I’ve been a marbler for eighteen years. I started out as and English/Art teacher in Connecticut secondary schools, but decided to stay home with my son when he was born 23 years ago. It was during Tony’s early years that I developed my business of marbling on silk. It provided me with the time I wanted to be a “stay at home mom,” and the creativity and business opportunity I needed to be dynamic.

My studio is in my home. I work in my kitchen, iron in my living room, store my raw silk in the den, and store my finished pieces in the attic. I work alone, have no assistants, and sell my work through wholesale and retail outlets.
I’ve chosen to work this way for a number of reasons: I have total control over all my art work, and over all the shows I do. I like to meet every person who buys one of my pieces. I prefer not to get too big, as I will lose the quality of my work, and the enthusiasm of the creation process.

The marbling process goes like this: I buy untreated white silk. The silk is prewashed in a solution called Synthrapol, which is a detergent that rids the silk of any dirt or debris. The silk is then treated with alum, a water seeking chemical that allows the silk to accept the marbling paint permanently.
My next steps are to iron the alumed silk to make it smooth, and prepare the marbling solution. The marbling solution is a combination of carrageenan (powdered algae) and water. This amalgam is poured into large trays. Marbling paint is dropped on the surface of this thickened water.

The paint droplets are now combed with combs and styluses. I design these myself. The final marbling design is dependent on where you put the teeth of the combs and styluses, so lots of care must be taken in making your tools! Once the marbling paint is combed properly, the silk is laid on the surface of the carrageenan base, and the silk permanently accepts the combed design. The final steps of marbling are to rinse, dry, and heat set, and iron each piece. Heat setting is done in a very hot dryer for an hour. Not to worry; Silk is tough stuff. All my work is now permanently set and hand washable.

Marbled Silk Scarves

Marbled silk scarves are 11"x60." Each scarf is hand painted and one of a kind. Includes a matching silk scarf clip, and is sent to you boxed with a scarf tying book and care instructions.

Marbled Silk Neckties

Marbled silk neckties are each individually hand painted, unique, and one of a kind. 56 inches in length.