Marbling History and Techniques

Marbling “floating of colors on a liquid to form a pattern, which may be lifted by placing a sheet of paper on the floating colors and then removing it.”“floating of colors on a liquid to form a pattern, which may be lifted by placing a sheet of paper on the floating colors and then removing it.” Marbling was invented in antiquity to fulfill the need for decorated paper in a simple and practical way.Marbling was invented in antiquity to fulfill the need for decorated paper in a simple and practical way. Marbled Paper: It’s History, Techniques and Patterns By: Richard J. Wolfe

Marbling can be used on paper, cloth or certain hard surfaces for decoration. It can be used in books, artwork, origami, house decorations, jewelry and more.Marbling can be used on paper, cloth or certain hard surfaces for decoration. It can be used in books, artwork, origami, house decorations, jewelry and more. Today we will look at examples of different techniques from several countries.Today we will look at examples of different techniques from several countries.

Classic Turkish Paper Began as early as the 16 th century.Began as early as the 16 th century. In classic Turkish Marbleized Paper a background color is first laid then a design is created.In classic Turkish Marbleized Paper a background color is first laid then a design is created. Designs include flowers, landscapes, and animalsDesigns include flowers, landscapes, and animals

Turkish Papers also include Combed marbling (traditionally has 4 to 5 colors)Turkish Papers also include Combed marbling (traditionally has 4 to 5 colors)

Spanish Moiré Paper Created using paper that has been folded or by shifting paper to create irregular wavesCreated using paper that has been folded or by shifting paper to create irregular waves

Simple peacock Paper Created by dragging combs vertically the horizontally opposite ways then vertically again while “waving”Created by dragging combs vertically the horizontally opposite ways then vertically again while “waving”

Suminagashi Paper Produced in Japan since 7 th century. They are considered to be the forerunners of Turkish papers.Produced in Japan since 7 th century. They are considered to be the forerunners of Turkish papers. They do not use size (thickening agent) in the water and use ink instead of paint.They do not use size (thickening agent) in the water and use ink instead of paint.

Make marbling bath Dissolve 2 teaspoons of size into 1 qt warm water (in a coffee container)Dissolve 2 teaspoons of size into 1 qt warm water (in a coffee container) Pour mixed size into clear tray (2 groups per tray).Pour mixed size into clear tray (2 groups per tray). Let stand overnight.Let stand overnight. Make marbling paint Consult with the others you are sharing a tray with. Decide on what colors you want to use in marbling.Consult with the others you are sharing a tray with. Decide on what colors you want to use in marbling. Each person is assigned colors to create in film canisters.Each person is assigned colors to create in film canisters. Mix 1 teaspoon of paint with 3 teaspoons of water.Mix 1 teaspoon of paint with 3 teaspoons of water. Place a lid on the paint and use masking tap to label the color.Place a lid on the paint and use masking tap to label the color.

Cut Paper to size Take one sheet of drawing paper.Take one sheet of drawing paper. Fold in half hamburger style (unfold).Fold in half hamburger style (unfold). Fold in half hotdog style (unfold).Fold in half hotdog style (unfold). Cut along fold marks to create 4 even sheets.Cut along fold marks to create 4 even sheets. Write your name on the back on each sheet.Write your name on the back on each sheet. Newspaper strips Each person should rip 10 strips of newspaper (each strip should be 1-2” width)Each person should rip 10 strips of newspaper (each strip should be 1-2” width)