It’s a perfect project to do indoors or out and is kid-friendly.
you could also use items you have on hand in your kitchen to spread the diluted paint.
Small spoons, drinking straws, and toothpicks are all perfect options.
Credit: Buff Strickland
How to Make Marbled Paper
Basic craft paints can be used in this marbling technique.
We recommend having six to eight colors in a mix of cool andwarm hues.
The paints are diluted with water, so they’re easy to mix and apply.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
Marbling inks are also available at crafts and art stores if you want to dig deeper into the technique.
What You Need
Step 1: Set up your marbling supplies.
Protect your work surface with newspaper or a drop cloth.
Credit: Buff Strickland
of each paint color with 3 Tbsp.
water in cups or jars; stir to combine.
Create the starch bath by mixing 4 cups liquid starch with 1 tsp.
Credit: Buff Strickland
alum in a tray larger than your paper.
Fill the second tray with water.
We purchased a two-pack of disposable cake pans for $1.
Credit: Buff Strickland
Step 2: Drip paint onto mixture.
Start with small drops and random patterns, then layer additional colors.
The paint should cling to the surface.
Credit: Buff Strickland
Continue adding paint until the surface is nearly covered; you might add more later if needed.
Step 3: Make marbled patterns.
Play with paint drops, combs, and swirls to create patterns.
Manipulate the colors by swirling a straw or chopstick through the painted surface.
Drip new paint inside other colors to form concentric circles.
Go slowly to let the paint spread organically for the best effects.
Step 4: Marbleize the paint.
An improvised rake is a great way to create a feathered effect.
Make one by taping toothpicks spaced 1/2 inch apart on a piece of cardboard.
Try multiple pulls, different directions, or zigzags.
Paint will continue to shift, so have paper ready for the next step.
Step 5: Transfer paint to the paper.
Avoid submerging paper in the starch mixture, so it doesn’t get waterlogged.
Peel paper slowly off the surface and rinse in the tray of water.
Lay flat to dry.
Use a paper towel to mop up pooling water on the paper.
Pour used starch down the drain, running water for a minute after to avoid clogs.
Step 6: Finish your DIY marbled paper.
Once the paper is dry, iron it on the unpainted side to get a smooth surface.
Hang the finished works on a clothesline to create a gallery of your work.
Use the finished projects as framed art, origami, gift wrap, or gift tags.
You’ll need a bucket and various colors of nail polish for this DIY marble container project.
Step 1: Pour nail polish.
Fill a disposable bucket with water.
The water should be high enough to submerge the glass container you plan to use.
Slowly pour various colors of nail polish into the bucket.
Be sure to drizzle the polish around the surface; do not dump it all out at once.
Work fast, so the polish doesn’t dry.
Step 2: Swirl paint.
Use a wood skewer to swirl the colors in the bucket.
Then, slowly move the skewer around until you see your desired marble look.
Draw the skewer straight up and out of the water when done.
Step 3: Dip glass container.
Stop when you’re about 3/4s of the way down and pull the container back up.
Hold it over the bucket for a few seconds to let the drips fall back into the container.
You should make the dip as smooth and controlled as possible.
Swishing the glass container in the bucket can ruin the design.
Step 4: Dry and finish.
Set the glass upside-down on a stack of paper towels to dry.
