Turning Weeds into Art: Gel Plate Printing with Found Vegetation

[@user-JoReimer]

You were so smart, Kit, to begin printing early in the summer before the weeks begin shooting out seeds. I didn't. I pulled up some weeds just before it rained, (mid-November in Oregon), and learned that printing with weeds that have gone to seed is a very bad idea. I put my tweezers to work cleaning up the plate after every pull. However, I also put lots of them into the flower press when I found they worked very well to produce sharp prints. They're fragile and don't last through more than 2-3 prints. For paper, buy yourself a couple of rolls of medical exam table paper. It's strong and goes close to totally transparent when glued down. And it's very inexpensive. Mine is 18" wide and working with my 12 x 16" plate I could print directly from the roll without cutting the paper to size first. Print, leaving the paper on the plate, and cut the paper from the roll, then pull the print. Easy! Your videos are very helpful and your explanations of the processes are clear. Thanks so much. Best to you, Jo

[@KitBellArtist]

Weeds with dried up seeds are so pretty - and so difficult to clean off the plate! I usually end up taking my plate to the sink for a good bath after.

[@user-JoReimer]

@ That’s just what I did. And a wet paper towel helps with the small stuff. Although it’s raining now we have weeds growing in the greenhouse that I’ve been using… some grasses, too. I have some dried and pressed leaves that I want to work on, too.

[@KitBellArtist]

@@user-JoReimer Lucky you to have a greenhouse to extend the season! Happy printing!

[@sue8237]

I find these endlessly fascinating and beautiful! God knows I've got tons of weeds; now I needs to use them - LOL!

[@KitBellArtist]

Have fun!

[@TeachArt240]

I have often said if we could find a commercial use for weeds we'd be rich. But using them or nature printing is a great way to make something beautiful with something free.

[@sue8237]

@@TeachArt240 You are right, and there are some beautiful weeds out there. Another artist, many years ago, said that weeds were just plants we hadn't found a use for yet. Funny, when I was a kid, periwinkles and portulaca were both considered weeds. Now they are sold as flowers in nurseries here in Fla.

[@ellenstoune8937]

Just one of the many wonderful things about living with dogs is that they love their walks and so there are ample opportunities to go out and gather art materials. I had to laugh when you mentioned snipping the weeds from your neighbor's driveway... more than once, I have done some selective weeding in neighbors yards - with permission, of course. They think it's weird but it's one less weed for them to pull so they are all for it!

[@KitBellArtist]

I love weeds! The only cultivated plant I like the shape of is Dill! It volunteers in our garden so it could be classified as a weed.

[@sue8237]

Come to my house - you don't need my permission, believe me! LOL!

[@suzankraus]

All your prints are beautiful. It looks like there is some ochre but I’m not sure the light is reflecting off the iron oxide in a unique way.

[@KitBellArtist]

in this series of prints, I just used the Transparent Red Iron Oxide with some other colours. No ochre. When I venture into the yellows, I tend to go for India Yellow Hue or Nichol Azo Yellow. Green Gold is a lovely yellow green that I also like! Happy printing!

[@qso3566]

Kit, these are beautiful! I can't believe you got so many prints each time. This makes me want to go out and find some weeds! :) Thank you for sharing!

[@KitBellArtist]

Thank you so much! Remember that it is the Golden Open acrylics that will give you lots of prints each time. Other acrylics will give you 1 negative and maybe 1 positive if you are quick.

[@qso3566]

@@KitBellArtist You're welcome! :) Yes, I'd love to use the Golden Open paints but they're beyond my budget right now. But it's great seeing the results that you get with them! Thank you ~

[@suerothberg143]

another great video. still waiting for you to do a class using the tissue prints and collage elements. :) thanks, Kit.

[@KitBellArtist]

Thanks so much! And for keeping the bug in my ear about a class!

[@suerothberg143]

@@KitBellArtist I am really inspired by your work. I have been looking to find my voice using my botanic gel prints, my photography and collage.

