How to Start Paper Marbling

What is paper marbling? At its core, it’s a captivating art form that transforms ordinary paper into a canvas of vibrant designs. By floating marbling inks on a water surface thickened with a special solution, you can create intricate patterns that are as unique as they are stunning. It’s an enjoyable, hands-on craft that not only lets you get creative, but also provides endless fun as you watch your designs come to life.

So whether you’re parents looking for a weekend activity for the kids, or a creative soul looking for an exciting new hobby, this beginners guide will tell you how to start paper marbling as well as giving you some great marbling paper techniques. Read on to discover all about paper marbling.

Today, paper marbling is more accessible than ever with ready-to-use kits allowing you to create everything from personalised greeting cards and gift wrapping to striking wall art and unique book covers. Its unpredictability means that every piece you create is one-of-a-kind, adding a special touch to your projects.

Paper marbling itself boasts a rich history dating back to at least the tenth-century in East Asia, with roots in ancient China and Japan. The technique made its way to the Islamic world, probably around the fifteenth century, particularly flourishing in Turkey where it’s known as ebru.

Marbling paper techniques arrived in Europe in the sixteenth century. As well as a decorative artform, it’s believed that one of its purposes was to stop the forgery of official documents, since exact copies of marbled paper are virtually impossible, regardless how hard today’s marblers try, and they do!

In fact, Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the USA and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, is said to have used a form of paper marbling on the reverse of Continental currency in the 1770s, specifically to prevent counterfeiting.

By the late seventeenth century, Europeans had started marbling the edges of books, their covers and end-papers. The unique patterns achieved in marbling were ideal for masking the folds, strings, and other elements of bookbinding, and it also became popular for lining chests, drawers, and bookshelves.

As a purely decorative art, paper marbling has gone in and out of fashion over the years, but it has seen a recent resurgence in popularity, especially through social media. So without further ado, let’s find out how to start paper marbling.

If you want to know how to start paper marbling, the best place to kick off your projects is by having the right tools and materials. They’re all likely to be available at your local hobby shop, and here’s a list to help you get started, as well as a couple of explanations along the way.

Marbling Paper
Absorbent papers like rice paper, watercolor paper, or specific marbling paper work best.

Tray or Basin
A shallow tray large enough to accommodate flat paper. Plastic or metal trays are most suitable.

Size
This is a thickened water solution created by mixing a gelling agent like carrageenan or carboxymethyl cellulose with water. It forms a viscous surface that allows paints or inks to float and spread, enabling you to create and manipulate marbled patterns on top.

Marbling Paint or Ink
You can use paints specifically designed for paper marbling that have been formulated to spread on the size without sinking. Alternatively, acrylic paints can be thinned with water and a few drops of washing up liquid to help them float.

Distilled Water
This is used for mixing with the thickening agent and paints to ensure consistency.

Alum
This is a mordant, typically aluminum sulfate, dissolved in water and applied to the paper before marbling. A mordant helps the floating paints adhere properly to the paper when you lift it from the size, ensuring your designs are transferred vividly and securely.

Droppers or Pipettes
You can use these for applying paints onto the surface of the size in controlled amounts.

Pattern Creators
Use toothpicks, skewers or needles for intricate patterns, and for traditional marbling patterns like nonpareil or chevron, use a comb or a small rake, like the ones used for indoor gardening.

Measuring Cups
These are so you can accurately mix your size and alum solutions.

Mixing Bowls & Spoons
For preparing the size and paint mixtures.

Sponge
This is to gently remove excess size from the paper after marbling.

Drying Rack
You’ll need a place to hang or lay your paper marbling projects flat to dry.

Misc
You’ll also need latex gloves and an apron to protect your hands and clothing from stains, as well as paper towels or old newspaper to cover your workspace and to clean up any spills.

With these tools and materials, you’ll be ready to explore the craft of marbling art. Set up your workspace, prepare your size and paints, and let your creativity flow!

To create stunning paper marbling art, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Prepare Your Alum Solution
Follow the instructions on the packet for the correct mix of alum and water. Use a sponge to apply this solution evenly on one side of your paper. Allow it to dry completely, preferably a few hours or even days before marbling.

Make the Size Solution
Mix your thickening agent (usually carrageenan or carboxymethyl cellulose powder) with water according to package instructions. This will help the paint float on the surface of the water.

Fill Your Tray
Pour the size solution into your tray, ensuring it is deep enough for your paper to float without touching the bottom.

Add Your Paint
Using a paintbrush or pipette, drop small amounts of marbling ink onto the surface of the water. You can layer different colours and create patterns by swirling them with a stick or comb.

Print Your Design
Carefully place your prepped paper onto the surface of the water. Ensure it floats and absorbs the paint without sinking. Let it sit for a moment.

Remove & Rinse the Paper
Gently lift the paper from the water by pinching the corners and dragging it upwards. Rinse it lightly under running water to remove excess paint and let it dry flat.

Experiment & Have Fun
Try different colours, patterns, and techniques! Each print will be unique, so enjoy experimenting with various combinations.

And here are some top tips – first, work fast once you’ve added your paint as it can dry quickly. Use old newspaper or paper towels to catch any drips, and don’t be discouraged by your first few tries. Practice makes perfect!

Immersing yourself into paper marbling opens up a world of vibrant colours and endless creative possibilities. With a few tools and materials, you can start crafting your own magnificent marbled masterpieces. So gather your supplies and let the swirling patterns inspire your next artistic adventure!