Last month I started a gel printing class with botanicals, then moved on to masks, stencils, and texture tools. The funny thing is, I was still so enthralled with the leaves that I just kept using them. Here are three prints that happened when I kept asking, "What happens if I add one more thing?"
Read more...During my 100-Day Project, three unexpected objects became favorite texture tools: a building block base, a paper doily, and a wooden heart pattern. None of them are fancy, but all three created textures I absolutely love.
Read more...What happens when you create 100 prints using only six paint colors? This colorful experiment surprised me and revealed an important lesson about creativity, limitations, and unexpected possibilities.
Read more...A little coffee cup, a pile of paint colors, and a long family history of indecision. In this Quick Tip Tuesday, I’m sharing the origin story of my color gods and how random color selection became one of my favorite ways to learn, experiment, and build confidence on the gel plate.
Read more...Getting cleaner results with foam stamps on the gel plate may be simpler than you think. In this Quick Tip Tuesday, I share a few easy adjustments that can help your stamps leave clearer impressions—plus a look at the beautiful layered textures they can create.
Read more...When layering gel prints, the first layer you print becomes the most “true” version of that color. In this Quick Tip Tuesday, see how changing the order of red, orange, and blue creates completely different results—and why it matters.
Read more...Sometimes a layered print just needs a little something extra. In this Quick Tip Tuesday, I share a simple toothpick trick for adding small dots of saturated color to bring a little spark back into your prints.
Read more...A simple set of color tests can reveal a lot before you commit to a final print. In this Quick Tip Tuesday, I share how testing different reds, pinks, and blues for my grandson Elliot’s birthday prints led to some surprisingly different results.
Read more...A simple glaze can completely shift how a layered gel print feels. In this Quick Tip Tuesday, I share how adding a translucent light purple layer softened stark white areas and gently unified the entire composition.
Read more...Collaging between layers can happen two ways: using the gel plate to apply the paper, or gluing directly to the print when the composition calls for it. In this Quick Tip Tuesday, I share how I decide which method to use and why edges can change the plan.
Read more...A dark background, a piece of white collage paper, and a final layer that might have disappeared. In this Quick Tip Tuesday, I share how adding white at the right moment helped a color show up—and why contrast matters more than you might think.
Read more...A Sticky Situation: Ever tried adding collage paper directly to a gel print from the plate? Here’s what I learned and how to avoid a sticky mess.
Read more...An unlikely color combo turned into a perfect Mardi Gras palette. In this Quick Tip Tuesday, I’m sharing how hooker’s green, magenta, and metallic gold layered together—and why order matters more than you think.
Read more...A quick look at how paint opacity affects layered gel prints. Using the same base color, this Quick Tip shows how transparent, semi-opaque, and opaque paints behave differently—and why it’s worth paying attention.
Read more...A super simple way to transfer handwriting and drawings onto your gel plate using pencil, charcoal, or soft pastel—no paint or medium needed for the transfer step (plus an easy cleanup tip).
Read more...Ever wonder how an artist with lots of masks and stencils keeps them organized? In today's Quick Tip Tuesday, I’m sharing the simple, somewhat messy, real-life storage system I use in my studio — plus one important tip that will save your stencils from sticking (and tearing!).
Read more...A peek inside my studio at how I store my paints for easy access and practical organization. Simple, functional tips from Diana Garrison of Crooked Little Studio.
Read more...Wondering how to store your gel plates so they stay clean and ready for your next print? I’ve tested a few methods over the years and share my go-to approach in this Quick Tip Tuesday post, plus a short video demo.
Read more...After cutting a custom foam stamp, don’t toss the little leftover pieces! Those random foam scraps can become a brand-new stamp — a fun way to spark creativity. See how I used mine in an Instagram reel.
Read more...Turn your gel prints into eye-catching, one-of-a-kind business cards. This quick tutorial breaks down the exact process I use so your cards can be just as colorful and creative as your artwork.
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