Weekend Workshop

DIY Series
#1: Paper Marbling

The cost of this workshop is nonprofit and goes toward future projects and workshops. We will be charging 500 NDT per person for the event. This covers all materials needed, including, 10 sheets of specially coated paper, marbling tray, marbling size*, and marbling inks. Additional paper and ink usage will be available for an additional fee.

Paper marbling is messy and we encourage those participating to wear old clothes that can get dirty.

Minimum age for children is 7 with adult supervision and technical support. Children age 10 and up may find the process more manageable and get better results.

If you are interested in signing up for this workshop, please email us at fogstandgallery@gmail.com. We will provide one tray of size with one additional refill.  Any additional refills will incur an extra charge.

**This workshop is already concluded. If you are interested in working with our artists to host another paper making workshop with you, please contact us via email.

Paper marbling is a method of aqueous surface design, which can produce patterns similar to smooth marble or other stone. The patterns are the result of color floated on either plain water or a viscous solution known as size, and then carefully transferred to an absorbent surface, such as paper or fabric. Through several centuries, people have applied marbled materials to a variety of surfaces. It is often employed as a writing surface for calligraphy, and especially book covers and endpapers in bookbinding and stationery. Part of its appeal is that each print is a unique monotype.

Our method of marbling is more familiar with European and American traditions, which is made on the surface of a viscous mucilage, known as size or sizing in English. This method is commonly referred to as "Turkish" marbling, although ethnic Turkic peoples were not the only practitioners of the art, as Persian Tajiks and people of Indian origin also made these papers. The term "Turkish" was most likely used as a reference to the fact that many Europeans first encountered the art in Istanbul.

Hualien is cherished for its lush mountains, ocean views, and beautiful stone work. In our opinion, paper marbling embodies all three of these characteristics. The paper is made from the play of water, not unlike waves. The natural patterns achieved from marbling paper can mimic the complexity of stone, move the eye like the play of waves, and create the impression of endless landscapes. What we would like to do is give you the materials, time, and know-how in order to make their own sheets of marbleised paper. We encourage both young and old to come an try out this ancient process. Due to the limitation of materials and space, we can only accept participation upon confirmed reservation.