Creating abstract art on the gelli plate with handmade stencils: inspired by  

Hi Samahra, you have a beautiful name. Yes, he is fantastic, I think he’s the reason I try lots of different things on the gel plate. When I first discovered him, I’d only seen pretty or grungy stencil work on the gel plate. He is a true artist. And thank you too for your lovely comment ❤️❤️❤️

Hi Chris, I do think the Scottish accent has given my channel an unfair advantage 😂. Before I started the RU-vid I thought no one outside Scotland would understand me, it’s been confidence boosting to know people can understand…and actually like it.

Hi Christine, I’ve tried recreating this, it just doesn’t happen again!! I have him framed as he is just one of my favourite gel prints!

Thank you soooooo much Janet!!!!! 😁

Thank you Sharon 💙💛❤️😁🦋

Thanks Michele, you make me feel inspired by your comments ❤️

Thank you soooooooooo much. I think your prints are amazing 😁🕺🥰

hallo herbert. ontzettend bedankt!!! Ik experimenteer graag met de gelplaat. het is zeer veelzijdig.

Hi Lisa, thank you so much, I’m really glad you liked it.

Hi Tina, thank you so much. I think the white was the game changer for this one ❤️🌿💐

Hi, thank you so much!!! 🦋

Hi Lynn, this is the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!😁😁😁😁😁😁 Apologies for delayed response. I’ve spent 3 days spring cleaning teenagers bedrooms 😩😂

This is my favourite ever gelli print because of that!!

Hi Deborah, thank you so much for taking the time to comment, and it is so lovely. The gel plate is so amazing.

@@quirkyqueens Yes, it is! You have inspired me to create smaller, more affordable collages to sell. I am an Analog Collage Artist of Surreal Imagery... my pieces are poster-size... using some of my gel prints in the collages. Time to branch out and target more markets, so thank you for the 'Muse' input. LOL Have yourself a LOVELY weekend!

Hi Natty, the art whisperer is who sent me down this rabbit hole!!! He was the first person I seen use the gel plate to make proper art…not just collage or background papers. He also watched my video and left a lovely comment…which makes him even more wonderful! 🩵👩🏻‍🎨🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🌼🌼🩵

Hi sherry, thank you so much…and for taking the time to comment. I like your flower emoji, I may need to upgrade my keyboard 🤔😂🌷

Hi enrica, thank you so much!!

Hi, thank you so much. It was a surprise how lovely it turned out ❤️

Thank you soooo much Christine 😁

Hi julienne, thank you so much!! This is so good to hear.

Hi Shirley, thank you!!! This was my first kind of let’s go rogue on the gel plate video…thanks to the art whisperer!! 😁😁😁😁😁

Thank you Colleen, I called it tartan teddy 🧸

Hi Julie, apologies for delay in reply. I’ve caught a bug (so annoying!!). Anyway, thank you. I think it was destined for blah until those 2 pulls.

He is amazing. I love his approach. Most videos are a fast turnover of collage papers, but his are actual finished pieces of art, which is what other printmakers do. And he actually watched and commented on my video. Not gonna lie, I was a wee bit starstruck 🤩😎😂. Thank you so much for commenting too!!!!!!

I’d love to see your prints! Are you on IG?

Ooooh, I’m from East Kilbride near Scotland!! That is exciting as very few people I’ve met on here come from our wee country. I appreciate it ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Hi Mary, thank you so much!! That makes me feel so good…and thank you for watching too!!

Thanks rhya!!!!!

Thanks Suzanne, this was my first foray into freehand on the gel plate, instead of overly relying on stencils, thanks to mr art whisperer.

Hi Julie, that’s exactly how I feel about things I discover for the gel plate. A door opening to a new world of possibilities. Art whisperer is a lovely man and do kind to me when I made this video.

Hi Ken, this is my favourite sized plate. I totally agree with you about feeling intimidated. I have bought an A4 size and I am really struggling with it. I think the A5 size knows me and I know it!!! Thank you so much for commenting too.

Thank you so much Tamara. That is so lovely to hear. I like you added on very 😂😁

Hi Robin, thank you soooo much, and for taking the time to comment!!!! The gelli plate and gold paint are a fabulous combination!!!!!

