Quick Tip Tuesday is here! These short experiments are meant to loosen things up, break “rules,” and help you discover something new in your printing process.

Today’s tip is all about mixing paint directly on the gel plate.

There are a couple simple ways to do this, and both create totally different effects:

🎨 Swirling with a brayer
Soft blends, streaks, a bit more texture

🖌️ Smoothing with a palette knife
Creamier, more uniform color — fewer visible marks

If you haven’t experimented with both, it’s a fun test to try! Each method has its own charm — and depending on your print, one might suit the final look better than the other.


From my Crooked Little Studio to yours…

Happy creating!
Diana



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2 Comments

  1. Great time-saving tips. Thanks!
    Diana Garrison AUTHOR  10/31/2025 07:52 AM Central
    Glad you like them, Marilou! 😊
  2. Interested in your tips and ideas!
    Diana Garrison AUTHOR  10/30/2025 05:03 PM Central
    Thanks so much, Carol-Ann! 💕

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I’m Diana, the artist behind Crooked Little Studio. I teach playful ways to use random colors and materials to unlock creativity. You can find more inspiration here.