-
Water Marbling Core Collection
$125.38 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Water Marbling Rake
$15.00 -
Water Marbling Comb
$15.00
Connect to the ancient world and start your water marbling journey!
Since the 12th-century cultures throughout Central and East Asia have marbled paper as a form of art, social connection, and cultural practice. By treating water with a medium you can then use specially formulated paints to drop, dip, and swirl otherworldly patterns directly onto the water’s surface.
After creating your pattern, simply dip your chosen substrate and pull it away to reveal your one-of-a-kind design.
When water marbling, no two designs will be alike, the surprise and unique quality of each design is part of the magic and mystique of this ancient art form!
Water marbling has been around for hundreds of years with roots in Japan, China, Turkey, and various other cultures. Two of the most popular forms of water marbling are the Japanese art of paper marbling called suminagashi and the Turkish art of ebru.
Suminagashi or “ink floating” is the ancient Japanese art of paper marbling believed to have originated around the 12th century.
Suminagashi paper is black and white and designed to closely resemble natural rock. These marbled papers were used in creating important documents, for book binding, or as decorative papers around the home.
The traditional suminagashi method uses an oily black ink. Artists would gently blow the ink across the surface of the water to create delicate swirly patterns. A calligraphy brush could also be used to dip ink into the water bath.
Today, modern suminagashi artists use acrylic paints in a variety of colors to create colorful patterns reminiscent of this ancient art form.
Ebru is the ancient Turkish art of water marbling that originated in the Ottoman Empire. Primarily used as an art form, Turkish paper was highly prized by other countries for its beauty and uniqueness.
Patience and a good knowledge of traditional culture are characteristic of ebru masters. Turkish marbled papers were often used to decorate books and for official correspondence. The uniqueness of each piece of marbled paper acted like a signature, helping to ensure a document’s authenticity.
Ebru artists use horsehair brushes and natural earth pigments to create these complicated and colorful patterns, and this ancient art form is still a prominent part of Turkish culture today.
Today you can still find ebru artists in Istanbul creating ornate floral patterns and artists in Japan making the calming swirls of suminagashi paper.
Water marbling has also extended to a variety of modern surfaces and purposes. You can find people marbling their nails, shoes, or even the rims of their car.
The art of water marbling is growing, and the only limit is your imagination.
Mix DecoArt's Magic Medium with water (using the directions on the package) in your water basin. The Magic Medium is truly magical! It increases the density of the water to allow specially formulated Water Marbling Acrylics to float on the surface.
When you are happy with the pattern you created, it is time to take a print!
You can use DecoArt's Water Marbling Paper or another surface or fabric. Some surfaces perform better than others. We recommend reading our blog for more detailed information on what can be water marbled for best results.
There are many traditional techniques used in water marbling. You can choose to start with one of these techniques or just jump in. Either way, and enjoy the journey!
When paint is dropped gently onto the size and allowed to expand it will often form a circle, which is called the stone. When multiple stones are created this is referred to as the stone pattern. The stone pattern is the foundation for many water marbling patterns.
Drop drop paint onto the water in drops and watch it spread to form circle "stones". Continue to place drops within existing stones to create layers of color.
You can also place the paint on a paint brush and flick it onto the water. This is called “throwing stones.”
The gelgit pattern is the starting point for many water marbling patterns. The term “gelgit” translates to “come and go” in Turkish and this pattern is also called the back and forth or zigzag pattern.
To create a gelgit pattern, follow the steps below.
After creating the gelgit pattern, you can flick dots of white paint onto the surface to create the antique straight pattern. This technique adds interest to the simple gelgit
The arches pattern is a basic pattern that uses a Water Marbling Rake, also called a “wide comb”. A rake is a wooden tool with widely set pins affixed to it that can be drawn through the water to create pattern.
Here's how to use it to create the arches pattern:
Nonpareil is a French word that translated means ‘matchless’ or ‘unrivaled.’ This lovely name reflects the beauty of this gorgeous pattern. The nonpareil pattern sets up the foundation for other complex patterns, such as the peacock. To create this pattern use a water marbling comb instead of the rake used for the arches pattern. A comb has closely set pins which creates smaller arches than the rake.
Orders placed before 1:00 pm Eastern are typically processed on the same business day. Typically, orders ship from our warehouse within 1-2 business days.
You may check your order status at any time by logging in to the DecoArt online store and clicking the "Order Status" link in the main navigation. If your order has not been received within the time frame outlined below, you can contact us online or call us at 1-800-367-3047 for assistance. Be sure to have your email address and order number handy when contacting us.
For US orders shipped via Ground, please allow 6 to 10 business days from the time of order for processing and delivery.
For 2nd Day shipping (US only), please allow 2 to 4 business days from the time of order for processing and delivery. (Note that aerosol sprays will not be shipped via 2nd Day.)
Delivery of items offered in our online store is limited to an address in the United States including U.S. territories, Alaska, and Hawaii. Shipments cannot be delivered to PO Boxes.
Looking for DecoArt products outside of the United States? We'd love to help find a DecoArt distributor near you.
Orders totalling over $50 that are being shipped to the US will have the option for free UPS ground shipping (excluding Puerto Rico, Alaska, and Hawaii).
Items purchased will be charged at the sales price indicated at the time of purchase. Prices are continuously updated and are subject to change. Past orders will not be updated to reflect later prices. Pricing is always in US dollars.
Items offered at clearance pricing are available only while supplies last. Should a clearance item be no longer available, e-mail notification will be sent identifying the cancelled item. Your credit card will not be charged for any item not shipped.
Items that are in their original condition and packaging can be returned. Only defective product will be accepted without original packaging.
You may return items that are in their original condition and packaging, and there will be a 15% restocking fee deducted from your credit.
DecoArt will pay for the shipping costs if the return is a result of our error. Otherwise, it is the responsibility of the customer to pay for return shipping.
To receive a refund for items returned by mail, items must be received at our facility within 30 days of the order date.
To get more information about returning products or starting the process, please contact us online or call 1-800-367-3047 . We want you to be 100% happy with your purchase from DecoArt.
Please click here to message us. We cannot guarantee an order can be canceled before it ships, but we will do our best.