Marbling.

I have a great love for old books and the marbled end papers often found in them are one of the reasons for that love.

I took the opportunity to learn the art of marbling papers at West Dean College, first attending an introductory day course followed by a four day advanced course.

The introductory course taught the Japanese art of Suminagashi marbling, where ink is floated on water and abstract patterns created followed by English marbling using carageenan size and gouache paints in traditional patterns.

The advanced course expanded the range of materials that I could marble on, teaching how to marble on fabric, leather, vellum, wood and ceramics. It also added more intricate patterns to my skill set.

I particularly enjoy using my marbled papers for the covers of my handmade books.