How To Marble Paper

Try something a little different by making your own colorful marbled paper with a few simple supplies. Mix up homemade oil paint from kitchen supplies and make DIY marbled paper at home or in the classroom. Art doesn’t have to be difficult or overly messy to share with children, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot either. Make this fun and colorful marble paper for do-able art projects for kids.

HOW TO MAKE MARBLED PAPER

THE SCIENCE OF PAPER MARBLING

Why don’t oil and water mix? Do you notice the oil and water separate to make the fun marbling pattern? The water molecules attract each other, and the oil molecules stick together. That causes oil and water to form two separate layers.

Water molecules pack closer together so they sink to the bottom, leaving the oil sitting on top of the water. That’s because water is heavier than oil. Making a density tower is another great way to observe how not all liquids weigh the same.

Liquids are made up of different numbers of atoms and molecules. In some liquids, these atoms and molecules are packed together more tightly resulting in a denser or heavier liquid.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Marbled Easter Eggs

WHY DO ART WITH KIDS?

Children are naturally curious. They observe, explore, and imitate, trying to figure out how things work and how to control themselves and their environments. This freedom of exploration helps children form connections in their brain, it helps them learn—and it’s also fun!

Art is a natural activity to support this essential interaction with the world. Kids need the freedom to explore and experiment creatively.

Art allows children to practice a wide range of skills that are useful not only for life but also for learning. These include the aesthetic, scientific, interpersonal, and practical interactions that can be discovered through the senses, intellect, and emotions.

Making and appreciating art involves emotional and mental faculties!

Art, whether making it, learning about it, or simply looking at it – offers a wide range of important experiences.
In other words, it’s good for them!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR FREE 7 DAY ART CHALLENGE FOR KIDS!

MARBLING PAPER

ALSO CHECK OUT: Paper Marbling with Shaving Cream

SUPPLIES:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil per color
5 to 10 drops liquid food coloring
1 to 2 cups water, depending on the size of your container
Thick paper, like cardstock
Shallow dish, like a casserole dish or dish pan
Jars with lids
Eye droppers

HOW TO MARBLED PAPER

STEP 1. Pour water into the shallow dish.

STEP 2. In a jar, pour the vegetable oil. Add food coloring to the vegetable oil. Close the lid and shake until the color is blended with the oil. Repeat to make different colors.

STEP 3. Ask your child to use eye droppers to drip colored oil onto the water in the dish.

Be aware that adding too much color will leave a grey mess. Also, allowing the oil to rest too long will cause the food coloring to sink into the water. If the water becomes muddy, pour it out and start again.

STEP 4. Place a sheet of thick paper onto the colored oil and water. Gently press until the paper has come in contact with the water. Immediately remove the paper, allowing the excess water to drip back into the dish.