Paper marbling is a lot of fun
This is a seemingly simple, but nonetheless complicated process because you have to get to understand the strength of each colour and how it changes when it comes in contact with the paper. Sometimes the colours you have chosen look completely different when you get them down on the glue – and even more interesting depending on the colour of paper you choose to print them off on- so it is fun to experiment.
First job – you have to mix some clean clear “colla” (glue) – they use a special vegetable glue pretty much the same consistency as wallpaper paste – which you pour into a large “vassaio” (tray)
The glue is poured into in the clean metal tray and beside it stand a selection of colourful acrylic paints – aprons are provided! This glue which is boiled many times only makes about 30 pieces of paper before it has to be changed so this part is a labour intensive process.
Using the second brush as a guide, drop spots of your chosen paint colour onto the glue base – where it will “open out” and spread across the surface of the glue in different ways according to the strength and consistency of the paint chosen.
The paint “sits” on top of the glue waiting to be stirred into thin stringy lines or more swirly shapes.
The photos below show the thin stripes ready to make the peacock or turkey tail design and the wheat head designs for making the more freestyle design.
The next two steps involve 2 different large toothed combs – the first you drag down the tray and create an image with arci (arches) which forms the basis of the peacock tail design. The second comb has a double row of metal teeth and this has to be dragged down the tray with a zig-zag movement – this moves the arches into a different formation – genuinely very similar to a turkey’s tail – or at least I think so having seen this angry turkey see off a potential rival (a large cockerel!) in Vauxhall City Farm last year!
Paper marbling classes are usually quite simple to set up as we have two central Florence locations to choose from – so if you want to give it a try please contact me on penny.howard1@ntlworld.com
Naturally, you take your paper home to gift wrap your very special presents.
Hello, I’ve just seen the above article on the Internet and wonder if you still organize marbling workshops and if so, do the run over Christmas. A friend and I will be in Florence from the 24 th to the 29 th ( away on the 28th) of Dec. I am a papermaker living in Japan and would love to do a little marbling on my holiday. I have done a little marbling with experts in America and Japan but never Italy!
If you no long organize workshops could you please put me onto someone who does.
Many thanks, yours Dee Stout
Also do you have any papermaking information around Florence.
Dear Dee – thanks for this and yes I do still regularly organise paper marbling workshops. I will see my teacher Riccardo Luci this morning and check his availability during your stay and get back to you with suggestions. Paper making is done quite a way from Florence at the Fabriano paper factory and I know that they do tours but it is a bit of a shlep and I am not sure about the Xmas dates. I can also check this with them but probably not until next week as I have a very full agenda this week. I will let you know about paper-marbling, which is a great way to make your own Xmas wrapping paper for that special someone! Penny
Hi Dee I am sorry to have to say that these studios plan to be closed over the Christmas/ New Year period – I am looking for an alternative teacher for you between Christmas and New Year. Best regards Penny
Ciao! I am interested in learning how to make this paper before I go back to the United States in May. I was wondering how much they cost and what exactly do you learn. Grazie!
Hi Elizabeth and thanks for this question – the course is a couple of hours long if you make two pieces of paper -it starts with a demonstration – then you make a guided piece to a traditional Florentine design – usually the Pavone ( peacock tail) using colours of your own choice so there will never be another piece of paper exactly the same as the one that you will make! Finally, you can make a piece of marbled paper to any design that you like – freehand as you want it to be – naturally you get to keep your paper once it has dried. All processes are explained throughout the course and the Florentine designs are made with original tools. I am in Florence next week and can set soemthing up for you – I will write an email with contct details – regards Penny
Hi I would like to know the cost and availability (Saturday possible in Apr or early May)?
Thanks!
Hi Sophia – I will ask about this – I understood last week that it was unlikely until early May – Let’s hope so! I will come back to you email address as provided – thanks
Ciao Penny! my husband and I are in Florence for a month (July) and we were wondering if you were still organizing paper marbling workshops. We just love doing this kind of activities, and especially with things that have to do with books and paper, as we think it is important to keep them alive.
Thanks so much!
Thanks Maria – I am trying to set something up for Tuesday next week – I will get back to you asap!
incredible! thanks so much!
Hi, Maria -Thanks for this – Riccardo can possibly do a class on Sat – probably afternoon – can you and your Husband make this date? Please let me know & I will confirm as soon as possible & try and find another couple – weekends are best for them as they have a lot of Book-Binding commitments to fulfil this month. Please let me know asap – Penny
Hi Penny, yes Sat works for us! let me know the details!
Brilliant – we would like to start at 3.30 – the address is Via del Parione 35r 50123 – next door to Bisone, Parione runs parallel to the Arno – north side tel me if any problems finding us – I will try to find you! My number is 0039 3273431681 or shop tel number is 0039 055294968 (but they will be officially closed!)
We look forward to seeing you – cost 45E per person – trust okay?
best
Penny
it would probably be easier to work on email penny.howard1@ntlworld.com or call me on 0039 3273431681 -THanks – Penny
Maria – I hope that you are coming to join us on Sat afternoon at 3.30 – as per the above messages – Please confirm asap – THANK YOU!
Hi, Penny,
My wife and daughter and I expect to be in Florence in September. The class you describe above looks very appealing. Is there any chance that you might organize one then .
Streph
Dear Strephon – I am not sure whether my previous response reached you whilst I was travelling today, but if you can give me the exact dates that you will be available during your forthcoming trip to Florence I will ask Riccardo whether he has time to do a lesson – usually his preferred time is Saturday afternoon but please let me know your dates and we should be able to fix something.
I look forward to hearing from you
many thanks
Penny Howard