We think creativity is something everyone can do, every day. This is the first of a new series of fun, creative activities and ideas you can try out at home!
Creative Playground ran this activity with artist Areej Abdi for a group of local residents as part of our Invite Us strand in August 2024. We’d like to thank Areej for designing this activity and for generously sharing it with us and with you. Check out more of Areej’s incredible work on Instagram.
Marbling
Marbling is a traditional art technique that involves floating colours on the surface of water creating intricate, unique and fluid patterns that can be transferred onto paper, fabric, or other surfaces.
Age guidance: Suitable for ages 12+ (under 12’s will need support from an adult)
Est. time to make: If the marbled paper is already dry it will take about 2:30 hrs. If you are using wet marbled prints it will take longer as the paper has to dry before it can be glued on the paper.
Materials Needed:
- Marbling Paint or Ink: Marbling inks are lightweight and can float on water. Here are some examples on Amazon and Baker Ross.
- A Tray: A shallow, flat tray slightly larger than the paper or fabric you’re marbling e.g. from the Works
- Absorbent paper: like watercolour paper or rice paper
- Brushes or Droppers: Used to apply the marbling paint or ink to the surface of the water.
- Combs, Pens or Toothpicks: for moving around the paint on the water
- Water and Containers: For rinsing paper and mixing colours.
- Protective Gear: Gloves and an apron to protect your hands and clothing.
Step-by-Step
Apply the Paint to the Surface:
- Use brushes, droppers, or pipettes, gently drop the marbling paint onto the surface of the marbling solution. The paint should float on top.
- Start with one colour and then add any other colours you’d like. The colours will spread and interact with each other, creating unique patterns.
Create Patterns:
- Once you have added all the colours you want, use different tools like combs, pens, or toothpicks to carefully drag, swirl, or comb through the paint to create intricate patterns.
- Traditional patterns include the “stone” (created by dropping paint in concentric circles), “feather” (created by dragging a comb through the paint), and “peacock” (made by creating small, scalloped loops).
Transfer the Pattern to Paper or Fabric:
- Carefully place the paper onto the surface of the marbling solution. Be sure to avoid air bubbles and ensure the surface is in full contact with the paint.
- Gently press down to make sure the entire surface touches the floating paint.
Lift and Rinse:
- After a few seconds, lift the paper or fabric off the solution by one corner, pulling it up and away smoothly.
- Immediately rinse the marbled surface in clean water to remove excess paint, revealing the vibrant pattern.
Drying:
- Hang or lay the marbled paper or fabric flat to dry. Make sure it dries completely to prevent smudging.
- Once dry, the marbled surface is ready for further use, whether as a standalone artwork or to make your explosion book.
Clean the Surface:
- Before starting a new piece, use a strip of plain paper to skim the surface of the marbling solution to remove any leftover paint. This ensures a clean base for the next print.
Explosion Books
Explosion books are a type of handmade, interactive book that opens in a dramatic, expanding fashion when you unfold it, revealing multiple pages at once. These books are great for showcasing artwork, photos, or creative writing in a unique way.
Materials Needed:
- Card or heavy paper: For the pages of the explosion book.
- Decorative Paper: For covering the front and back covers (optional)
- Scissors: To cut your paper to the correct size.
- Pencil and Ruler: For creasing the paper, and measuring & marking the paper
- Glue Stick or Double-Sided Tape: To attach the covers and pages.
- Ribbons or String: To tie the book closed (optional).
Step-by-Step
Prepare the Paper:
- Cut three squares from your heavy paper. The squares should all be the same size. A common size for each square is 20cm by 20cm, but you can adjust the size based on your preference.
- Marking Folds: Lightly mark the centre of each square by folding it in half diagonally both ways and pressing the folds to form an “X” in the middle
Folding the Squares:
- Fold Each Square in half vertically, horizontally, and diagonally along the marked lines. You should end up with creases that divide the square into 4 smaller squares and 8 triangular sections.
- Create the Explosion Fold: Push the centre point of the square up towards you while simultaneously bringing two opposite corners together. This will form a triangular shape. Press the folds flat. Repeat this process for all three squares.
Tip: Be precise with your folds and measurements to ensure the book opens and closes neatly.
Assemble the Explosion Pages:
- Attach the Squares: Lay the three folded squares in front of you with the pointed (closed) corners all facing the same direction.
- Overlap the bottom square’s open side with the pointed corner of the square above it, and glue them together.
- Do the same with the second and third squares, so they are all connected in a line, forming a continuous fold.
Create the Book Covers (optional):
- Cut two pieces of cardboard or cardstock slightly larger than your folded squares (e.g., if your squares are 20cm by 20cm, cut the covers to 20.5cm by 20.5cm – depending on preference.)
- Cover each piece of cardboard with decorative paper, wrapping it around the edges and securing it with glue or tape.
Attach the Covers:
- Glue one cover to the top and one to the bottom of your folded explosion pages, aligning them with the edges.
Add a Ribbon Closure (optional)
- Cut a piece of ribbon long enough to wrap around the book and tie it in a bow.
- Attach the ribbon to the back cover before gluing the cover down, so it’s secured in place.
Finishing Touches:
- Final Creases: Once everything is glued and assembled, refold your book along the creases to ensure it folds properly and “explodes” when opened.
Decorate the Pages:
- Add photos, artwork, or writing to the inside pages of your explosion book. You can leave some pages blank or add pockets for small notes or keepsakes.
