Paper Marbling

Ideas From Mike Moore

Mike suggested to use the marbled paper in the following ways: During spring, use several quarter sheets of paper; cream, light blue, and turquoise with one hot color. He told us that after the kindergartners marble the paper and let it dry, he has them make three fish and strings them to hang in front of a window covered with blue cellophane. This becomes their "school" of marble fish!

For Valentines day they make several sheets of pink, cream, lavender and light blue paper. He asks the students to bring lace, trim and paper doilies to make their special project. Depending on what the students bring, they either start with a paper plate (removing the center) or a heart shape cut from card stock and make a wreath for a gift for the families.

For St. Patrick's Day he cuts several green shamrocks, using a die-cut. The children marble the shamrocks and he laminates them. The children wear one as a necklace on St. Pats day. They use the rest to decorate several "bare" brees with ribbons and bows in the classroom.

In the fall they marble orange, yellow, gold and tan paper to cut out leaves. or they use several die cut leaf shapes.

Other ideas he shared: Spring flowers, Holly leaves, Easter eggs, Pastel bunnies, Halloween ghosts and pumpkins, Book Covers, Mobils, End sheets for books, paper to cut illustrations from, 3-D boxes. . . . Thank you Mike Moore!

Materials

1. Marble-Thix Concentrate
2. Tubes of acrylic paint
3. Construction paper
4. Plastic gallon jug to mix and store Marble-Thix (milk or juice jugs work well)
5. Containers for marbling (shallow containers, about 2 inches deep)
6. Plastic squeeze bottles for paint
7. Hair picks, large combs, plastic forks, toothpicks
8. Newspapers or paper towels for blotting and drying marbled paper

Management

1. Prepare several, six inch by four and a half inch pieces of construction paper for each student. OR precut holiday or seasonal shapes using a die-cut machine or scissors.
2. Direct students to write their name on papers before marbling.
3. Demonstrate how to marble the papers before turning the students loose!
4. Allow lots of exploration time and additional opportunities to marble again on other days.
5. Reuse Marble-Thix solution until it gets dark and cloudy (each marbling container makes 20+ prints)
6. The 21 quart size of Marble-Thix will do several hundred four and one half by six inch pieces of paper (400-600).

Hints

1. Mix Marble-Thix as per package directions
2. Allow to set for six (6) or more hours (overnight is best).
3. Waiting time can be reduced by mixing the powder with hot water.
4. Use a blender to speed the mixing (blend for 20 seconds at high speed) and let stand for 1/2 hour before using)
5. The mixture can be kept in a covered plastic jug at room temperature for 4 months.

Preparing the Solution

1. To prepare the gel/water solution, add one and a half teaspoons of Marble Thix powder to one quart of warm water and mix thoroughly. A wire whisk works well. The solution depth in your pan should be about 1 inch thick.
2. The solution needs to stand for at least six hours at room temperature to allow any lumps to dissolve. When the solution is ready it will feel slightly thick and slimy.

Preparing The Paint

1. Thin your paints with water using about one part paint to three parts water.
2. Glass jars or paper cups work well for thinning paint.
3. You can also create new colors by mixing the primary colors.
4. Paint should be about the consistency of milk and well mixed with the water.
5. Popsicle sticks work well for mixing.

Applying The Paint

1. Using the squeeze bottles, gently apply the paint to the surface of the solution.
2. Hold the bottle close to the surface and apply one drop at a time.
3. The drops will spread on the surface of the solution leaving a thin layer of paint.
4. Some paint will fall through the solution to the bottom of your pan. This is normal and is not a problem because you will work only on the surface.
5. As you add more drops of color or different colors, the thin layer of paint will intensify.
6. You can apply different colors without them mixing on the surface to create a pleasing pattern or design.
7. You can leave your design as a drop effect, or "work" the design with a comb or toothpick, etc. Simply draw the comb or toothpick through the paint on the surface of the solution to achieve beautiful swirling designs. Be careful not to "overcomb" and spoil the effect.

Printing On Paper

1. Hold the paper on diagonal corners and gently place the paper onto the surface of the solution. Try not to move the paper sideways once you make contact with the solution.
2. As you place the paper, press it slightly into the solution to be sure you don't trap any air bubbles.
3. Once the paper is in full contact with the surface of the solution, carefully lift it off the solution.
4. Lay it on a flat, newspaper or paper towel covered surface, with the design up.
5. Blot extra water on paper with towel so design doesn't run and dries faster.
6. Let it dry completely (this can take several hours to overnight)
7. Paper sheets can be flattened by pressing with an iron on the back side on a low heat setting when the paper is completely dry.

Cleaning Your Tools

1. Don't use soap to clean up with because any residue may affect results the next time you use the materials.
2. Use warm water and a brush.

to Order Marble Thix

Click on Lesson Plans if you would like to view additional lessons for your classroom.