Gelatos by Faber-Castell, are powerfully pigmented creamy sticks that pack a punch. Do you have some sitting in a drawer or in a bin somewhere? My hope is that you will be inspired to break out those awesome pigmented creamy sticks and get creating. Here are 7 Ways you can use Gelatos on your projects!
Let’s dive right in!!
I have three amazing projects to share with you today. To get started, you’ll want to spread some gesso onto an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of white cardstock. For gelatos to spread properly, they need a base to spread easily. Without that, it can be a challenge!
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I filmed a video for you, but have each one detailed below as well in photos and instructions. Be sure to leave me a comment on the youtube channel too with which one you loved the most!
Click here to watch over on YT.
#1 – Gelato Blending Technique
Our first Gelatos technique is the most basic of them all – blending. You will want to choose colors that go well together and scribble them all over your paper – no need to worry about being neat – the water and that ever so special tool (your fingers) will do all the heavy lifting!
A tool that helps with blending Gelatos is the Ranger spritzer. You will first want to mist your surface lightly by squeezing quickly on your Ranger Spritzer. To blend those amazing colored pigments together, use your fingers or a damp towel, to get the coverage you love. Dry with a heat tool, or set aside and cut up into a few card fronts. I split mine in 1/2 – 5.5 x 8.5. For the card fronts, I cut one into two, and one I cut into a 5″ square and 3.5 x 5.5 with a 1/2″ strip left over. That will give you 4 backgrounds to create with – not bad!
#2 – Disappearing Gelato Technique
Next, line up your favorite stencil over one of your panels. I’m using the Quadrilaterals Stencil by AALL & Create which has some great space to work with. Grab a Baby Wipe or wet paper towel and twist your wipe through the stencil to wipe away the color – what?!!
Yes, you’re going to remove the gelatos color easily through your stencil. The key – keep alternating to a clean spot on your wipe/towel. I intentionally only removed the color in spots, to give an organic look to my project. The end result gives you an artsy stenciled look!
Add some splatters and edge your piece and all that’s left is to mat it onto a base and use a simple word die. Don’t take away from the background – the disappearing gelatos piece is the star!
#3 – Gelato Colored Paste Technique
Did you know that you can shave off some pigments and do loads of techniques with them?!! Here’s just one of many – Coloring Paste. Now keep in mind – you can do this with just about any medium too!
Use a palette knife to scrape off some pigment (a little goes a long way) and mix with some white embossing paste and a palette knife. Mix your gelatos and paste thoroughly. I mixed four gelato colors, each with a tiny amount of paste. Add each color, a small amount at a time, directly through the stencil with a palette knife.
In this project, you’ll notice that I intentionally left some spots without paste. That was so that the rockin’ background can shine through. It makes for some interesting breaks in your project.
Try overlapping your colors a bit too – that creates new ones! Just keep the color wheel in mind – leave complimentary colors apart – blue/orange, red/green, etc… Doesn’t that look stunning through the Quadrilaterals Stencil?!!
Again, a simple word die and some fun matting and you’re all set. Now I did stamp the Eclectica Tracy Scott 25 stamp set onto the card base in embossing ink and embossed it in Wanderlust Embossing Glitter for a little interest. To keep adding a little sparkle, highlight the awesome word die with a sparkle pen.
#4 Gelato Dripping Technique
This technique is probably a fan favorite of many! You can try this on plain or colored backgrounds. I decided to add more of the same to one of the existing panels. Keep color theory in mind, when using this technique. Gelatos have fugitive properties, so try and stay away from complimentary colors in order to avoid making mud.
Here’s the skinny – rub some gelatos at the top of your panel – nice and concentrated. Spritz or add water with a paint brush and watch the drips!! It’s a very cool look.
The dripping technique gave an awesome depth to the background of our third project – a real mixed media card. This is just he beginning!!
#5 Gelato Layering Technique
One of the properties of Gelatos is that it is always live and reactive. To set them, you’ll need to seal it. You can use a spray, or if you’d like to flex your mixed media muscles a bit – try matte medium! Pour a little over your background to set those colors.
This helps in two ways – one locks that colored goodness in place, and two – you can layer ANY colors on top of each other!! To use Matte Medium – drip a little onto your project and carefully spread with a palette knife or silicone spatula. Be careful not wipe all that colored goodness away – you are adding a liquid to it! You will find that it is better to start with a little of the matte medium in one place, just until you get the hang of using it. You want only a thin layer. Dry naturally, or with a heat tool.
