just love different mark making on the gel plate ❤️

[@brittahansen8688]

Such an amazing techique with gorgeous results, Kirsten! You really are inventive 🥰. I didn´t think that the geliplate was so resilient. Black and gold was my favorite version 🤩. Love it, Britta

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Britta 🥰🥰🥰, black and gold was my favourite too, the others were a bit childlike. The gelli plate is pretty resilient, ive done a lot of stuff to them and im still using my 2 original plates. Maybe if i buy a bigger one i might be nicer to it as they are expensive 😱😂🥰

[@kimjackman1722]

Brilliant technique! It does look like it was made with plates, great for doodles! Loved listening to your accent!🥰

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Kim, thank you!!! I love experimenting with the gel plate. I watch a lot of printmaking videos, then try adapt them to the gel plate. 🥰

[@Amy-0000]

Thank you!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Amy, you’re welcome. Thank you too for watching!!

[@maryellenrichards391]

These prints turned out beautifully! I have 2 gelli plates, lots of stencils, plenty of paint, but I haven’t tried making a print yet. I can hardly wait until I can create something like this.

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Mary Ellen, I have 2 gel plates as well. A 5x7 and an 8x10. One day I will get a big one, just the price jumps dramatically 🙄😖 It’s actually quite easy to use a gel plate. You get used to it pretty quickly and it’s a lot easier than drawing or painting I think. I used old book pages and printer paper to print on at first as you will make hundreds of prints at the start as it’s so addictive.

[@sarahlopresti8892]

Is there a video on how you apply the paint because I didn't see it and I would love to try this if I knew how you put the paint on the jail pad. It is probably a silly question and it's probably something that I should know but I would love instructions.

[@louisalinton]

Just discovered you, QQ, and it's lovely to hear a fellow Scot chirping on about this technique and already producing some lovely work. Well done and keep it up :)

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Louisa, and thank you!!!!!!! I’m EK near Glasgow. I’m quite jealous of your fringe and I may need to get myself one. I’ve been thinking about it recently. Anyway, off at a tangent 🤪. I just love trying new things on the gel plate, sometimes they work, sometimes a bit blah, but always a good time!! It’s nice to meet a fellow Scot too. The first arty one I met on here was Kylie coo, she’s more to the east I think. 😁

[@louisalinton]

I copied your idea of etching into black paint on the plate and used gold paint like you. The first pull was rubbish but there was so much still stuck on the plate I did a second (using white to lift it) and it was brill, I love it and am going to try using colours too, just to see what happens. So thanks for that !!! Where can i send you a pic of my first attempts? ps I live in France BTW but come from Fife originally (Kirkcaldy) @@quirkyqueens

[@quirkyqueens]

@louisalinton do you have insta? I’ll follow you. France sounds like a dream. So lovely.

[@sugarybrown6817]

Watching this while ‘Outlander’ Netflix running on TV. What a coincidence! Btw, love your work. One additional subscriber!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi sugary, how good is outlander!!!!!!!! They actually filmed that around my county…some of it in my town (only 1 day of filming in my town but it still counts).

[@EddieMakesArt]

Great video Kirsten! I used to do something similar as a kid. I'd use crayons to color a paper then paint over it with black, Then use something pointy to scratch the design. It was a lot of fun!

[@quirkyqueens]

Eddie, sorry for late reply. I was at an all day wedding yesterday. It was so lovely but I have no tolerance to alcohol. I’ll tell you about it at the live tomorrow. I have done similar with oil pastels. It’s crazy the stuff that can be adapted to the gel plate. I love it!!

[@langeideas]

Wowww😮👏👏👏👏

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi, so sorry I’m late in replying 😖🤦🏼‍♀️!!!! Thank you, that is brilliant to hear!!! 😁😁😁

[@langeideas]

​@@quirkyqueensgreat job!! Kisses from Spain 😊

[@quirkyqueens]

Spain, wow!!! I’ve been to a few places on holiday (tourist spots only) so probably not the actual Spanish life. Kisses from Scotland 😊

[@didiergervy9039]

Amazing and inspiring ! Thanks a lot. What kind of black paint do you use ? Acrylic, watercolor, gouache ?

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Didier, thank you so much!!!! It’s acrylic heavy body. I’ve never tried gauche on the gel plate…I need to do this!!! Thank you too for the inspiration.

[@BlueLotusLife]

Hi Kristen! Lovely! Are you using any special kind of acrylic black ?…like heavy body or fluid or whatever? Thanks!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Gina, thank you!!!!!!!! Heavy body but I imagine fluid should be ok too. I’ll need to give it a try!!!

[@suzannewithers8093]

How long did you leave paper on top before pulling please? Love this, project for today. Your such a clever bunny

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Suzanne, you are wonderful 🥰 I’m not sure, I reckon on the longer side, probably about 10-20 minutes. I tend to gauge it with how many layers, complexity of marks, so yeah, longer than usual to try get a clean pull. You can feel it too. Once you’ve put the paper on the gel plate, it will feel cool due to the wet paint. If it still feels cool leave it a bit longer. I always feel like I’m playing Russian roulette when I’ve spent a long time making one picture on the gel plate!!🫣

[@RainDropps]

Love. What kind of paper did you use? I'm new to gelli. I have tried a few different types of paper. So far copy paper has worked the best. Thank you for sharing.

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Rain, I use printer paper, book pages, tissue paper, text book pages. All sorts. For more precious prints I think could be a final picture I like mixed media paper best, it’s very smooth. I do use 300 gsm watercolour paper too as I have a lot of it, but it’s quite textured. Thank you so much for watching!!

[@caseylin1296]

Love this! Can you tell me how long you waited until you lifted paper ? And I’m sure I misunderstood one part- we’re scraping into wet or dry black acrylic paint? Thank you !!!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Casey, I’ve just added a simpler clearer video for this. It’s a much better method I think!!

[@quirkyqueens]

Comment not to say “watch my video” just it’ll explain it better.

[@enricakita1]

Wonderful. Where do you get those thingies with a ball on top?

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi enrica, thank you!!!! They are scoring tools from a shop in the UK called the range. They cost £2.

[@enricakita1]

@@quirkyqueens oh thank you. I live in Inverness and we do have a Range here. I think your art is very special

[@quirkyqueens]

@enricakita1 I think yours is too, going by your profile picture ❤️. Use the one with the biggest ball. Also you could use a cotton bud, a silicon wedge tool that clay people use. Clay artists, people sounds bad!!!!! It’s nice to meet a person from Scotland.

[@BlackshadowE-6]

👁👁Watching.

[@quirkyqueens]

👀me too!!!!!!!😂

[@BlackshadowE-6]

@@quirkyqueens 🤣😜😆

[@marjoriehilkert453]

How long do you let the second layer of paint sit before you pull a print, please?

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Marjorie, probably a bit longer than for a normal print as any missed patches will probably be a bit more obvious as it’s so contrasting.

[@suzt7076]

About the black outline effect….couldn’t you sgraffito into another colour, and then use black to pull it ? That would give you all black lines.

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Suz, that is such a good idea…and makes sense…especially if it’s a very opaque colour that won’t be darkened by the black.

[@scrappygirl--danayates3075]

Looks nice but I can see people damaging their gel plate.

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Dana, let’s hope not!! 😳 light pressure and a blunt tool was fine for me.

[@maryperrystone]

Thank you!

[@quirkyqueens]

Hi Rayme, thank you too for watching!!