The Ultimate Marbling Handbook: A Guide to Basic and Advanced Techniques for Marbling Paper and Fabric (Watson-Guptill Crafts) (Paperback)

~ Diane Maurer-Mathison (Author) "SUMINAGASHI, a Japanese word meaning "ink floating," is the oldest form of marbling..." (more)
Key Phrases: marbling tray, watercolor marbling, carrageenan size, Paul Maurer, Galen Bern, Winsor Green (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Beautifully marbled endpapers are a familiar sight in old books, but few readers have any idea of how they are made. The technique of printing on paper using inks or paints floating on water was originally kept secret, but recent books have revealed the process. Continuing the material in her previous book, Marbling: A Complete Guide to Creating Beautiful Patterned Papers and Fabrics, this guide includes avant-garde images as well as the classic designs using Japanese suminagashi inks, oil-color marbling, and watercolor marbling. Included are troubleshooting pointers and excellent photographs of pieces by the author and other artists. Highly recommended for all crafts collections.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

This handbook offers a complete guide to methods, styles and levels of marbling. Beginner marblers will appreciate the step-by-step instruction, intermediate marblers can use the troubleshooting guide to solve problems, and advanced marblers will find ideas and techniques from around the world.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823055752
• ISBN-13: 978-0823055753
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #361,867 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars detailed and clear instructions, June 29, 2000

By A Customer

I have done Suminagashi marbling for years and have been tempted to move into other types of marbling but have been unable to find good detailed information on material and techniques.

Diane Maurer-Mathison is an old hand at marbling and she shares all her wisdom here. She starts with the easiest marbling techniques and moves into patterns that would challenge a master.

Not only does she tell you where to buy the tools you need she includes detailed instructions on how to make your own tools and grind your own pigments.

She even tells you how to marble fabric, your sneakers, wood, and anything else that will stand still.

And the colored illustrations are breathtaking! I opened the book in front of a friend and her daughters. We oohhed and aahhed over it for a good twenty minutes. It is truely inspiring.

Someone put a lot of time and effort into making this a clear and easy to use guide. I reccomend it highly.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best marbling book. Creative ideas. Inspirational., May 1, 2000

By	Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This is the best marbling book I have found. It is packed with creative ideas & techniques not found in other books. It takes you seamlessly through the process of suminagashi, oil, & watercolor marbling as well as marbling on fabric.

Tools, techniques and finished works are shown in full color throughout. The guide to creating marbled designs is fantastic. It shows you step-by-step how to make a bird, butterfly, heart, flowers, fish & 30 classic patterns.

Various advanced techniques including overmarbling & compressing, as well as using friskets & a variety of additives help you create true works of art. The troubleshooting sections for each method are also a big help.

I love the numerous color photo examples & inspirational gallery that includes applications of marbling in a wide range of finished art works and 3-dimensional objects. A useful source directory is also included.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 200 color images of marbeling designs are inspiring., October 4, 2000

By	R. Haldeman "ruth" (Lemont, PA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Marbling of fabric and paper has intrigued artesans for centuries. The Ultimate Marbling Handbook explores the art of marbling, materials used, techniques and beautiful images of marbled color captured on paper, fabric and other materials. The colors are vivid, designs are unique and imanigative. Marble patterns fascinate, from the random stone or rock, to the colors combed into repeating patterns, no two the same.

Advanced designs of many artists are shared and techniques are explained. Diane Maurer-Mathison is a gifted artist and has authored a beautiful book suitable for the beginning to experienced marble artist.