Gel Press for Cardmaking!

 I am usually very slow to jump on the wagon of the latest card making trend.  I've been watching cardmakers use a Gel Press for (literally) years.  The whole idea of purchasing paint and using different paper to make backgrounds felt a bit much.  Then, I gradually got more and more comfortable with my card making skills and media and I wanted to try something new.  I saw that many card makers were finding the joy of just playing with the Gel Press and making some beautiful brackgrounds for cards. 

Then, I saw Jennifer McGuire make some gorgeous cards using ink on her Gel Press.  OMGGM!  You mean I don't have to buy paint?!  You mean I can stretch my supplies and use them in different ways to make different and interesting cards?!  Okay, I gotta get on board with this! So, I bought a round Gel Press to do some experimenting and then I had to get a rectangular one.  I am hooked!  Check out the beautiful cards I've made since buying a Gel Press.  I have more backgrounds in my file too.  :) 

Using some die cut circles to mask off the Gel Press before 
laying down ink, meant that I had the beginning of a beautiful 
bokeh background.  Overlapping circles and adding extra layers
means that this background has so much depth.
I finished off the background by using stencil and some silver pigment ink. 
So pretty! 

A stencil and some paint for this background. Texture and depth
without adding too much bulk to the actual card.  So cool. 
I die cut the background using a rounded rectangle die. 
A glitter die cut word and a glitter butterfly tops off this card. 

The background on this card was a huge experiment. 
A single stencil, some bubble wrap and only two colours
of ink, used on the Gel Press and there is so much dimension
on this card!  All this needed was a big stamped sentiment
and a black mat.  Of course, I added sequins, because... sequins! 

I still find it hard to believe that this card started with two 
pages out of an old visual diary. These colours are so vibrant. 
A bit of old fashioned 'stripping' and paper weaving takes this 
card to the next level. Some simple stamping to make it all
into a celebration card. 

Just ink on a stencil, then card stock laid over the Gel Press. 
Use a brayer to get good coverage and all of a sudden you
have a great background ready for a quick card. I didn't get 
the best coverage on this background, but an offset  wonky card panel
covers the gaps and no one will ever know.  Except you guys! 

The Gel Press, a stencil and one ink colour,
created this quirky card.  The background wasn't quite right
to fit properly on the card base straight.  Wrapping the paper around the card base this way, 
looks so cool with the black behind it.  A 'hero' image and a sentiment.  
I love this card! 

As crafters, we don't need every new product and every new tool. There is no way we can possibly keep up with all the trends.  The most important thing is that creating brings you joy.  Don't feel the peer pressure to buy more stuff.  Then again, buying the Gel Press has allowed me to stretch the supplies I already have and make some awesome cards.  Sometimes, it's worth the cost of the new tool.  I also bought a Brayer... something I was wanting to buy anyway, which is perfect for the Gel Press and can be used for so many more techniques.  If you are wanting to invest in something new, you might as well choose something that can be used for lots of things.  The Gel Press is also easy to store, clean and use.  Totally worth it!