Have you tried Gelatin printing yet?
Gelatin printing is a fun and hands-on way to experiment with printmaking especially with kids.
A gelatin print is a type of monoprint, meaning each print is unique. What I love about printmaking is you never know exactly how a print will turn out. This open-ended printmaking technique allows children to be able to explore, experiment and discover different ways to create art.
5 Tips to get started Gelatin Printing with Kids:
1. Make your own gelatin plate. If you can make jello, you can make your own gelatin printing plate. With a few ingredients and a little time, you can make a plate that lasts for quite awhile. The secret is to add glycerine to your recipe. Glycerine helps keep the printing plate from growing mold or getting yucky.
2. Use washable tempera paint. Many gelatin printing experts will tell you to use acrylic paint to get the best results. While that might be true, I strongly recommend using washable tempera paints when printmaking with kids. I was pleased with our results plus clean up was much easier!
3. Baby wipes make clean up a breeze. Seriously, a baby wipe cleans up your printing plate in seconds. Easy peasy.
4. Contain the mess with a cookie sheet. Place your gelatin plate on a cookie sheet while printing. My four year old enjoyed squirting her own paint on to the plate which means we had a lot of extra paint! The cookie sheet will help contain any extra paint that may .
5. Make your own tools and stencils. The fun of printmaking is you are not sure exactly how the print will turn out. The open-ended process of creating is great self-confidence boost to young (and old) artists. Experiment and have fun with it.
Want to learn more about Gelatin Printing with Kids and how to make your own gelatin print? Check out our guest post over at the Artful Parent.
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