Making Tiger Eye Marbled Paper

Paper marbling is a centuries-old art form that was once an integral part of the bookbinding trade, but is now relatively obscure. At Four Keys Book Arts we have made a point of maintaining, and I hope reviving, both of these disappearing crafts. In this video I am printing an edition of bespoke tiger eye marbled papers. This is not a tutorial video, but a look 'behind the scenes' at the process.
The marbling process begins with the ‘size’, the fluid bath upon which the marbling paints are floated and manipulated into the desired patterns. The size is made from carrageenan, derived from carrageen moss, a type of seaweed (or more accurately, an algae). The resulting fluid is as thick as cream and will not readily mix with paint.
Many types of paint can be used for marbling. I use acrylic paints, though gouache and watercolor paints are also commonly used. The paints are thinned and mixed with an ‘expander’, which causes the paint to spread upon the size. The properties of the carrageenan size prevent the paints from mixing as they are applied, allowing for the development of the characteristic fine lines of genuine marbled paper.
Once the desired colors and pattern have been achieved, paper that has been treated with an alum solution is laid carefully on the bath. The paint instantly and permanently adheres to the paper, resulting in a print that is as unique as a snowflake. Papers are sometimes rinsed, or in the case of the tiger eye pattern, laid flat to dry.
The tiger eye pattern, sometimes called the sunspot or soleil pattern, is considered one of the most challenging designs to achieve. Additives are mixed into the black marbling paint, altering its viscosity and pH in such a way that when it comes into contact with the carrageenan size it separates and flows out in its distinctive pattern. It is a delicate balance that must be achieved, taking in to account such multitudinous factors as temperature, humidity, viscosity of the size and paint, and the alkalinity or acidity of the materials, to name a few. Achieving consistent, repeatable results is an ever-moving target, so it is understandable that most marblers guard their tiger eye formulas closely. Many consider the technique to be more alchemy than art.
Thanks for watching!
Cheers,
Dennis
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All original works of art in this video are copyrighted exclusively by Four Keys Book Arts.
Music Credits:
'Night Snow' (0:05) by Asher Fulero - tinyurl.com/y2vszkts
'The Voyage' (3:55) and 'Serenity' (5:46) by Jason Shaw - www.audionautix.com

[@daveypak9673]

I tried Marbling thinking it looked easy- but it is deceptively hard! So many little things you don't even consider happens lol. Watching your videos definitely helped with some of it. Especially , what to do with the goop on the paper when you first take it off- that angle board solution is genius haha. I thought I needed to buy a table like that lol. The newspaper to gather up the excess ink too - I had problems with the paint falling into my pan, muddying it up so much.Thanks for your wealth of knowledge!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

It only looks easy when it's working right!😅 Through much trial and error I've developed a few tricks, so I'm glad they've been of some use. Thanks for watching!

[@DebKiwi]

@@FourKeysBookArts can I please ask what type/brand of paper you use to marble on? I know paper quality makes a big difference. Also, do you prepare the paper first with alum? I’m a paper-maker who started dabbling in marbling last year and have had mixed results. I’d love to make some lovely marbled paper like yours, for my journals.

[@OneKindWord]

Superb camera work plus excellent marbling add up to a beautiful result.

[@Michelle-oh5ws]

Not only is the marbling beautiful, but this video was so exquisitely shot!!!❤

[@paperkraftd1]

There is something so meditative about this process and it’s so satisfying to see the flat papers come out of the press.

[@keithfulkerson]

Watching the eyes form is mesmerizing.

[@janicetribbiani7535]

And hypnotizing~

[@janicevanbeek6342]

I could watch that for hours. I would love to see more marbling please!

[@BunnyLang]

Amazing! You got so many prints out of that one design, so wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing! Blessings :)

[@shahilabhilash3498]

this is a cinematic masterpiece

[@hakirulfakir]

It was so nice. Today in Turkey, the art is commonly known as ebru. This technique originates from China. It was used a lot in Islamic countries for decoration in binding and calligraphy.

[@sherryhudson7812]

Oh my, I got that excited feeling in my stomach as I watched this video. All your videos are so well done, I love the pace you work at and the feeling that goes into the work. Inspiring!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you so much! So happy to know my work can give such positive feelings!

[@DEADisBEAUTIFUL]

I love water marbling. I’ve done it on so many different things such as paper, vehicle parts, glass, a pair of spike heels, and even on my nails. But, I really like how it turned out on the paper in this project. The color choices are stunning!

[@hellix9376]

almost cried, love this design so much

[@protonprotonfix5749]

How wonderful an art this is!