Gelatos are vibrant in color. To allow the second layer of color to pop, you will need to first lay down a layer of white gelato to give your second layer a neutral base. I used Coconut as a white base underneath a few pops of color in my second layer. I added purple right onto yellow and blue right over orange – normally that would be a muddy mess. Not with Gelato layering!!
That brings us to #6…
#6 Gelato Stenciling Technique
Since Gelatos are SO super creamy and pigmented, I like to avoid rubbing them directly onto my stencil. That way too much pigment doesn’t get stuck in the nooks and crannies of my stencil. Instead, use a makeup sponge!
Scribble some gelato pigment onto your craft mat or a palette and sponge through your stencil onto your project. This way you have a smooth application and can be quite deliberate in where you want to add color. On your Mixed Media card – add a little Stardust, Galaxy and Blue Moon for a nice little accent in both corners. The Quadrilaterals Stencil adds a little lattice look to the corners, don’t you think?
I love the dark popping off the bright base. None of which would show up without locking the layers and adding the white underneath.
#7 Gelato Coloring Technique
And last, but certainly not least, add color to all your embellishments with Gelatos! A unique way to add color to an embellishment, is to stamp your piece in Archival ink onto Tissue Paper and use the gelatos to color from behind!
On tissue paper, the gelatos blended super easily. No need for Gesso. Add as much pigment as you’d like – you want it to pop from the other side. I added Aqua Dolce, Nebula and Blue Moon for a fun blue flower. The background has some good orange tones from blending the Blood Orange Gelato over Guava. Can you see the Blood Orange drips on the left side? The blue would be the perfect pop to the project in a complimentary color…
To help the blue flower pop even more, hold your fussy cut flower onto your project, lift the edges, and add a little white gelato underneath. Seal the stenciled corners and white flower with some matte medium, giving your flower a base to grab onto. Add matte medium over the top too and dry your entire piece.
Pulling it All Together
To complete your flower, add a little Pistachio green for some leaves and rub it into shape with your fingers. Next add some black charcoal pencil for shading, rub in with your finger, and add some Black Big Brush Pen accents too. Rub and add white where needed. Add a little matte medium over your green leaves and add some finishing touches.
For a sentiment, I used a sticker from Small Talk collection by Tim Holtz Ideology. To help it to stand out, edge your sticker with a Pitt Pen. I love the end result, and now I want to create a two page spread like this in my art journal – it’s TOO pretty!!
Whoever receives this card in the mail, is certain to cherish it.
Which of the 7 Ways to Use Gelatos is your favorite? Have you tried any? Tell me in the comments!! I’d love to know which projects you liked too! Want to see more with Gelatos?
Did You Know?
I popped all the supplies I used in the list below. This post was written for a fun hop celebrating Top Flight Stamps and their 2nd anniersary. Have you had a chance to check out Topflight Stamps yet? If you have not checked it out yet, then you MUST pop over. It’s one of the best collections of artsy stamps and stencils I’ve seen.
Topflight Stamps differs from most online retailers. You will find an incredibly diverse collection of artistic stamp products from around the world – all under one roof. Don’t you just love the two products I used today, and hope you enjoyed seeing a few ways you too could use them!
But first, keep hopping along. Be sure to leave comments all along the way. There are some INCREDIBLE crafters in this hop – seriously – I’m so honored to have been asked to be a small part of it. So thanks for hanging with my novel of a post. If you haven’t already – please subscribe to my newsletter, blog (subscribe in the sidebar on the right), instagram and youtube channels!!
Till next time, keep those fingers inky…
Blog Hop List
- Donna – Topflight Stamps Blog
- Sandy Allnock
- Jenny Colacicco
- Justine Hovey
- Toni M Maddox
- Kelly Martin
- Annette Allen
- Kymona Tracey
- Ashlea Cornell
- Josefine Fouarge
- Lisa Hoel
- Laurel Beard
- Ericka Strange
- Ingrid Blackburn – Welcome, you’re here!!
- Dana Joy – Hop here NEXT!!
- Amy Tsuruta
- Lindsay Weirich
Supplies
To make finding the supplies I used in these projects a bit easier for you, here are a few clickable links. Compensated Affiliate Links are used when possible. Click here for disclosure. Happy Shopping!
About Ingrid Blackburn
Thank you so much for this video. I read through your post twice since I missed the part about gesso the first time around. Magic. I had no idea that using Gelatos over gesso would seal the Gelatos. Thank you for your links including the ones in response to some of the comments. I will check those out as well. Your cards are wonderful.
