Sometimes the simplest marks make the most personal layers.
In today’s Quick Tip Tuesday, I’m sharing an easy way to transfer handwriting and drawings onto your gel plate using everyday tools—no paint or medium required for the transfer step.
You can use:
- a regular #2 pencil or any graphite pencil
- charcoal pencils (or loose charcoal)
- soft pastel pencils
The basic idea
Start with a bare gel plate—no paint, no medium, nothing at all.
- Write or draw on a piece of paper using pencil, charcoal, or soft pastel.
- Place the paper face down on the gel plate.
- Apply pressure with your hands.
- Lift the paper. You’ll see the image has transferred to the plate.
From there, roll out a thin layer of paint and print as usual.
(If you already have layers printed and want the handwriting on top, you can also experiment with a clear medium instead of paint.)
(If you already have layers printed and want the handwriting on top, you can also experiment with a clear medium instead of paint.)
Don’t skip the cleanup
One important note: pencil and charcoal can continue to transfer if left on the plate.
To clean it:
- Add a small amount of mineral oil
- Rub gently with your fingers or paper towel until the plate is clean
This keeps those marks from showing up unexpectedly in future prints.
This is a simple technique, but it opens up a lot of possibilities—lists, notes, text, or sketches can all become part of your printed layers.
You can watch the full Quick Tip Tuesday video below.
I'm taking a break between Christmas and New Year's. I'll see you in January!
Diana 💕
P.S. I share tips like this every other Tuesday. If you’d like them delivered to your inbox, you can sign up for my emails.
Jo
Yours,
Charlotte