Create something completely unique with this step-by-step guide. Learn how to use Acrylic Ink to create marbling designs on paper and textiles - ideal for bookmaking, gifting, cards, artwork and more.
How to
Step 1.
Set up your workspace. You need Acrylic Inks, alum or aluminum sulfate, Methocel, paper (or cloth), a tray larger than your paper, mixing buckets, warm water, stirring tools and a large brush.
Step 2.
Prep your surface. In a bucket, mix 8 tbsp of alum/aluminum sulfate into 1 gallon of warm water. Stir to combine, then leave to cool. Using a large brush, saturate your paper with this mixture, then leave to dry. If you're using fabric, soak it in the alum solution for 20 minutes and leave to dry.
Step 3.
Make the marbling solution. In another bucket, mix 4 tbsp of Methocel into a gallon of warm distilled water and stir vigorously. Let this mixture sit until the bubbles disappear - this can take a few hours. Pour your Methocel mixture into your tray and wait for the bubbles to disappear.
Step 4.
Drop. Using the dropper, create pools of Acrylic Ink, making sure to vary their size and placement across the surface of the water.
Step 5.
Swirl. Gently swirl the ink pools with a tool until you get a design you like. Knives, metal combs and stirrers will give you different effects.
Step 6.
Dip. Carefully lay your prepared paper/fabric onto the surface. Gently smooth out any wrinkles and air bubbles, then let it sit until fully saturated.
Step 7.
Reveal.Holding opposite corners, slowly lift to reveal your design. Rinse with water to remove any residue, then hang to dry. This process can be repeated as many times as you like.
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