Every time I see someone play with gelatos (gelati?) I think that my nieces would really enjoy them. I like a product that’s equally interesting for kids and adults. I might have to invest in some of these before I go see them again! Thanks for sharing all these great techniques with us.
I have a few gelatos I have not even opened them. Now I am thinking that I will break them out. Will they work on watercolor paper that is not gessoed? Thank you for this information. I am now a subscriber to your channel!
Hi Tracie. Break those little guys out!! 🙂 That was an excellent question! I have to admit, I ran to my craft table to be sure what I was going to write was indeed the best advice. I was right, the gesso watercolored surface was by far the better choice. Now, the interesting thing though, watercolor paper, unlike regular cardstock did work. Cause it was able to work with the water. That being said – it was much easier to blend on gesso and the gesso seals the surface. And the smoothest blend was by far on the gesso. I hope that helped you somewhat! Welcome to the channel. I look forward to inspiring you for years to come. 🙂
I’m going to be heading over to my art stash to find my gelatos and try these technniques. Love them all. Thanks for the quick class!
Beautiful artwork, thanks for sharing these tips and techniques
Beautiful cards!! Thanks for sharing all of those tips.
These are all great, but the flower card is my absolute favorite and I love the techniques you used on it.
Thanks so much!!! I love them all, but that one is a special card – I can’t stop looking at it myself…lol! 🙂
Ingrid I love all the beautiful ways you used the gelatos. You have definitely inspired me to play with mine. I love all the beautiful colors and textures you have on your cards. Gorgeous job!
Thank you so much Ericka. That’s such a huge compliment coming from an artist like yourself!!! I’m thrilled I was able to inspire you to play with yours. It always makes me think – what else do I have in a drawer that I love and haven’t played with in a while, right? Thanks so much for stopping by my little blog and taking the time to comment! It was SO fun hopping alongside you!! 🙂
I agree it was fun hopping with you too as I love your work and awesome blog!
Thank you for the tips and techniques. I didn’t know about the gesso – no wonder it was so difficult trying to blend out Gelatos for me! All of these are quite eye-catching!
You know, I did the exact same thing the first time. Make a WORLD of difference. Water too. So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
I’ve never used gelatos. They are very pigmented and make for a very colorful background. Thanks for sharing.
Such lovely creations!
Pinning this! OMG, so much amazing info, THANK YOU and your cards are just incredible!!!
I’ve never used gelatos. This sounds like loads of fun and looks awesome!
Wow! I absolutely love these. I was going back and forth on whether to buy gelatos or infusions. Definitely getting the gelatos. Probably the infusions too.
Such great cards!
Really loved all this information on Gelatos. I will use it as a reference and try experimenting. I just love the Flower card and all the beautiful colors. Must get that stamp.
Thanks for introducing this great technique!
LOVE all your cards, Ingrid! I need to dig out my Gelatos and play again! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve seen gelatos at stamp shows and in stores, and frankly had no idea what to do with them. This has been an eye-opener. Thank you!
Great tips!!!! Your cards are amazing! I love Gelotos but forget about them. Thanks for the reminder!!!
Thanks my friend!!! I so love your support, it means the world to me Linda!! Get them out of the drawer, bin, wherever….can’t you hear them? They’re saying – I wanna color…break out the gesso, the stencils, let’s go chickie!!! 😉 Be sure to tag me on IG with your creations – @thecgstudio. 🙂
Really fantastic cards! Love the dripping technique on the last card. I have never used Gelatos, looks like fun.
They truly are fun Jeanne. Get yourself a 4 pack, they aren’t too expensive, and I KNOW you will love the results! 🙂
These are so beautiful Ingrid! I can’t wait for the videos. I read word for word how you did these so will be taking my gelatos out and dusting them off for sure. You always inspire me.
YAY Sharon!!! Thanks for telling me that, I’m always SO appreciative of everyone reading my super long tutorials! I am so thrilled that they help. Dust those puppies off!!! 🙂
Thanks for the Gelato inspiration! Gorgeous cards! I have some virgin Gelatos…. you’ve inspired me!
LOL….let’s break those in Denise!!! Trust me, you will LOVE the results!! 🙂
Gellatos are not my medium, however they certainly do you proud. Great colors, multiple techniques…very interesting. Great cards.
