Making Traditional Marbled Papers

Paper marbling is a beautiful craft with a long history that can be traced back to Japan in the twelfth century. This practical book introduces traditional patterns and explains the techniques that are used creatively today. It covers the history of marbling – from its origins in Japan to Persia, Turkey and then Europe in the seventeenth century. Details on equipment and materials are given along with what you need to get started and to set up a studio. The process from preparing the size, to adding the paints, creating the pattern and then treating the sheets is covered in detail. It introduces traditional patterns such as spot and combed patterns, as well as advanced techniques. Creative uses for marbling are given including step-by-step sequences for a range of projects. Making Traditional Marbled Papers is a visual treasure and shows how paper marbling can be practised and appreciated by all, from children to professionals.

Painting techniques, especially marbling.

Discover and fall in love with the ancient art of marbling paint in this modern guide! With more than 30 different patterns to create and a step-by-step interactive workbook to encourage practice, you’ll start with the “Big 4” foundational patterns - stone, get-gal, non-pareil, and chevron - and continue on to more advanced designs and patterns. Eventually, you’ll know how to transfer your designs onto fabric, wood, and porcelain for home décor, stationery, apparel, ceramics, accessories, and more! With guidance from Heather Fletcher, a professional artist who has traveled the world studying these distinctive methods and learning from the world’s leading marbling masters, you’ll also gain an understanding of the history of this reemerging artform.

The beautiful centuries-old craft of marbleizing — decorating paper through the use of "floating colors" — dates back to eighth-century Japan. Today marbleizing is a newly popular craft, enjoyed for the exquisite and unique designs it produces (no two are alike) and its myriad of decorative applications. This volume is a complete step-by-step illustrated guide to the entire marbleizing process. Artist Gabriele Grünbaum shows you how to prepare colors, form beautiful and striking patterns, and transfer them onto prepared paper. Included are a list of tools and materials and helpful suggestions for avoiding common mistakes. In addition, an informative introduction traces the history of this wonderful handicraft. Create beautiful, versatile craft papers with colorful swirls, bold spotted designs, and exciting combed lines. Choose from 12 different patterns: Fantasy, Stone, Swedish, Wave, Comb, Snail, Bouquet/Peacock, Floral, Veined, Tiger, Oil-Color, and Oil-Color Batik. Marbleized paper can be used for decorating books, boxes, lampshades, wall hangings, decoupage, picture frames, linings, wallpaper, greeting cards, stationery — almost any art or craft project. Artists and crafters who want to create their own original marbleized papers will find this inexpensive edition a handy guide for learning basic techniques and a rich source of design ideas.

An illustrated introduction to an increasingly popular art form. The art of paper marbling is having a revival. Contemporary paper artist and author Lucy McGrath specializes in paper marbling and shares her skill and passion for this beautiful craft. Her book is a wonderful introduction to the craft for beginners which takes readers on a journey through simple to advanced techniques – with step-by-step instructions and photography – plus a range of some of the most beautiful paper marbling today. The book covers: An introduction and brief history; Preparation and equipment (with recipes for the thickened water that the paint floats on plus the paints themselves); Planning your design (mood boards, colour palettes, testing paint behaviour and paper); Pattern tutorials (ways of applying paint); Swirl and git gel (Turkish traditional pattern); Nonpareil (fine tooth comb use); Spanish Wave; Ebru (flowers on the surface of the water); Advanced Techniques (including figurative images); and finally marbling onto three-dimensional items such as baubles and pots. There is also a selection of projects that uses marbled paper, including bookbinding, origami and collage. Richly illustrated with some of the most beautiful paper marbling today, this book will introduce a wonderful craft to a new generation.

An introduction to the Japanese craft of paper marbling, detailing both traditional and modern methods and including step-by-step instructions on imitating traditional designs and adapting them to Western tastes.