A beautiful trip to north Maleny sees me take a workshop called Gelatin Plate printing. I arrive early and sit in the car outside Kim Herringe’s home and studio. A group of ducks waddle across the road. I am excited about learning a new skill. Kim is both a printmaker and designer whose expertise in colour, design, mark making and textile production is obvious.

Her studio is well organised, equipped with everything you could possibly need or want, including baby wipes for cleaning the gelatine plates, stacks of books on shelves, materials of fabric, stencils, natural items of leaves, branches and ferns. Adorning her walls are her art, framed and on display for all participants to enjoy.

There are five in the class with socially distant spaces, a safe, friendly environment including her beloved dog, Maggie who is keen to watch and observe.

Kim makes us feel so much at home – we have brought our own lunch and there is constant brewed coffee and delicious goodies on a plate to taste. In the beginning, Kim takes us through the kit with our equipment and provides a demonstration of the technique. Always, it’s about her approach and nothing being right or wrong. There are no such things as “mistakes.”

Sometimes something that you hate turns out to be the one you love in the end. The workshop emphasises play, immersing yourself, flow, a minimal rigid approach and fun.

There are different layers of plant material, torn tissues and generally we work from light to dark. Kim shows us the recipe to make our own gelatine plate with powdered gelatine, glycerin and more. Otherwise, you can purchase the resources from her favourite places.

Stamping and mono printing has been around for decades, but this process is simple to learn and the effects and instant gratification is clear. You can also use bubble wrap, leaves, string, rubber bands and doilies.

Above Kim shows us her folder full of examples. We are oohing and ahhing! Eager to have a go ourselves. Hands on. Surprises.

Our mantra – “release your attachment to the outcome.” My first time reveals a print that I am pleased with. Below is me with the lift off!

The first pull print may show a solid colour. The second ghost print reveals the details and subtle beauty in the veins of the leaves. Jacaranda, ivy, nasturtium, grevilla all work well. We use bond paper, tissue and better quality artist’s paper. Paints include Golden Open acrylic tubes and some favourite colours are Paynes Grey, Maganese Blue, Green Gold, Titan Buff.

Even one tone of colour can work wonders. Kim demonstrates a white silhouette method, a technique using baby oil and a torn paper layering method to create landscape or mountains.

More surprises. better composition. Subtle impressions.

Add a smidgen of paint perhaps Titan Green. Build up layers.

We use masking tape, drying racks and baby wipes to clean the rollers.

Occasionally you can use a blotting sheet. More lovely surprises.

For a person like me who loves to dabble in collage, I found this workshop so engaging, experimental and enlivening. Little splashes of colour can be used with children to cut up and paste to make a beautiful picture. Nothing is wasted.

I loved this class from 10 am to 4pm. Kim Herringe’s teaching, skill and warm approach to her learners is contagious. Her love and passion for her craft is evident with a productive space to entice newbies like me.

Her world is full of quirky and calming elements that she shares so lovingly with others.

Check out her website, www.kimherringe.com.au

instagram.com/kimherringe

Online classes will soon be released. Thank you Kim!