Thanks for popping by Valerie! 🙂
Thank you for the techniques. Nice cards
Thanks Karen! 🙂
These are all fabulous Gelato techniques that I will have to try. My fave is #2.
Thanks so much Sue!! I’m addicted to that card too. The colors on it are so insanely rich, it’s incredible! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Ingrid, 7 ways to use Gelatos – THANK YOU! I have the brights but they’ve sat lingering in my drawer for so long as I just didn’t have much success. I’d so loved to have seen a video, albeit a very long one. I wouldn’t care how long it was as I’m a visual learner & couldn’t quite figure out just how you did some of the techniques. I have bookmarked this though so I don’t lose it. My friend has the pastel Gelatos. If I get these figured out maybe we’ll get together & play one day. How exciting a thought is that? Thanks for all of the inspiration! I think each of your cards are rock star! I have a grandson graduating in June & would love to do something mixed media like your last two are, but have to be able to understand the process first. (I’m not very artistic.) 🙂
Thank you SO much for telling me that Teri! You’re in luck….I filmed the entire process. My editing software is on strike, so I’m learning a new one – taking a class on it since yesterday as it’s WAY above me…lol! My plan is to put two videos up – one on the 7 techniques, and then a more real time or slowed down more detailed version of project #3. So look for the 7 techniques one later this week for sure. Thanks again for telling me you want that – always let me know what videos would be interesting to you. That’s incredibly helpful for me when creating content!! You’re going to LOVE playing with those. If you can believe it – I own MANY, MANY gelatos…EXCEPT the brights…lol. They are on my wish list. I have a few I bought individually at a stamp store once. Definitely get together with your friend and play. Don’t forget to gesso some sheets first. Here’s a video I did that covers the first two techniques to get you started…. https://youtu.be/jvPN-pdl45s Be sure to subscribe to my YT channel and hit the notification bell if you haven’t, so you know about the next video. 🙂 Have fun!!!
These are amazing! Thank you for sharing. I think I will have to get some Gellatos after all.
Happy to enable you on this one Victoria. You will not regret it – don’t forget the gesso too – they are awesome. 🙂
Nice reminder to use my gelatos!
Thanks for stopping by Arlene! Have fun playing. 🙂
You are one very talented lady. Your cards are fantastic and your instructions are so clear – I want to finally get out my gelatos and start a card right now but I have to start supper.
Awe, thanks Dian!!! Supper can wait – rich colored pigments NEED to be used…lol!!! Have fun creating. Tag me on instagram with your creations – @thecgstudio, I’d LOVE to see. 🙂
Looks like fun, I will try it, thank you!
Have fun Georgia!! 🙂
I’ve had gelato a while and you have just reminded me of all their versatility. Thankyou for the tips and inspiration. Beautiful cards!
So glad you enjoyed that Liz!!! Have fun playing with yours too!! 🙂
I’ve watched a few crafters use gelatoes but this was the first post with various techniques I’ve seen. I had to go back and reread a few steps since I was just skimming at first. Thanks so much. Your card is lovely too. :)s
Thanks so much for reading and then going back and reading in depth Susan. It means the world to me that my post and projects had value for you! Be sure to stop by later this week for a video on the projects too! 🙂
Love the looks you got with the gelatos. so many beatiful colors who can chose just one favorite. The stamps you used were wonderful.
Thanks Anna – I’m totally with you – I can NEVER chose just one…lol! Yes, those stamps totally rock too. 🙂
Gorgeous cards!
The texture are super cool!
Thanks Kirsty!!! 🙂
WOW thanks for sharing your knowledge on gelatos – I have learnt so much!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by Dee! I’m so glad you found it valuable! Be sure to stop by at the end of the week for the video too! 🙂
you make it look so easy to use gelatos thanks for sharing how you did them. I haven’t tried them yet but they do look like a lot of fun
Loved your work.
These are SO COOL Ingrid! I seriously love the different looks you get with them. (Also, they kind of look delicious LOL)
I’ve never heard of those. Those are pretty neat.
Beautiful cards! Thanks for sharing all the ways to use Gelatos! I’m sure we all have them and I seldom use mine! Now I’m inspired to get them out again! Thanks!!
Ingrid, Wow! I really appreciate your design ideas, they will work with lots of different mediums. I’ve used Portfolio Oil Pastels (not as creamy), but not Gelatos, so I’m looking forward to getting some and trying them out. Thanks for an amazing tutorial. I appreciate all your work on this!
