Marbleizing on Paper Step By Step Hastypearl

Marbleizing on Paper

Step By Step

Hastypearl

I have always been fascinated by old books.

It seems like the details and care taken in illustrating them, are so exceptional.

The end pages are often marbleized and it mesmerizes me to see them.

I happened upon a video of the technique of marbleizing one day 

and thought that only someone with years of mastering could do it.

Then, this past year, Crystal Neubauer came to my home to teach a workshop, 

and as a part of her mark making, she taught us a very simple technique 

that made me think that even someone like novice me...and maybe you...

could enjoy marbleizing. 

Crystal taught us using ink, but while walking around the workshop room, 

I saw that one of the students had used a Pebeo product, 

and I knew that I would order some to try for myself.

It has its Advantages and its Disadvantages.

Disadvantage...its not water soluble, 

so what you use to drop it, is pretty much useless afterwards.

Advantages...it comes in a lot of amazing colors that to me, 

resemble those in the great vintage books that I love seeing.

So, you decide what you want to use.

I found these paint boxes on Amazon and they were each affordable.

I think it could take a lifetime to use all of the paint.

I opened all of the bottles and gathered a flat plastic tray, 

that would accommodate the size of paper that I used.

Choose something that is disposable.

I decided to try using toothpicks.

You will need to stir the paint with one, anyway.

Let a drop of paint fall to the water.

It will sit on the surface of the water.

Drop as many as you want, and as many colors as you want.

Gently stir the stick through the water, or, you can gently blow 

on the surface of the water 

so that the colors move around.

If you decide to use water soluble ink, you can purchase plastic 

transfer pipettes on Amazon.

They are also very affordable and useful to have for lots of other projects. 

The ink or paint, will make interesting shapes.

That is what you will capture with your paper.  

I gathered strips of leftover 140 lb. watercolor paper.

Crystal also used old book pages.

Thinner paper didn't work so great.

Just play with what you have and see what you like.

Gently, lay each strip on top of the water.

When you lift the paper, the paint will have transferred to the paper.

Lay them out to dry.

I used my heat gun, to speed the drying process some.

If you don't feel like you have enough paint on your paper, dip again!

Its fun to see the individuality of each piece.

No two could possibly be alike :)

These were some of my finished strips!

I had planned on making some new journal covers 

and was happy to have some new strips of marbleized papers 

to incorporate into the compositions!

Can you find them? :)

This technique is so easy.

Yes, there are people that have serious skills and you Should Google 

and watch some of the videos.

Most of us don't need to start with such complicated processes.

Its fun!

I think that you will be happy if you invest in either inks Or paints.

* 

We just returned from a trip to the cool Colorado mountains where we 

played as a family with polymer clay's.

I'm thinking, that we may give marbleizing a try, 

next time we get together :)  

Let me know how it goes for you, if you give it a try!

I'm so glad that you stopped by for a visit.

I hope that you are all enjoying your days.

It's the Dog Days of Summer in Texas.

Working in the garden, happens only in the earliest hours...then 

its back inside where its cool.

It really makes me thoughtful for those men and women 

whose jobs are outside, year around.

Best to all...Laura

5 Steps to Mounting Art on Wood Panels Hastypearl

5 Steps to Mounting Art on Wood Panels

Hastypearl

I was recently invited, to show my work at the Redstone Labor Day Art Show.

I was Thrilled, by the invitation!

The tiny trouble of it is, I don't Live in Redstone, Colorado...yet!

One fine day we will, but for now, it is just a 4 times a year, visit.

Framing and shipping 4 days worth of art, was going to be quite cost prohibitive, 

so I decided to mount my art on wood panels, instead.

Its really a great way to display, anyway.

Its still quite possible for a buyer to frame, should they decide to.

I also think it gives a nice cohesive look to the installation. 

So, I thought that it might be helpful for you to see the process.

I am thankful, that right at the perfect time, 

I saw Jane Davies do the same on her blog.

Thanks, Jane !

There are a number of places that you can buy 

lightweight wood panels, or sometimes called, cradle boards.

Cheap Joe's, is an excellent resource and by far, 

the least expensive for this particular product.

I had to WAIT for weeks, for one of the sizes to arrive, so make sure you check that part.

I wasn't in emergency mode yet, but I had to be Extremely Patient.

Determine what sizes you need.

I did my collages in pretty standard sizes...5 " x 7 ", 8 " x 10 ", etc, 

but you will be amazed at all of the sizes that are available.

Even still, I left a little extra paper, on each collage, 

so that after gluing, I could simply remove it.

Here's how you do it :

Step 1. 

I first painted the outer edges of the panels, with a 

color that would compliment my art.

I even painted a little of the front edge, so there wouldn't be any chance 

that you would see the raw wood. 

(you can see that in the second to the last image)

It would be next to impossible to touch up AFTER the art is adhered. 

I was Really glad that I thought to do this step.

  

Step 2.

Its also time to add whatever kind of hanging hardware that you want. 

I like to use saw tooth hangers. Everyone has their favorite. 

I cant tell you how many times, in my excitement, I forget the hanger, 

and then, I run the risk of damaging the face of the art, pounding in a hanger!

Don't do as I do, rather do as I say ;)

Step 3. 

I am a Weldbond"aholic".

No, there is not a 12 Step Program for such ;)

I buy it online from a place called Grady's Hardware.

(I'm guessing, that I have probably sent at least one of "Mr. Grady's" kids 

through college, for all of the glue that I have bought from him ;)

Whatever your favorite glue is, paint a thin layer on the wood.

You wont have a long time before it starts adhering, 

so get busy with your ruler and make sure that you have it evenly placed.

Step 4. 

After you are happy with the placement, find some heavy books 

and place them on top of the glued art. 

I leave mine overnight. 

If there is any chance that the cover of the books will stain your art, 

place something in between them and your work, just to be safe.

Of course, its like Christmas the next morning! 

I'm like a kid to see what it looks like, dry.

Stillllllll, there is One more step before completion.

Step 5. 

Use an X-Acto Knife/Blade, whatever you have, 

and simply trace next to the edge of the frame to remove the excess paper.

I was a bit nervous the first time, but it is Really Easy.

Depending on the thickness of your paper, you may need to make a couple of passes.

Keep going around the four sides of your frame...and You Are Done!

It really is amazing how Finished your art will look.

I bought multiple boxes of each size and see myself using 

them for many more projects.

With Cheap Joe's, there is a multiples discount.

I hope that this helps You and that You use it with your Art.

Let me know how it goes for You, if You do!

Its really going to make my shipping, much easier 

and I cant wait to see it all on display!

Ill be sure to take pictures of the Art Show and post them here :)

So glad, as always, that You stopped by.

I hope that You are enjoying these Wonder filled days, wherever You are!

Please stop back by, very soon!

: ) Laura aka Hastypearl