Today I went shoppong for a few tools to play with. I picked up some fabric paints, some wood glue, some heat-n-bond and embroidery thread. I am going to experiment with gelatin printing on fabric some more. I think that I need to try damp fabric and to change my expectations of the impressions that I will be able to make. I think I need to put down more ink or paint and have the process be more about abstract image than crisp, clean imagery.
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Hi Linda,
I’ve been using your techniques to print on fabric instead of paper for a few months now. (I found your YouTube stuff when I was trying to find out about gelatine plates) You are right, more paint is needed and the second print seems to be better than the first one. You can achieve fine lines but it is very hit and miss! I tried using damp fabric but I didn’t like the result too much, however a soggy old plate that is falling to pieces gives some amazing results!
Good luck
Hi sally, I just tried a couple of the new paints and tried the damp fabric. I am getting a little better results. I have to keep playing. I do love the old soggy gelatin. But now that I now how to reconstitute it I have even more options. I may even try a huge plate that is too big for the refrigerator. Enjoy!
Wonderful experiments!
Happy New Year
I think experimenting is my favorite thing to do. Finishing things is harder. Happy New Year to you too.
Hi Linda
I am still getting good results in setting gelatine without the fridge.
I use one pack of gelatine(6 sachets) to 1 pint of water for an A4 size plate x 1cm thick.
Add each sachet to room warm water in a pan and stir each sachet in – then heat gently stirring until the powder has dissolved.
Cool and pour into tray – or I make a plate by pressing plasticeine onto thickened glass support(not old picture glass – too dangerous!) in whatever shape I fancy (make sure there is a good seal to the glass/perspex)and higher than the depth you want to make the gel plate. (you can also make any shape you want)
Skim the surface with some newspaper/paper towel strips and leave to set in coolish room for about an hour and a half – until it feels solid. Peel away the plasticeine dam or if I want a straight edge I use a craft knife and cut against a metal ruler to slice through the set gelatin.
I am finding this quite useful for registration, as I can put a sheet of paper underneath the glass for reference.
It also stops the first few images being so watery, which seems to happen if its been in the fridge. It also seems to keep longer.
Hope this is of use – I did post some photos on my blog a few months ago when I was making a plate up.
Happy New Year
Jacky
Thanks for the help Jacky – You made some helpful points. I will keep them in mind. I have seen some of your earlier images and like them very much.