I recently learned how to decorate white paper and plain gift boxes with a marbleizing technique by using oil-based enamel hobby paints. The ones I bought come in small bottles and are used for painting model airplanes. They can be purchased in hobby and craft stores.
In my opinion, the results are gorgeous.
To make cards and gift tags, I recommend using a heavy, white watercolour paper. I experimented with other papers including inexpensive computer paper. It marbleized okay but the paper was wrinkled and curled.
I also tried it on onion skin paper. Because this paper is translucent, I marbleized it and laid it on top of a contrasting sheet of coloured paper.
Once you see how easy it is to do, you can experiment with the method.
Have you ever wondered how glass marbles are made?
Supplies:
- Watercolour paper
- Oil-based enamel paint
- 9x13-inch pan
- Aluminium foil
- Drinking glass
- Newspaper
- Toothpicks
- Tweezers or tongs
Instructions:
- Line the pan with aluminium foil.
- Fill the pan with about 2 inches of water.
- Place the drinking glass near the pan on top of several thicknesses of the newspaper.
- Pour a small amount of the paint into the water and swirl it with the toothpick.
- Lay the paper on top of the water and paint.
- With the tweezers or tongs, lift the paper out of the water. Shake off the excess water.
- Prop the paper against the glass to dry.
You can use two colours to marbleize paper. Simply tap two colours into the water. Swirl the paint with the toothpick and lay your paper on the mixture. Continue with steps 6 and 7.
Use a stencil or cookie cutters to trace out the patterns for gift cards and tree ornaments.
For even more dazzling results, cover a box with gold paint and marbleize it with a seasonal colour.
[Photograph by Linda Dunbar. Reproduction prohibited]
