Art, Paper, Prints and Painting

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. T...

Framing collage cards protects your art and makes it look great.   I make a lot of collages with my gel prints. A lot of the time I use the prints to make greeting cards which I sell whenever I have an exhibition.  Sometimes my friends will buy cards, as they know I make them and they want cards that can’t be bought elsewhere. However one of the big advantages of these little greeting cards is that they are the perfect size for putting in frames. Small frames are easy to find. Because of their size, collage cards look great in both traditional frames and more creative presentations. A simple white mat with a slim black frame gives your card a gallery-style finish, while vintage or decorative frames add character and charm. Many inexpensive decor shops sell frames or you can buy small frames at flea markets or online. They are light and make perfect presents to send by mail. A group of these little frames look perfect grouped together on a wall. If it’s   a big wall hang t...

Create unique collages with gel prints. Fun ideas for journals, wall art, cards, and mixed media projects. I first started making collages with gel prints because I couldn’t bear to throw away all the little scraps of colour and texture I had pulled from my gel plate. Over time, I discovered that collage is one of the most rewarding ways to use these prints. Every torn or cut piece, every overlapping layer feels like building a puzzle where the pieces don’t quite match but somehow still fit together perfectly.  What I love most is the freedom—there are no rules. Sometimes I cut bold, bright prints into chunky shapes for a striking effect. Other times I cut softer pastel scraps, layering them to create depth and mood. The unexpected combinations always surprise me, and that’s where the magic happens. Here are a few ways I use my gel print collages: As wall art, creating big abstract pieces that feel both playful and expressive. I ofter start with a screen print or lithographic print...