The technique of using Gelli plates and rollers to create collage papers, can be used for a variety of projects including large scale and textiles. So keep the results for later.

The best effects are when a limited colour palate is used for cohesion in the final piece.

Book making is from a folded paper and best started before the paints come out to keep from getting getting messy. Fold the paper in half on the short edge and half again on each divided section. On the long edge fold in half, and then cut to make a 'poncho' or 'trousers' shape for a zig zag book. Creating the book folds is useful to identify where the page crease, and so avoid when pasting the collage papers.

Glue sticks suffice for adhering paper but if paint is applied, use PVA glue or acrylic medium.

Use a view finder to identify and isolate images in the collage papers.

Coasters can be created by stickign onto wooden blanks and sealing the surface with a soft dry wax or 2 layers of acrylic varnish.

Gelli plates - You can make Gelli plates at home using glycerine and gelatine powder mix and disolving them together in a microwave. Set in flat bottomed containers - they can be cut after setting. Clean with soapy water, but not in hot water. The home made ones can be re-melted after use. For shop bought ones, clean and maintain with baby oil and keep clear acetate film to protect them.

Creating prints - Mix paint on a separate palate and add to gelli plate with a palate knife. Use a brayer (roller) to smooth over the surafce of gelli plate before applying botanicals. Lay over thin layout, photocopy or tissue paper to take prints. Take a ghost printing by waiting for paint to dry slightly on the plate, reapply another colour and then print. Use foliage like ferns and acer leaves for stencils or stamps. Rag roll for texture on grounds. Use print on tissue paper. The excess on rollers can be printed onto plain paper as backgrounds.

Arrange collage on clean paper sheet until you’re happy. Add seperate prints and tissue overlays or draw in the spaces. Option to apply oil pastel on grease proof paper in a block and then reverse, making a sandwich with paper underneath and draw on the back either freehand or on a stencil.

Experiment as the best results ofetn come when not expected.