Hi Kay, apologies for the late reply. I’ve been a bit under the weather and don’t like to give a generic reply. I’m from Glasgow in Scotland, I love YT for the fact we can communicate across the world!! I think the art whisperer really brought the gel plate into more of a fine art. Prior to him I’d only really seen nice stencil patterns (which is great too). But it’s amazing to experiment with as it’s so versatile. One day I’d like to make a giant gel plate to make giant prints on canvas. I just need to hone my skills a bit more ❤️

Hi Jane. Me too, I’d like to say they were all carefully chosen, but I do think luck played a major part!!!

Hi Robin, apologies for late reply. We were away to Lake District for weekend and put our phones away (mostly managed it 😖). Thank you, I do like trying new ways, I get a bit bored with the same old stuff…although I do like a good afternoon revamping old gel prints with just basic stencils and acrylic paint.

@@quirkyqueens always good to take a break from digital media! Hope you had a great time away!

We did!! Recharged and hoping to get a bit more active after a good start this weekend.

Thanks Johnny for watching too 😁

Hi kris, thank you sooooo much. He is amazing and I love his more modern and bold approach to the gelli plate. 😁😁

Hi Alice, thank you!! I totally agree. This was the first of me stepping away from generic stencils and acrylic paint.

Hi, thank you so much for this and for taking the time to comment. I will make another version today and show these ones in it. The technique worked, it was just the overall look I didn’t like. I think he’s brilliant.

👀👀👀👀👀👀👀 read and liked grinder 👍 Sorry for the late reply. How’s the course going? Is it like new media? I’m not sure what that is but someone on IG said they were graduating from “new media” art course. I’m assuming mostly digital stuff but too old and uncultured to know for sure 😖🤔😂

Thanks Tamara 😁😁😁

Hi Manvash, thank you!!! That is the best thing to hear…I love being inspired by others art, it puts a spring in my step! ❤️

Thanks deathwheel 😁

Aw Brenda, thank you!!! He is the king. I loved his latest, I watched this morning. His work is instantly recognisable. Apologies I took so long to reply.

Hi Avanelle, I like how you picked that up. I hadn’t noticed. That is something I’m gonna think about more. Thank you 🤓🤩

This is so lovely!! You’re inspiring too, that you have shaky hands but make art anyway. I think your hands would bring an element to the gelli print that would be unique and abstract. Don’t fear messing up. The next day all the paint will be extremely dry and you’ll get another great print on top of it. Id love to make big prints too. Maybe 1 day we’ll do it…

Hi, thank you soooo much!! I ended up framing this piece and naming it tartan teddy. Thank you for watching 🥰

Hi Angelina, thank you!!! And I’m so glad you liked it!!

I called this tartan teddy. It’s definitely my most popular gelli print. I think the even coat of white on top really brought it to life.

Hi Lynn, thank you so much!! Very cool emojis!! 💕💕

That is so wonderful to hear Telena. Most important thing is ensuring paint is dry before the next layer, which is sooooo hard for impatient folk like myself 😂

Hi, I think the metallic finish is what made it. Sometimes I do a painting and I’m unsure if it’s finished or not. This felt finished, which is a great feeling. Thank you for taking the time to comment 😁

@@quirkyqueens Agree, it's often hard to know when to stop with gel printing. I've improved a piece with one last pull, but also destroyed with a last pull, and we just keep learning.

Hi Maud, thank you so much for commenting. The gel plate has got to be one of the best inventions ever!!

@@quirkyqueens Ive Got one, but never tried yet: mostly doing monotypies on glas plates. And ord linos. This video was both instructing very nicely and inspiring. Thanks: youve Got yourself a new follwer. And just love Your accent by the Way..

Maud, I was out, sorry for late reply. What you do sounds really interesting. I’ve thought about the glass plate and attended a Lino cut class before. I love printmaking and have considered doing a proper qualification. It’s just financing it is an issue. I think what you’re doing is wonderful. Do you ever mix up your methods with each other?

