Paper Marbling

I came across an art idea for paper marbling using shaving cream. I decided to be adventerous and give it a try! While the process is messy, it is extremely fun and I would recommend that you give it a try. The materials you will need for this project include shaving cream, liguid tempera paint, tools to mix in the paint such as tooth picks, combs, or your fingers, paper, cardboard, and a tray.

I really enjoyed my time experimenting with this art. If and when you try it, make sure that you 'push' the paint into the shaving cream. If you leave the paint on top and then scrape the shaving cream off, the paint runs and ruins the design. The paint should almost look creamy. Once the paint is in the shaving cream, take a piece of paper and push it down. When you lift the paper, you should be lifting the paint and shaving cream. Lay the paper down flat and then use cardboard to scrape the shaving cream off. Some of the paint will still be in the tray of shaving cream. You can reuse the layer or add more shaving cream on top and do another design. You will have beautiful marbled paper and it smells good too!

I decided not to this art project in my class this practicum but I would like to try it one day. I would ask for at least 2 parent volunteers to come in one afternoon to help. The possibilities for this art is endless. Students can make art folders, cards, and/or can frame their work as an abstract piece. Paper marbling can also be done with paint and water, but do to management and time constraints, shaving cream is a wonderful media for students to experiment with.