Gel Prints Into Journals
Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking for a fun and creative way to express yourself, here’s a perfect opportunity to explore your creative side and learn a new technique. Learn how to make gel prints and your own gorgeous sketchbooks and journals!
Our weekend workshop has two parts: on day 1, create multi-hued prints using block-printing ink and a long-lasting gel plate made with a special recipe. Quickly learn how to use textural objects to create interesting effects and abstract images, then transfer them to paper. Let the paper dry and it is ready for another layer of color. Work at your own pace while Rebeca assists you with printing. The resulting gel prints (monotypes) are one of a kind - and lend themselves beautifully to a number of applications: backgrounds for drawings, greeting cards, and… you guessed it, book covers and end papers. The best part? No press! This technique is something anyone can do on a kitchen table.
On day 2, you will take your beautiful printed sheets and transform them into a hand-bound book that includes an accordion pocket and elastic to keep your things neat. You will learn basic bookbinding skills including template creation, signature punching, and simple sewing techniques. While we work we will also learn about different paper types, book cloth options, sewing threads, adhesives, and good tools you can easily make yourself or purchase on the cheap.
We will work together step by step, but if you like you may also work more at your own pace using the detailed instructions provided. This portion of the two day workshop is geared to participants brand new to binding, you do not need any prior experience. If you are a more seasoned binder, you are encouraged to add your personal skill set to the project.
Receive all the support you need during the workshop, and take home a treasure trove of resources that will allow you to make your own gel plates, print at home with household materials, and make your own journals. The summer version of this workshop will be taught 9-12 noon over two mornings on one of these dates: June 10 and 11, June 17 and 18, July 8 and 9, July 15 and 16, or July 22 and 23, pending approval.
The fee for this six-hour workshop is $250 and an additional $25 includes all materials (textural objects, paper, inks, rollers, gel plates, needles, thread, boards, glue and all tools). Bring a friend, and register early for this popular workshop!
Rebeca Garcia-Gonzalez is a Richmond-based painter, a muralist and a teaching artist with many years of experience teaching people of all ages.
Anna KIngsley is a teaching artist with fifteen years of experience teaching children and adults of all abilities. She also is the sole proprietor of Brickfactory Designs, a letterpress studio and bindery in Oakland, CA
To find out exactly when this workshop will be placed in the RAC’s online catalogue, please call 510-620-6772 or email admin@richmondartcenter.org.