Image Transfer

I have really enjoyed printing with a gel plate. Initially I had purchased a small 6"x 6" plate and after using it for a month, I decided to get a larger 8"x 10". I found a different brand that was a little less expensive. I haven't noticed a difference between brands, other than price.

The technique that has really intrigued me is using it for image transfers. It's taken a lot of experimenting with different acrylic paints and application thickness. I think I am getting close to success!

I rolled a layer of black on to the gel place and placed a stencil over it. I want to create some negative space to fill with color in the second layer, so I pulled a print to remove some paint before taking the stencil off.

Once the black paint has completely dried I apply some colors over the flower design. I let this layer completely dry as well. Sometimes I use a hair dryer on the cool setting to speed up the process. Don't use a heat tool on a gel plate. It gets too hot and can damage your plate. When it's dry it's time to pull your print. That's when the magic happens!
Apply a thin layer of paint over the gel plate, place your paper on top. I have had the best luck rolling over the back of the paper with a clean brayer. Slowly peel the paper off of the gel plate to reveal the print.

I didn't get a photo of the plate with the transfer coat of paint because you have to work fairly quickly during this part of the process. You want to pull the print before the paint dries.

At first I was having problems with a lot of patchy areas that didn't transfer. I have eliminated a lot of that by applying a thinner coat of paint on the transfer layer. I am still getting some spotty areas but I am okay with that. I sort of like the look. 

These are some prints I also pulled during the process. I try to not waste any paint. They are printed on cover stock that I found in my office. I am trying to use up paper that I have on hand.

These were printed on deli paper. Layered over some other prints. These can be used to make little envelopes, wrap small gifts, or incorporated into collage.

This is a "ghost" print that I did over watercolor paper that was printed with distress oxide ink. I really like how this turned out.

The prints done on heavier paper may get used to make journal covers. I have been doing some simple binding techniques. Next on my "to learn" list is to teach myself how to stitch a coptic binding!

Clay Break

I spent the weekend taking a break from clay. Lately I have developed an interest in mixed media artwork. Saturday afternoon was devoted to exploring image transfer using acrylic medium. After an hour or more reading about it and watching Youtube demos, I was ready to give it a try.

It seemed like everyone has a different opinion of what method and products work best. Since I had two different types of acrylic medium and lots of paper options, I did a few tests.

I quickly found out that you can't rush this process. Drying overnight gives the best results. I was also surprised that the less expensive Modge Podge provided a clearer image. After the tests I took what I learned and did another trial using an acrylic paint background, Modge Podge, magazine images and inkjet. Letting it dry for nearly 24 hours made a big difference.

Unless you reverse your lettering it will come out backwards. I think I like how it's gibberish! Now I am ready to organize my thoughts and create a multi-media collage using this technique with a few others. I am hoping that my brother will scan some antique, family photographs that I can print and incorporate into a piece.
If you want to learn more about acrylic medium transfer, this site has a decent video:

http://www.clothpaperscissors.com/

It's fun to try out new processes and it keeps the creative juices flowing!