Gel Printing with Nature
Event Info
This virtual workshop will take place on zoom:
- Sunday, June 2, 11:00am–1:00pm ET
Please note that registration for this workshop will close at 11:59pm on May 15.
About this Workshop
In this two-hour workshop with Elaine G. Chu, learn this easy yet stunning method of creating monoprints, using leaves from trees, bushes or houseplants.
In addition to a brief history of printing (both Eastern and Western), watch a live demo of gel plate printing and receive pro tips on how to make the most of your materials. Learn how to make silhouette prints and create detailed ghost impressions with a small number of found leaves. The bulk of the workshop will focus on hands-on printing by participants with an opportunity to troubleshoot, receive feedback, and share artwork in process along the way. We will also use one of our printed cards as a cover for a pamphlet- stitch book.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have the skills to print, using a gel plate, and each person will have created a collection of monoprint notecards or single-sheet prints along with one small sewn book.
All levels welcome. No previous experience or printing presses required!
Required Materials
An optional kit is available for purchase with registration, but students may opt to prepare their own tools and materials as listed below.
- Gel plate (information on where to purchase will be emailed upon registration)
- Brayer
- Paper
- Acrylic inks
- Needle & Thread
- 4 or 5 leaves from the yard or houseplants (No need to press)
OPTIONAL KIT
- $50- Kit includes everything you need: gel plate, ten blank cards and envelopes, brayer, 6 different colors of acrylic ink, large-eye needle, thread (shipping included)
About the Instructor
Elaine G. Chu has taught students of all ages in person and online. Her work has been featured in “Greencraft” and“Somerset Studio” magazines as well as “1000 Artists’ Books.” She co-authored “Wood Paper Scissors,” a how-to crafts book. Elaine received a B.A. in music at Yale University and a B.F.A. in graphic design at University of the Arts. You can view more of her work at EGChuHandcrafted.etsy.com and @egchu1 on Instagram.
All images courtesy of the instructor.
Class size is limited to ensure an optimal participant to instructor ratio. Register now before spots fill up! Virtual workshops at Center for Book Arts will be recorded and the recording will be viewable by participants for up to 30 days after the class.
