White cartridge paper or newsprint, A4, one sheet per marble print
A toothpick or skewer for swirling
Old towels or newspaper for drying
Step by Step
An adult fills the tray with cold water to about 2 cm deep. Add the oil to a small cup, divide into two portions, and stir in a different food colouring to each: orange to one, black or very dark purple to the other.
Drop small amounts of each coloured oil onto the water surface using a teaspoon. The oil spreads into irregular circles on the water surface.
Use a toothpick to swirl the oil gently into a marble pattern. Do not over-swirl or the colours blend into brown.
Lay a sheet of paper flat on the water surface, pressing gently so the whole sheet touches the water. After five seconds, lift the paper from one corner in a single smooth motion.
Lay the printed sheet face-up on old newspaper to dry for about fifteen minutes. The oil sets as the paper dries and the print is permanent.
Good to Know
Ages 6 and up, adult to manage the oil and set up the tray.