Process

Alum Coat the Paper

1. Heat water in the kettle- water should be warm not boiling

2. Dissolve 1/4 cup into water.

3. Let alum-water mixture cool, then pour into a clean container.

4. Cut and prepare 10 pieces of paper. Label the back of each with initials.

5. Sponge the alum water onto each piece of paper and let dry completely.

Prepare Carrageenan Mixture

1. Start with water in the blender

2. slowly mix in the carrageenan, adding one Tbsp at a time, then pulsing the blender for a few seconds

3. Once all carrageenan is mixed in, add mixture to water in the gallon jug.

4. Let mixture sit so air bubbles dissolve

Marbling the Paper

1. Pour carrageenan mixture into tray until an inch thick

2. Put ink in palette (feel free to mix colors)

3. Dip two brushes in two separate ink colors

4. Alternate tap the brushes to the surface, creating several concentric circles

5. Swirl the colors together with comb or needles

6. Bow the paper and gentle set it on the surface of the liquid

7. Gently tap the paper so the entire surface is covered.

8. Peel paper up and set aside

Once the paper is dry

1. Rinse paper under running water

2. Let dry again

3. Enjoy!

Experience

I enjoyed this process due to it’s vibrant colors and the high amount of control over the design. The carrageenan made for a thick, semi-still surface to work with. As a result, the design was more predictable and I could control it much more.

My favorite pattern was a feathery design created by drawing the point of a safety pin through the ink colors, back and forth. With more time, I would have played around more with different colors and patterns.

My main problem throughout the process was uneven application of the colors and the air bubbles. I would be sure to have completely flat paper to avoid any bubbles or white spots. Another solution for air bubbles would be letting the carrageenan mixture sit longer.

Class Application

Due to the use of carrageenan and the multi step process, this would be a high school level of paper marbling.

It is useful as a way for students to learn and practice a technical process, which is a skill that is useful in other domains as well. Because we use a powdered chemical substances, safety is another thing to keep in mind and helps teach students to think able necessary precautions when working with new substances.

As with other marbling techniques, this lesson would be useful as a fun jumping off point going into book making units or other lessons that require paper.