Abstract Folded Landscapes Challenge Response

This is for the third technique from the Beyond The Blue DT challenge. 

The technique was to use acrylic paints on my big Gelli plate.  It uses two (or more!) different colors, one on the top of the Gelli plate and one on the bottom, and then you spritz some rubbing alcohol and actually fold the Gelli plate to create the interesting design in the middle.  The resulting design will depend on where you press down on the Gelli plate, with your fingers creating "mountains" on the horizon created by the technique.

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Here is my finished card:

I used some aqua blue for the bottom and a combination of pink and yellow for the top.  The result is an image of a sunset over the ocean that I absolutely love.  Complete with a quote that says "Heaven seems a little closer at the Beach" (which couldn't be more true, right???) and layered on kraft paper, this card came out to be a very pretty design.  Plus, the technique was so much fun.  I will definitely be making more cards like this in the future, and I also plan on using the technique to make a full 8x10 art piece for my craft room.

I will say that you don't need to use the Open paints.  It can be done on a budget with acrylic paints bought at Michaels or other craft or art stores.  However, if you use those acrylic paints, like I did, it works better if you use a thin layer of Matte Gel Medium on the Gelli plate before applying the paint.  This helps keep the paint layer thinner so the technique works as it should.  It's great to know that sometimes there are ways like this to use what you already have in order to avoid buying new supplies.

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Until next time!

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Gel Plate Impressionism Challenge Response

This is for the second technique from the Beyond The Blue DT challenge.  

The technique was to use Distress oxides on my Gelli plate to create a background and then use rubbing alcohol and an image stamp to overlay on top.  I found it works best with a lined image instead of a solid image, because the technique blurs the lines of the stamp slightly.  It also requires a steady hand for the image stamp to center it onto the background design.  This technique is also interesting because it uses both my Misti (love!!!) and an acrylic block for the image stamp, hence the steady hand.

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Here is my finished card:

I love how the light bulb stamp worked on the yellow and orange background created by the technique.  It is almost like the light bulb is actually lighting up the card behind it.

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Until next time!

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