[@gailzaranek6958]

I printed some weeds the other day and it was sooo much fun, and I'm so pleased with the results. TY so much for this idea. 🤩

[@KitBellArtist]

You are so welcome! I prefer weeds to domesticated plants. They seem to have more character!

[@wikiwiki-fq1zz]

What a coincidence--today I took a drive on a long dirt road and grabbed up a bunch of weeds myself. It's feeling a little like fall today where I live, and I want to start drying whatever is flowering now before it all blows away until next year. Last night I ordered a gel plate; tonight I found your video. I think I'm on a roll, and I hit that subscribe button! Let's do it!

[@KitBellArtist]

Oh! You are in for so much fun!! Let me know if you have any questions.

[@RogerBrown-xh3hq]

I love your work please show it progressing onto canvas

[@KitBellArtist]

Thank you! If you take a look at my channel, I have a series of 9 videos going through that process step by step. I will be working on some new ones soon and will video that process.

[@kathyodham7002]

Excellent video! Love your artwork!

[@KitBellArtist]

Thank you very much!

[@beinghere1494]

So beautiful, thank you for sharing 🤗🎶🌈

[@KitBellArtist]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@DeeFay-fl1hs]

Excellent video - straight to the point and with lovely output. I work with textiles and could see some beautiful stitching applied to similar prints on fabric.

[@KitBellArtist]

I see some beautiful work on Instagram that has stitching added. Very interesting.

[@veggiemom5]

Just beautiful! I just came across your channel. I love anything nature related. I hope you have some videos of how you use the prints in your art. I just might have to get a gelli plate. 😊 The last plant looked like it might be baby's breath? Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@KitBellArtist]

If you visit my channel, I have a 9 part series going through the steps from selecting papers to building up a mixed media piece. Enjoy!

[@avanellehansen4525]

Excellent. I re use the plants. When the paint dries, but before the botanicals get whithered, I press them in books. The metallic ones are great to add to collage as well. I also use silk plants in off season.

[@KitBellArtist]

I find some plants dry well and some don't. The bindweed that I love just withers away. The last weed in this video I find I can store for a while but eventually all the seeds drop off.

[@floralheart]

I love your work; it shows your soul. Thank you! 💞🌼

[@KitBellArtist]

Wow, thank you!

[@Cynthia_retired]

Why is the first peint less useful for you? All of these are fabulous. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@KitBellArtist]

The first negatives are beautiful but in some cases very dark. I like delicate ;) I will often use the first negative to make stencils with. I have a video on my channel about that. Or just use a smaller chunk of it.

[@stephanielang3504]

I found a weed that has heart shaped seed pods. I monoprint them. They grow in AZ during Jan and Feb

[@KitBellArtist]

Weeds are so special, aren't they! And usually only available during a short window so print them while you can!

[@lindadamon2453]

Thanks so much for your inspiration Kit 🎉

[@KitBellArtist]

Thanks for watching!

[@bettyyve4914]

How lovely💕. I wonder if you have tried using teabag paper for your prints.

[@KitBellArtist]

I have not. Have you worked with it?

[@jaynapodgorski8561]

Beautiful prints Kit 💝

[@KitBellArtist]

Thank you so much!

[@sandrafisherhayes3219]

Greetings from Dublin, Ireland! Stumbled upon your video yesterday Kit, saved it for today. Your weed prints are absolutely beautiful! They look so delicate ❤ I purchased some gelli plates last year and have yet to use them. Now I am inspired to experiment 😊 thank you for sharing your process! You have a new subscriber.

[@KitBellArtist]

Thanks for watching! Happy printing.

[@madusonkeeper]

I used leaves out of yard turned out very pretty!

[@KitBellArtist]

Wonderful!

[@annieparker9754]

About 2 days ago I did some prints using the second plant you show with seed pods. It was gorgeous!!! I also said out loud yesterday “better make hay while is shining”…. Kindred spirits I guess🤷🏻‍♀️

[@KitBellArtist]

That is awesome!

