It's fun turning styrofoam plates into reusable texture plates with your own designs! They're perfect for creating texture plates — especially for the small Gelli plate sizes!
Here's how:
Place a styrofoam plate on a cutting surface and using an X-acto knife, cut some slivers or shapes from the plate. Remove them to create a few holes or empty spaces. The plate works essentially like a stencil.
One of the advantages of using styrofoam plates is that aside from being easy to cut, you can inscribe marks into it that will show in your print.
To inscribe marks, turn the plate upside-down. With a ballpoint pen or sharp pencil, draw marks into the bottom of the cut plate to create additional design elements. Make small holes by pushing the tip into the styrofoam. When your design is finished, you have a unique printing plate that's ready to use over and over.
TIP: It's a good idea to support your plate while you inscribe the bottom. To do this, invert another styrofoam plate (the same size) and place your cut plate over it. This creates a sturdy support and makes it easy to inscribe marks in the cut sections of your plate.
Here’s how to print with your styrofoam plate:
Apply paint to the Gelli plate and place your styrofoam plate on the wet paint. Place a piece
of embossed paper or other texture over the plate and press the foam plate into the wet paint. Remove and cover with your printing paper. Rub to transfer the paint, and pull your print.
While the styrofoam plate has wet paint on it, apply a different color paint to the Gelli plate, then press the foam plate into the gel plate. This will give you a multi-color print.
So keep those styrofoam plates and trays and make a collection of your own designs! They're easy to stack and store — and loads of fun to print with!
This Contest is officially CLOSED
And we have a fabulous GIVEAWAY!
- 1 — 3" x 5" Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate
- 1 — 4" Speedball Soft Rubber Pop-in Brayer
- 1 — 5-Tube Set of Chromacryl Paints (2.5 oz tubes)
- 20 — Embossed Index Cards (textured papers)
We are doing things a little differently this month for the giveaway!
Leave us a comment below and let us know your thoughts on the blog - we love hearing your feedback.
To enter the giveaway, click on the red "ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE" button below!
(This will ensure that we can contact the winner and that entries are limited to one per person. One winner will be selected from all the entries via a random number generator to receive this fabulous giveaway!)
Entries will be accepted until Tuesday, August 19th at 12pm EST. Our lucky winner will be contacted by email and announced here on the blog and on our Facebook page no later than 5pm EST on Tuesday August 19th!
Leave us a comment below and let us know your thoughts on the blog - we love hearing your feedback.
To enter the giveaway, click on the red "ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE" button below!
(This will ensure that we can contact the winner and that entries are limited to one per person. One winner will be selected from all the entries via a random number generator to receive this fabulous giveaway!)
Entries will be accepted until Tuesday, August 19th at 12pm EST. Our lucky winner will be contacted by email and announced here on the blog and on our Facebook page no later than 5pm EST on Tuesday August 19th!
And a special thanks to our friends at Chroma for donating the wonderful paints for this giveaway!
Great idea. Love the Gelli Plate!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea - can hardly wait to try it! I love the blog; it keeps me up on the latest from the Gelli team; your constant inventiveness is truly inspiring!
ReplyDeletewhat a creative option for printing and an awesome giveaway! if we want to share what we are creating with our gelli pads with you - should we just post on FB? thanks!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! We love for folks to share their Gelli related artwork on our FB page. If you need help on how to do that, email nkelley@gelliarts.com.
DeleteI love love love this technique! I am going to try this right away!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the awesome ideas!
Great idea for us school art teachers! Thanks for sharing all this creativity on your great blog . Gelli plate is a fabulous product!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the best ideas I have seen in a long time, and what great results. Can't wait to get cracking
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for Gelli printing and recycling too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous idea!
ReplyDeletewhat a cool idea !
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! How clever and such great designs!
ReplyDeleteAwesome idea!
ReplyDeleteWow, such great ideas, just love this blog!
ReplyDeleteI am so inspired by all of the techniques! Thanks for the great ideas and thanks for developing this product.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your blog - love the ideas, the videos, the inspiration, and let's not forget the "giveaways"! This is one of my favourite blogs.
ReplyDeleteSorry if this appears twice - messed up my login!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to try this with the pizza bases that were too thin to use for mono printing. Thanks for another great idea.
I looked for the new 3" x 5" Gelli plate yesterday but nothing. I enjoy your blog and all you share as it inspires me to try new artsy things. Thank you and for doing a give. Creative Gelli Bliss...
