marbleize paper
objective: Students will learn the technique of Marbling using floating pigment on water and paper layering to create their own unique design.
history:
Paper marbling is a method of aqueous surface design, which can produce patterns similar to smooth marble or other kinds of stone. The patterns are the result of color floated on either plain water, and then carefully transferred to an absorbent surface, such as paper or fabric. Through several centuries, people have applied marbled materials to a variety of surfaces. It is often employed as a writing surface for calligraphy, and especially book covers and endpapers in bookbinding and stationery. Part of its appeal is that each print is a unique monotype.
Tips & Tricks:
The paper you use should be absorbent, but only moderately thick in weight, do not use a sheet of printer paper, it will disintegrate from the water or solution.
Prepare plenty of paper before beginning the marbling process. You'll probably mess up a few sheets of paper before you figure out the best paint consistency, paper laying/lifting method, marbling design for your desired outcome.
Do not go crazy with ink and color, think about color theory here. If you use all the colors available, once marbled your colors will mix and become brown. Instead, stick to a warm, cool, or other type of color scheme.
Tips & Tricks:
The paper you use should be absorbent, but only moderately thick in weight, do not use a sheet of printer paper, it will disintegrate from the water or solution.
Prepare plenty of paper before beginning the marbling process. You'll probably mess up a few sheets of paper before you figure out the best paint consistency, paper laying/lifting method, marbling design for your desired outcome.
Do not go crazy with ink and color, think about color theory here. If you use all the colors available, once marbled your colors will mix and become brown. Instead, stick to a warm, cool, or other type of color scheme.
Try both water marbling and shaving cream marbling. Compare the differences, which did you like better? Why? What was easier/harder to manipulate? Did you achieve your desired effects?
this anchor activity doesn't end here...now use your paper to create something!
Ideas:
- A small bound book
- A piece of origami
- Background for calligraphy
- Draw/sketch on top of it
- Create gift tags
- Use a piece of linoleum and print on it