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DIY Marbled Table Numbers

DIY Marbled Table Numbers

Today is the last installment of sharing our selected entries. There was a ridiculously amazing response for this contest, we’re so grateful for everyone who participated. We extended our picks to a healthy count of about 50, including everything wedding from boutonnieres to seating charts! Kelly is the finalist behind this fun marbled table numbers. Love the bright colors, and now I am dying to make a white on black version of this!

 marbled table numbers

What you’ll need:
– 1 can shaving cream (the foamy white kind, not a gel type)
– 1 shallow dish or tray large enough for your paper
– Colorant (I used my son’s tempera paints. You can use tempera, acrylic or even food coloring) Note: I used bright colors so they would show in the photos but you can use (or mix) any color combos you like.
– Paper for marbleizing (I used a cardstock tag style)
– Toothpicks

 marbled table numbers

 marbled table numbers

 marbled table numbers

These directions are for the table numbers but really it is more about the technique itself which can be used for save-the-date cards, place cards, table numbers, …

Step 1. Fill your shallow dish or pan with a layer of shaving cream about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 2. Use a sturdy scrap of cardboard to spread the shaving cream into an even layer.

Step 3. Drip your colorants onto the shaving cream.

Step 4. Use the toothpicks to drag the color through the shaving cream. You may need to add more color as you go until you have the proper amount. Drag back and forth in one direction then back and forth crosswise.

Step 5. Gently press your paper into the shaving cream then carefully lift out.

Step 6. Repeat with the rest of your paper. Note, you will have to repeat steps 3 & 4 as the paper will lift the color out of the shaving cream. You can keep using the shaving cream for a while without replacing.

Step 7. As you pull the paper from the shaving cream, set aside. Let them sit for a few minutes so the color can set.

Step 8. Using something stiff such as a piece of cardboard, or even an ID card, gently squeegee the shaving cream off the paper. Use paper towels to wipe the paper clean if necessary.

Step 9. Decorate the marbleized paper as desired. If using a calligrapher, they can add the numbers or you can hand-draw or even use a stamp.

 marbled table numbers

View Comments (9)
  • This is a very cool idea. Do you have any idea how using shaving cream with the paper acts over time? (basically, do you think it would be archival?)

  • christin, i am not sure how archival it is over a long period of time. this technique is meant more as an easy introduction to something that people often think is too difficult or expensive. if you really want something that is more archival i would suggest starting with this method as a fun practice then move onto traditional marbling which involves things like alum and methylcelulose. a little more time consuming but well worth it. there are plenty of books and websites on the subject.

  • Oh, this is so pretty and simple!
    It’s a very interesting contest, I’ve been watching all the entries, but can’t find #51 – #53 entries…

  • I’ve never seen anything like this before. Very interesting. Cute table number idea.

  • another suggestion is to play with the viscosity of the colorant. i used thicker tempra but you can water it down as well for a different effect.

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