The Course
One of my most frustrating moments as a mixed-media artist is finding a beautiful paper at the store… in the wrong colors. You know how it is…. you love the texture, you love the finish—but the palette doesn’t match your project or your style!?
But it’s not just about technique. It’s about artistic empowerment.
If you’ve ever pulled a few gel prints and then found yourself wondering “What now?”—this workshop is for you!
Decorative papers are the unsung heroes of collage, bookmaking, journaling, and just about every mixed-media practice. They’re not just background—they’re voice, mood, and message. And they’re one of the most satisfying things to make with your own two hands.
In this tutorial, we’ll explore gold as a theme—metallic paints, gold pens, gold leaf gilding, & shimmer effects—and how it can transform your prints into pieces that sing.
We will dive into alcohol inks and sprays, brush work with sumi inks, masking with unconventional materials and coffee staining.
Taking each of these techniques to the next levele there’s something here for everyone!
Gold Leaf
Sumi Ink
Alcohol Inks
What you will learn
I came up with 25+ ideas and techniques for creating beautiful collage, journaling, and mixed media papers on the gel plate. These are not one-and-done demos—each technique could be the basis of an entire creative session on its own! And when combined? You’ll walk away with the potential for hundreds of unique prints.
This tutorial is all about reigniting your creative spark and building an inspiring stash of decorative papers—the kind that actually speak your visual language. 😍
🖌 An arsenal of print techniques that combine into hundreds of variations
🖌 Creative ways to use simple, affordable tools and paints
🖌 Papers that are completely you—your palette, your patterns, your story
🖌 A new sense of momentum and direction for your gel printing practice
Curriculum
Your instructor
Robyn McClendon brings to the classroom a wealth of experience in the realm of printmaking and decorative arts. With years of dedicated practice and a profound enthusiasm for artistic expression on paper, Robyn has honed her skills in an array of techniques essential for Gelli printing. Her journey through the textures, colors, and patterns of this unique art form has established her as a seasoned practitioner and an inspiring guide for those eager to explore their own creative pathways.
At the heart of her teaching philosophy lies a deep-seated passion for Gelli printing and the transformative power it holds in crafting decorative papers. This passion is reflected in her engaging course, "Gelli Printing Tutorial: 25+ Techniques & Ideas for Decorative Papers," where she intricately weaves her professional knowledge and personal insights with the intention of unlocking the artistic potential within each of her students. Robyn's commitment to the craft and to teaching is evident in every lesson, as she strives to foster an environment where creativity flourishes.