| Marbleizing Paper |
From "DIY Crafts"
episode DIC-124 |
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Linda Hebert--artist, author and teacher with Decart Inc.--demonstrates the art of marbleizing paper, which originated in 17th-century Japan, then spread to Europe. Linda explains how to marbleize paper and gives examples of other uses of the process. The basic rule is, If you can soak it in alum, you can dye it. Materials:
Deka Marbleizing Medium®
Deka Permanent Fabric Paints® or acrylic fabric or textile paints
Nonabsorbent paper such as pen-and-ink paper
White vinegar
Clear ammonia
Alum
Rectangular plastic washtub
9" x 13" aluminum baking pan
Small test bowl
Paper cups
Craft sticks
Clothes rack or clothesline
Comb (teeth randomly cut out)
Strips of newspaper approximately 3" wide
Paper towels
Optional: rubber gloves
- The night before, mix 2 1/2 to 4 tablespoons of Deka Marbleizing Medium per gallon of water. Linda prefers using the lesser amount for marbleizing paper and fabric, and you may wish to experiment to find the best amount for you. Add 2 teaspoons vinegar and 2 teaspoons ammonia per gallon to the mixture, and stir. Put a small amount in the test bowl, and allow the mixture to sit overnight.
- After you have prepared the marbleizing medium, prepare the paper or item to be marbleized. In a second container, mix 2 tablespoons alum per 1 quart warm water. If using paper, put each piece in the water-and-alum mixture one at a time. Leave 3 to 5 minutes per side. Remove and allow to dry overnight on a rack.
- Mix equal amounts of paint and water. Stir with a craft stick.
- Test the various colors of paint mixture in the test bowl by placing a drop of each on the surface. The paint will spread out 1" to 2" in about 30 seconds. The color that spreads the slowest should be the first color you apply. Note: If the paint sinks, it's too heavy. Add a little more water to thin it out, and retest.
- Prepare a rinsing tub by pouring warm water into a rectangular plastic washtub. Pour the medium mixture into a 9" by 13" aluminum baking pan to a depth of 1/2" to 1". Using a craft stick, drop dots of the first color onto the surface of the marbleizing mixture in rows (figure A).
- Drop dots of the second color in rows between the dots of the first color (figure B).
- Gently drag a wide-tooth comb across the surface of the dye. Beginning at one edge of the pan, move the comb horizontally to the other side; then lift the comb, and drag it across the surface back to the beginning side (figure C). The motion is similar to that used in marbleizing the frosting on a cake. The teeth should penetrate the surface by 1/2". Now comb the surface vertically in the same manner.
- Gently place a sheet of paper down on the surface of the gel, smooth side down. Carefully tap the paper down to make sure no air bubbles are underneath (figure D).
- The edges will shows signs of curling. Carefully pick up the paper by its edges, and place in a tub filled with warm water to wash off the gel. Begin by placing the paper in the water face down. Then turn it over, and use your fingers to remove the excess gel (figure E). Don't be afraid to touch the paper: you won't remove the marbleizing. Remove the paper from the warm water and place flat or hang to dry.
- Before starting the next sheet of paper, clean off the surface of the gel mixture by skimming a strip of newspaper gently across it (figure F). Repeat if necessary. Some paint will sink to the bottom. This will not interfere with the next piece of paper that is dyed. Continue using the mixture until too much of the gel has been removed and the surface tension isn't sufficient to allow the paint to float on top.
Try these patterns and suggestions: - Random, using a toothpick (figure G).
- Wings, using a comb in one direction and a toothpick in the opposite direction (figure H).
- Nonpareil, using a comb and a toothpick in a random pattern (figure I).
- Photo album: A store-bought photo album can be enhanced with marbleized paper (figure J).
- Tennis shoes may be dyed too.
RESOURCES :
Deka/Decart Inc.
DEKA / Decart Inc.
Morrisville, VT 05661-0309
Phone: 802-888-4217
Fax: 802-888-4123
Email: dekapaint@pwshift.com
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