Beyond the Brayer

The Silk Road Chronicles: Robyn McClendon (Episode 12)

Robyn kindly offers listeners of Beyond the Brayer a 20% discount code if you order one or both of the kits directly from Schiffer by Fri 10.31. Additionally, if you order by Sun 10.26 send Robyn a copy of your invoice; you will be invited to an in-depth, workshop on using the kits being held on 11.2.25. Be sure to check out the show notes at beyondthebrayer.com [http://beyondthebrayer.com] for all the links you need. If you’re listening to this episode please consider hoping over to YouTube so you can watch Robyn. Find the video at Beyond the Brayer on YouTube. ********** Get one email per week from Beyond the Brayer with full show notes for your convenience. Subscribe here [https://offers.beyondthebrayer.com/ShowNotes]. ********** Reach Out: * Beyond the Brayer Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579171184430] * Beyond the Brayer on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.brayer/] Links from the Show: The Silk Road Kits (Schiffer Publishing): Be sure to use the code McClendon20 before 10/26/25 and send a copy of your invoice to info@robynmcclendon.com [info@robynmcclendon.com] to receive your invitation to an in-depth workshop. Discount good through 10/31/25. European Script Kit [https://www.schiffercraft.com/collections/craft-new-release/products/mixed-media-stamp-stencil-and-storybook-set-european-scripts-8-premium-art-stamps-2-stencil-masks-and-32-page-instruction-booklet-great-for-gel-plate-printing] Asian Script Kit [https://www.schiffercraft.com/collections/craft-new-release/products/mixed-media-stamp-stencil-and-storybook-set-asian-scripts-7-premium-art-stamps-2-stencil-masks-and-32-page-instruction-booklet-great-for-gel-plate-printing] Medical Exam Paper [https://amzn.to/47jvfxw] True Wave Perm Papers [https://amzn.to/4olW0ZT] Folk Art Chalk Paint [https://plaidonline.com/shop?tab=products&q=folk%20art%20chalk#/productsFilter:ss_size:2$2520oz] Blick Matte Acrylics [https://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-matte-acrylics/?srsltid=AfmBOorsIvx9-8OIpSVBkfxZ4Wb7Gxmt-iim3Bi_2c5gsjvxhtT1LhOr] Paper Artsy Fresco Finish Paints [https://www.joggles.com/paint-dye-and-ink/paperartsy-fresco-finish-paint] Robyn’s Links: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@RobynMcClendon] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rarebirds/] Website [https://www.robynmcclendon.com/] Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Celebration of Creativity 03:02 The Therapeutic Benefits of Creating 05:53 Exploring the Silk Road Project 08:54 Product Overview and Unique Concepts 11:53 Demonstration of Gel Printing Techniques 14:34 Utilizing Different Papers and Inks 17:38 Creating Fragments and Collages 20:21 Encouragement to Experiment and Play 23:30 Final Thoughts and Future Projects

Pushing the Boundaries: Clare Cosens (Episode 11)

