Valentine’s Day is all about expressing creativity, love, and a personal touch—what better way to do that than with Gelli-printed wet strength tissue paper? Whether you’re making layered Valentine’s cards, wrapping gifts, or creating romantic mixed-media collages, this technique adds a beautiful, ethereal touch to your crafts.
Unlike standard tissue paper, wet strength tissue is more durable and resists tearing when exposed to glue, Mod Podge, or other adhesives, making it perfect for projects where layering and sealing are essential.
Let’s dive into how you can use Gelli printing on wet strength tissue to create stunning, textured Valentine’s designs!
Why Use Wet Strength Tissue for Gelli Printing?
Gelli printing is a monoprinting technique that involves rolling paint onto a soft gel plate, pressing textures into it, and pulling prints onto paper. While most people use standard paper, wet strength tissue paper offers unique benefits:
- ✅ Stronger than regular tissue – Holds up better when wet, making it ideal for decoupage and layering.
- ✅ Light & translucent – Perfect for creating soft, layered effects in mixed-media projects.
- ✅ Flexible for various crafts – Can be used for handmade cards, gift wrap, decorative jars, or collage art.
Materials You’ll Need
- Gelli plate (6x6" or larger works well)
- Acrylic paints (Valentine’s colors like reds, pinks, golds, and pastels)
- Wet strength tissue paper (white or light colors for best results)
- Brayer (to evenly spread paint)
- Texture tools (lace, bubble wrap, stencils, rubber stamps, or handmade cutouts)
- A drying surface (parchment paper works well to prevent sticking)
Step-by-Step Guide to Gelli Printing on Wet Strength Tissue
Step 1: Prepare Your Gelli Plate
Squeeze a small amount of acrylic paint onto your Gelli plate and use a brayer to spread it evenly. A thin layer works best for capturing delicate details on tissue paper.
Step 2: Add Texture and Patterns
Before printing, add some texture to your paint layer:
- 🎨 Use stencils to create crisp heart or floral patterns.
- 🫧 Press bubble wrap for a romantic, bubbly texture.
- 🖋️ Draw into the paint with a comb, skewer, or the back of a paintbrush for swirls or lettering.
- 💡 Layer different colors by printing multiple times on the same tissue piece.
Step 3: Pull the Print
Gently lay a sheet of wet strength tissue paper over the painted Gelli plate. Lightly press it down, making sure to cover all the paint, then carefully peel it up to reveal your unique print. Let it dry completely before handling.
Step 4: Layering and Using Your Prints
Once dry, your printed tissue can be used in several creative ways:
- ❤️ Handmade Valentine’s Cards: Layer printed tissue over cardstock to create soft, dreamy textures.
- 🎁 Gift Wrap & Tags: Wrap small gifts with your printed tissue or cut it into unique gift tags.
- 🖼️ Mixed-Media Collage: Tear or cut tissue and layer it with other materials to add depth to your art.
- 🕯️ Decorative Candle Jars: Mod Podge your printed tissue onto glass jars to create glowing Valentine’s-themed votives.
Pro Tips for Gelli Printing on Wet Strength Tissue
- ✨ Go easy on the paint – A thin layer prevents smudging and allows more detail to transfer.
- ✨ Let layers dry between prints – Printing over damp areas can make tissue fragile.
- ✨ Use Mod Podge or gel medium – These seal your designs and enhance their durability when layered.
- ✨ Experiment with transparency – Layering different prints creates depth and dimension in your artwork.
Final Thoughts
Gelli printing on wet strength tissue paper is a fun, creative way to add delicate, layered textures to your Valentine’s crafts. Whether you’re designing heartfelt cards, unique gift wraps, or mixed-media art, this technique allows for endless artistic expression.
Are you trying Gelli printing on wet strength tissue for your Valentine’s projects? Share your creations—we’d love to see what you make!
