Marbling Seminar: Session 2: Watercolour Paper Marbling

Marbling Seminar: Session 2

Watercolour Paper Marbling

Seminar Leaders: Regina and Daniel St. John from Chena River Marblers

Location: CBBAG Bindery (180 Shaw Street)

Duration: 3 days, Tues-Thurs, April 10-12

Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Course fee: $585 members / $645 non-members

Materials fee: $125 payable on first day of session

Prerequisite: None

In this Classic Watercolour marbling seminar participants will learn how to make the most authentic and popular paper marbling patterns of the early 19th Century; Shell, Stormont, Glouster, Tiger Eye, Spanish and Italian Vein. Using techniques developed by the best marblers of the time, participants will learn the long-forgotten method of making their own marbling paints embedded with a beeswax paste. Papers marbled with these paints will be burnished to a fine smooth, glossy finish reminiscent of the best of the marbled papers of the time.

Participants will systematically learn how to make their own marbling paints and to carefully manage the paint additives used to create each of these classic patterns. New eye-popping, artistic possibilities will be discovered as students apply these 19th century techniques to 21st century materials.

Regina and Daniel St. John established Chena River Marblers, a marbling and bookbinding practice in 1985. They specialize in making beautiful marbled papers, marbled silks and hand bound books for the gift market. Chena River papers are used nationwide by fine bookbinders, are collected by lovers of fine marbled papers, are honored to be part of several major library collections and have been exhibited at the 2002 and 2016 International Marblers Gatherings.

Now, with 32 years of experience and with their great love of marbling, The St Johns have committed themselves to teaching marbling at the very highest levels. Along with a love of history, the St. Johns bring their well-crafted teaching skills as well as Dan St.John’s excellent understanding of chemistry and physics to all their marbling workshops.

The St. Johns have a vast experience both with acrylic paints and classical watercolour marbling and are able to offer the highest level of instruction to both those new to marbling as well as to those who come with significant experience. Workshops are given regularly at the Chena River studios in Amherst, Massachusetts; at the John C Campbell Folk School in North Carolina; at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, at Cattail Run Bookbindery in Winchester, Virginia; at Snow Farm in Williamsburg, Massachusetts; at The Creative Arts Workshop in New Haven Connecticut and at North Bennet Street School in Boston, Massachusetts. Their work can be explored at http://chenarivermarblers.com/