My String Wreaths Project...and "Clean" Printing

I thought I'd spend a little time talking about each of the projects for my Gel Printed Christmas workshop, available for purchase through December 25th. 

There are three unique projects in this self-paced, online workshop and the first one I want to highlight is my "String Wreaths". 

This project uses yarn, thread, and string to create layered Christmas wreath prints. I put my wreaths on gift bags in the video, but you could print the wreaths on cards, or create them for wrapping paper. 

While I love sharing ways to work with found textures, I tend to think the registration method demonstrated to line up multiple layers may be the most important part of the lesson.

One of the compliments/comments I often receive about my work from other people familiar with gel printing, is how "clean" my prints looks. I suspect they are surprised or curious about this, because gel printing tends to be thought of as "messy". 

Here's the thing. I fully believe the messy, experimental, playful side of gel printing is very important. It's a helpful part of my process too. BUT, I don't think it's the only way to gel print.

I am also a big believer in the thoughtful, slow, planned side of gel printing. Spending time in the playful, messy stage, working on techniques or ideas is important for figuring out how I can execute the clean prints I envision. 

And, that brings me back to my String Wreaths projects. The first part of the lesson is all about setting up my printing station so I can get my printing surfaces and stencil to line up precisely with each layer.

I don't need every gel print I make to be executed with precision, but it's nice to know I can achieve that "clean" look when I want to. 

If you'd like to try this project please sign up for Gel Printed Christmas today.