For 250 years after its introduction to Europe around 1600, the method of decorating paper known as marbling reigned supreme as the chief means of embellishing the fine work of hand-bookbinders. Richard J. Wolfe reconstructs the rise and fall of the craft and offers the most comprehensive account available of its history, techniques, and patterns. A publication of the A.S.W. Rosenbach Fellowship in Bibliography Series

An illustrated introduction to an increasingly popular art form. The art of paper marbling is having a revival. Contemporary paper artist and author Lucy McGrath specializes in paper marbling and shares her skill and passion for this beautiful craft. Her book is a wonderful introduction to the craft for beginners which takes readers on a journey through simple to advanced techniques – with step-by-step instructions and photography – plus a range of some of the most beautiful paper marbling today. The book covers: An introduction and brief history; Preparation and equipment (with recipes for the thickened water that the paint floats on plus the paints themselves); Planning your design (mood boards, colour palettes, testing paint behaviour and paper); Pattern tutorials (ways of applying paint); Swirl and git gel (Turkish traditional pattern); Nonpareil (fine tooth comb use); Spanish Wave; Ebru (flowers on the surface of the water); Advanced Techniques (including figurative images); and finally marbling onto three-dimensional items such as baubles and pots. There is also a selection of projects that uses marbled paper, including bookbinding, origami and collage. Richly illustrated with some of the most beautiful paper marbling today, this book will introduce a wonderful craft to a new generation.

The beautiful centuries-old craft of marbleizing — decorating paper through the use of "floating colors" — dates back to eighth-century Japan. Today marbleizing is a newly popular craft, enjoyed for the exquisite and unique designs it produces (no two are alike) and its myriad of decorative applications. This volume is a complete step-by-step illustrated guide to the entire marbleizing process. Artist Gabriele Grünbaum shows you how to prepare colors, form beautiful and striking patterns, and transfer them onto prepared paper. Included are a list of tools and materials and helpful suggestions for avoiding common mistakes. In addition, an informative introduction traces the history of this wonderful handicraft. Create beautiful, versatile craft papers with colorful swirls, bold spotted designs, and exciting combed lines. Choose from 12 different patterns: Fantasy, Stone, Swedish, Wave, Comb, Snail, Bouquet/Peacock, Floral, Veined, Tiger, Oil-Color, and Oil-Color Batik. Marbleized paper can be used for decorating books, boxes, lampshades, wall hangings, decoupage, picture frames, linings, wallpaper, greeting cards, stationery — almost any art or craft project. Artists and crafters who want to create their own original marbleized papers will find this inexpensive edition a handy guide for learning basic techniques and a rich source of design ideas.

This newly-designed volume of C. W. Woolnough's classic book, "The Whole Art of Marbling as applied to Paper, Book Edges, Etc.," has been printed in color. The publisher has included a timeline of Woolnough's publications and annotated with footnotes throughout to clarify obscure details.