Gel printing plates are a lively and instant product to create mono prints with, plus the advantage that they don’t require the use of a printing press. Each print is unique and this highly adaptable process invites experimentation.
Gel printing plates look and feel like gelatin, but are durable, reusable and store at room temperature; they come in a range of sizes and shapes, are easy to clean with mild soap and water or baby wipes and are always ready for printing. They are used in conjunction with acrylic paints and need no more equipment than a cheap roller to apply the paint.
Artist, teacher and maker Liz Wellby will guide you through a range of gel plate techniques including layering, impressing, creating stencils and exploring masking techniques with leaves and flowers; you will leave with a range of monoprints that can be seen as outcomes in their own right or can be starting points for further processes, such as paintings or a lino cut. They can also be collaged and used to create cards, gift tags or used in creative journals and sketch pads.
This workshop will suit the creative beginner or those with some experience of different creative processes and techniques.
Liz will host the workshop at her home studio, The Slipper Studio, on the edge of the Peak District. The venue is beautifully presented, with handcrafted workbenches and a wood burner, with views down into the village.
About the Tutor
Liz Wellby is a versatile and experienced artist, teacher and maker, with a particular interest in sculpture and printmaking. Following the completion of a Fine Arts degree at Loughborough University and subsequent post graduate studies, she returned to Derbyshire, where for over 25 years she has lived and worked. Liz now lives and works from The Slipper Studio, in a small village on the edge of the Peak District, kept company by her husband and a cat called Bert.
It is possible to arrange this workshop on different dates; should you wish to book 3* places the price will be £69 per person or £79 per person for 2 people.
Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts. Start dates may be amended on request.
The workshop runs from 10 - 4pm, with places limited to just 3*and costs £69, including: materials and equipment*, with tea, coffee and wrapped biscuits provided; just bring your lunch.
*Please bring along your own Gelli Plate; 6 x 6 inch, 5 x 7 inch or 8 x 10 inch plate. These can be purchased online
Please select 'Ask a Question' if you would like to contact the course organiser in advance of booking with any queries or requests.
*COVID19 update
Until further notice, to allow for social distancing, workshop places at a The Slipper Studio will be reduced from 5 to 3. A large workbench will be provided for each person, with individual materials and equipment. In line with government advice, a new cleaning regime is in place and you will need to wear a facial covering/mask for limited times during workshops.
This craft course provider has been awarded Platinum status for receiving 50 or more 5 star ratings from previous students.
The Students' Choice award ensures that course providers get recognised for their efforts in the teaching and practice of UK craft.
They also allow tutors to gain valuable feedback on their courses and for new students to find the course that's right for them.
Great course, lots of techniques packed into the day. Brilliant venue
Response from Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker:
Hi Yvonne,I had a really enjoyable day learning the creative and spontaneous technique of Gel Plate printing. Liz is a most excellent teacher. She delivers with great enthusiasm and clarity and her subject knowledge is vast. The day was really well paced. We learned several techniques using a variety of resources. I felt confident to experiment due to Liz's feedback and reassurance throughout the day. I particularly enjoyed the freedom of playing with different colour combinations and palettes outside of my usual comfort zone. I look forward to taking these techniques further into Textiles and maybe using some of the backgrounds that I created for drawn monoprints or Lino.
Thank you Liz for a truly inspirational day. I highly recommend this workshop.
Response from Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker:
Hi Deborah,A very enjoyable and informative workshop in a very safe environment.
Response from Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker:
Hi Judi,Lovely day spent with Liz learning Gelli Printing in a lovely light space and beautiful setting.
We had plenty of time to experiment with different techniques and were encouraged all the way. The course was set at the right pace and for the right number of people.
Can't wait to have a go at home and use alongside other crafts/printing projects.
Would highly recommend the course and Liz's hospitality.
Response from Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker:
Hi Cathy,Great day learning a new skill. Liz was very patient and gave good instructions. There were lots of resources enabling us to make plenty of prints. I enjoyed the day very much and would recommend it. I am now looking at other classes Liz provides.
Response from Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker:
Hi Tricia,The course was well organised and the facilities were excellent.
The tuition and demonstrations were of a high standard.
The limit to 4 or 5 people on the course allowed for individual help to be given, and materials provided were plentiful.
The day was thoroughly enjoyable.
Thank you
Bob
Response from Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker:
Hi Bob,Loved the course. Whilst only an enthusiastic amateur I was really pleased with the way my skills improved
Response from Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker:
Thanks for taking the time to review your day.I had a lovely day in Liz's beautiful studio. Liz gave clear instructions and encouragement, I particularly enjoyed exploring colours I wouldn't normally have chosen.
I can definitely recommend Liz as a tutor. Jo
Response from Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker:
Hi Jo,This was a well planned, well resourced workshop session on Gel Plate printing. The facilities were excellent and 'The Slipper Studio' provided a lovely, airy and well lit venue, that was very conducive to creative work.
Liz gave very informative instructions and preformed clear demonstrations, with plenty of samples available to see possible outcomes. Good one-to-one guidance was given, with practical suggestions as to techniques, colour choices, forward development etc.
The workshop was well structured to make good use of the day and I felt that my knowledge had improved by the end of it. I came away with a variety of gel prints that I'm really pleased with.
Gel printing is a process that offers a lot of creative freedom and is therefore suitable for anyone, regardless of skill. I loved the spontaneity of approach and the immediacy of the effects achieved.
Highly recommended!
Response from Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker:
Hi Andrea,Brilliant workshop - the studio space is amazing and I received a lovely warm welcome from Liz.
Liz managed the workshop at the right pace with plenty of time to experiment with our work. She was always available for advice and suggestions if needed. It was very satisfying to be able to bring home lots of Gelli prints - I felt as if I had achieved something inspirational because this workshop gets you to think about colour combinations, layering colour etc. I feel re-motivated and will hopefully be able to transfer what I have learned into my glass fusing.
Response from Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker:
So pleased that you had such a great day.Everything is perfect at The Slipper Studio the excellent location, the spacious well equipped studio, the warm welcome and the extremely high standard of tuition and attention to detail delivered by Liz.
We spent a great day learning how to Gelli print with lots of time for practicing the skill and creating some lovely pieces. A fun and relaxing day.
Response from Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker:
Wow! Thank you for your review.