ReplyDeleteThe fun never ends with Gelliprinting does it? Count me in on the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteGreat Idea, love the Gelli Plate.
ReplyDeleteLove following the blog - you always have a new creative idea!
ReplyDeleteLoved this foam plate idea. I like new ideas that don't require always buying something to complete them.I wish that you could post more often.
ReplyDeleteI just saw the video! I really love this, because you're working with your own imagination and designs. It immediately reminded me of a friend who is a paper cutter, I'm sure she could cut the most intricate designs into the plate!!
ReplyDeleteI recently bought my first Gelli plate and am so excited to see new ways to play! Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteLove the blog, I am a Gelli addict for sure!! I lost two days last week in a printing frenzy...can't wait to try the plates! I've tried everything I can find but never thought of that and the possibilities are endless.
ReplyDeleteAs I'm new to gelli printing I love your blog. I'm learning such a lot of new techniques. Love this one today. Not seen this anywhere else. It's fab...Thank you so much for the giveaway too....xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Love it, and foam plates are so inexpensive!
ReplyDeletethis blog is great. i love all the ideas you post. so many great ideas to try!!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and your videos! I have learned so much about how to use the gelli plate for my art and this cool technique is no exception. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou are out of control! I love it :D What a great idea!!!
ReplyDeleteanother great tutorial! your blog is a fun creative resource
ReplyDeleteI love your product! I've had so much fun using my Gelli plate.
ReplyDeleteWish I could win this!!!!!!!!! Love this new idea!
ReplyDeleteOh my word. This technique is awesome. I love the inspiration on this blog. So many creative people using this product. Thanks for a chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI like the variety of new techniques you feature!
ReplyDeleteSo inspiring!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool idea! I love the videos you post here, I've watched some of them over and over again! Keep up the good work :)
ReplyDeleteAnother fun and creative way to use my Gelli!!! Thank you for the video and the inspiration. I'm off to get some of those "paper" plates!!
ReplyDeleteWow! This is "totally" cool! I'd never have thought to use a styrofoam plate for a stencil. Cheap, easy, and original! Thank you for this great idea!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!
ReplyDeleteLove this blog! Looking forward to going back to school in September and trying these ideas with the kids!
ReplyDeleteI love the blog! I am always inspired by the videos and creations you make! Extra thanks for the links to other artists via Facebook.
ReplyDeleteGeez, now I have to go out and buy some of those cheesy styrofoam plates! Awesome technique, cannot wait to try it.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea and plan to pick up some styrofoam plates today when I go out this afternoon!
ReplyDeleteI'm still getting to know my Gelli plate :-) Love this idea and all the others on your blog
ReplyDeleteFab idea! Thank you for the inspiration! xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you for this great suggestion! I LOVE this site and check it everyday for my hit of inspiration =)
ReplyDeleteI learn a new idea everyday...keep 'em comin'!
ReplyDeleteas always another great idea that i would have never thought of...lol love your videos and ideas keep them coming.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is awesome! Can't wait until my gelli plate arrives
ReplyDeleteThis is a fabulous technique!!
ReplyDeleteWell I used to carve into the plates to print but never thought about cutting them like a stencil, loved the idea, will try it!
ReplyDeleteThe possibilities for this technique are endless, and fun! Thanks as always for your inspiration and the opportunity to win such a great package!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! They are easy to cut through. Need to hit the store.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the ideas and samples that are shared. It inspires me to go play. Thank you for all the ideas. I can't wait to see more.
ReplyDeleteI like your blog because you give word/picture tutorials AND you give the video tutorial. I can follow picture instructions quite well. However, there's often some little technique or habit that the presenter has that stands out in a video. This is what I look for, ways to make it work for me. Thanks for your great product and your great videos. Giveaways are lovely too ;)
ReplyDeleteI love the effects of this technique . I'm going to try it
ReplyDeleteI love how you are always coming up with new ideas on how to use the Gelli plate!
ReplyDeleteLove your ideas to see on facebook or video. Lots of techniques to use on the gelli plate!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing idea! Keep the creativity coming! I so badly want to retire just so I can play every day!!!
ReplyDeleteI was looking for something to do with my take home styrofoam containers. Thank you for this creative idea. I follow you on pinterest! I love playing with the Gelli plate.
ReplyDeleteLove my Gelli Plate and your blog gives inspiration. Would never have thought of using styrofoam paper plates as a stencil. Can't wait to try it. That 3"x 5" Gelli Plate would be perfect for ATCs, or my granddaughter. A little plate for little hands.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting blog! It explained every thing! I am going to try it but will be using a larger plate. I can't wait to see how it turns out♥
ReplyDeleteAnother great idea - recycling at it's best. Love it.
