Summit art started in a fun and colorful way.  On our first day of class, we began an exploration of printmaking, creating monoprints using gelatin plates.  Gelatin plates are so much fun to use and easy to make at home.  If you want to make one, the recipe is very simple.  You just need two ingredients, unflavored gelatin (you can pick up a small box of Knox at the grocery store) and a small bottle of glycerin (found in many pharmacies), and a plastic or aluminum container (the size and shape that you wish your plate to be).  Because we needed so many plates, I had to buy in bulk.

To make one plate, mix 6 tablespoons of gelatin into 1 1/2 cups of glycerin.  Then add 1 1/2 cups of boiling water.  Stir to dissolve the gelatin completely and pour into a shallow pan to set.  Place in the refrigerator for about 8 hours.  When it is set, use a butter knife to loosen the sides and carefully lift out the gelatin plate.  You are now ready to print.

Below are a few photos of student prints.  I love the painterly look of monoprints!  We will be using our prints as backgrounds in future art projects.  If you make some prints at home, they are great to use as cards, gift wrap, collage or to draw on top of with ink.  And the wonderful thing about these gelatin plates is they will not mold.  When storing them, you do not have to refrigerate them.  I've found that they do break down with use; but, all you have to to do is clean the plate with a wipe, crumble it up into a microwavable container, melt it back down in the microwave and reset it in the refrigerator.  You can also buy manufactured gelatin plates called Gelli Plates, http://www.amazon.com/GelliArts-Gel-Printing-Plate-x10/dp/B00CLALEJI; but, they are rather expensive.  I say, "why buy when you can make your own?!"

As you can see from the photos, it was a really fun and messy day. 

I can't wait to see how the students transform these as we learn about stencils, masks, relief printmaking and collage in the weeks ahead.  I feel so blessed to be able to share my love of art with these amazingly creative, homeschool students.