Show Notes via Email Sign up to get one or two emails per week from Beyond the Brayer with full show notes for your convenience. Subscribe here [https://offers.beyondthebrayer.com/ShowNotes]. ********** Watch on YouTube      Please subscribe [https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheBrayerPodcast] so you can watch our weekly episodes. ********** Join Our Community Join the Gel Print Enthusiasts group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/gelatinprintingenthusiasts] on Facebook. ********** Support the Show If you’re enjoying Beyond the Brayer, please consider buying me a “cup of coffee.” [https://buymeacoffee.com/beyond.the.brayer] ********** Reach Out: * Beyond the Brayer on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheBrayerPodcast] * Beyond the Brayer Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579171184430] * Beyond the Brayer on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.brayer/] Links from the Show: York Minster [https://yorkminster.org/] Rex Ray Video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0wwErRDaic] Jane Faase [https://www.instagram.com/janefaase] Pushing the Boundaries [https://clarecosensdesigns.com/pages/online-course] Clare’s Newsletter [https://clarecosensdesigns.com/pages/newsletter] Clare’s Links: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@ClareCosensDesigns] Instagram [https://www.youtube.com/@ClareCosensDesigns] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/clarecosensdesigns/] Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Clare Cosens and Her Art Journey 02:40 Transitioning to Gel Printing and Teaching 05:22 Exploring Printmaking Techniques and Styles 08:14 Inspiration and Sources for Printmaking 11:10 Influence of Rex Ray and Artistic Aha Moments 14:13 Challenges in Gel Printing Techniques 16:55 Advice for Beginners in Gel Printing 20:01 The Pushing the Boundaries Course and Future Plans Key Takeaways: * Clare Cosens has a rich background in graphic design and printmaking. * Clare's artistic style is heavily influenced by nature and botanical themes. * She enjoys experimenting with various printmaking techniques and materials. * Teaching has become a significant part of her career, allowing her to share her passion. * Clare emphasizes the importance of understanding materials and their properties in printmaking. * She encourages beginners to play and experiment rather than invest heavily in supplies. * The 'Pushing the Boundaries' course is designed for those with a solid understanding of gel printing. * She believes that the opaque and transparent qualities of paint are often misunderstood in gel printing.

All About the Book: Jessica Russo Scherr (Episode 10)

In today’s conversation, Cindy Jones Lantier interviews Jessica Russo Scherr about her new book, The Gelli Arts Printmakers Handbook. They discuss various image transfer techniques, the importance of image editing, and the challenges of printmaking. Jessica shares insights on teaching art, the writing process behind her book, and the joy of learning from her students. The conversation highlights the creative process, the significance of visuals in learning, and the unique approaches to printmaking, including charcoal transfers and additive painting. Be sure to listen in for information on entering to win a copy of Jessica's new book! Show Notes via Email [https://offers.beyondthebrayer.com/ShowNotes] Sign up to get one email per week from Beyond the Brayer with full show notes for your convenience. ********** Watch on YouTube      Please subscribe [https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheBrayerPodcast] so you can watch our weekly episodes. ********** Join Our Community Join the Gel Print Enthusiasts group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/gelatinprintingenthusiasts] on Facebook. ********** Support the Show If you’re enjoying Beyond the Brayer, please consider buying me a “cup of coffee.” [https://buymeacoffee.com/beyond.the.brayer] We’d also appreciate a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-brayer/id1831139764], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3Fd7Acx3m1IgG5h9t7X7eg], or Podchaser.com [http://Podchaser.com]. ********** Reach Out: * Beyond the Brayer Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579171184430] * Beyond the Brayer on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.brayer/] Links from the Show: The Gelli Arts® Printmaker's Handbook: Exploring Image Transfers and Layering Techniques for Creating Incredible Art with Gel Plates [https://amzn.to/45h0CZZ] by Jessica Russo Scherr Seafood Seller Short Video [https://youtube.com/shorts/fbAEo-DH16s?si=YBtuS0zkpZFSEHSo] Jessica’s Links: Website [https://www.bluelavaart.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bluelavaart] Tik Tok [https://www.tiktok.com/@bluelavaart] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@bluelavaart] Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to The Gelli Arts Printmaker's Handbook 01:25 Exploring Image Transfer Techniques 03:08 Mastering Mishaps in Printmaking 06:35 The Importance of Editing in Image Transfers 09:19 Visual Learning Through Process Photos 12:39 Understanding Reverse and Additive Painting 20:03 Charcoal Transfers: A Unique Approach 23:41 Teaching Gel Plate Printmaking in the Classroom 24:41 The Writing Process Behind the Book 29:20 The Science of Printmaking and Overcoming Challenges 32:32 The Joy of Teaching and Learning from Students

Rediscovering the Joy of Art: Jackie Bernardi (Episode 09)

