Make your own permanent Gelli plate

I stumbled on to a number of YouTube videos on making your own permanent gelli plate.
Here are the links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6BQo63zsvA by Edie Cournoyer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6BQo63zsvA  by Lindsey the Frugalcrafter

http://calligraphycards-shazinoz.blogspot.com/2013/05/how-to-make-gelli-plate-or-jelly-pad.html  with Shaz from the UK

I was actually so confused since they were all so different (especially Shaz) that I kind of combined the techniques.
I used 8 packets of knox gelatin (I'd add 5 more)
3 C ice cold water
3 T sugar
12 oz (2 bottles) of glycerin.

I mixed the gelatin and water in one container and the glycerin and sugar in another. When dissolved, I mixed them together and heated in a Pyrex bowl in the microwave (pot on the stove will work as well) in one minute increments with stirring in between 3 times (3 minutes total). I put it in a 9 X 9 brownie pan but I could have used an 8 X 13. I "may" remelt this and put it in a longer pan (not so square).

After this, I decided to make another one on a huge sheet tray. The little bottles of glycerin and tiny packets of gelatin were really adding up ($). I ended up buying 2 cans of Knox gelatin and a gallon of glycerin from Amazon and splitting it with Marcella. I added the extra gelatin ( a total of 8 tablespoons) and the gelli plate came out much firmer. I added no sugar this time.

Everything was going well until I wrapped it in freezer paper to keep the dust off and it molded. I think uncovered is the best way to store them - like on a shelf where the dust can't settle on them. I loved the huge sheet and it was perfect for fabric and 2 page spreads in my sketchbook

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for your recipe and your experience with it. I'm wondering if adding some salt would help to preserve the plate and stop mould from developing. Just a thought

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  2. The sugar is what keeps mold from growing, so I have heard. I have had mine for 2 years now and it has never molded.

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