Venue: Cockpit, Deptford
Deadline to apply: 09/08/2026
Dates: This workshop will run for three days from Tuesday 11th August 2026 until Thursday 13th August 2026. Age Range: 14 – 19 years old. If the workshop becomes oversubscribed, we will close the application process early.
Workshop Information
Course Outline
In this intensive 3-day course, students will be able to learn the basics of the endangered craft of heritage marbling patterns, using traditional hand tools and breath work. Students will create surface pattern designs on paper. Students will learn the history and origin of the ancient art of Japanese Suminagashi ink marbling, Turkish Ebru marbling and European marbling. They will create surface patterns on water and transfer these to paper.
Using their pattern papers students will create stitched notebooks and learn basic leatherwork skills to create a marble lined journal cover for their notebooks.
Students will:
- learn about the origin and history of marbling applications
- learn how to prepare (mordant) paper and fabric
- learn how to prepare a marbling bath mix
- learn about the type of ink and paint to use and how to prepare paints for marbling and their safe disposal after use
- learn how to create heritage patterns using simple, tools and combs
- learn how to safely use sharp tools, hold and cut using a Stanley knife to make precise cuts to paper and card
- learn about the best materials to use for marbling
- learn simple bookmaking skills, using their marbled patterns to create stitched notebooks
- learn simple leatherwork skills to create a leather journal cover for their notebooks. The journal cover will be lined with marbling pattern paper
Meet the Tutor
This workshop will be run by marbling artist and TCDT tutor Rachel O’Connell, the designer-maker behind sustainable brand ROCWORX®. Rachel has over 30 years of marbling experience having trained with artists in Turkey, Australia, Canada and the UK for both European and Suminagashi marbling techniques. She hopes to show how this heritage craft can be used in present-day design and aims to create beautiful, practical products and to help educate, with a goal to pass on this beautiful craft to future generations.
Timings
This workshop will start daily at 10am and finish at approximately 4:30pm.
Transferable Skills and Future Careers
TCDT workshops give a chance to develop a range of transferable skills and valuable insight to possible career paths. Some of the career choices our alumni have pursued include; Architecture, Engineering, Fine Art, Jewellery Making, Art Conservation, Glass Working, Theatre Design, Fashion Design, Costume Design – the list is growing!
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be eligible to apply you will need to be 14 – 19 years old during the dates of the workshop.
You should be creative and have an interest in the careers listed above, or similar areas. You should also have good hand-eye co-ordination.
In your application you should demonstrate a passion for working with your hands.
You must be able to attend every day of the workshop.
Please be sure that you have read our Eligibility Criteria and Applications section at the bottom of the Workshop page before applying.
Course Funding
Our workshops are fully-funded by generous sponsors. Places are limited, therefore, we recommend you submit your application as early as possible.
There are only 10 spaces available on this workshop. If the workshop becomes oversubscribed, we will close the application process early.
APPLICATIONS OPEN 11/04/2026Back to the Upcoming Workshops list