The exact origin of marbling is unknown, but examples have been found in Japan and China as early as the 12th century. That type of marbling, known as suminagashi, was accomplished by floating crushed pigments on water. But in 17th-century Turkey, marbling was done by floating paint on thickened water, allowing for more detailed patterns. Expert Marjorie Lee Bevis's method of marbling involves floating acrylic paint on thickened water and moving the paint with various instruments to create exquisite patterns. Once the pattern is created, the paint is transferred from the water surface to fabric or paper.
Functions of Marbling SuppliesCarrageenan - This major ingredient for marbling is a gelatin-like liquid, usually called "size," on which the paints float. Although there are many different types of carrageenan, Marjorie uses an organic substance extracted from Irish moss, which can be mixed in cold water and does not require cooking. The solution should be covered when not in use. It will keep at room temperature for a few days and will last for about a month in the refrigerator.
Alum - To bond permanently with the paint, the fabric or paper must first be treated with an alum solution. Because alum is a chemical that may irritate your skin, wear rubber gloves when working with the solution. It is a good idea to wear a face mask since alum can be harmful when inhaled in large quantities.
Steps:
1. Prepare size/carrageenan by dissolving 1-1/2 tablespoon carrageenan in 1/2 gallon of water using a blender. Mix on low, then pour into a spare container and repeat the process with another 1/2 gallon of water. For a smaller portion, you can use 1-1/2 teaspoon with four cups water. If you are hand mixing, add water SLOWLY to the carregeenan as if you were making a gravy, ensuring that no lumps remain. Allow the solution to stand for 12 hours so that all the air bubbles rise to the top and the solution gels to a rubbery consistency or thin gelatin. Be sure the carrageenan is completely dissolved. Pour the size into a container until it is one to two inches deep.
- Prepare alum solution Wearing rubber gloves, dissolve three tablespoon alum in one quart cold water. Stir occasionally until the alum has completely dissolved. Treat material as indicated:
Fabric - Drop into the alum solution, wring out the excess liquid into the container and let the fabric line--dry without wrinkles.
Paper - Dip in alum solution. Let dry. You can marbleize either side.
- Prepare the paints You may need to dilute the acrylic paint with water so that it will float on the top of the size (figure A). The mix should be the consistency of thin cream. Each color is different, so experiment to find the right mixture.
- Create marble patterns (figure B). Use newspaper strips to skim off any air bubbles from the size surface, and use an eye dropper to drop paint on the surface to test the consistency. If the paint expands slowly to a larger circle, it has the right consistency. If the paint sinks to the bottom, dilute the color with more water.
Use various tools to move the paints that are floating on the surface of the size (figure C). For example, you can use a whisk to splatter paint on the surface, then swirl the paints to create interesting patterns. Skewers also work well when swirling the paint. The more paint dropped on the surface, the less white area will show. Be sure to rinse your tools under water before moving to the next color.
- Create tile marbled object When the desired pattern has been created, place the material down carefully on the surface of the size.
Fabric - Drop the center first, then let the corners down gently. If this is your first time, you may want to have a friend help. Once the piece is completely on the surface of the size, carefully pick it up (figure D) and rinse it in cold water. If you're doing several pieces at the same time, the pieces may be placed in any container before rinsing. Since the marbling is now permanent, the pattern will not be jeopardized.
Paper - Follow the instructions for fabric but lay the marbled paper on a board. Pour water on its surface to remove any size.
- Clean the size Clean the surface of the size with the two inch strips of newspaper. Begin at the far side of the size container and pull toward you, skimming the paint off the surface. When you reach the side nearest you, fold the paper inward and scoop the excess paint into a waste container. Don't worry if the size looks muddy; it will not affect the new patterns. The size is now ready for your next creation.
Note: Hand wash all fabrics.
Resources silk fabric - Dharma
Dharma Trading Co.
Website:
www.dharmatrading.com
acrylic paint - Liquitex
Liquitex
Website:
www.liquitex.com
non-decorated silk fabric and scarves - Qualin
Qualin International Inc.
San Francisco, CA
US
Phone: 415-333-8500
Email:
qualinint@aol.com
fabrics - hand-dyed and marbled
Marbled Fabrics and Accessories
Oakland, OR
US
Phone: 541-459-1921
Email:
marjorie@marbledfabrics.com
URL:
www.marbledfabrics.com
Nova Color Artists Acrylic paint - Artex
Artex Manufacturing Co.
Culver City, CA
US
Phone: 310-204-6900
Email:
sales@novacolorpaint.com
URL:
www.novacolorpaint.com
Guests Marjorie Bevis
Artisan / Owner, Marbled Fabrics and Accessories
Oakland, OR
Phone: 541-459-1921
Email:
marjorie@marbledfabrics.com
URL:
www.marbledfabrics.com
Also in this Episode
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