Western Traditional and Contemporary Marbling is hand marbled onto a massive array of natural and synthetic fibers like nylon and tulle. Larissa & Stella are self trained by the help of International Masters in well known bookbinding designs but after 30yrs they can design a decorative marbling design which is 100% Unique to you by giving it a contemporary flick. Dramatic, Romantic, Classic or Playful. You visualize and they materialize. No job is too small or too big to execute and the studio can handle up to 400meters in production over a given period of 2 months - never missing a deadline. Continuity is assured by repeating the bespoke design in the pantone of choice print by print. They lift/transfer a floating design, clean the surface and then drip again to lift the next print and on and on it goes. There will be slight variances but no bleed lines which offer more play on the cutting/worktable of the designer or maker. They are also proficient in 3D Hydro Dipping without the environmental damage and toxins involved with the modern version. They’re technique is referred to as swirling but they go much deeper in a more couture way and can repeat your bespoke design and pantone onto your 3D items like hats, wooden candle sticks, ceramic bowls, shoes etc. By doing 3D Marbling.
Japanese Suminagashi Traditional Designs and Contemporized in full colour on an array of natural plant and animal fibres as well as certain synthetic fabrics. Suminagashi is absolutely gorgeous on leather, wood, paper and ribbons so is the perfect choice for stationary and packaging for gifting. Choose to use 100% natural Carbon Loaded Boku Inks from Japan or opt for a modern palette and select from their suppliers colour chart which is a fully washable and wearable screen paint.
Botanical Transfer or Eco Printing on cellulose, animal, certain blends and synthetic fibres. All plant matter is harvested by hand. Leaves, Berries, Bark, Gum and Ochre are used. A full time Harvester is trained to acquire or hand harvest the necessary matter in a responsible way. Often guiding Larissa & Stella to support other local nyangas and traditional plant practitioners. This takes them on memorable journeys on local soil. The plant matter is then dried, processed into dye or lake pigments for storage and future use. Plant matter and other supplies can also be purchased from them to do your very own eco print projects.
Natural Dye & Mark Making Applications using metals, tannins, plant matter, natural resins, gums & locally sourced ochre. They enjoy combining techniques to create the most unusual bleedlines or use modifiers to adjust natural colour and can produce and array of colours on the same fibre by using natural modifiers to play with the Ph levels. Iron Rust Combined with Red Ochre and cochineal gives great delight or Local Privet Berry (green) combined with Saffron Lilly Flowers and Walnut husks. They attempt to harvest invasive species to cut back on their regrowth cycle and make a point of uprooting whatever they can giving space for native plants to plump out. They use naturalised exotics like oak and sumac or native rosehips and acacia as tannins. It changes seasonally. If plant matter is not available on the ground in bulk, local florists are approached to supply what is needed. The team practice novice Shibori which they are always thrilled to execute.
Hand Painting Techniques using high quality Fabric paints, pigments and mediums or natural dyes specifically processed for this purpose. Working on a damp fabric with brushes will give a different affect than atomising. Various surface applications using fine brushes or sponges are used.
Surface Resist & Stencil Techniques using repurposed and found objects. This is a practice that is in constant development. Wax or Pastes are used to create resist patterns and stencils are cut from repurposed Xrays for example. Blocks are created using repurposed plastic netting or corrugated cardboard for instance. Clients can submit their own design or get the team to assist in consultation.
Lake Pigment Making with Hand Harvested Plant Matter and responsibly harvested acacia gums. All processing is done by hand to yield a fine artist water colour paint, marbling paint or natural ink for calligraphy and smaller artistic projects and other Makers of Earth Art.
Studio Team and Space Hire Clients have a vision and would like us to create a sample length to see the tangible results. This can happen if you would like to see what the results of a natural dye would be after colour modification on a variety of fabrics or papers for instance. You have the vision but perhaps lack the space, equipment or time. We can help. Online Consultation and Tutoring Services for those who are learning the hand printing trade and need assistance or guidance. You might wonder which paint would work best for a particular surface OR you would like to get an idea what production work entails or you need advise on catalogued patterning. With almost 30yrs in the industry, talking with us could safe you in time, effort and supplies.
Online Bastion Paints SHOP for Marbling Supplies ASK us for the latest Pricelist – You can purchase our DIY Western Marbling Supplies Online and have them delivered to your door. We collaborated with Bastion Paints to bring South Africa their very own marbling supplies. Designed as a hassle free mix and drip paint with clear instructions available on the high quality packaging and online via the technical page on the Bastion Paint website. The highest quality mordant and size is available with traditional colours AND special effect colours including UV, Neon and Metallic Marbling Paints. Check out the Supplies Online HERE: bastionpaint.co.za/western-marbling NOTICE - As Agents The SA Marbling Company earn commission off your purchase and can work in an extra discount on marbling supplies. Contact us today for the latest Bastion Pricelists which also include all the other interior, exterior, face and fabric paints, mediums and sealants and specialist resins and inks. Purchase your UV Lights, Fairy Lights and many other Party and Events Paints. One Stop Bastion Special Effects Supplier and SA Marbling Print Shop at your service.