ReplyDeleteLove your products, love your blog and ideas, love that I have the big ones. I would love a small one.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful technique! Love the blog for more detailed info about videos.
ReplyDeleteWhat a creative technique! Now I need to make a run to the dollar store for some foam plates!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate all of the wonderful videos you post. It keeps my interest in using my Gelli plate even more!
Thanks so much this is awesome!
ReplyDeleteVery cool idea! You Gelli folks know how to keep those creative juices flowing! TFS!
ReplyDeleteI love the blog - it really inspires me! I tell everyone I know who paints with me that they need a gelli plate now! And that they just need to go to the blog to know why!!
ReplyDeleteI love how this blog serves as a clearing house for all the creative ideas being generated!
ReplyDeletesuch a great blog with so many brilliant ideas. love this one.
ReplyDeleteLove the ideas posted on the blog to get the most fun from the Gelli Plate!
ReplyDeleteWow, I just loved that idea, can't wait to try it.
ReplyDeleteLove all of the great ideas you always share.... now I'm off to cut some plates :)
ReplyDeleteOMG, I LOVE Gelli plates and all of the fantastic ideas you show on the blog! I wish I could print 24/7! Can't wait to to make some foam plate designs.
ReplyDeleteI will be going out to get me some of these plates so I can play. Great give away!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the video. I am so loving the foam plate idea. so cool. thanks for sharing and making crafts fun again.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this wonderful creative idea. Now I have more than one use for all those foam plates.
ReplyDeleteI love the Gelli Plate, you can do so many creative things with it. Love the ideas!
ReplyDeleteyou have provided so many great ideas that I am never at a loss as to what to do with my gelli plate and you help to keep it fresh and interesting with all your new ideas - thank you
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to get started!
ReplyDeleteLove this idea! Can't wait to try it!
ReplyDeleteReally enjoy the blog, especially all the videos!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea with the plates...will def have to give it a try :)
ReplyDeleteI never get tired of the Gelli plate. So many ideas and techniques to try out and play with.
ReplyDeleteWow! I can't wait to try that. I will also try to find some flat styrofoam sheets. What a great idea.
ReplyDeleteLove my gelli plates! This is a great idea!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, I saved a stack of Styrofoam trays that I can use too!
ReplyDeleteI get so many great ideas from this blog. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas. Mine never turn out like yours, but I'm happy with the results,
ReplyDeleteEmbossed index cards - smh! Sounds like a swap setup to me!
ReplyDeleteWhat a unique idea to use foam plates!
ReplyDeleteI have made printing plates for my 8 X 10 gelli plate using fun foam. This is a better way to make plates because it's cheap and you'll be recycling at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to trying the styrofoam carving idea. Intriguing! You videos are always so inspiring!
ReplyDeleteWhoa! Boy! Howdy! Now I know what I'm going to do with that stack of styrofoam plates that I don't want to find their way to the landfil
ReplyDeleteThe inspiration just keeps coming.
ReplyDeleteI always get excited when I see you in my blogroll! What great inspiration you provide. THANKS!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the ideas on the blog! I only wish there were more of them!
ReplyDeleteI have the large Gelli Plate not the largest and love it. I also have a ton of Styrofoam plates left from summer BBQs' this looks like a very fun way to use them. Thanks so much. Also would love that little Gelli Plate perfect for ATC backgrounds
ReplyDeleteThanks for the awesome post. I'm going to use this in my Art classroom and I would love to win the giveaway for my classroom. The plates are great for students to work with. I love that its a cheap and reusable resource for my class...thanks again!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow what a fabulous idea, love all the inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteAfter I watch one of your videos, I start looking around my house to see what else I might be able to use with my Gelli. Thanks for the great ideas and to repeat what everyone else said-please keep the videos coming!!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy seeing all of the creative ways to use the gelli plates.
ReplyDeleteGreat Idea!!
ReplyDeleteThere go my supply of paper plates ;) Love all the new ideas I get from this blog keep it coming.
ReplyDeleteGood to have a video and clear step by step photos. Very useful for showing my guide unit.
ReplyDeleteThis blog is fantastic - I love the creativity that uses simple things found around you turning them in to art - this particular one is a great one and so simple yet so effective!!! Pound shop here I come for some plates!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for these fabulous ideas that give me lots of inspiration, after avir watching your video, i hate this the test.
