If you’ve ever tried to use Alcohol Ink on paper you know how it works, or more accurately, doesn’t. Ugly blotches of color that aren’t useful for anything are about all you get.
In January this year, while attending the Creativation trade show, I was able to watch Sally Lynn Macdonald work her magic by applying Alcohol Ink to a Gel Press Plate. She applied the ink, let it dry, manipulated the dried ink, then lifted the color and pattern with a pickup print. It’s amazingly simple, but I can’t imagine the process would have ever occurred to me. All of the things you enjoy about Alcohol Ink come to life here, aided by this clever way of working with them. Bright colors, interesting patterns, and you can even use a stencil!
A huge shout out to Sally Lynn for her inspired technique of using Alcohol Inks on a Gel Press Plate in this fashion. Without her ingenuity this way of working would not be an option. As you’ll see in the video, there’s a whole lot of art-making going on!
Supplies For This Video:
Brayers. I used the Heritage Arts 6″ Soft Rubber to roll the Alcohol Ink and my usual Speedball 4″ Soft Rubber style for everything else.
Joggles Clear Acrylic Stamp Mounts
Joggles Watercolor Disc Bound Journals
11 Comments
This technique looks like an exciting way to use the AI. Thanks for showing us and sharing your knowledge!
Wow. How did she find these results with alcohol inks and paper? A hundred sheets of paper and a giggle as things progressed to seeing there is a way to use all those bottles of ink in a new way. So creative…I love it. Thanks barb for sharing the fun of creating with us!
That was an interesting video, Barb. Although i’ve had a gelli plate for some time i’ve never been very successful with it but will try again especially as there are a number of alcohol inks languishing in my art cupboard – unused!
Thanks for another awesome tutorial. Great ideas and options for lovely papers. It is wonderful to have a great outcome using paper. Wow!
Thank you so much. I have these inks and haven’t gotten the effects I wanted this will work great . Jackie
You never cease to amaze me with your wonderful generosity. I have learned so much from you. Thank you Barb.
How do you clean the plate when you are done?
With hand sanitizer for alcohol inks and a baby wipe for the acrylic paint.
Is your plate permantly dis colored?
With no second plate..what can I use?
Yes it is. It’s a tool and doesn’t need to look pristine to work. You can use anything for a palette. A piece of wax or freezer paper taped to your work surface is fine.
Gaaaaah…. i’m in love. thanks for getting me to embrace my gelli plate. I tried several things lately and this looks like an awesome way to keep printing.