Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Marbling Experiment

Okay, so I read an interesting book called Handtools of Art and Design recently and on one page was a method for marbling paper.  Intrigued I decided to give it a try and after I watched some videos on YouTube to get a better understanding of the process I gave it a go. 
Materials:
Paper: Rice paper works well, Computer paper works well, drawing paper and Bristol both work as well. Water color paper failed badly.
Inks: Water resistant ink is best I used calligraphy ink. You can find the ink in Hobby Lobby in a variety of colors.
Brushes: calligraphy brushes are best.
Comb:  Yes a hair comb or hair pick.
A shallow pan or tub for water.

Process : Fill the pan with water about an inch deep.
Open up your inks I recommend up to four colors.
Take and wet brushes one brush per color used. Then carefully dip brush into ink and just barely touch the water surface you will notice a light ring of the color used then add another color and repeat.  Then take the comb or the pick your choice or even a pen or a pencil and disturb lightly the surface.   Then take a sheet of paper and lay it on the water surface then count to three and lift the paper out.  You will notice the paper is now marbled on the side that was exposed to the ink laced water. You can use the water with ink at least three times but then you will have to dump the water and repeat the process.
I had some fun doing this experiment and just thought I'd share what I did. Hope you enjoy this if you decide you want to try it.






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