Marbling Workshop

Name: Marbling Workshop
Start: 2025-09-20T09:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-09-20T12:00:00-04:00
Location: Marywood University

Schedule

Sat Sep 20 2025 at 09:00 am to 12:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Marywood University | Scranton, PA

WORKSHOP- 9/20 $10 Material Fee
$30 for members, $37.50 for non-members
Email [email protected] to register!

Paper marbling is a centuries-old art form that involves floating paint on the surface of water and manipulating it into intricate patterns. In Japan, this technique originated as Suminagashi, (“floating ink.”) Around 500 years later, a similar but more elaborate form known as Ebru developed in Turkey, using oil-based paints. To support the heavier paint, water was thickened with a substance called size, allowing the artist to create swirling, layered patterns. Designs were then transferred onto paper treated with alum, a mordant that helps paint adhere permanently.
In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore traditional and modern marbling techniques using acrylic paints, water thickened with carrageenan, and alum-treated paper. Participants will use combs, rakes, whisks, and other tools to manipulate the floating paint and create beautiful designs such as the Peacock, Chevron, stone marble, and more. Everyone will leave with several unique sheets of marbled paper, perfect for notecards, bookmarks, bookbinding, or small gift bags.

Ann Marie Castelgrande is a retired art educator with over 40 years of experience teaching art from kindergarten to college. A graduate of Marywood University with both a BA in Art Education and an MA in Studio Art, her passion for marbling began while teaching this art form to her students. She has shared her expertise in workshops for the Calligraphers’ Guild of NEPA and Marywood University’s printmaking and Continuing Education programs.