Marbling Leather
Over the past few years I have been developing the technique of marbling leather using pigments floated on Carrageenan Moss. I have found that a natural veg tanned hide split to 1mm takes the pigments very well. No need to pre load the leather with an alum unlike paper.
Picture showing colours floated on Carrageenan moss before the leather is placed on the surface.
Kate Brett from Payhembury Marbling has written a easy to follow book on marbling paper. See link below.
https://www.payhembury.com/Payhembury_Marbled_Papers/Marbling_Book.html
Its been fun to take these techniques and apply them to leather creating some interesting designs.
Once the marbled leather is dry it can be prepared as usual by edge paring ready to cover some books.
I have used the leather on many books from photograph albums to 1st Editions. The marble can be both striking and subtle. Below are some examples.
Other fun uses for marbled leather I have been playing with is to make belts. Perfect festival gear.
I have also been asked to apply paper thin marbled leather onlays to archival paper to be screen printed over the top by an artist.
I stock marbled leather journals in the website shop and undertake commissioned bindings. Please get in touch if you have a fun project you would like to discuss. www.blackcatbindery.com
