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$ $ $ $ $
Difficulty
• • • •
Time
30 mins

Monoprints for Paper Crafts and Mixed Media Projects
Monoprinting can give your projects a whole new life when you create the background that is just right to go with your project. These easy to do backgrounds give new looks to any of your paper crafting or mixed media projects.

Posted by Peg R. from Moline, Illinois, United States • Published See Peg R.'s 46 projects »
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  • How to use a printing techniques. Easy Monoprint Backgrounds - Step 1
    Step 1

    First, choose the items that you would like to use to create the look of your background. Anything that will not damage the gelatin plate can be used. Things like soft toothbrushes or combs that are gently run across the plate are just a couple of ideas that can add texture and design. Shown here is a stencil, some die cut and paper punched card stock, an embossing folder and a cardboard tube.

  • How to use a printing techniques. Easy Monoprint Backgrounds - Step 2
    Step 2

    There are many recipes on the web on how to make your own gelatin plate and there are some readily available to purchase. Just keep in mind that the DIY plates often don't last as long as the others.

    Place dabs of paint onto the plate. You don't need a lot of paint.

  • How to use a printing techniques. Easy Monoprint Backgrounds - Step 3
    Step 3

    Use the brayer to cover the plate with paint.

  • How to use a printing techniques. Easy Monoprint Backgrounds - Step 4
    Step 4

    Add texture with an embossing folder, or run a brush or other object lightly over it. Experiment with different items to see what you like. You can also just leave it alone for a smooth look.

  • How to use a printing techniques. Easy Monoprint Backgrounds - Step 5
    Step 5

    Place the cardstock over the plate and gently rub the paper making sure not to move it or it will smear the image.

    After this you can either clean off the plate with water and dab with a paper towel to dry or leave the paint on and keep having fun working. It's up to you!

  • How to use a printing techniques. Easy Monoprint Backgrounds - Step 6
    Step 6

    Add stencils or other items over the paint for more designs.

  • How to use a printing techniques. Easy Monoprint Backgrounds - Step 7
    Step 7

    Use die cuts or punched shapes for another look.

  • How to use a printing techniques. Easy Monoprint Backgrounds - Step 8
    Step 8

    Add the paint over the shapes.....

  • How to use a printing techniques. Easy Monoprint Backgrounds - Step 9
    Step 9

    then remove them for open areas to create your designs.

  • How to use a printing techniques. Easy Monoprint Backgrounds - Step 10
    Step 10

    Add another color of paint and make a print from it or...

  • How to use a printing techniques. Easy Monoprint Backgrounds - Step 11
    Step 11

    Add some more texture with things like the cardboard tube.

  • Step 12

    Have fun and experiment with anything you have around. Add color and texture in one layer, two layers or more.

    The ideas for new backgrounds are only limited to your imagination!

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