Repeating patterns

I just love when I stumble on a design I can adapt to fit more than one creation. All of the following projects were inspired by one of my cards for the ICAD Challenge. That's happened for me a few times over the course of the challenge, and I'm loving the flow of ideas and inspiration such a simple thing as ICAD has yielded.

First up is the ICAD that spurred all the ensuing projects. It started with a Gelli print background that I added some stenciling to using sequin waste. I then inked up a script stamp in black ink and stamped it randomly on the surface of the card. I finished it off by stamping one of my newest hand carved stamps using acrylic paints in cadmium red and vermilion. Aqua is my favorite of all colors, and for awhile now I can't seem to get enough of it when paired with red.

Next up I pulled out yet another Gelli print, this time one I'd created on textured kraft cardstock. I followed the same steps to create this handmade postcard. I also added some punched Gelli print circles on the side and a bit of doodling with a micron pen.

Why stop there, right? Here is a set of 4 handmade notecards done the same way. I just love bright, vivid, and citrus colors! And aqua always comes out to play in my studio.

Here's another set of 4 notecards. I was having so much fun with this theme I just couldn't stop. In fact, I'm also now working on a couple ATCs in the same vein. 

As an aside, if anyone is interested in purchasing these colorful and cheerful notecard sets, they are available for sale right now in my Etsy shop.

New-found love: Gelli Printing

I can't remember when I first heard about the Gelli Arts printing plate, but I knew right away I wanted one. I've been interested in gelatin monoprinting for awhile, but was uncertain whether I wanted to try my hand at creating my own homemade gelatin plate, a plate that breaks down over time and so is temporary. The Gelli Arts plate makes monoprinting so easy and hassle-free, as it is a permanent, gelatin-like printing plate, so it's always ready to go whenever you are. I know I sound like a Gelli Arts spokesperson, but I can't help it. I just LOVE this thing!

I received the 8"x10" plate for Christmas, and I can sincerely say it is one of the greatest creative gifts I've ever been given. From the first moment I rolled paint onto it with my brayer, I was hooked. I took every available opportunity to sit down and make prints, and in short order I had accumulated quite a substantial stack of painted papers. Some of my prints were a success, with interesting patterns and textures, and some weren't so amazing, but I have come to realize even "failed" prints can be used in numerous ways in various other projects.

Here are just a few of the multitude of prints I've made:

It's always exciting to peel your paper off the plate and discover what you've managed to create. I haven't been this inspired by a new art tool in awhile. If you have been thinking of jumping into monoprinting, you simply cannot go wrong with the Gelli plate. I must warn you, though - it's completely addictive. 

In a future post, I'll share some of the projects I've created using my prints.