Gelatin Printing--how did it go?

Gelatin printing in the 4th grade was a great success! We did some explanation of printmaking terms, showed some examples of printmaking illustrations in children's literature, and had the kids cut out their own stencils. We watched these two videos by Linda Germain on youtube, and went over the process. I took lunchtime to lay everything out on the kids' desks: white construction paper and orange sulphite paper for printing, newsprint to absorb ink and moisture on the gelatin plate, gelatin plate, brayer, piece of glass for ink, paper towels, and an assortment of leaves from nature. The students were in pairs and took turns (and even helped each other). They were quite prolific and each made at least six prints. We got out more scraps of construction paper in different colors and sizes and they went to town! It was a great project. Everybody was successful. Students selected a couple of their favorite prints to keep in the art portfolio and got to take home the rest.

Gelatin Printing

I have made 16 gelatin plates for art (4th grade, 2 students sharing each plate) this Friday using Linda Germain's excellent instructions. Will post pictures when we're done, but just wanted to give all the art parents a heads-up that you are welcome to use them for art in the next couple of weeks, because they will stay good in the fridge for a while. To see more about gelatin printing, here are a few helpful videos. I like this project because I think every student will be successful and the results are varied and beautiful. We will be printing with found objects, items from nature, and stencils the students make out of paper (halloween scenes, maybe?). Should be a good time, would love to spread the wealth! The school has all the brayers, printing ink, paper, ink blocks (sheets of tempered glass), that you will need. I'm thinking this would be a great class for grades 3 and up. Maybe a savvy 2nd grade could pull it off. Email me for dibs on the gelatin plates.