Marbling with Zeena Shah

Designer, writer and all-things-pink lover, Zeena Shah is constantly exploring new ways to express her creativity through the art of marbling. Now a popular and accessible technique, marbling is popping up all over the creative world, from fashion runways to designer homeware. We were thrilled to welcome Zeena to our Holborn & Windsor stores, where she recently hosted two marbling workshops. Guests were treated to an insight into Zeena’s creative process, taking home their own marbled candle and a copy of her new book 'Marbling'. Whether you’re a budding creative or looking for a new hobby, here are some of our top tips for creating your own swirly surfaces.

There’s no need to invest in expensive material and equipment

One of the best things about marbling is that you can get creative with what you already have at home. Nail polish is a great way to get started (and a helpful way to use up colours that you no longer use!). If time is short, you can use pre-mixed marbling inks to skip this time-consuming process and jump straight to the fun part.

Begin your marbling journey with paper

Although there are no ends of surfaces that you can marble on, it’s a good idea to start with a piece of paper. Not only is it inexpensive (and probably already lying around the house!), but it’s also a quick and easy way to gather a collection of pattern and colour samples. Once you become more confident with the technique, you can use these for reference when creating more complex designs.

Be bold with your colour choices

Don’t worry if you’re feeling daunted about your choice of colour, there are no right answers, and everyone interprets colour differently. It’s always a good idea to do a few colour samples before starting a project to see how they behave together. As marbling usually requires two to five colours at a time, there’s plenty of opportunity to play around with your favourite shades.

Don’t overthink it...

Marbling is all about experimentation. Enjoy the process, rather than fixating on the end result. Don’t be afraid to make a mess or get it ‘wrong’. The more your play with the technique, the more you will start to find new and creative ways to bring your personality into the process. As Zeena says, "If you don’t have a few disasters, you're definitely not doing it right.”

Give old items a new lease of life

Marbling is really suited to upcycling. Once you’ve got to grips with the basics, you can start experimenting with household items that would otherwise end up in the bin. If you’ve got an empty candle pot or bottle, why not marble them to create a vase or pen holder?

Practice and experimentation are essential

There are no limits to the patterns you can create. Marbling is not simply for paper, there are endless possibilities to customise something personal. Every pattern is determined by your choice of colour and each spot you make, so you will always be left with something that is truly unique to you. Be bold with your choice of material and you’ll soon be left with endless possibilities.

Tempted to give it a go?

Zeena’s book includes 20 projects from dyeing postcards and envelopes to scrunchies, picture frames and a patchwork cushion, plus a section on seasonal projects including baubles and Easter eggs. Admire the beautiful lifestyle photography and follow the step-by-step instructions to become a marbling expert in no time.

View Zeena's Expressions Of profile