Rachel O'Connell
Rachel is a multi-media marbling artist and an educator. She has studied marbling with artists across the world and has over 30 years of marbling experience.
Ref: SLW35492
This practical course introduces you to two styles of marbling, Suminagashi, the origin of ink marbling and European heritage pattern marbling. Marbling is a mindful craft, where we use breathwork and simple tools and combs to create our patterns. All materials, aprons and gloves will be provided.
You will learn about the materials you are using and how to ascertain the suitability of the paper, or fabric, for the style of marbling and its application. You will be guided on how to use a naturally occurring mordant to prepare your papers and fabrics for successful marbling and the preparation of the European marbling bath mix. You will be advised on the type of ink and paints to use, their preparation and their storage.
On day one, you will mix your paints and create a colour palette. You will learn how to build up basic European heritage patterns to achieve more complex patterns using simple tools and combs. You will be shown how to transfer your patterns to paper and fabric. You will also learn how to create the heritage Spanish Wavepattern.
For day two, you will learn the ancient and mindful Japanese Suminagashi ink marbling. You will create organic shapes and concentric circles on the water surface, before being shown how to transfer the patterns to a variety of papers and fabric.
On the final day, you will use your marbled fabric to create an envelope style cushion cover, measuring 16in/40cm square. You will also stitch up the silk to make a scarf. You will be guided on the use of a sewing machine, using a simple running stitch.
The skills you acquire on the course will enable you to reproduce the marbling patterns at home, using basic tools and equipment. There will be an introduction of the correct handling of the mordant and marbling size powders, tools and equipment involved. You will also learn how to mix your paint colours to create your own unique colour palette. Each process will be demonstrated to the group, revisiting patterns, as needed, by each student. Afterwards, you will be able to work on your own patterns, with individual help from your tutor to successfully create marbled patterns.
All materials required for the specific project set by the tutor or shared by the group including paper, ink, paint, fabrics, tape, mordant powder, marbling powder, filtered water.
Notebook and pen
Available from tutor:
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Paint is flicked or dropped on the European marbling bath, so can be messy. Aprons are provided, but we suggest wearing old clothes and shoes for this part of the course.
Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above
Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.
Daily timetable
Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.
From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).
Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Last day
Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.
Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.
(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)
Rachel is a multi-media marbling artist and an educator. She has studied marbling with artists across the world and has over 30 years of marbling experience.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.