@@quirkyqueens yes I do mix medias, but mostly to show-tell from my miniShop. And now Im on search for new mixed obtions; and stumbled into Your Channel. In fact my next Quest is to do some JunkJournaling: some Blackouts and collage in old books; to turn Them into personalized Sketchbooks..;) And What did I find in som other of Your videos… LoL.. ideas and more inspiration .. 👌🏼👌🏼 Mostly I just do smaller videos on Insta/facebook, to give a bit creative input. Im Selling art supplies from passionate peoples, who makes most of the materials by hand. Do you only use acrylic? Id try With some real print Paint.. When I return. Happy Easter

Happy Easter maud. I have not tried real ink. I should try the water soluble. What is your Facebook page, I will follow you to see your videos too.

Hi Vicky, thank you. I follow you on fb and IG, so over the moon you watched my video ❤️

Hi Sherry, thank you so much!!! That is wonderful to hear!!!!!

Thanks MJ, apologies for delayed reply. ❤️

Hi Grete, thank you so much!!!! A wee bit of frank sinatra in my head now…it’s quite pleasant 😂🥰

@@quirkyqueens I hope you still do it your way, and FS’s way🤣

I mean NOT FS’S way😵‍💫

@@gretehouwing2165 😂😂😂 I cannot sing a note so no worries there 🤭

Hi Caroline, apologies for the late reply. My daughter married on Friday. I had to do a bit more than brush my hair in preparation 😳😵‍💫😂…still a bit delicate with the hangover 🤪😂🤣😂 The art whisperer is a lovely man, very kind and helpful. He commented on this video right away…which was a big confidence booster. I like I bleached titanium, it’s a good colour for when you’re undecided too. ❤️

@@quirkyqueens Oh the joys of a wedding hangover 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂 ... I have a love of circles and lines, so when he showed up on my feed I was instantly hooked. Slowly going through his back videos ☺️

@@SmithCaro he has that relaxed Sunday morning vibe too… I love circles and lines too!!!!!! Wonky lines particularly 🤪😂🤣😂

@@quirkyqueens wonky lines have more interest ☺️

Hi Lindy, thank you so much for that top tip, I will need to do that. I bought a bigger A4 size plate and I’m finding it hard to adjust from the small plate. It’s like getting a new car 😂

@@quirkyqueens I think you will really enjoy it when you get used to it. I just got a new 8x10, it fits neatly up against my existing one, only a hairs width between them if that, no issues with big gaps either. Maybe later you will want to go even bigger 😉. Enjoy yourself!

Thanks yolande, not sure it’s as good as the chickens though 🤔😂💕

@@quirkyqueens 😂 I think it is much cooler 😎 than the chickens! 😉

@@devonrex4 we’ll go for equally cool, like ourselves 😎

Hi Kate, thank you…this is a brilliant tip!! So much easier than trying to line up the gel plate and paper repeatedly. Why did I not think of this!!! Next gel plate print as a finished picture is getting masking tape borders. Thank you!!!!!!

Hi Fred, thank you so much!!! I have raided the tool box and moved the unused paint guard to my art desk. I really really struggle with straight lines, using masking tape generally, which is a bit rubbish. I can use this a lot, even in abstract paintings to apply in small areas. 20 equal length lines sounds extremely difficult, I’m terrible at replicating even once!!

@@quirkyqueens I’m glad I could help

Thank you sooooo much Barbara!!!!!!!! I will also try the gel medium as the black pen will be used a lot from now on I think 😂

Hi Janet, maybe one day…. It would be nice to think someone that good would be inspired. A lot of the time it can be a little thing we do that inspires someone, I think. Your comment has made my day 😁

Hi Charlotte. I will do. Can you give me a day or 2 please just to rewatch the video and collate the list?

Hi Christine. Yes I do. The paint will lose its shine as it dries. The time can vary depending on your paper, paint, number of layers, temperature and more. I find it is a trial and error approach at the beginning until you get to know your paints and papers. I first started with book pages (not glossy…like a modern fiction paperback) and a few paint colours with stencils. Just go wild, don’t be afraid of messing up (sometimes that makes very good shapes for collage paper). A registration plate is used to layer your paper exactly on the gelli plate. This may be because you want a nice border around your print, or because you are printing more than 1 layer on the same piece of paper. I will make a video within the week on what I feel is important for beginners. The main thing is have fun, go wild and keep pushing to discover more. The art whisperer 88 has excellent information on registration plates, although there are many different ways to make one. I hope this helps. Enjoy!!!!!!!! Also, never a stupid question, it’s the only way we progress!!! 🤓🥳🥰