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to cut a 30X30 "gelliplate" to an A4 and 3X5 without damaging the edges, after you?
Problème de traduction sur google chrome, certains mots sont remplacé par d'autres et ça craint des confusions. Lovely gelliplate , sorry, love , love, love video
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing all the wonderful ways to use the Gelli!
ReplyDeleteGreat technique and thanks for sharing. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteThe gelli plate has rekindled my passion for art! I have become enamored with this means of creative expression - Thank you all your tutorials and this blog!
ReplyDeleteI love this blog! It gives me so much inspiration. My Gelli plate is one of my most favourite things :)
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your blog and the videos each month. I'm always anxious to see what new ideas you are bringing to us. Gelli plate is so much fun!
ReplyDeleteAnother set of wonderful prints made with a great technique. This has so many possibilities to vary the prints and simple to make with low cost materials.
ReplyDeleteThanks
What a fun idea! I always know where to look when I want to get inspired. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteGreat for art and the environment
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. Great inspiration as always.
ReplyDeletejust found your blog, what an excellant idea with the plates, will be trying this. xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I don't have a geli plate yet but have been saving ideas for when I get one. Thank you so much for sharing and the great contest.
ReplyDeleteThis is another fabulous idea. Can hardly wait to try it!
ReplyDeleteGreat prints and so many great ideas! Running to Target at lunch to get some styrofoam plates!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy all the projects on your blog and can't wait to pull out some Styrofoam plates and try this!
ReplyDeleteWhen I see that you've put up a new video I get so excited, it makes my head spin and all I want to do is get out the Gelli plate and get immersed in the creativity! Thanks so much for the hard work you do making these inspiring videos! I would love to see what you do with the prints, if you do anything. I would just matt and frame yours, they look like fine art!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a cool idea!
ReplyDeletewhat a great idea! can't wait to try this in my journal
ReplyDeleteI so love this idea. I'm heading out to get some plates :-)
ReplyDeleteI learn so much better watching a video. This quick one just confirmed for me that now I need a little Gelli plate too. I've used my big one a ton but just have to have the little one!!Thanks.
ReplyDeleteNothing makes me happier than when I'm Gelli-ing my day away. Good luck everyone!!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE your blog and the fact that you share all these creative ideas freely (many others would offer an online class with the same techniques) THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this and hope I win so I can try it out!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this creative work of art!
Brilliant video - as always!
ReplyDeleteYour blog gives me so many ideas and a good reference to go back to.
ReplyDeletenice design with the plates
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea using the styrofoam plates! I would so love to win the paints and gelli plate and brayer. Awesome giveaway! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou guys are the bomb!!! Love his tutorial. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteThe plates are fab idea! Thanks for posting this.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'm in awe of your creativity using the Gelliplates!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such wonderful tutorials!
Adriana Carusi-DiLiberto
Another great video. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteLove the blog and all the fabulous shared techniques! Look forward to more! Thanks for the opportunity to win! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great idea. I can't wait to try it - and I hope I win!! :-)s
ReplyDeleteI was so excited to buy my gelli plate almost 2 years ago, and I have never regretted it. It's one of my favourite art tools. This blog is invaluable! So much good information, and a great variety of techniques and artists. Talk about value-added! Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your videos and love seeing all your creative ideas for stencils and textures.
ReplyDeleteThis styrofoam plate tutorial is great! What a wonderful idea and plan. Can't wait to have some time to try it out for myself. Thanks so much for a great blog--always informative and colorful!
ReplyDeleteI find the blog really interesting and helpful. It has lots of tips and ideas for inspiration so whats not to like!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful technique!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a ton of fun! Wish I had one. :)
ReplyDeleteYet another wonderful idea and tutorial. It's no wonder I keep coming back to this blog and also direct others here to get inspired. Cheers! Joanna Grant
ReplyDeleteI love all the ideas and I come back all the time and watch the videos over and over again. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteso simple and just what I need for a current project. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea to use styrofoam plates to make stencils with! Thank you for the inspiration and for the chance to enter the contest. :)
ReplyDeletealways enjoy visiting this blog, great ideas
ReplyDeleteLove this idea!
ReplyDeleteLove the texture this gives the prints
ReplyDeleteThis blog is so inspirational! And I love the videos which show exactly 'how it's done'! I hope to get myself a gelli plate soon so I can play with all the gorgeous techniques!
ReplyDeleteCool! Never thought of using a styrofoam plate! It's genius!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome way to recycle those styrofoam plates!! I love Gelli printing.