For FULL show notes, please visit beyondthebrayer.com [http://beyondthebrayer.com]. Sign up to get one email with FULL linked show notes. Subscribe here [https://offers.beyondthebrayer.com/ShowNotes]. ********** Reach Out: ·       Beyond the Brayer Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579171184430] ·       Beyond the Brayer on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.brayer/] Resources Mentioned: Medical Exam Paper [https://amzn.to/4gUiazq] Transparency Video [https://youtu.be/f2Ov0teTTYs?si=BGd-390qG_EYpVYO] Gel Printers Summit [https://www.subscribepage.com/gelprinterssummit2025] Oyster Series [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgIXaAju7by1v94SnZpL8sA-oGfySaBVX] Salsa Series [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2Ov0teTTYs&list=PLgIXaAju7by2VcRb34YK-jy83l9X8Hmc4] Jackie Bernardi’s Personal Links: Website [https://paintedpaperstudio.com/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@PaintedPaperStudio] Confident Creative Collective [https://paintedpaperstudio.com/confident-creative] Chapters: 00:00 Rediscovering Art: A Journey Back to Creativity 02:35 The Magic of Gel Printing: Techniques and Styles 05:24 The Process Over Product Philosophy 08:16 Exploring Transparency in Art 11:25 Community and Collaboration in Creativity 32:07 Building a Creative Community 36:13 The Impact of YouTube on Artistic Growth 40:20 Excitement for Upcoming Workshops 47:30 Artistic Exploration and Future Projects 53:51 Advice for Aspiring Gel Printers Takeaways: ·       Her approach focuses on the joy of the creative process rather than the final product. ·       Transparency in art can create unique layering effects. ·       Building a community of artists fosters inspiration and support. ·       YouTube has been a platform for sharing techniques and connecting with others. ·       Artistic growth comes from embracing the process and letting go of perfectionism. ·       Jackie encourages artists to keep experimenting and pushing through challenges. ·       Future projects include possibly finishing the large oyster collage she started last winter and inclusion in the upcoming Gel Print Summit.

Gel Printing Unraveled: Birgit Koopsen (Episode 08)

In today’s conversation, Birgit Koopsen, a mixed media artist and gel printing expert, shares her creative journey, techniques, and insights into the world of gel printing. She discusses her love for color, the evolution of her art, and the importance of sharing work online. Birgit also highlights her upcoming workshop, 'Gel Printing Unraveled,' which aims to teach both beginners and experienced artists about gel printing techniques and the creative process. Be sure to listen all the way through, as Birgit shares a $20 coupon code with us! ********** Show Notes via Email Sign up to get one or two emails per week from Beyond the Brayer with full linked show notes for your convenience. Subscribe here [https://offers.beyondthebrayer.com/ShowNotes]. ********** Join Our Community Join the Gel Print Enthusiasts group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/gelatinprintingenthusiasts] on Facebook to talk about gel printing and the podcast. ********** Support the Show If you’re enjoying Beyond the Brayer, please consider buying me a “cup of coffee.” [https://buymeacoffee.com/beyond.the.brayer] All coffee fees go toward upgrading either equipment or software. ********** Reach Out: ·       Beyond the Brayer on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheBrayerPodcast] ·       Beyond the Brayer Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579171184430] ·       Beyond the Brayer on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.brayer/] Resources Mentioned: CHA [https://craftindustryalliance.org/craft-hobby-association-new-name-new-staff-new-show/] 1st Image Transfer Video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af7CJlcuXV4] Birgit’s Social Media Links: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/birgit_koopsen/] Website [https://www.birgitkoopsen.com/] Gel Printing Unraveled: Beyond the Basics [https://birgit-koopsen-printmaking.teachable.com/p/gel-printing-unraveled-beyond-the-basics] Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Birgit Koopsen 02:20 Birgit's Creative Journey 04:39 Discovering Gel Printing 09:44 Techniques and Styles in Gel Printing 14:31 The Role of Community and Sharing Work 19:28 Upcoming Workshop and Learning Opportunities 24:29 Advice for Beginners in Gel Printing Be sure to tune in next week, when I’ll be talking to my friend, Jackie Bernardi, about the joys of creative exploration.