Start paper marbling
Drop paint onto a thickened bath, swirl it into patterns, then lay a sheet of paper on top and lift the whole design off in one go. No two sheets are ever the same. Here's the video that hooks everyone, and everything you need for your first prints.
Space neededA kitchen table you can get wet
First projectMarbled notecards in a weekend
Skill levelEasy to start, fun to master
Good forMessy, happy afternoons
The video that hooks everyone
Paper marbling, fun and easy
A paper marbling tutorial with a cheerful promise in its title: fun and easy. The result is a sheet swirled with color and packed with tiny cells and streaks. Press play and see why it hooks people.
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Tool list
What you need to start
Everything you need for your first project, and nothing you don't. It's a tray, a few powders and some paint.
Starter kit
01Shallow trayA baking pan or photo tray a little bigger than your paper.
02Carrageenan powderA seaweed thickener. Mixed with water, it makes the bath (the size) that paint floats on.
03AlumBrushed onto the paper the day before so the paint sticks to it.
04Acrylic paintsThree or four colors you like together, plus white.
05Small cups + eyedroppersOne cup and one dropper for each color.
06Bamboo skewersYour stylus for swirling patterns.
07Plain paper or cardIndex cards or cut cardstock for first prints. Smooth, uncoated paper.
08Newspaper stripsFor skimming the surface clean between prints.
09Rubber glovesFor handling alum and wet prints.
The manual tells you what to look for when you buy each one.
- 1Skipping the alumWithout alum, most of the paint washes off in the rinse. Treat the paper the day before and let it dry.
- 2Using the bath too soonFreshly mixed size is full of tiny bubbles. Let it rest for several hours, or overnight, before you print.
- 3Paint too thickThick paint sinks or won't spread. Thin it with water to about the feel of milk, and test a drop first.
