Hello, it’s Robyn with you today sharing a really easy technique on how to make an acrylic skin using the Gelli plate. I’m then going to show you how to incorporate it into an art journal page for a really unique way to add texture to a page. The basics of making a skin are explained below so have a read through before you watch the video.
Artists who have been working with acrylic paints have been making ‘skins’ for years. When you remember how easily a splodge of acrylic paint dries out and forms a ‘skin’ over the top you can imagine how this technique was discovered. I expect someone was cleaning up one day and found that the pile of paint skin was actually useful! I got the basic idea to layer paints on the Gelli plate via a video on the Gelli Arts blog which showed making Gelli printed packing tape. You can find that video here.
Acrylic skins can be made out of any combination of acrylic paint and mediums and depending on the materials used can be opaque or clear like the one I’m going to show you. The Gelli plate makes it so easy! A side benefit is a beautifully clean Gelli plate:)
I always start with a ‘dirty’ Gelli plate – this adds a readymade layer of colour and pattern. As soon as it is dry, start adding more layers of paint – dribble, stencil, stamp, draw, paint in a variety of colours until the surface is covered. Paint pens also work beautifully and I found that Silks & spray inks give a shimmery effect. Allow drying time between each layer of paint as the colours can lift and muddy. Apply a final layer of clear gel medium and allow to dry completely – overnight is best. I used a gloss gel for a shiny effect but matt will also work.
Once dry, peel it carefully from the plate and use. I’ve diecut mine into circles for use on my page but you can tear them or cut into random shapes or pile it up for a really textured effect. Just use a good coat of gel medium to adhere. Caution – don’t mix in any oil based or wax based products – they will separate.
You can watch my video here:
Supplies:
- A4 Art Journal
- Gelli Arts Gelli Plate
- Acrylic paint – various
- FW Acrylic Ink – turquoise, white
- Silks – various
- Gel Medium – gloss or matt depending on the effect you want
- White Sharpie paint pen
- Darkroom Door Crackle Background stamp
- Ranger Distress Paint – Mustard Seed, Festive Berries, Barn Door, Ripe Persimmon
- Ranger Distress Inks – Scattered Straw, Festive Berries, Ripe Persimmon
- Dina Wakley Acrylic Paint – Night
- The Crafters Workshop Mini Tile Texture stencil
- Black Posca Paint pen
- Spellbinders circle dies & diecut machine
- Glitter glue, pearl paint, silver leaf, found words
I hope you have enjoyed learning how to make a ‘Gelli skin’ for use in your mixed media projects. Don’t forget, you are always welcome to upload pictures of your projects to our LuLu Art & Friends Facebook page or leave a comment on my blog, www.purplesalt.net. If you use Instagram you can find LuLu Art at http://instagram.com/luluartstore and I’m there as well, http://instagram.com/purplesaltcr8 Pop by and say ‘hi’.
Robyn
