Are you looking for creative Gel Press ideas? With Gel Press, you can make unique prints, backgrounds and patterns that you can use in all kinds of paper craft projects. Think of colourful cards, art journal pages, scrapbook layouts, tags, mixed media backgrounds and decorative paper.

The great thing about Gel Press is that no two prints are exactly the same. This gives your creations a personal, handmade look straight away. In this blog, you will find inspiration for using your Gel Press prints in card making, art journaling, scrapbooking and other mixed media projects.

Creative Gel Press ideas

With Gel Press, you can make much more than separate prints. The prints are ideal as a base for new projects. Use them as a background, cut them into shapes, combine them with stamps or add them as a layer in a collage.

A few ideas for using your Gel Press prints:

• Background paper for cards;
• Pages for your art journal;
• Decorative layers in a scrapbook;
• Tags and gift tags;
• Collage paper for mixed media;
• Small accents for paper craft projects;
• Abstract backgrounds for stamped images;
• Handmade patterned paper.

Have you never worked with Gel Press before? First read the explanation of what gel printing is or view the instruction page on how to use Gel Press.

Gel Press backgrounds for card making

Gel Press prints are very suitable for card making. You can use a print as a full background or cut out smaller pieces for details. Because the colours and patterns are often playful and unique, every card instantly gets a creative look.

For example, use a calm Gel Press background as a base for a stamped sentiment, a die-cut shape or a layer of cardstock. Want to add more depth to your card? Combine different pieces of printed paper with dies, stamps, ribbon, stickers or embellishments.

For cards, Gel Press prints also work well in combination with plain paper. This keeps your design balanced and lets the print stand out without making the card too busy.

Using Gel Press in your art journal

An art journal is all about experimenting, colour and personal expression. That is why Gel Press prints are perfect for it. You can cover a full page with a print or use separate pieces as collage elements.

For example, use a Gel Press print as the starting point for an art journal page. Then add text, stamps, paint, markers, stickers or other layers. By working with different colours and textures, you create a page with lots of depth.

Even prints that did not turn out as expected can be valuable in an art journal. A print that may be too busy or too light on its own can work beautifully as a background layer or as part of a collage.

Making scrapbook paper with Gel Press

Do you want to give your scrapbook pages a personal look? Make your own scrapbook paper with Gel Press. The prints are ideal for adding extra atmosphere to photos, memories and decorations.

Use Gel Press prints as a background for a layout, as a frame behind a photo or as a decorative strip along the edge of the page. You can also cut small shapes from the prints, such as circles, hearts, labels or banners.

For scrapbooking, it works well to match your colours to your photos. Use soft shades for calm memories or bright colours for summery, festive or creative pages.

Mixed media projects with Gel Press

Gel Press is also very suitable for mixed media. The prints combine well with paint, ink, stamps, texture paste, paper layers and other creative materials. You can use the prints as a base layer or as a striking detail in a larger project.

A Gel Press print does not have to be perfect. Colour differences, leftover prints and unexpected patterns are exactly what make mixed media projects interesting. Tear or cut pieces from your prints and use them in layers for a playful effect.

Do you want to learn more about stencils, texture, ghost prints and layers? Then also read the blog about Gel Press techniques.

Combining prints with stamps, dies and embellishments

Gel Press prints get even more character when you combine them with other paper materials. An abstract print can become a beautiful background for a clear stamped image. Dies also stand out beautifully when you cut them from a colourful print.

Try combining Gel Press prints with:

• Text stamps;
• Cutting dies and die-cuts;
• Punches;
• Stickers;
• Labels and tags;
• Vellum;
• Cardstock;
• Ribbon or twine;
• Wooden embellishments;
• Small paper decorations.

By combining busy prints with calmer materials, your project stays balanced. For example, use a plain card base or a calm piece of cardstock, so the Gel Press print really stands out.

Tips for using your Gel Press prints

Let your prints dry well before using them. After that, you can cut, tear, die-cut, punch or use them as background paper. Also keep small leftover pieces, as they are ideal for labels, corners, banners or collage elements.

Want to know which paint and materials work well for clear prints? Then read the blog on which paint to use for Gel Press.

Frequently asked questions about Gel Press ideas

What can you make with Gel Press?

With Gel Press, you can make backgrounds, monoprints, decorative paper, collage paper, cards, art journal pages, scrapbook layouts, labels and mixed media projects.

Is Gel Press suitable for card making?

Yes, Gel Press is very suitable for card making. You can use the prints as a background, as a cut-out detail or as a decorative layer in combination with stamps, dies and embellishments.

Can you use Gel Press prints for scrapbooking?

Yes, Gel Press prints work well for scrapbooking. Use them as background paper, a photo frame, a decorative strip, a label or an accent on your scrapbook page.

What can you do with Gel Press prints that did not turn out well?

Prints that did not turn out as expected can often be used as collage paper, a background layer or a small decorative detail. Cut or tear the print into pieces and use it in cards, art journals or mixed media projects.

How do you store Gel Press prints?

Let the prints dry well first and then store them flat in a folder, drawer or paper box. This makes it easy to use them later for new paper craft projects.

Get started with Gel Press inspiration

With Gel Press, you can easily make unique prints that can be used in many different ways. Whether you make cards, work in an art journal, record memories in a scrapbook or enjoy mixed media projects: Gel Press prints give every project a creative base.

View the Gel Press products at Vaessen Creative and discover how you can create new creative ideas again and again with colour, patterns and paper.