Looking for an artsy project that feels fancy but requires almost zero skill? Say hello to Botanical Gelli Plate Printing. This messy and magical weekend craft project feels like adult finger painting, only the results are less fridge door art and more pride of place living room display. Not to mention, your first try will probably look amazing, which is excellent news for anyone, like me, whose attention span is somewhere between microwave popcorn and “squirrel!”
What You’ll Need:
To get started, gather the following materials:
- Gelli plate
- Brayer (roller)
- Ink (begin with black and white)
- Paper (white and black cardstock recommended)
- Paper towels
- Botanical stems (try a variety of textures and thicknesses)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Gelli Plate
Add a few drops of ink to your Gelli plate. Use the brayer to roll out the ink until it’s evenly distributed. Pro tip: Use a light hand. If you press too hard, you might create unwanted roller lines.
2. Add Your Botanical
Select a botanical stem and place it gently on the inked plate. Spread out leaves or petals so their details are clearly defined. Lightly roll your ink-covered brayer over the stem. This coats the plant while helping it press into the ink.
3. Create Your Print
Place your first sheet of paper under the stem, then sandwich it with a second sheet on top. Press down firmly with your hands to capture all the natural texture. Slowly peel off the top paper, then carefully remove the stem from the bottom sheet. Voilà—two mirrored botanical prints!
Tips & Tricks for Best Results
Start simple: Sage leaves work beautifully thanks to their texture.
Avoid excess pressure: Pressing too hard can crush delicate petals or release plant moisture, which will distort your ink.
Experiment: Test different plant types, ink amounts, and pressure levels to determine what yields the best results.
Use less ink with thicker varieties: Some inks are more viscous than others. Thicker inks require less product to cover the plate.
Try an inverse print: With thicker leaves (like hellebores or climbing hydrangea), try this variation:
- Ink the Gelli plate.
- Press your leaf or vine into the inked plate and roll over it again.
- Leave the plant on the plate.
- Press paper on top, then peel to reveal a striking reverse-style print.
Why You’ll Be Hooked
This is a rare craft that requires minimal effort to achieve a high-impact result. It looks like something you bought at a local art fair from someone wearing too many silver rings. But nope—you did it! You’re the artist now.
Did I mention that it’s also really fun to sneak outside at dusk and covertly clip your neighbor’s bushes, as if you’re on a secret mission – an impossible mission, you might say. Good luck and happy hunting!
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