MARBLED PAPER DESIGN: Book and CD

Papermaking was invented in China probably around 2000 years ago and spread with the rapid expansion of Islamic culture into Spain and throughout Europe where the techniques for the production of decorated papers emerged. Often made to resemble expensive material such as marble, gold or exclusive fabric, they were sold at markets and paper shops and used as endpapers and wrappers for books, musical scores and brochures and for linings for boxes and decorating interiors of cabinets. They still appear in books today and are found in specialty paper stores. The combination of a viscous underlayer and floating dyes is essential to the flowing, organic designs typical of marbled paper. Dyes can be splashed or dipped to resemble naturally occurring structures or can be arranged into orderly patterns using a brush or comb or stick and introducing veins, curves, fans or waves. Once the desired effect is achieved, a sheet of paper is floated on the dye, transferring a mirror image of the design to the paper. This book contains examples of the best-known styles of marbling including comb pages 24-41, French curl pages 56-57, and stone marbling pages 80-119 including pebble patterns and veined marbling. Designs on pages 120-144 illustrate a shadow effect achieved by making ripples in the marbled liquid. The full page colour images throughout the book can be used as wrapping paper for small items (if you dare!), as a graphic resource and for inspiration and all are stored on the enclosed CD-ROM to decorate your letters, flyers, T-shirts etc. Large square softback, 144pp, colour.