DIY: Marble Design on School Supplies
Going back to school was always one of my favorite times of the year. I know that for some of my friends it meant the end of summer fun and the beginning of long nights of homework but for me, it was amazing. I eagerly looked forward to the beginning of a brand new year. It was a time for new classmates, new teachers and best of all, a chance to go shopping for new school clothes and school supplies.
How many of you remember Trapper Keepers? I was completely obsessed with those in High School. I literally had one in every color and design. I loved being able to collect all of the wild and crazy styles. Have a plain boring notebook just wouldn’t do. I would even create my own designs with sharpies, gel pens even paint. …basically anything I could get my hands on. The more I could customize and personalize the better.
For this simple back-to-school tutorial, we’re going to make our own, custom, marbleized school supplies. Not only is it super easy but it’s so much fun. You just need a few simple supplies to get started.
STEP ONE
For this technique, you are going to need marbling medium. It’s an additive you simply stir into your paint to keep the colors separated and prevent them from muddling together. Martha Stewart Crafts makes a great product which is durable and allows you to work on a variety of surfaces. You can also easily make your own that will work perfectly well using white PVA glue.
You’ll also want to grab an aluminum baking pan and a pair of gloves.
STEP TWO
If you would like to make your own marbling medium you’ll just need a permanent, multi-purpose PVA glue. Mix 3 parts glue to 1 part water. How easy was that!?
STEP THREE
Add the marbling medium to your paint. Use approximately 2 parts marbling medium to 1 part paint. Gently stir to avoid air bubbles from forming.
STEP FOUR
Pour all of your colors into an empty cup. Do NOT stir or mix.
STEP FIVE
Pour the paint onto your supplies working over your pan. I used painter’s tape to tape off a section of my tin can and the tips of my pencils.
Tilt and swirl as your pour the paint.
Set the pieces aside to dry. I used popsicle sticks to keep them slightly elevated to allow excess paint to drip off.
There you have it! Your own personalized, custom marbled school supplies. How much fun was that!? You can get super creative and mix a variety of color including neon and metallics!
This technique is so much fun and super EASY. Be prepared to want to marbleize everything you own!
We’d love to see what you create! Share your designs on our social media channels and hashtag #targetmademedoit !!!
