Creating Collages with Gel Prints

Ideas for Using Gel Prints

One of the most exciting ways to use gel prints is by turning them into unique collages. Gel printing produces layers of texture, colour, and pattern that are perfect for cutting, tearing, and reassembling into new works of art. Because each print is different, your collages will always have a one-of-a-kind look.

When making collages with gel prints, start by experimenting with different papers. The list is endless, textured or plain paper, all sorts of prints, different fabrics, packaging carton, shells, old buttons, various wools, old magazines, old newspaper, coloured tissue paper, textured paper, wallpaper, old maps, old books or photographs, stamps, coins, old banknotes, in fact just about anything you can find. Remember to use a suitable base, card stock works well but for a small collage strong paper will suffice. 
You can use bold, bright prints for a statement background, or tear softer pastel prints into strips to create depth and atmosphere. Try layering geometric shapes with organic, torn edges—it’s often the contrast that makes a collage stand out.
Here are some creative ways I have used my gel prints to make collages:
  • Wall art: Combine prints into larger abstract compositions, mount them on canvas or wood, and frame them.
  • Cards and stationery: Use smaller collage pieces to decorate handmade greeting cards, gift tags, or bookmarks.
  • Mixed media projects: Layer gel print collages with paint, ink, or stitching for even more texture.
Collage with gel prints is fun, intuitive and full of surprises. Whether you’re building up a bold abstract piece or simply adding colourful fragments to your journal, each item needs thought on its placement and effect to the overall composition. 


If you like this Blog please comment and feel free to share. 

Follow me for more articles. Many thanks.


                

Comments

Post a Comment

Previous Posts

What is an original print?

Image
An original" or "fine art" prints as defined by the Print Council of America as an image drawn or etched or engraved on some surface by the artist, who prints a limited number of the pieces by hand (or personally supervises someone else doing it), then signs and numbers the individual prints and defaces the printing plate or erases the image on the lithographic stone.  So original art is not a reproduction nor a copy.  For example it can be an etching, a lithograph or a screen print produced in a limited edition by the artist if possible or if not it has been supervised by the artist. Each print is signed and numbered by the artist. Often it has the printers stamp on the reverse or bottom corner.  How can you tell if it's an original and not a copy or reproduction? Get a magnifying glass and look carefully at the print. If it is an etching, it is pretty easy. First it will always have a plate mark around the image. This is a sort or relief or indent in...
Read more

Art Style - A Certain Modus Operandi or Just Unvaried

Image
Should artists stay with the same style of painting/drawing/ etc. or should they explore new styles and techniques and push the boundaries? How many times have you looked at a painting and you know exactly who painted it. I don't mean a well known painting but a work that you haven't seen before or just vaguely know it but yet you can immediately identify the artist.  So, should artists stay with what they do best and what sells best or should they stick their neck out and try something totally different? I think they should go for the latter. I understand why many go for the first approach. We all have to live and pay the bills so naturally if one style sells well and gets popular it must be very difficult to turn ones back on it and try a new style. However, I believe many successful artists go for the easy way out and churn similar work as they know it's what the gallery wants and it's what sells.  But is that not boring? It's like eating the same food ...
Read more