Gelli Plate Printmaking

“You don’t have to know where you’re going to get there.” – Eva Hesse

This workshop introduces students to gelli printing—a fun, accessible, and highly experimental process that encourages exploration, intuition, and creative risk-taking to create prints without a press. Students will learn foundational gelli printing techniques on paper and textiles while developing their own visual language through color, texture, layering, and mark-making.

The class will combine demonstration, hands-on experimentation, guided prompts, and group discussion. Students will explore both planned and spontaneous approaches to printmaking, learning how to work with “happy accidents” and build dynamic compositions while letting go and enjoying the process. By the end of the course, participants will leave with a collection of finished prints on paper and a tote bag, and a deeper understanding of how to use gelli printing as a tool for both fine art and functional applications. 

This course is open to beginners and experienced artists alike; no prior printmaking/art experience required.

Class Breakdown: 

Part 1–Printing on Paper: Texture & Transfers

• Introduction to gelli printing tools, materials, and setup
• Demonstration of collagraph techniques using textured and found materials
• Charcoal transfer techniques for expressive mark making
• Guided experimentation with layering, pressure, and composition

Half-hour lunch break

Part 2–Fabric Printing: Collagraph Monotype

• Introduction to fabric printing considerations (paint consistency, pressure, fabric prep)
• Collagraph monotype printing on fabric using gelli plates
• Layering texture and imagery onto fabric surfaces
• Pulling final fabric prints and troubleshooting techniques
• Group critique and reflection

Course Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Use gelli printing tools and materials confidently
• Create collagraph monotype prints on both paper and fabric
• Apply transfer techniques for expressive mark making
• Understand fabric-specific printing processes
• Develop a personal, experimental printmaking style

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Kaili Woop is a multimedia artist and designer based in Astoria, Queens, working across printmaking and wearable art. She is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and a 2023 recipient of the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Award and the SUNY Chancellor Award. Her work has been exhibited at The Museum at FIT, The Alpha Workshops Gallery, and US+U Gallery. Woop has over two years of experience teaching hands on printmaking workshops with organizations including US+U Gallery, QED Astoria, Sunnyside Arts and Queens Collaborative. She is currently focused on developing a wearable art and design brand using traditional printmaking techniques for clothing and accessories.