I was looking for some new paper ideas for my Votive Workshop on June 17 when I came across Galen Berry’s site. He is a master of the art of marbled paper. When I look at his results, it makes me wish for time to learn how to do everything! I used to do marbling with my students until we got in trouble with the district police chief whose office was next door to my classroom in an old instructional building. He didn’t like the way the turpentine smelled. We were closed down by the law! But Galen Berry doesn’t use turpentine – here are his general instructions and the results, seen in the amazing video, below.
7. The paper is lifted off, rinsed, and hung up to dry. Fabric marbling is done the same way, except for step #1: Instead of sponging the alum onto the cloth, it is soaked in the alum water, then hung up to dry, then ironed flat. After that, it can be marbled just like a sheet of paper.