This practical course introduces you to two styles of marbling, Suminagashi, the origin of ink marbling and European heritage pattern marbling. Marbling is a mindful craft, where we use breathwork and simple tools and combs to create our patterns. All materials, aprons and gloves will be provided.

You will learn about the materials you are using and how to ascertain the suitability of the paper, or fabric, for the style of marbling and it’s application. You will be guided on how to use a naturally occurring mordant to prepare your papers and fabrics for successful marbling and the preparation of the European marbling bath mix. You will be advised on the type of ink and paints to use, their preparation and their storage.

On day one, you will mix your paints and create a colour palette. You will learn how to build up basic European heritage patterns to achieve more complex patterns using simple tools and combs. You will be shown how to transfer your patterns to paper and fabric. You will also learn how to create the heritage ‘Spanish Wave’pattern.

For day two, you will learn the ancient and mindful Japanese Suminagashi ink marbling. You will create organic shapes and concentric circles on the water surface, before being shown how to transfer the patterns to a variety of papers and fabric.

On the final day, you will use your marbled fabric to create an envelope style cushion cover, measuring 16in/40cm square. You will also stitch up the silk to make a scarf. You will be guided on the use of a sewing machine, using a simple running stitch.

The skills you acquire on the course will enable you to reproduce the marbling patterns at home, using basic tools and equipment. There will be an introduction of the correct handling of the mordant and marbling size powders, tools and equipment involved. You will also learn how to mix your paint colours to create your own unique colour palette. Each process will be demonstrated to the group, revisiting patterns, as needed, by each student. Afterwards, you will be able to work on your own patterns, with individual help from your tutor to successfully create marbled patterns.

Included

All materials required for the specific project set by the tutor or shared by the group including paper, ink, paint, fabrics, tape, mordant powder, marbling powder, filtered water.

What students need to bring

Notebook and pen

Available to buy

Available from tutor:

• European Marbling Kit
• Suminagashi Ink Marbling Kit
• Additional paper
• Additional fabric
• Inner Feather Cushion

Additional information

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

Paint is flicked or dropped on the European marbling bath, so can be messy. Aprons are provided, but we suggest wearing old clothes and shoes for this part of the course.

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

Terms & Conditions