How Marbling Is Done

Colors are dropped onto a viscous liquid, where the surface tension lets them float and spread, without blending together. Once all the colors are added, they are raked and combed into the desired pattern with various tools. The design is then transferred onto paper, fabric, or another surface which has been prepared with a mordant to make the fibers receptive to the pigments.
Each piece requires more than a dozen steps to create, and each design is one of a kind. Results hinge on a wide range of factors, including the skill of the artisan, the temperature and consistency of the materials, and the weather. Much of the pleasure of marbling comes from its unpredictable nature - it's always exciting to see what emerges from the marbling bath!
I use a variety of techniques in my work, often in combination with one another: 
  • My "Duet" Scarves are marbled on both sides, with different designs unified by a single color scheme. This results in a striking interplay of contrast and harmony. Subtle hints of each design show through to the other side, adding additional interest and a sense of depth.
  • Ghost Marbling - Marbling the same surface multiple times creates a layered effect and sense of depth.​​


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  • Predyeing - Dyeing the fabric before marbling yields more intense tones, and also creates the color shifts that occur when combining colors (like the classic "yellow plus blue make green," seen below).
  • Monochrome - These pieces are also dyed before marbling, and I build upon the color of the dye to create textural patterns in a single color range.
Picture
  • Scottish Fold - My own twist on a classic marbling pattern, Spanish Wave. This technique makes it look like the fabric is pleated.

Marbling, Step by Step

First the fabric is gently washed to remove any surface treatments. Then it is soaked in an alum solution to make the fibers receptive to the pigments.
Ingredients are mixed to form a gelatinous liquid, called "size," on which marbling patterns are created. The size is poured into the marbling tray and left to cure.
Paint colors are mixed, then thinned to the proper consistency to float and spread on the size.
Various tools, many handmade, are used to apply the colors to the the size and work them into patterns.
The color is applied layer by layer in what is known as the stone pattern.
Then the colors are raked and combed into patterns.
The fabric is lowered onto the design, which adheres to it immediately. Then it is rinsed in water.
If I'm making my "Duet" scarves, which are marbled on both sides, at this point the steps get repeated.
The piece is heat set to make it colorfast and hand washable. Then it gets a final gentle wash to remove any remaining size and excess pigment, and is ironed again.
Copyright 2014, E.S. Gordon
www.ellensue.com