~Marilee
Marilee, thanks so much for writing that! It makes me so happy that you enjoyed it. You will LOVE Gelatos. They are so richly pigmented, and I’m always amazed at how they hold their rich color when mixed with mediums. You’re absolutely right in that it works well with other mediums too. This is just a little taste. One of my favorites is mixing them with gel medium too. Have fun exploring the possibilities!! 🙂
Ingrid, this makes me want to play with my gelatos! You made beautiful things with Topflight stamps!
The gelatos are great and colorful, your cards are beautiful!
Beautiful!! I love how versatile you are. And thanks for introducing Top Flight!
I tried gelatos quite a few years ago and I really did not like them too much. Now that I have read your crafty ideas and different techniques to use on them I may have to try them again.
Oh definitely do Jackie! You’ll absolutely fall in love with them. The key is to prime your surface with gesso first. Do several full sheets at once so you have them ready when you want. And use water or a baby wipe or something! I promise, you will just be amazed at how colorful they are. I have a video coming later this week. My editing program isn’t speaking to my computer at the moment….grrr!!! Driving me crazy at the moment. I’m upping my editing software to a new one and now need to learn it to create with all the goodness I filmed…lol! That should help too!! Also check out my good friend Laurel Beard’s youtube channel out. Here’s a link to a gelatos playlist she’s done on her channel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwTHrAcmJJk&list=PL-wI6IT-yzOsrX1yW7TwxfafGdK6Gw0I0 maybe that will help you too! 🙂
Ingrid, you always an inspiration! These cards are just awesome with the stencils, stamps and Gelatos.
Thank you so much for sharing the tips and tricks using Gelatos and Stencils!
Thanks so much always for your support Helen!! SO glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
How fun. I pinned this so I wouldn’t forget. I can’t wait to see your video. I’m not sure I really need another project but this looks too good to pass up. Thank you.
I SO relate with needing another project…lol! These are so much fun and the colors are really mindblowing!!! So glad you are excited. 🙂
I’ve never heard about Gelato’s in Crafting. I know it’s a form or Ice Cream. Would these work on fabric?
It’s funny, I had heard, but never tried them myself until a year ago…lol. I thought I was literally the only person ever…lol!!! They are the most amazing creamy sticks of pigmented goodness – you must try them for sure. You pose an interesting question! I did a little googling and yes you can. You will need to seal it with a spray or in some other way. Try wetting your fabric and directly applying the gelatos. I’m quite excited to try this out myself. Putting this on a video to do list for sure!!! Thanks for the question Carol. 🙂
Gorgeous projects! Very helpful info! I pinned it so I would remember! 🙂
YAY Shari!!! You’ll have to watch for the video later this week. 🙂
OMG! The textures and layers are just amazing!!!
Thanks so much Meghan – I’m so glad you loved it!! 🙂
These are amazing! Need to play with my gelatos!
Awe, thanks chickie!!! LOVED yours too!! 🙂
Such a wonderful post! I need to drag my gelatos out and try some of the techniques!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Anytime Jean!! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Wonderful tutorial. Answers all my questions about gelatos. Thanks so much.
I’m so glad that helped Diane! I have a video coming later this week too – stay tuned. 🙂
Yes I do have gelatos in my drawer. thanks so much for all the ideas.
I know, right?!! 🙂
Great cards! Thanks for the different ways to use gelatos. I have been unsuccessful using the gelatos but will give it another go after reading your direction. My fav is with stencils! Thanks for sharing.
Oh, I’m so glad you’re going to give it another go….I have a video coming too – I’ll let you know when I get that up – that may help too. 🙂
I forget to use my gelatos most of the time unless I am working in my mixed media journal. Great card ideas Ingrid.
I know, right?!!! And the colors are SO incredibly amazing. Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Your cards are great! I love the bright colors. Thanks for sharing the techniques!
Thanks April – I love how bright they are too! 🙂
Love these ideas. Have to get my gelatos out and get to work!
Thanks for stopping by Faith! I never remember enough to use mine either…lol!
wow your cards are amazing.. thanks for all the cool techniques you shared.
Thanks for joining us as TFS.
Thanks so much Annette! I had a ton of fun. 🙂
I had to pin this to my Pinterest board and also email to myself…don’t want to lose this in cyberspace. I don’t have enough tutorials on using gelatos, and you seemed to cover so much. I love how everything came out. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you SO Much Martha!! I’m so excited you love it. I’m working on a video for this – my software and computer decided it was time to quit…lol. Learning a new program – hoping to have it up in the next few days…. 🙂