A Taste of Paper Marbling: Japanese and European Styles
Join us for this introduction to an ancient art form that creates stunning modern designs! By manipulating paints on top of a liquid bath with tools, students create one-of-a-kind papers that can be displayed or used in book and paper arts, card making, and collage.
Instructor: Sasha Trosch
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026 Time: 11 am – 3 pm
Class Cost: $80
Materials Cost: $10, materials include all paper, dye and tools to complete your projects in class
Location: Five Oaks Art Studio, 1247 Rural Drive NW, Concord, NC 28027
To Register: Send an email to rockspringspaper@gmail.com
Payment Method: Zelle, Paypal or Venmo in advance to confirm your spot
Refund policy: 14+ days before class: Full refund, less a $10 processing fee. 7–13 days before: 50%
refund. Less than 7 days before: Sorry, no refund, as materials and prep will already be underway.
You’re welcome to transfer your spot to a friend if you can’t make it. If the class is cancelled at any time
by the instructor or Cabarrus Art Guild, a full refund will be issued.
Class Details: Minimum of 3 students / maximum of 6. Age 16+
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Description
Curious about paper marbling? In this half-day introductory experience, students will explore two distinct approaches to this centuries-old art form: Japanese suminagashi and European combed marbling.
We’ll begin with suminagashi, the ancient Japanese practice of floating ink on water to create delicate, organic patterns. This is an accessible (and very “Zen”!) entry point into marbling, allowing participants to quickly begin creating original designs.
In the second part of the class, the instructor will demonstrate traditional European marbling techniques, and students can take turns working on a shared marbling tank to experience these classic combed patterns firsthand.
Participants will leave with a collection of their own marbled papers (which can be used in collage, book-and cardmaking, decoupage, etc.) and a foundational understanding of Japanese and European marbling.
No prior experience is necessary.
Materials & What to Bring
All materials are provided. Participants should wear clothing they don’t mind getting ink or paint on (an apron is optional) and shoes with non-slip soles. Disposable gloves are optional; everything we use is generally safe on skin, but folks with sensitivities or who prefer not to handle paint directly may wish to use them.
Some papers may still be drying at the end of class; arrangements will be made for pickup if needed.
Instructor Bio
Sasha Trosch is a North Carolina–based paper marbler and maker specializing in modern applications of traditional European marbling. She teaches regularly at the John C. Campbell Folk School and leads workshops throughout the region, sharing both historic techniques and contemporary approaches to decorative paper. Her practice also includes fabric marbling, three-dimensional objects, and hand papermaking.
Sasha’s online shop, Rock Springs Paper Craft, offers a curated selection of artwork, stationery, and decorative items made with her marbled paper. She is a founding member of Next Level Marblers, a collaborative of artist dedicated to sustaining and promoting marbling in the U.S. Sasha and her husband live in Pleasant Garden, NC, and have two adult children and a new baby grandson.
