I took up paper marbling several years ago and have used the special marbled paper to create notecards and cards for special occasions, such as weddings. The marbling process I use originated in Turkey in the 15th century, the Golden Age of the Ottoman Empire. Marbling was knows as ebru or "cloud art," and in those days was used for calligraphy, to border manuscripts, and to frame drawings and paintings.
Click on small pictures to enlarge:

The process goes like this . . . Paint is dropped on the surface of thickened water. The paint creates a thin film on the surface of this thickened water (also called the bath or size). The paint can be manipulated using combs and other tools to create an endless variety of designs. Mordant is applied to one side of a sheet paper, which is then carefully placed on the bath so that the paint is transferred to it. The paper is rinsed and left to dry.

Pre-made packages of cards with hand-marbled paper

I have several pre-made packages of cards using hand-marbled paper that are readily available. These cards are reproduced using a high-quality color Xerox and each card is individually signed.

Prices for pre-made cards:

Pack of 4 (with envelopes) - $5

Pack of 8 (with envelopes) - 8

Nova Scotia series (12 cards) - $10

Prices include sales tax. Please add an additional $1 for shipping and handling for each set of 4 cards.

Custom-designed cards with hand-marbled paper

In addition to the pre-made cards, I custom-design cards for special occasions, such as weddings and other party invitations, birth announcements, graduation announcements, etc.

I charge $50-100 for the original design of the card (you keep the original artwork). Individual cards then range in price from $1.50 to $3 per card (includes envelopes and sales tax), depending upon the complexity and types of paper selected. Please also figure an additional $2 for every 10 cards ordered (minimum order = 50 cards) to cover shipping and handling.

Examples of custom-designed cards:

Marios and Sophia were living in the United States, but returning home to Greece to be married. I created several designs for them, which incorporated traditional Greek imagery. The inside of the card was printed on velum (a partially transparent paper), giving the invitations a slightly more formal look.

For their wedding invitations, Erica and Rich liked the symbolism of two kites, sailing separately but in tandem. I carried this concept into the design for their wedding thank you cards. I also integrated each of their favorite colors (blue for Erica and bright orange for Rich).

To announce the birth of my niece, Anna Rose Nachmanoff, I created several designs that play with the "rose" in her name. The soft torn edging of the cards works well with the softness of the designs.

I can also work cartoons or line drawings into the card design, as shown in my 2002 Holiday Season card.

Home	About Me	My Pots	Gallery	Dinnerware	Wedding Registries
Raku Pots	Hand Made Cards	Book Illustrations	Special Commissions	Art Shows	Ord=ering Info
Phone: (530) 757-6249		eFAX: (413) 653-0655