[@deviantoutcast]

That is such a beautiful design, I can't take my eyes of off it - I can almost feel them bulging out of their sockets in an attempt to absorb the pattern and make it one with the eye, and my brain. I've been a lover of books since before I can remember, and with the development of the Internet making information freely available, I've finally been able to get in to something I've wanted to do for a very, very long time: book binding. So far I've mainly done miniature raised cord leather bindings (the largest book measuring 95 mm * 65 mm (roughly 3.74 in * 2.55 in) - the smallest 13 mm * 9 mm (roughly 0.5 in * 0.35 in) ). All fully functional, with headbands in 2 or more colors, and made using the exact same method as any full sized raised cord leather bound book. With one, annoying, exception: the endpapers. Of course they _do have_ endpapers, but so far I've been using ready made papers of various sorts. And you know what? I don't like it. I never liked it. Partly because it feels as if I'm cheating. And partly because it's hard to get hold of authentic looking papers of suitable thickness and pattern scale. All together I guess you could say that in the end, it feels very much the same way as it would to make - say - a silver prong ring and top it off using a plastic bead from the toy store instead of a cut semi-precious or precious stone. I'm abasing the book - demeaning it. A book is something beautiful, and deserving of respect, and care, and love. And that's why I'm here - watching this video. Now, I don't suffer from delusion of grandeur. Nor do I have a severe case of hubris - not even a case of regular hubris for that matter. So while I'm fully aware I won't - likely ever - be able to create anything even close to the aesthetical wonder being created here, I did acquired the necessary basic materials some months ago. I've just been feeling too uncertain, and too unsure (of my self) to get down to business, and instead - since bookbinding's only part of what I do - indulged in other creative matters. That ends now. Today. The leather's been dyed, the pages' been written, illustrated and assembled, the signatures' been punched and sewn and the head band colors' been selected. It is time. The creative juices are soaking my brain. I've been inspired. You have inspired me. Inspired me to dare to try. Thank You! Stay Safe, and Stay Sane Cheers!

[@donitafichter8298]

For the love of all that’s dear, oh my gosh that is stunning. Thank you for sharing that.

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

Wow, absolutely adore the tiger eyes. The volcanic effect as they form is mesmerising. Wish I understood the chemistry.

[@user-rm7vo4lh7u]

Qué maravilla!!! Qué belleza!!! Que idílico...espectacular!!!

[@jwonderfulsuccess]

Very cool. To me they look like schools of sardines. Art is interpreted by the eye of the beholder. I'd like to see more videos like this. I keep rewatching your videos because there's not so many but everyone of them is quality

[@violainegrisel4532]

Magnifique résultat. Quel savoir-faire ! Bravo

[@bconus]

This is the best marbling video I've seen ! I came here to try to understand How Karli Frigge was making here tiger's eyes ! Thank you so much Four Keys Book Arts!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Wow, thank you!

[@hvitis]

Did you manage to buy her book?

[@daveturnbull7221]

I've only just managed to get round to watching this Dennis - it's another work of art on so many levels. I loved the tricks you developed and shared with us - absorbing the excess paint from along the edges, the angled boards to drain excess liquid, I've never seen those in any other marbling video I've watched. The end result though is indescribably beautiful. I can well believe that it is considered alchemy! I hope you'll favour us with some more marbling in the future - it really is a wonderfully relaxing thing to watch (especially with your relaxed unhurried style).

[@tobybates4606]

WOW!!! Definitely need more marbling videos. This was AMAZING!

[@ClassySmiles]

This is so mesmerizing!!! I could watch this all day!!😮 Beautifully done!

[@PP-zr9be]

Stunningly beautiful. It is a true pleasure to watch this process. Thank you for sharing your art.😊😊😊😊

[@vivsalittlebitcrafty4854]

Just magical🤗 I cannot imagine how it feels to create such beautiful papers.

[@tammycox9789]

I am so fascinated by this. I didn't know this could be done. Wow just wow.

[@cheriephillips7360]

This is just the most beautiful paper!!! 😍😍😍😍

[@timeenuf4200]

Beautiful - thank you for sharing your talents and techniques.

[@GordiansKnotHere]

Always wondered how this was done and never saw it until now. That was very interesting and relaxing at the same time. Beautiful colors. Thanks!

[@davidlewis1009]

Absolutely incredible. All of your content. Masterful

[@BexEtcArt]

The care and quality is extraordinary

[@emmab7658]

That is SO beautiful. And such a nice pace in the video. Thank you for the inspiration! 🤗

[@nicolasezequielrenne5303]

This is gorgeous, amazing pattern

[@sandraforsman4971]

Beautiful! More videos like these too please! 🙏

[@irmanv.9798]

It is so magical. Thanks for sharing.

[@Max2U]

Absolutely incredible 😮

[@virginiaalonso4088]

Estoy maravillada! Qué belleza!😍

[@Dezertroze43]

Wow wow WOW! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉Amazing work. Stunning❤

[@vgnr100]

Eu não tinha ideia de como isso era feito. Seus vídeos são incríveis. Parabéns!

[@nancalvert2468]

Exquisite. Truly beautiful.

[@JohnMiller-zr8pl]

That's... the result is amazing!

