Mono-Print Monday - Tips for Using Leaves

Leaves are great for printing of all types. Today I used native Australian leaves with the Gelli® plate. A great tip is to press the leaves first to make them flat and easier to work with. Always put the veined side down onto the paint as this will give you stronger lines.

The first print from the plate will give you white leaf shapes. Whilst not amazing at first look, they give a great area to draw into later.

The 2nd "ghost print" is where you get the interesting stuff happening.

If you use tape to keep your paper in the same position you can combine an initial print with a ghost print as seen at the top of the page.

To get really clear prints you need a clean plate. See how this one was spoilt by marks from old paint.

Another technique is to roll paint onto the leaves and then "stamp" them onto the Gelli® plate. Do this several times and in different colours. Let the paint dry completely on the plate. Once dry add a thin layer of white and pull off the print.

I'd love to know how your leaf prints turn out.