Paper marbling has been around for a long, long, time and there are a variety of methods one could employ.

We're going to show you one of our favorite, DIY methods, that requires minimal supplies. Hopefully, you'll be able to scrounge some of these up around the house or pick them up during the next run to the grocery store.

So have some fun experimenting and iterating with this simple paper marbling method.

Keep making!

Supplies

Paper (non-coated)

Foam Shaving Cream (think Barbasol style)

Spreader (to spread shaving cream, spoon or popsicle sticks work)

Paint (we used watered down acrylic but water colors, food coloring, even finger nail polish would work)

A tray (shallow baking pans work great for this)

Popsicle stick (to use as stylus)

Scraper (flat piece of cardboard, squeegee, etc. . .)

Towels or rags (paper towels work)

Step 1: Prepping Your Materials

Depending on the paint you use, you may want to water it down some, so the paint is a little more fluid and less viscous. The consistency of nail polish is good.

Also, depending on the size of the tray you use, you may need to cut your paper down to size.

Step 2: Paper Marbling

Now the fun begins!

1. Spray the shaving cream on the cookie tray in an area just large enough to fully cover the paper you've prepared.

2. Smooth out the shaving cream to make an even-ish surface to apply your paint.

3. Apply your paint. Be creative; you can apply the paint in patterns, or haphazardly, there's no wrong way!

4. Now use your stylus and, in the shaving cream, make swirls and patterns to your preference.

5. When you're satisfied with your design, press the paper into the shaving cream, tapping down on the paper to ensure full coverage. From one side, pull the paper away from the shaving cream and set it aside (in another tray if possible) and use your squeegee to scrape the excess shaving cream from the paper. Set your newly marbled paper aside to dry and prepare your shaving cream for another design!

Step 3: Final Steps

From one side, pull the paper away from the shaving cream and set it aside (in another tray if possible or a nice flat surface that can get shaving cream on it) and use your squeegee to scrape the excess shaving cream from the paper.

Set your newly marbled paper aside to dry.

Now you can clean off your used shaving cream from the tray and prepare more, fresh, shaving cream for another design!

*BONUS STEP*

After your marbled paper is 100% dry, check out our Journal Making Instructable and used your marbled creation as a colorful cover for a custom journal!