A few days ago, I had never heard of a Gelli Plate. I was browsing Link Parties and saw a few posts about them. Gelli Plates are used to make monoprints. They are a newer form of printmaking. I researched further and decided it would be a fun tool to create with but I couldn’t see spending the money for something I wasn’t going to use a ton. Looking further I found a few crafters who had made their own at home, and for much less money. So I decided I was going to give the DIY version a try.
Ingredients:
- 6 oz Glycerine
- 4 packs of Knox Gelatine
- 1/3 Boiling Water
Directions:
Pour the Glycerine into a flat bottom container. I used a square baking pan I bought at the dollar store. Pour the packets of Gelatine into the Glycerine and stir. Using Glycerine instead of water makes the Gelli Plate permanent and doesn’t mold over time. Add the Boiling water and stir some more. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours.
I left mine in the refrigerator overnight. When I went to remove it, it was very sticky and not transparent. It had an appearance of being gritty. I broke it up and placed it in the microwave. Heating it brings it back to a liquid state and then I poured it back into the pan and placed the covered pan back into the refrigerator for 2 – 4 hours. This time, it came out clearer and firmer. It is ready to try printing with.
Look for another post about printing with my Gelli Plate soon.
Price Comparison:
$3.88 Glycerine
$1.74 Knox
$1.00 Pan
Total: $6.62
6×6 Gel Plate at Amazon $18.89
Difference $12.27 savings