[@dreaminginthegarden]

This is mesmerising to watch, and such beautiful paper! Wow.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@ivo-aceto]

Amazing. I loved watching this video so much.

[@ameliabaker424]

Wow- that’s beautiful

[@waukonstandard]

Those are gorgeous!

[@maureenrice545]

I think there is magic happening here! Amazing and so restful watching this video. Thank you

[@FourKeysBookArts]

It feels like magic when it happens :)

[@bloochoob]

Mindbogglingly marvellous. And your video style and music choice are just perfect too, it’s all a feast for the senses ❤

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you so much!

[@beverlyhayshouston2770]

Stunning!

[@Rainbow_Dogs_Berlin]

Wow! That's incredible, i love what you do. Tank's a lot for this and all the lovely Videos.

[@maryannecross4220]

Goodness talk about a jack of all trades 👏👏👏🇬🇧

[@kverde8696]

Wow 👌 This is so beautiful. Looks so fun to create 😊

[@juanitocentella]

Hermosos gracias por compartir tus conocimientos y tú tiempo.

[@mehtarelingolien]

Like an alien woodgrain! Gorgeous. Subscribed.

[@jaydiarae]

I enjoyed this so much, watching your technique and process. & What a beautiful print in the end! Thank you for sharing! 🤗

[@rebegotadeagua8555]

Muy agradecida por tu trabajo. ❤️🇪🇨

[@lidijagulczynski4530]

Omg 😮 gorgeous!!!!

[@Anna-loves-you]

Beautiful design❤

[@friedasorber1653]

Lovely video, close-ups, music, all is wonderful and the paper as superb as the ones I have in old books. Thank ypu for sharing.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thanks for watching!

[@jennifergamble3272]

The paper is beautiful. Would you ever consider doing a basic tutorial on marbling?

[@suzannerheaume8040]

This is so beautiful!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you!

[@johnburns2940]

EPIC !!!

[@juliansuarez2642]

Wonderfull work, tanks.

[@penyumuda]

Pure art.... Awesome.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you so much 😀

[@romystumpy1197]

Really beautiful

[@Ordnog]

Lovely!

[@michaelbuchholz2164]

Beautyful! 😊

[@br.samuel4754]

Wondefull creations. And so evenly.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you!

[@jayroland9481]

Very relaxing to watch.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@carolesouthern8439]

Mesmerising

[@daniellenunn-weinberg5381]

Glorious!

[@2_pencil]

This is exquisite!

[@krempel_und_klumpad]

that is really, really cool!

[@joannaharrison9997]

exquisite and magical

[@terezinhabentopereira3154]

Espetacular seu trabalho.

[@mattiaferraboli5715]

Beautiful work indeed, i would love to watch a full tutorial about paper marbling on yout channel, one day! By the way, you definitely have an eye for photography too, your videos are well composed and filmed, is not always a given!

[@xman044]

wow beautiful paper!!! amazing it really is

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thanks!

[@smitamukne6473]

Very Nice art and work. thanks

[@DorasBliss]

Beautiful ❤

[@timschaller]

This is beautiful! Thanks you. ... I also loved the "easter egg" headline at about 4:13

[@euvid1]

Wonderful. Thank you

[@alexistroncoso9710]

Today I find this treasury channel and I love it. I hope you can share other series of marbling paper. Thanks a lot

[@Isamolle]

Beautiful!

[@monicanunes6857]

Love, love, beautifoul ! 💚✨🍀

[@Anthony-vu8bl]

Very beautiful patterns !

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I’m glad you like them!

[@Miranda.Powers]

I love this so much! 💜

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@meenakshigoel6556]

Beautiful

[@cefrench7106]

beautiful unique pattern. I would love to use this in my collage work.

[@Tinatortoise]

Beautiful x

[@usermoyo2290]

Wow!!!! 🤩 Real magic exists!!!😲

[@FourKeysBookArts]

It's true!🧙‍♂️

[@tomcatfoolery]

It's beautiful

[@carlafeeoryne3102]

Amazing!

[@peixotojota]

Amazing 🤩

[@SuperDolly64]

With the decline of newspapers, this going to become much more expensive to produce-really beautiful and mesmeric

[@dorothyyoung8231]

Unprinted newsprint paper is cheap and easy to find. It’s sold in big bundles as packing material, for instance.

[@lillybell2472]

Gorgeous

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thanks!

[@michaelgillespie1206]

That's a very good looking design, it could be done in different colors and probably look good every time. "Look at them eyeballs"

[@DebKiwi]

More videos like this please!

[@ylezama-artes1919]

Wonderful.

[@S.lGifts-hy4un]

So good

[@samderbyshire5434]

Wow ty for sharing ❤

[@TanyaTheFutureDoctor]

Good amazing art ❤️ i have never seen it before 😍 nice to see 🤗

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you so much 😀

[@phoenixxiong3625]

So amazing

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Glad you liked it!