ReplyDeleteI've just found this blog! Very excited as I've wanted to start Gelli Printing - now I've got lots to read while the football games are on! Only time I'll stop reading the blog is to either try out the techniques or watch Tom Brady do his quarterback thing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a super cool technique! I love visiting here and finding new ideas and great inspiration for my Gelli plate (which I've yet to use eeek!!) I'm excited to open mine and start creating!!! Thanks for the AWESOME videos too--they are especially inspiring! :)
ReplyDeletei love following the Gelli Arts blog! The videos inspire and inform, and I know I'm going to learn a new reason to love my gelli plate even more! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSusan Cuss
This blog has been amazingly inspiring and creative - always rushing to try out the new ideas! Thanks, Gelli Arts!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tutorial so original! I will try to do something similar! monotypes are the incredible creations! I really like the videos!
ReplyDeletegreat info as always. thank you
ReplyDeleteLooks like fun and such a great way to reuse!!! Gonna have to try it for sure!!!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the information and tutorials on the blog; thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI really loved this post about using the styrofoam as a stencil. Always love your ideas in your blog!
ReplyDeleteWhat very exciting ideas... Love the creative ways to do it all!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and I love the tutorials. Please keep them coming!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant idea. Love this blog
ReplyDeleteLove all the tutorials--they are so inspiring! Can't wait to play with my Gelli plate again--it's so addictive!
ReplyDeleteI have just bought the 8" round gelli plate. I love it and the above technique with the styrofoam plates. Can't wait for more!
ReplyDeleteJust love all your great ideas. I'm just starting out using a larger plate and having a great time.
ReplyDeleteCool
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to try this with my granddaughters. What a wonderful way to repurpose those foam trays that meat comes packaged in.
ReplyDeleteBy the way I enjoy all of these tutorials and playing with the ideas. :-) Thanks for sharing ideas for us to get more out of our gelli plates.
I have been using foam plates and trays as stamps for awhile but not gotten so far at using as stencils on Geli Plates!! Brilliant!! Off to cut and print!!
ReplyDeleteI just got my first Gelli Plate this week, and am going through the blog looking for good ideas---plenty of them here! Can't wait to get started.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! Realy love the blog! So much inspiration, such creative people! I love it!
ReplyDeleteAnd this idea, realy great!
DeleteI am new to Gelli and I am loving this blog for new ideas!
ReplyDeleteI love the constant flow of ideas, and ways to use the gelli plate. Would love a small plate - already have a larger one - but they don't seem readily available in the UK as yet. I have a local store making enquiries of her distributor.
ReplyDeleteFab idea - cheap and easy !! love it
ReplyDeletelove the blog, YouTube, fb, etc........follow all of them!! love the ideas and shared inspirations/creations!! would so love to win a gelli plate and goodies....i dont have one yet :(
ReplyDeleteVery creative with the styrofoam...that's why I love my Gelli, because I can always visit here to get fresh creative ideas.Thank you
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a fabulous idea ! I must get started, thank you for the creative ideas on your blog.
ReplyDeleteThis has given me the push I need to get started again........ Will go and sort through the kitchen for styrofoam plates NOW!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog, always new ideas to create with!
ReplyDeleteLove this! So creative yet easy. Love the effects using the different materials. Will definitely try this! Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE coming to the blog and seeing all the awesome techniques you come up with! They are truly an inspiration to me, thank you and keep on doing what you do~
ReplyDeleteWithout the blog, my Gelli would just be a plate! Thanks you for all the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool and very creative idea. I love that this allows you to use your own designs in your art projects.
ReplyDeleteAwesome technique! Just got my first Gelli plate, can't wait to try some of these ideas!
ReplyDeleteI like the blog and the techniques you highlight. I enjoy mono printing with the gelli plate.
ReplyDeleteFabulous ideas, as always!
ReplyDeleteThank you for another wonderfully fun tutorial!! :)
ReplyDeleteLove learning about new techniques you post, especially ones I can probably use with my students. I've not yet used a Gelli plate, but would love to try. -Deb
ReplyDeleteI love this blog! In my hectic life, it's the only one I consistently follow... now if I could just find enough time to implement all the wonderful techniques. My gelli plate is getting lonely!
ReplyDeletethis really looks like fun to do, the examples are astounding. what creative soul you have Joan !!
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I gonna try it! thank you again for sharing with us...
ReplyDeleteJust discovered your blog. Very interested in trying gelli printing.
ReplyDelete