Kitchen Table Printmaking: Gelli-plate On Paper and Fabric
Kitchen Table Printmaking: Gelli-plate On Paper and Fabric
Kitchen Table Printmaking
Who says you need a studio, an etching press or even much space to try printmaking! All you need is a kitchen table and a bit of curiosity.
Printmaking doesn’t have to be complicated. Monotype is the most accessible form of printmaking there is, and it's exactly where this workshop begins. You'll leave with a genuine feel for the process, and — just as importantly — the ability to keep going at home.
Format
This runs as a two-day workshop, giving you time to properly settle in, build up a body of experiments, and see how far you can push the technique. If you can only spare one day, that's absolutely fine — just let me know when you get in touch — I’m quite flexible — the course can be adapted for a one-day session instead.
Choose your dates
It’s quite deliberate that there are no fixed dates for this workshop — if you express your interest I shape it around the people coming. Get in touch and let me know:
Whether you would prefer a one-day or two-day workshop?
Whether you would want it run over a weekend or during the week?
Do you have a few dates in mind? A short list is helpful.
Will you be coming on your own, or bringing a friend (or friends)?
I'll use this to shape the next available session — so the sooner you get in touch, the more say you have in when it happens. For more details read ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW. Once we’ve arranged agreed dates you will return to this page to make your booking.
Early Bird Offer: Book before December 31st to be eligible for a 10% Discount for mailing list subscribers.
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Additional Information
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This is a hands-on introduction to monotype printing using a gelli plate — a simple, flexible printing surface that needs no heavy equipment. You'll experiment freely with mark-making, layering, pattern and colour, building confidence as you go.
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A gelli plate is soft, portable, and endlessly forgiving. It lets you print, lift, layer and rework an image in seconds — no press, no drying racks, no dedicated studio. It's why monotype using a gelli plate is often the first technique I teach anyone new to printmaking, whatever age they are. The whole point of this workshop is to help you carry on at home afterwards. Therefore you're welcome to:
Make your own gelli plate at home before the day (I'll send you a simple recipe), or
Buy one in advance — I'll send you links to trusted suppliers
Either way, you'll bring your plate with you, use it throughout the day, and take it home ready to use again.
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Paper and fabric to print on
A wide selection of mark-making tools
A range of different paints to experiment with.
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I'll bring a genuinely varied selection — different brands, different consistencies, from fluid to heavy-bodied. Paint behaves differently from one type to the next, and part of this workshop is discovering what you like working with to suit your own budget from children’s poster paints to premium brands.
You're also welcome to bring your own paints if you already have favourites, or want to try them out alongside mine.
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Small groups only, so there's plenty of individual attention and space to experiment.
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Your own gelli plate (homemade using my recipe, or purchased — links provided on booking) and any paints you'd particularly like to bring.
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Kitchen table printmaking is a starting point, not a limit. Once you've got the basics, this simple set-up can take you in all sorts of directions:
A brilliant activity to share with children at home, needing minimal kit and no special skills
A step towards the studio — many people use gelli plate work as a confident first move before trying an etching press
Collage papers for journaling and mixed-media work
A new layer for your existing practice, in printmaking or other art forms
Printing on fabric, opening the door to textile projects, embroidery, and even wearable pieces
Wherever you want to take it, this workshop gives you the foundation — and the confidence — to get there.
