Fun Greeting Cards

Hi everyone, Sarah here again with a way to create beautiful backgrounds for fun greeting cards.

In the world of cardmaking and paper crafts, creating unique and eye-catching backgrounds is essential to make your handmade cards stand out. While there are numerous techniques to achieve captivating backgrounds, one method that has gained popularity among crafters is using a gel press plate.

This versatile tool allows you to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind backgrounds that will add depth, texture, and visual interest to your cards. In this blog post, we’ll explore the exciting world of gel press plates and how you can use them to create stunning backgrounds for your handmade cards.

What is a Gel Press Plate? A gel press plate is a reusable, gel-like surface used in printmaking and mixed media art. It consists of a thick, gelatinous material that has a slightly tacky texture, perfect for capturing intricate designs and patterns. Gel press plates come in various sizes, from small handheld plates to larger surfaces suitable for bigger projects.

Getting Started: To begin using a gel press plate for your card backgrounds, gather the following supplies:

1. Gel press plate: Choose a size suitable for your project.
2. Acrylic paints: Use a selection of colors that complement your card design.
3. Brayer: This roller-like tool is used to evenly spread paint on the gel press plate.
4. Cardstock or paper: For this project I used Classic Linen Cardstock in Solar white, Pop-Tone Cardstock in Black Licorice, and an A2 Folded Card base in white.
5. Stamps, stencils, or other texture tools: These optional tools will add additional visual interest to your backgrounds.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Select your colors: Squeeze a small amount of acrylic paint onto the gel press plate, keeping in mind the color scheme you want to achieve. Start with a few colors and build up as you gain confidence.

1. Spread the paint: Use the brayer to roll the paint over the gel press plate, ensuring a thin and even layer of color. Experiment with different rolling techniques to create unique effects.
2. Add texture: This step is optional but highly encouraged. Press stamps, stencils, or other texture tools onto the paint on the gel press plate to create interesting patterns. This will give your background added depth and dimension.
3. Place your paper: Carefully place your cardstock or paper onto the gel press plate, ensuring full contact with the painted surface.
4. Press and lift: Gently press down on the paper, ensuring that it adheres to the gel press plate. Smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles with your fingers or a clean brayer. Once you’re satisfied with the adhesion, carefully lift the paper off the plate, revealing your unique background design.
5. Let it dry: Allow the painted background to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. Depending on the thickness of the paint and environmental conditions, drying times may vary.

1. Create your card: Trim the background to your desired size and incorporate it into your card design. Add embellishments, sentiments, or other elements to complete your handmade masterpiece.

1. Once trimmed, I used die cuts from the pop-tone cardstock to decorate my card.

Tips and Ideas:

• Experiment with different color combinations and layering techniques to achieve various effects.
• Use contrasting colors for a bold and vibrant background or subtle tones for a softer look.
• Incorporate metallic or iridescent paints for a touch of shimmer and elegance.
• Try different texture tools like bubble wrap, lace, or natural objects to create unique patterns.
• Use a variety of paper types, such as watercolor paper or specialty textured cardstock, to enhance the visual and tactile appeal of your backgrounds.
• The Linen cardstock takes ink extremely well. I love it for my gel press projects. It even adds a bit of texture to the final product.

Using a gel press plate to create backgrounds for your handmade cards opens up a world of creative possibilities. With its versatility and ease of use, this technique allows you to add depth, texture, and unique designs to your cards.

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, experimenting with a gel press plate is sure to elevate your cardmaking projects and impress your recipients.

So, grab your gel press plate, paints, and paper, and let your creativity soar as you embark on this exciting journey of creating stunning card backgrounds!