Reunited with Metallic Marbled Papers

Years ago, I discovered how eye-popping delicious metallics were on certain papers, especially black. It took me a while to find the a black paper I was looking for, one that was soft to the touch and had warm and elegant qualities to it. I was also looking for one that didn't leave behind water stains, a common problem with black papers. Once  I found that paper, I was off and running. I marbled with metallics on lots (and lots!) of papers...and then I shifted focus and didn't marble with them as much.

Then came Instagram. And I found my way to Brazilian marbler Renato Crepaldi, who is a huge fan of using metallics (and I believe he makes his own paints even), especially on black paper. Totally re-inspired by his work, I stepped into the studio and played with my dear old friends again; and it was just like any good, strong relationship...we picked up right where we left off.

I've listed a few of my favorites in my shop, if you're interested in purchasing these beauties. As always, there is free shipping anywhere in the U.S. on marbled papers.

Two-day Intro to Paper Marbling Class in LA

I'm excited to be kicking off the spring marbling season with my two-day Introduction to Paper Marbling intensive at BookArtsLA!

In this immersion class, students will learn the nuts and bolts of the art form, dive into traditional pattern making (foundation and advanced patterns) using the large marbling tank, and have time for creative exploration. You'll leave with a robust understanding of the art form, dozens of marbled papers, and the confidence to start marbling at home.

This class is fast paced and packed full of information. It is also physically demanding…we are on our feet all day and constantly moving from one end of the studio to the other. We also will be working both inside and outside of the studio so you will be exposed to the elements for brief bits of time (like sun!). But most of all, we have A LOT of fun.

Everything is provided in this class ~ just show up and have fun! To register, head on over to the BookArtsLA website.

Introduction to Paper Marbling
Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (both days)
BookArtsLA
11720 Washington Place, Los Angeles

Discover the Marbler in You (Or Someone Special)!

For the past 10 years, it has been my mission to "bring marbling to the masses." I have exposed people to the beauty and wonder of this gorgeous art form through in-person demonstrations, print and online interviews, my social media outlets, and collaborations with production companies.

I have also been so fortunate to be able to teach people all over the world how to create their own marbling magic at home. Whether I am working with them side-by-side or virtually, taking students on the journey to discover the marbler in them has been one of my greatest pleasures.

And now I'm making it easy for you to join me in giving (or receiving!) the gift of discovery with this deeply discounted, limited time offer.

Take advantage of the Discovery Package (a $270 value for only $160!)
to give yourself or gift to someone else a unique experience into the rich, dynamic world of marbling.

The Discovery Package ($160) includes:

• Introduction to Paper Marbling eCourse with access to all content for one year ($189 value)
• Starter Marbling Kit which includes almost everything needed to get started marbling right away: 11”x14” tank and rinse board, 1/4-lb. of carrageenan and alum, and starter tools (rake, whisks, eyedroppers, and stylus). You just supply the paint, paper, and creative energy! ($59 value)  
• Free shipping (up to a $22 value)

Or upgrade to the Discovery Complete Experience for just $125 more and receive LIFETIME access to ALL THREE marbling classrooms!
That’s a savings of $163!

The Discovery Complete Experience ($285) includes:

• ALL THREE marbling classrooms (Introduction to Paper Marbling, Advanced Marbling Techniques, and Marbling on Fabric) with lifetime access to all content ($295 value)
• Starter Marbling Kit which includes almost everything needed to get started marbling right away: 11”x14” tank and rinse board, 1/4-lb. of carrageenan and alum, and starter tools (rake, whisks, eyedroppers, and stylus). You just supply the paint, paper, and creative energy! ($59 value)  
• Free shipping (up to a $22 value)

Offer Details: Free shipping in the US only. Kits will be mailed out the week of December 4. Offer good November 22 through midnight EST November 27.

The Beauty and Fun of Marbling on Fabric

Wanted to share with you my new promo video that highlights the beauty, magic, and FUN of marbling on fabric.

While I haven't taught fabric marbling class in my studio (yet!), I do have a Marbling on Fabric classroom in my Clouds on Water eCourse. If you're interested in making unique fabrics that can be used for quilting, purses and handbags, clothing, and more, discover the robust, professionally shot and designed online classroom I made JUST FOR YOU!!

(If the video doesn't load, head on over here: https://vimeo.com/240513783)

That Special One

I still get all giddy and awe struck when I pull something from the bath. That's the beauty of marbling ~ every single piece is truly a unique surprise that never gets old to experience over and over again.

But every once-in-a-while, "the reveal" takes my breath away and leaves even me a bit WOWED (more than usual) off my feet.

That was this piece. I love it. And I love it hard. I can't stop looking at it.

It's for sale in my shop...and if you like it, you better snag it before I change my mind.

Super Deluxe, Super Fun

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of having folks from Super Deluxe over to my studio. Super Deluxe is a multi-platform entertainment company with a panashe for working with your not-so-typical creative voices. In other words, they are a little bit out there. But, they love artists, they love color, and they love bringing new and interesting things to their audience of ONE MILLION YouTube subscribers.

