Gel Medium Technique for Scrapbooking

Try this new scrapbooking technique - it's sure to impress! The Gel Medium Technique for Scrapbooking from Lori Bergmann is perfect for everyone, from beginners to experts.

Materials:

• Semi-Gloss Soft Gel Medium (Golden Artist Colors)
• Acrylic paint (I used 3 shades)
• Palette Knife (or similar spreading tool)
• Craft Knife
• Decorative Scissors, Dies or Punches
• Non-Stick Craft Sheet (Ranger) or a pane of clean glass
• Chipboard
• Painter’s Tape

Instructions:

1. Cut out a frame from chipboard (I used two layers to make a thicker gel sheet), and attach to the clean non-stick craft sheet or glass with painter’s tape to hold it in place. Mix various paints and soft gel medium to create several shades and drop randomly into the frame opening.
   
   
    
2. Lightly swirly colors together, but be careful not to overmix or they will combine into one solid color.
   
   
    
3. Gently smooth down gel mixture so it completely covers the opening and is flush with edges of chipboard. Set aside to dry for 24 to 48 hours (depending on the thickness), then cut sheet away from frame with a craft knife to reveal the swirled pattern on the underside. This is the side you will want to show on your projects, as it will have the prettiest effect. (Note: if you're using glass as a base, make sure you don't leave the sheet on too long or it will be difficult to remove. It's better to take it off just before it's fully dried if you can, and let it air dry on wax paper.
   
   
    
4. Now you can take the "cured" acrylic sheet and use it like you would any sheet of thick cardstock or handmade paper. I love to make up several sheets in various colors and store them with wax paper in between each sheet. If you have any of the gel/paint mixtures left over, you can store them in air-tight containers for later use.