Paper Marbling
Create stunning swirled patterns on paper using a simple shaving cream technique. Paper marbling produces unique, one-of-a-kind designs every time - no two prints are alike. Perfect for making custom cards, book covers, wrapping paper, and art.
What You'll Do
What You Need
Required
- ●Shaving cream (foam, not gel)($2-4)
- ●Food coloring or liquid watercolors($3-5)
- ●Shallow pan or baking dish($0)
- ●Paper (cardstock or printer paper)($0)
- ●Squeegee or piece of cardboard($0)
- ●Toothpicks or skewers for swirling($0)
How To Do It
- 1
Prepare your tray
Fill a shallow pan with a layer of shaving cream about 1 inch deep. Use a spatula or cardboard to spread it evenly across the surface.
- 2
Add color drops
Squirt drops of food coloring or liquid watercolors onto the shaving cream surface. Use 3-4 colors, spacing drops around the tray. Don't overdo it - a little goes a long way.
- 3
Create swirl patterns
Drag a toothpick, skewer, or fork through the colors to create marble patterns. Try spirals, zigzags, or figure-eights. The more you swirl, the more blended the colors become.
- 4
Transfer to paper
Gently lay your paper on top of the shaving cream, pressing lightly so it makes even contact with the surface. Let it sit for just a few seconds.
- 5
Scrape and reveal
Lift the paper off and lay it flat. Immediately scrape off the shaving cream with a squeegee or cardboard edge. Work quickly - don't let shaving cream soak in. Your marble pattern is revealed!
- 6
Let dry and repeat
Set aside to dry (only takes a few minutes). Refresh your tray with more color for the next print. You can reuse the same shaving cream several times.
Tips
- →Use shaving FOAM, not gel. Gel doesn't work for this technique.
- →Common mistake: letting shaving cream sit too long on paper. Scrape it off immediately after lifting to prevent soggy, stained paper.
- →Food coloring will stain hands temporarily. Wear gloves or embrace colorful fingers.
- →Thicker paper like cardstock gives better results than thin printer paper.
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Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of shaving cream works best?
Use foaming shaving cream, not gel. Basic brands like Barbasol or store-brand foam work great and are inexpensive.
Can I use regular paint instead of food coloring?
Yes! Liquid watercolors, acrylic paint (thinned with water), or tempera paint all work. Experiment to see what you prefer.
Why are my colors coming out faded?
You may not be using enough color, or the shaving cream is too old/flat. Add more drops of color and ensure the shaving cream is fresh and fluffy.
What can I make with marbled paper?
Cards, gift wrap, book covers, journal pages, paper snowflakes, envelope liners, or frame it as abstract art.
How many prints can I make from one tray?
Usually 3-5 prints before you need to refresh with more color. You can add more shaving cream and color as needed.