So of course I told them I would LOVE to have them join me in the studio to capture the spirit of marbling. What resulted was this great mini-story showcasing the beauty, magic and awe of marbling.

Enjoy! (If the video isn't loading for you, here's the direct link: https://youtu.be/OqclBOtOEx8)

The Spanish Marble

Yes, this is marbled paper, NOT marbled fabric. Pretty cool, eh?!

Always a fan favorite, the Spanish Marble creates the illusion of ripples across the paper. I like to think of it more as a technique than a traditional pattern since it is about how the paper is laid down and not about a series of strokes.

Students had a blast learning this technique in the Advanced Marbling class I held in my studio this past weekend. I also teach it in the Advanced Marbling Techniques classroom of my online course Clouds on Water. It's not a complicated technique to learn...but it definitely is a touchy-feely one that requires some insider tips and then some practice to get it down.

Spanish Marbles are wickedly wonderful to see in person and when famed, they add some serious spice to a room! Or you can use them for the cover of journals or other creative projects you're looking to jazz up.

I just updated the shop with these fun guys so head on over and grab one for yourself. And as always, there is FREE SHIPPING on all marbled papers.

Marbled Pin-Hole Camera?!! Wowza!!!

Oh. My. Goodness. Take a look at this beautiful pin-hole camera made with marbled papers by one of my students marta gonzales.

From marta:

I am an artist who works in several mediums; including photography.  Since taking the beginning marbling workshop with Barb I have continued to marble in my own studio.  I fell in love with the beautiful colors, designs and meditative process of marbling.  But what to do with all those marbled papers?  I saw a project for a die cut pinhole camera and couldn’t resist making one. Instead of boring brown kraft paper I used marbled paper to make my camera unique.  The pinhole is a fully functioning camera which really does work!  It uses either photo sensitive paper or film which is then developed to produce a negative and then a positive print. I love when one passion meshes with another and something awesome happens!

I get asked a lot what my students or I do with our marbled papers ~ and the answer to that is truly endless. All of my students have incorporated their marbled creations into their existing creative practice (like marta!) or have embraced marbling as their main creative practice and are off and running, marbling anything that isn't nailed to the ground! From marbled wrapping paper, notecards, seasonal decorations, and jewelry to fine art, bookbinding, marbled fabric clothing, and home decor ~ marbling is so easy (and ridiculously fun!) to integrate into creative adventures. 

You can check out a few more examples of marbled creations by students and myself on my Clouds on Water Intro to Paper Marbling website.

Morning Fun at the Marbling Tank

I love the meditative vibe of creating a design with Bull's Eye. And the funky, contemporary result is satisfying too.

Marbled Words

I absolutely love marbling on old book and dictionary pages (and maps and handwritten letters and ledgers too!). Sometimes I use them to pick up "ghost prints," or the leftover paint in the bath from the original print. But sometimes I set out with colors and patterns that match the specific personality of the page I am marbling on. For me, the point isn't to cover up the beauty of the printed page...it's to complement it...which means I have to be strategic in my colors, design, and intensity.

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My most recent round of scrap packs include some of these marbled pages. Head on over to my store to get your marbled bag of goodness...and remember, FREE SHIPPING on all marbled papers, including scrap packs!

Getting Back to the Tank

It's been a long, hot summer here in Southern California and it has put a damper on my marbling time. Last week, however, provided lovely conditions for marbling so I whipped up a bath and got back into the swing of things.

My only objective was to play and have fun. And I did. I didn't even practice many patterns. Instead I went for color and messed around with the traditional Spanish Marble pattern.

And this is what I love about marbling...even "just messing around" gives you spectacular results. Instantaneously.

It's so satisfying.

There are spots available in my Beginning Paper Marbling class on October 28. I'd love to share with you in the fun that can be had at the marbling tank! Email me to sign up.

Another October Class Added!

Well, that was quick! The Beginning Paper Marbling class has sold out (and I only have ONE spot left in the Advanced Marbling class) so I'm adding another beginner class on Saturday, October 28! If you'd like to join in on the marbling magic, I'd be thrilled to take you on the journey.

The Beginning Paper Marbling class teaches you everything you need to get set up and marbling at home in no time. The class is fast paced and packed full of information. It is also somewhat physically demanding…we are on our feet all day and constantly moving from one end of the studio to the other. We also will be working both inside and outside of the studio (so you will be exposed to the elements like the sun for brief bits of time). But most of all, we have A LOT of fun.

If you are interested in attending, send me an email!

Beginning Paper Marbling (6 hours) -

Date: Saturday, October 28
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (includes BYO lunch/break)
Class fee: $195 (includes everything!)
Location: my private studio in South Pasadena
Minimum of 5 students, maximum of 7

In this hands-on class, we work primarily in an 11x14-size tank with access to a shared 20x25-size tank. We will walk through the marbling set-up step-by-step from making the bath and mordant to mixing paints and preparing paper. We then will learn the five foundation patterns and venture into advanced patterns as time permits. By the end of class, you will have the knowledge and confidence to start marbling at home…not to mention many beautiful marbled papers as well!

