I don't have access to my school photographs this afternoon, but I am determined to continue to post something here each day. I thought I'd share the gelatin printing procedure so that students who want to share the magic with their families may do so. It really is magical.
So, starting with the gelatin.... We've been using plain, unsweetened, unflavored gelatin from the supermarket. There is a commercially prepared (vegetarian) version of a gelatin printing tablet available called a "gelli" tablet, but I have not investigated this. Yet.
After finding a squarish or rectangular pan, pour in enough water to create a 1/2" deep pool. Transfer the water to a measuring cup before pouring it into a sauce pan. You will want to know the amount of water you're using so that you can add 2 packets (2 tablespoons) of gelatin for each cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool. Line your squarish pan with plastic wrap for easy removal, and pour the cooled mixture into the pan. try to poke out the air bubbles on the surface, unless you think you'd like to have them in your prints.
Allow the gelatin to set over night in the refrigerator. Remove the whole tablet and place it on a flat pan. We used an old baking tray.
So, starting with the gelatin.... We've been using plain, unsweetened, unflavored gelatin from the supermarket. There is a commercially prepared (vegetarian) version of a gelatin printing tablet available called a "gelli" tablet, but I have not investigated this. Yet.
After finding a squarish or rectangular pan, pour in enough water to create a 1/2" deep pool. Transfer the water to a measuring cup before pouring it into a sauce pan. You will want to know the amount of water you're using so that you can add 2 packets (2 tablespoons) of gelatin for each cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool. Line your squarish pan with plastic wrap for easy removal, and pour the cooled mixture into the pan. try to poke out the air bubbles on the surface, unless you think you'd like to have them in your prints.
Allow the gelatin to set over night in the refrigerator. Remove the whole tablet and place it on a flat pan. We used an old baking tray.
Now you are ready to print! using a flat surface as a palette, roll out some printing ink. Coat your brayer (you could probably use a spatula -the idea is to get a very thin layer of ink on the tablet) with ink. Now, you may draw with the blunt end of a paint brush, gently stamp your robot toy on the tablet, add stencils, blob on other bits of ink, press a texture plate into the ink....so many options!
When the ink on your plate is the way you think you want it. Gently rest a piece of paper on top. You may rub the back of your paper with your hands, or with a baren. We liked to feel the coolness of the gelatin with our hands.
Now for the magic part!
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