Let me show you how easy it is to create super interesting backgrounds in a few super easy steps 🙂

And I have a gift for you to download so make sure to watch the video to find out how to get it!

If you’re loving the way colour and texture flow in this process, you might enjoy exploring my original paintings and handcrafted candles — each piece infused with the same joy of material, colour and calm you see in this gel printing process.

The easiest way to use alcohol inks on a gel plate is what I like to call the “Drop and Move” technique. Sounds like it could be a dance move, don’t you think? 😊

It’s basically the same idea as working on yupo — drop the ink down, then make it move to create patterns.

It’s best to start with a limited palette, so I’m choosing just three colours: pink, turquoise, and lime (similar to the colour energy you see in my recent paintings). Pink + lime can go a bit muddy, but with alcohol inks I don’t mind it.

Steps:
• Add drops of your 3 colours around the gel plate (don’t try to cover it completely).
• Add a little blending solution now or later.
• Drop a 4th colour into a few gaps if you like — I’m using yellow because it works beautifully with these three.
• Use your ink blower to move the colours around, adding a little more blending solution as you go.
• Add more colour if you want — I’m just reusing the same turquoise so I don’t go too crazy.

Quick tip: A white sheet of paper under your gel plate makes it easier to see what you’re doing (it can make the plate slide a bit, so just be mindful).

If you get a patch you don’t love, or too much of one colour in an area, dab it with paper towel to lift or tone it down — then keep playing.

Once you’re happy, let everything air dry completely. No heat tool — just patience (I know… rude 😂).

When it’s completely dry to the touch, brayer on a thin layer of white paint. The wet paint will help pull the ink off your plate.

Alcohol inks grip a lot more than regular acrylic paint, so I’m using 200gsm cardstock to make sure the paper doesn’t rip. I definitely wouldn’t try this with copy paper.

Steps:
• Place your paper on top of the wet white paint.
• Burnish the whole surface with your hand or brayer.
• If you want really even pressure — or if your hands get sore — you can use a baren (it’s a great little tool for gel printing and card making, and I’ve added it to the supplies list below).

Now gently pull your paper off and take your time. Don’t worry if there’s some residue left behind — that’s completely normal.

And now… look at those colours, the fun patterns, and that beautiful little sheen from the inks!