Hello everyone, Karen Ellis here.
Happy 150th Canada andβ¦Β Β Happy 4th to all our American Friends!
On May 21 I had the privilege of hosting a CSMLIVE on Facebook.Β During that live Broadcast I demonstrated how to create a Canadian flag monoprint using Gel Press Printing Plates and ArtFoamies Stamps.Β It was so much fun to do and Iβm so happy that so many of you watched!If you missed the broadcast, click here to view:
During the broadcast I mentioned I would be posting another project inspired by the same technique.Β Β Yes!Β You can use the printing plates on all kinds of surfaces – not just paper!
Here is a fun Cloth Tote I made by monoprinting with the plates and stamps.Β Β I prepared the Gel Press 5×7 Plate the same way as in the video BUTβ¦ instead of pressing the cloth into the plate, I mounted the plate onto an acrylic sheet (specifically, I used a Sizzix Big Shot cutting pad!) and treated the plate like an acrylic stamp.Β Β This is a great way to use the smaller plates and you can see exactly where your image will be placed when creating your monoprints.
I love the Rustic Letters and Numbers sets from ArtFoamies!Β Theyβre so easy to stamp and give that βnot so perfectβ look that complement monoprinting so well!
Before stamping the letters, place them where youβd like them and then, one at a time, add paint to the stamp by tapping them into a painted palette (as you did the maple leaf) and stamp the image on the tote.Β The ruler (as shown above) can act like a level so your letters stay even. You can also stamp the flags on wood! Check out this Door Plate I picked up at the Dollar Store.Β Β It currently hangs on my front door to welcome all who drop by to say HI!
For our American friends, use tape to mask off the 5×7 plate to create the stars and stripes!
Mask off the top right corner of the 5×7 plate (remember the image will be reversed when you βstamp itβ). 
Β Paint the area blue, remove the tape and stamp on your card/surface.
Line it up and stamp away!
Have fun printing and stamping!Β Β Enjoy celebrating and showing pride for your homeland!
Happy 150th Canada and Happy 4th USA!
Karen Ellis
To see more of Karenβs work visit – The Art House Studio
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