Creativity Through Marbling: An Introduction by Mercedez Rex

All levels | 41 min 42 sec

Creativity Through Marbling: An Introduction
Overview00:53
Materials04:23
Suminagashi pattern08:52
Stone pattern05:11
Gel-git pattern05:51
Combed pattern06:57
Freestyle pattern and troubleshooting09:35

Taught by Mercedez Rex

Join Austin-based textile artist Mercedez Rex for creative play exploring the art of water marbling. This ancient monoprinting process involves floating pigment on the surface of thickened water to create patterns which can then be transferred onto paper or fabric. This foundational class will cover the tools you will need and the basics of your set up. Learn classic historical patterns before diving into joyful experimentation using basic techniques of manipulating paints on the surface of a water bath.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Marbling solution, called "size" (make at least six hours ahead and keep refrigerated): 1 Tbsp. carrageenan well blended in 1/2-gallon warm water
Acrylic marbling paints in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, black, white - Mercedez recommends Jacquard brand put into Boston Round squeeze bottles
Marbling tray - 11" x 14" is recommended
Newspaper strips, approximately 11” x 2”
Newsprint the same size as your tray
Richeson drawing paper 60# - should be the same size as your tray
Marbling brushes or plastic broom straws
Bamboo stylus or toothpick
Palette
Standard marbling comb approximately ⅛ in shorter than width of your tray (optional)
Items to protect your space, including newspaper, drop cloths, or plastic sheeting, trash can, and rags

Specialized tools can be found at mercedezrex.com and marbleart.us

Downloads:

Download Materials List

Learn how to:

Create traditional marble patterns, including Sumi, Stone, Gel-Git, Combed, and Freestyle
Make a marbling solution known as "size"
Use specialized marbling tools including precision combs and marbling brushes
Make a heart and flower shape