Homemade Gel Printing Plate

Here is a link to the original blog post that we used as inspiration!

https://kimherringe.com.au/printmaking/gelatin-plate-printmaking-recipe/

Testing out This Gel Printing Plate Recipe!

Creating your own jelly plate for printing and transferring designs is both fun and easy! Follow this step-by-step guide to make your custom jelly plate using simple ingredients.

Ingredients and Materials:

• 375ml of glycerin
• 115g of gelatin (this is the gelatin we used, but a large tin might be easier to use than all the little packets)
• Water
• Large bowl
• Measuring cups
• Stirring spoon
• Flat, clean pan
• Newspaper or absorbent paper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Gelatin Mixture:

   • Pour half a cup of cold water into a large bowl.
   • Measure and pour in half of the glycerin. Stir slowly to avoid bubbles.
   • Gradually add the gelatin to the bowl, continuing to stir slowly to prevent bubbles.

2. Add Boiling Water:

   • Boil one and a half cups of water.
   • Add the boiling water to the gelatin mixture. Stir slowly until the gelatin dissolves completely.

3. Combine Remaining Ingredients:

   • Add the rest of the glycerin to the mixture and mix thoroughly.

4. Pour and Set the Mixture:

   • Pour the mixture into a flat, clean pan.
   • Use a piece of newspaper or absorbent paper to gently scrape off any bubbles on the surface.

5. Allow the Mixture to Set:

   • Let the mixture sit undisturbed for two hours.
   • After two hours, place the pan in the fridge for another 3 to 4 hours.

Using Your Jelly Plate:

Once set, your jelly plate is ready to use for printing. Test it out on different materials like pottery or paper. You can also cut the jelly plate into various shapes for more versatile printing options. Enjoy your custom-made jelly plate and get creative with your designs!

Some Helpful Tips!

Try having all of your bowls and everything prepped, so that you can move fairly quickly. We didn't seem to have much of a problem with our mixture gelling too much, but it's a possibility :)

What do you think of this DIY project? Share your thoughts and printing adventures in the comments below!