Originally I typed “you can print anything,” but that can be misinterpreted. I want to talk about the use of unconventional objects in gel printing. Of course, there are screens, stencils, stamps, etc., sold for printing. However, I like found objects that are free.
Instagram offers lots of ideas for such objects. Margaret Molinari (@margarts) prints on fabric with all sorts of items – pressed glass, reed baskets, fruits, vegetables, etc. Another artist, @giogiocraft, uses leaves in a fast way to get a ghost print from a gel plate.
I couldn’t resist (ha!) gathering and pressing leaves, and then printing with them on drawing paper and tissue. Some of my papers had been through one printing already, so I had a head start.
Another Instagram inspired printing object was blue jeans. My husband handed over an old pair of his, which has found its way into a quilt (“Damask and Denim”) and now prints on paper.
I think we’ve gotten our money’s worth out of that pair.
If you have printed with interesting found objects, I’d love to hear about it.
The Snarky Quilter 
Oh, I haven’t pulled out my Gelli plate in awhile! I just love that you printed with an old pair of jeans!!! How fun to do that on fabric and quilt the squares together!! Mnnn…
Gel plate printing works at about almost every skill level to give good results. I am always amazed at the things people use to make prints. It’s definitely time for you to have a printing session.
Hi, I love those surface designs – with the leaves and also those jeans. They look very Andy Warhol(ish). Very cool. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks and you’re welcome. Hope you find some good free stuff to print with.
Oh, I love your prints, especially the leaves with their wonderful layers. The jeans prints are fun. I’ve always liked your “Damask and Denim” quilt. I don’t know how “interesting” but way back in 2012 I quilted on Lutradur and used that little quilted piece and others for gel prints. There are two videos on my YT channel.
Thanks. I’m intrigued with the idea of using a stitched piece for a gel print impression. I assume the heavier the thread, the better.
I tried a few different things (wool batting and quilting on felt) ; nothing worked as well as the lutradur. I didn’t think to change the thread weight but that sounds like a good idea.