Traditional Turkish Ebru (paper marbling) techniques 13 Jul 2025 with Dilara Karaagac

Paper & Paper Marbling

Ref: D1D36498

Location: London

£135

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About this course

Ebru Art, which originated in the 14th century, involves creating unique designs on water. On this one-day course, you will learn how to create intricate patterns, including floral motifs, while preserving traditional techniques and transferring them onto paper.

Course Description

This course aims to preserve this ancient art form, guiding you through the patterns and rhythms practised by artisans for centuries. Engaging in this practice not only helps maintain these skills but also promotes a sense of wellbeing, continuity and tranquility. In the process, colours are applied using horsehair brushes onto the surface of thickened water in a trough. The floating designs are then transferred onto paper and shaped using tools like bizs (needles), brushes and combs.

The course will begin with an introduction to the materials and techniques, such as sprinkling paint to create the background and using a biz (needle) to drop paint onto the solution. Throughout the course, you will draw a variety of floral patterns, including flowers such as carnations, tulips, hyacinths and twins of flowers, culminating in bouquets featuring tulips, carnations and violets. You will also learn how to control brushes, the biz and paints while working on the water solution.

By the end of the course, you will have developed the essential skills to independently practise Ebru Art. Artists specialising in other disciplines will learn foundational techniques that can be adapted to their own fields. Additionally, you will gain basic knowledge in preparing paints and solutions using colour, ox gall and water. Upon completion, you will have created 20-25 pieces of artwork, perfect for decorating your home, gifting to loved ones or using as unique decorations for notebooks, book covers, bookmarks and more.

Course Materials

Included

On this course the tutor will supply most of the materials, including paints, brushes, ox gall, biz solution and trays. On this course the College will supply some of the materials, including a bucket, papers, a bin, drying rack and blue roll.

What students need to bring

Apron

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Timetable

Daily Timetable

Course teaching: 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive: 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)
Morning teaching: 11am-1pm
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching: 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm

General Information

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the Materials to bring section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions

Tutors

Dilara Karaagac

Dilara, the founder of TTA (Traditional Turkish Arts Platform), trained under Prof. Sacit Acikgozoglu in Sunbul Efendi Ebrihanesi in Istanbul between 2007-2012, following the traditional master-apprentice model.