Designer Peggy Skycraft designs her own paper using dye. Materials: Pan watercolor set (avoid washable children's sets)
Carragheen size (Delta Marble Thix)
Alum fixative
Skycraft Marbler's Magic(TM)
Shallow tray or box
1 gallon distilled water
Sponge brush
Drawing paper
Plastic bags
Chop stick, knitting needle or plastic combing tool
Foam core or mat board
Size camelhair watercolor brushes
Jars
Pitcher or Jug
Apron
Light rubber gloves Newspaper skimming strips, cut 1" wider than width of tray
Cookie sheets
Drying rack or newspaper
Dressmaker's extra long pleating pins
Heavy book or large board
- All items used must be cleaned and dried thoroughly before using. Any oil or detergent residue will alter the final marbling result.
- Once items have been cleaned, dissolve one tablespoon of Alum in a cup of warm water.
- Then, mix one and a half teaspoons of Carragheen in one quart of warm water. Shake or stir well. The powder resists moisture, so it will have to be shaken or stirred several times to create a smooth gel. Allow mixture to sit overnight.
- About an hour before beginning, cover work surfaces and arrange all material. Cut papers to correct size to fit tray (if necessary). Then, mark the side of the paper that will not be marbled.
- Apply alum to the unmarked side with a foam brush (figure A). Apply very evenly. (Consider having a second brush on hand to pick up any wet spots left behind. Dry the papers just until they are slightly damp and no shine remains on the surface.) Place papers in plastic bag and press with heavy board.
- Put a little water in each of the watercolor paints to soften them, and pour Carragheen about 1/2" deep into tray.
- Draw skimming paper over the surface (figure B) to pick up floating lint and break surface tension, which will prevent colors from spreading.
- Immediately add drops of watercolor by tapping brush gently over the size. (If color sinks, add Marbler's Magic to that color, mix and drop onto size.)
- Drop 3-6 drops of different colors onto the surface.
- Then, draw through spots (in different directions) with a chopstick, combing tool (figure C) or knitting needle to create pattern.
- Lay alum-treated paper (alum side down) onto the surface, holding at diagonal corners. While holding, allow the paper to gently roll onto the size so that air bubbles are eliminated.
- Remove and place paper in sink, marbled side up. Gently pour water over the surface (figure D). Take paper to drying area.
Tips: You can preserve the Carragheen for later use by pouring it back into the marked container and adding 1/4 teaspoon of chlorine bleach to prevent spoiling. Refrigerate for use up to a month later. Allow it to warm to room temperature before using.
RESOURCES :
Creative Paper Art: Techniques for Transforming the Surface
Model: 0806994576
Author: Nancy Welch
Watercolor Marbling Made Easy
Author: Peggy Skycraft
Skycraft Designs, Inc.
Estacada, OR 97023
Website: skycraft.com
The Ultimate Marbling Handbook: A Guide to Basic and Advanced Techniques. . .
Model: 0823055752
Author: Diane Maurer-Matheson
How to Marbleize Paper
Model: 0486246515
Author: Gabriele Grunebaum
Paper Making: How to Create Original Effects with Paper. . .
Model: 0805038957
Author: Marion Elliot
GUESTS :
Peggy Skycraft
Skycraft Designs, Inc.
16395 South Morgan Rd.
Estacada, OR 97203
Phone: (503) 630-7173
Tollfree Phone: (800) 578-5608
Fax: (503) 630-4741
Email: skycraft@spiritone.com
Website: skycraft.com
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