[@susangantz439]

These print are lovely. The botanic side of me wants to know the names of these weeds/plants. I've found nothing quite like the third one, my favorite.

[@KitBellArtist]

This stuff grows all over the natural areas of the Okanagan around Kelowna, BC. Often near trails or areas where the land has been disturbed.

[@carpeductumc]

Wow! 👏 Thank you!

[@KitBellArtist]

You are so welcome!

[@alidalavezzari4103]

Thank-you very much for your videos.

[@KitBellArtist]

My pleasure!

[@mgauthier820]

Stunning prints!❤

[@KitBellArtist]

Thanks so much!

[@avanellehansen4525]

I use the best silhouette prints to maje stencils. Just cover it with blank stencil material or acetate and trace with a sharpie marker. Cut out with a craft knife so you can use both the stencil and the mask.

[@KitBellArtist]

Yes, I have used the first negative prints for that as well, although my hands can't do much cutting. I have a video on my channel show how to use a computer and a Cricut to cut stencils from prints. Check it out!

[@madusonkeeper]

I cut mine with die cuts so have both!

[@magX6546]

Fantastic prints!

[@KitBellArtist]

Glad you like them!

[@raelynnreffruschinni8802]

Great prints!

[@KitBellArtist]

Thanks!

[@susannekhouri2370]

What do you use the finished work? Because the paper is so thin.

[@KitBellArtist]

I like to layer these prints with geometric forms. Because I print on tissue, when I collage a print, the background becomes translucent and lets the layers underneath show through. If you visit my channel, I have a series of 9 videos going through the process!

[@melindareynolds7867]

Beautiful!

[@KitBellArtist]

Thanks for watching!

[@jasonjason9436]

Where can we find Spectra Art Tissue? Really want to try this technique. Thank you for sharing.

[@KitBellArtist]

In Canada you can get Spectra Art Tissue through Opus Art supplies, Staples online or Amazon. In the US, try Art supply stores or Amazon. If you are in the UK, try Carnival's Wet Strength tissue.

[@barbaratibbets8643]

Our neighbors would be delighted if I raided their yard for weeds!

[@KitBellArtist]

I have friends who let me know when they have seen an interesting plant!

[@kellercrucita550]

Maravilloso ❤!

[@KitBellArtist]

Thank you!

[@kathyreed4133]

Are you using deli paper. Love your ideas

[@KitBellArtist]

I am using Spectra Art tissue. It is stronger than regular tissue and is acid free.

[@loulehtonen7618]

Is this possible with fabric? Its really beautiful

[@KitBellArtist]

You can definitely print on fabric. If you aren't planning on washing it, you can just use the same paint. If you want to be able to wash it, there is fabric paint you can use, or Golden has GAC 900 which is a medium which can be mixed with your regular acrylics. This is on my to be explored list!

[@ellalulla]

Interesting love to.try it but am not sure what gel plate is,can I use glass or rubber mat ?

[@KitBellArtist]

I have gel plates from Gelli Arts. There are other companies who make them. You can also make your own plate. They are squishy which is why they transfer so much detail from the botanicals. Start with a small plate (5x7 for example) and see if it is something that you like doing.

[@doreenhedtke4139]

What size is that plate? It looks huge and I must have it! Lol

[@KitBellArtist]

It is Gelli Arts 16x20 plate. It is the one that I use the most as I leave it set up. It is a bit heavy and wobby to handle. Apparently they have a 18x24 inch one available now.

[@sherryoliver3215]

I would be upset if you pulled weeds out of the cracks in my driveway or patio because I am letting some of those wild plants grow for their medicinal value or because I use them in bouquets and crafts. Please ask before you take people's "weeds".

[@KitBellArtist]

Asking permission before removing even a "weed" is absolutely essential!

[@madusonkeeper]

If on your property yes if on public prperty or easement not yours.

[@debbiejames8429]

Public property means for the public, it's called foraging as the lord left medicine for his flock. I forage all the time.