By Gelli Arts® Ambassador Birgit Koopsen
As gel printers, we’re always on the lookout for textures to print with—but sometimes we forget they’re all around us. You don’t need to go out and buy expensive art or craft tools to create amazing prints. All it takes is a closer look at what you already have… especially the items you might normally toss in the trash. So many everyday materials have incredible potential for gel printing—you just have to start seeing them differently.
In Birgit’s monthly Trash or Treasure series on Instagram and Facebook, she shows how to turn those overlooked items into unique printing tools. We’ve gathered some of the most popular reels here so you can explore them all in one place!
#1 Faded Tulips!
And because it’s April let’s start with the ultimate spring flowers, Tulips.
Have you ever thought of using faded Tulips to print with? They are definitely worth a try to create a unique flower print.
TIP: The thinner the paper you use to pick up the paint around the tulips, the easier it will be to press it down—especially around details like the stem. Tissue paper or parchment paper works great for this.
#2: Lint Roller! Do you use those sticky lint rollers to remove fluff from your clothes?
Rather than throwing the empty tubes away, use them to create ongoing pattern rollers. Glue whatever texture material you like around the tube, place the tube back onto the holder and you’re ready to go.
TIP: Birgit used some corrugated cardboard cut in circles, but you can also use self adhesive foam shapes, thick paper die cuts, yarn, wrinkled paper… the possibilities are endless.
#3: Blister Packs! Almost everyone has them from time to time, whether it is from medication or from chewing gum, blister packs.
Besides the round, oval or square shapes we really love the texture and distressed look the foil on the back gives. Leaving in some of the foil in the open areas gives an even more distressed look.
TIP: There are many different sizes and shapes of blister packs. Ask your friends and family to collect theirs for you and start a little collection! 😉
#4: Egg Carton! Egg cartons are in Birgit’s top 5 of favorite waste printing tools.
The material picks up acrylic paint very well and the pattern can be used to create symmetrical prints as well as more random texture prints.
And if you thought they are all the same, they are not. So next time you get some eggs, check the bottom of your egg carton and collect a variety of them!
#5: Trash or Treasure Blog
We hope these completely different examples of using waste for gel printing have opened your eyes and given you a new perspective on your trash. You might find some items you can reuse and give them a new life as gel printing tools!
For even more examples of how to turn Trash into Treasure, you can also watch the Trash or Treasure tutorial below:
This was part of Birgit’s Trash or Treasure blog post from February 2025, where you will also find some suggestions on how to use these prints.
Read full Trash or Treasure Blog Post: https://tinyurl.com/yshy7h4z
Stay tuned for even more inspiring ideas by following @gelliarts & @birgit_koopsen!
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Love your posts. Inspirational. 🙏
Thanks for your support – we are so glad you enjoy Birgit’s posts!!!
Fab! Thank you!
Thanks for the sweet comment!!
These ideas are amazing. Such simple materials but the results are absolutely gorgeous. I’m so glad I came across this on Instagram. Thank you for making it available. Is there any guidance on the type of paper to use? I did gelliprinting once last year and loved it but sometimes my paper got stuck so I must have done something wrong 🙈
Hi Yvonne, thanks so much for your sweet comment and your support on our social media. We really appreciate it! Birgit tends to use regular copy paper for these reels. Sometimes 200gr! In other videos, she has used 360gr smooth paper for acrylic!
There are so many papers that are great for Gelli® printing! Anything from computer paper to card stock to printmaking paper. We recommend starting out with regular computer paper, as you get used to Gelli® printing. You’ll use a lot of paper! We love Staples #110 Cardstock for an economical heavy paper. Bristol is another great choice. Rives BFK or Rising Stonehenge are excellent printmaking papers for fine prints. For collage, we love using deli paper (dry waxed paper) for it’s thin, translucent properties. Paper is such an individual preference, and your end purpose will be a factor in your paper choice. A smooth-surfaced paper gives a more detailed print.