Hi Jane, I’m over the moon you like it. The gel plate is very versatile…and addictive!! I make my stencils from a range of items. Glossy book pages, plastic stationary folders, acetate, Mylar. Mylar stencils last the longest, but can be a bit harder to cut. I tend to use this for simple shapes (I got ten 12x12” sheets of Mylar on Amazon for approx £10). Acetate is flimsier but easier to cut with a craft knife (I got ten 12x12” sheets for £2 in the range). You can also cut these with scissors, just craft knife good for more intricate stencils. I also tend to keep stencil shapes quite basic as I can overlap them etc on the gel plate. This helps create more intricate shapes. I hope this helps Jane.

@@quirkyqueensthank you that’s really helpful. I love your Scottish accent. I’m Scottish too.

@@janehamilton2145 I’m East Kilbride near Glasgow. I’ve spoken with a few Scottish people on here, although it’s rare. I love how our accent can sound awful on some TV shows, but on RU-vid it’s lovely 😵‍💫

@@quirkyqueensI’m from Lesmahagow but have been living in Taunton Somerset for many years.

Hi Amanda, thank you!!!!! This may be the nicest compliment I’ve ever had!! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

No, but I will look her up. I’ve heard a lot of channels promote their stencils. Thanks for this, I love watching different peoples perspective on the gelli plate.

@@quirkyqueens They are a mother/daughter artist duo. Sweet funny ladies.

I watched one of their 2 hour videos this afternoon. The mum is basically the arty version of my mum 😱😂. The looks and the comments are legendary!!! Thank you for pointing them out to me, next time my mum visits she’ll be made to watch!!

@@quirkyqueens Glad you liked them they are hilarious. And the LIVE group is very friendly and fun. And I love their unique, quality stencils.

Hi Matt, I like variety in abstract art but also repetition. So (my thoughts) paint on the gel plate will behave differently than on paper. For example, a black line on paper will have subtle differences to that on the gel plate. You also work in reverse so your thinking is different. It’s also much easier to correct a mistake or change your mind with the gel plate. Also subtracting paint already applied can be done in different ways. I just think the gel plate gives more possibilities. There is also a flatness to the final pull from the gel plate…and flaws that you’re more likely to clean up in a painting on paper. I also like the process. I could go on all day, I just find I’m much more experimental with the gel plate. I hope this ramble makes some sense 😂

@@quirkyqueens thanks so much for the speedy response. You raise some good points. Especially the flatness of the final image (compared to a painting on paper/canvas) and also about the process. I totally get what you’re saying. I’m excited to experiment with some more techniques with my gel plate. So far I’ve only done 1-3 layer patterns and image transfers from old Vogue magazines.

Hi Isabel, it is a silicon wedge colour shaper. They come in different shapes and sizes. I’m sure I got 2 for about £9 or £10 on Amazon. I do use them a lot and am thinking of purchasing one of a better quality.

Hi silver, I always think he sounds like voice software, as it’s very calm and soft. He is wonderful, he was my main inspiration when I started!!!

He still is!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Bridget, please accept my apologies for the delayed reply. They use hairdryers to speed up the drying process so they can move on to the next print. I prefer to let it dry naturally as the heat may damage the gel plate.

Hi Nasim, you could try plexiglass from a cheap picture frame. Silicon mat you use in cooking. Freezer paper, disposable paint pallets. Research Monoprinting as gel plate is just one type of surface used in Monoprinting. The gel plate is easier to use and gives sharper images but I do think these other surfaces are very good too. The silicon mat is quite trendy at the moment on IG reels.

@@quirkyqueens merci❤❤❤tkank you so much

Hi Dolly, he’s so wonderful isn’t he. He’s an inspiration to all gel plate users and he is a very lovely person too. He commented on my video straight away saying he liked it.

@@quirkyqueens yes, he is a wonderful artist.. Gelli print is an amazing tecnic with infinit posibilities. Your art is great!

Hi Kathy, thank you so much! I’m also very glad to find out his name, as I’ve been calling him Mr art whisperer!!he is fantastic.

@@quirkyqueens You bet, thank you too. His name is Fulton Sim. I've been a fan for such a long time.