The class fee includes EVERYTHING (paper, carrageenan bath, alum, distilled water, paints, use of tank and tools, and handouts) ~ just show up and have fun!

Once again, if you are interested in attending, send me an email. Once I have enough people signed up for a class, I will email confirmation and details to you.

Hope to show you the joys of marbling and play in the tank with you soon!

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Can’t take my in-studio class?
You may want to consider my online eCourse,
Clouds on Water, an at-your-own-pace class
available throughout the year!

October Marbling Classes ~ UPDATED: Beginning Class Sold Out

Let's get some fall marbling fun going!

I've had a lot of requests lately for both one-day and two-day classes so I've pulled together a flexible option for October ~ take one class or both! The Beginning Paper Marbling class teaches you everything you need to get set up and marbling at home in no time. The Advanced Marbling class then builds on what was learned to take your marbling to the next level.

Both of these classes are fast paced and packed full of information. They are somewhat physically demanding…we are on our feet all day and constantly moving from one end of the studio to the other. We also will be working both inside and outside of the studio (so you will be exposed to the elements for brief bits of time like sun!). But most of all, we have A LOT of fun.

If you are interested in attending, send me an email and let me know which class/classes you want to take!

Beginning Paper Marbling (6 hours) - SOLD OUT!

Date: Saturday, October 21
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (includes BYO lunch/break)
Class fee: $195 (includes everything!)
Location: my private studio in South Pasadena
Minimum of 5 students, maximum of 7

In this hands-on class, we work primarily in an 11x14-size tank with access to a shared 20x25-size tank. We will walk through the marbling set-up step-by-step from making the bath and mordant to mixing paints and preparing paper. We then will learn the five foundation patterns and venture into advanced patterns as time permits. By the end of class, you will have the knowledge and confidence to start marbling at home…not to mention many beautiful marbled papers as well!

The class fee includes EVERYTHING (paper, carrageenan bath, alum, distilled water, paints, use of tank and tools, and handouts) ~ just show up and have fun!

Advanced Marbling (6 hours) - 1 SPOT LEFT!

Date: Sunday, October 22
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (includes ½-hour BYO lunch/break)
Class fee: $235 (includes all marbling supplies, paper, and other materials to marble on...option for students to bring additional materials or purchase from me)
Location: my private studio in South Pasadena
Minimum of 5 students, maximum of 6

For those who have taken my Beginning Marbling class (or who have marbling experience), this class is for you! Building upon foundation patterns, we’ll work exclusively in the large, 20"x25" tank and dive into more advanced traditional patterns (like Bouquet, Flame, and Spanish Marble), learn how to use dispersant (for Italian Vein and Fantasy), and marble on nontraditional materials (like corkboard and canvas) as well as 3D objects.

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Once again, if you are interested in attending, please email me with the class or classes you’re interested in. Once I have enough people signed up for a class, I will email confirmation and details to you.

Hope to show you the joys of marbling and play in the tank with you soon!

---

Can’t take my in-studio class?
You may want to consider my online eCourse,
Clouds on Water, an at-your-own-pace class
available throughout the year!

Cellular Stories in Uppercase Magazine

If you follow me on Instagram or on Facebook or you attended the open house, you're probably aware of the evolution of my series, Cellular Stories, and the mentorship that fueled the creative direction. But it really was the desert, specifically Joshua Tree National Park, that was the spark for the series. My visits there tapped me into those ancient and ancestral stories that are the fire and passion for my creative expressions.

I'm thrilled that Uppercase Magazine has included my desert experiences in their roundup article, "Creativity on the Road." Working on the desert floor or taking rubbings of Joshua trees or Ocotillos or making shadow drawings of cholla cacti, all surrounded by coyotes and kangaroo rats and cat's claw and chuckwallas, well...that experience is so immersive that sometimes I lose my breath. Every single sense is engaged, tapping into my physical, mental, and spiritual beings all at once. When I'm there working, I truly am having conversations with the desert.

July and August are dedicated to returning to the series and incorporating the work I created at Joshua Tree National Park last April into new pieces. I'm so excited to be diving in again. (To follow along on a daily basis, check out my Instagram feed.)

Last Class of the Summer: 2-day Immersion at BookArts LA

I'm going to get in one last class for the summer and it will be at BookArts LA this weekend! I so enjoy teaching here. The facility is such a lovely place with lots of room and natural light to work in. And I have had such fun students in these classes ~ full of energy and enthusiasm with a fearless attitude toward playing in the marbling tank! I don't know how I keep getting so lucky!

I'll once again be teaching the popular 2-day Introduction to Marbling class. In this marbling immersion class, students will learn the nuts and bolts of the art form, dive into traditional pattern making (foundation and advanced patterns) using the large marbling tank, and have time for creative exploration. You'll leave with a robust understanding of the art form, dozens of marbled papers, and the confidence to start marbling at home.

Everything is provided. Just show up and have fun! To register, head on over to BookArts LA's website.

Introduction to Marbling
Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
BookArtsLA
11720 Washington Place, Los Angeles