Ebru / Paper Marbling

Ebru Art, or Paper Marbling, is a method of surface design that resembles the look of a marble stone. The colors are floated on the surface of a liquid thickened by a material called size, and the patterns are formed on the surface using assistive tools, such as sticks and combs. The results are variety of patterns, from a marble look to flowers, floating waves and more. These are then transferred onto a surface such as paper, ceramic, or fabric. Due to the fluid nature of the making-process, it is impossible to replicate an exact same result again, which usually is considered as one of the interesting aspects of this art form.

The history of Ebru Art form goes back to the 15th century Central Asia,  it was further developed by the well known Ebru artists during the Ottoman Empire era. Starting in the 17th century, this art form started becoming popular in Europe as well when it grabbed the attention of European travellers to Middle East, and has been widely used for book covers and as a background for calligraphy pieces.

Ebru Art is included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List

What will you get in this program?

  • Briefly go through the historical and theoretical background of Paper Marbling
  • Getting to know the materials, first demonstrations, different Ebru types, preparing the liquid using Carrageenan, how to use the oxgall to adjust the spread of the colors, and many more topics will be covered to help you master the art of Ebru
  • We will show you how to apply Ebru on different materials such as textile, ceramic, carton boxes and more.
  • You don’t need to have any prior experience
  • You will be able to take all the artwork you have created during the lessons with you
  • If you wish, we can take pictures of you while experimenting so you can share it with your friends
  • Class structure: We offer both one-time workshops and more detailed multi-day courses. Private workshops can also be requested. See below for more details.
  • Complimentary tea, coffee and snacks are included for courses and workshops at our place.
moments
An Ebru workshop can be a great birthday or a bachelorette party activity too!
An Ebru workshop can be a great birthday activity too!

What did they say?

It was a great experience! We really enjoyed our time spent with Mehmet and Nur at their gallery. The whole processing of paper marbling is so interesting and fun, and the results are very rewarding. Mehmet and Nur are very easy-going and kind. In addition to the workshop, they provided lots of useful information about this old, precious practice. They also invited us to try out their homemade sweets : ) Thanks so much, Mehmet and Nur! I would recommend this experience to just everyone who come to Rotterdam.

Charlie
Australia

I’ve came to Mehmet’s gallery on my birthday with my family, because I wanted to learn something new and special on that day. It’s been a really amazing experience! Mehmet and his daughter Nur were outstanding hosts. Their gallery is a special place where you can learn a lot about the art of paper marbling and experience it first hand. We’ve left with gifts, works that we’ve created and great memories. I’m definitely coming back (may be even with my colleagues for a team building experience). Thank you very much Mehmet and Nur!

Artem
Netherlands

What a fun experience! Mehmet and his daughter Nur gave us a warm welcome at the Institute. The Paper Marbling workshop was truly unique: after a brief introduction, Nur and Mehmet showed us a few techniques and within minutes we were trying our own creations. Mehmet and Nur were very friendly and supportive. Finally, Mehmet drew our names in calligraphy, which was a nice personal touch to end on. We left with all our creations, a belly full of coffee and biscuits, and a big smile on our faces!

Yoan
UK

Relaxing and entertaining: Mehmet and Nur gave us a warm welcome and allowed us to dive into the fascinating art of paper marbling, explaining some techniques and letting us create our first artworks. We enjoyed the experience and would recommend the short trip to the institute in a typical residential area of Rotterdam. Thanks!

Marc
Germany

Very calming and relaxing experience! Nur gave us information and a demonstration of this unique art form. After that, we got to make a lot of paintings ourselves and got to take them home with us. Nur is a sweet, knowledgeable and friendly woman; we felt very welcome! All in all, a recommendable experience!

Fauve
Netherlands

Het was een super leuke en leerzame ervaring die ik heb mogen delen met mijn moeder onder het genot van koffie en thee, koekjes, rustige muziek en een plezierige omgeving! Bedankt en zeker tot de volgende keer!!

Catharina
Netherlands

I tried paper marbling for the first time in my life and it was such a great and unique experience. Mehmet and Nur were very kind and informative hosts. They guided me very well throughout the process. They explained the whole process step by step by thoroughly demonstrating it which made it very easy to experiment with the art form as a beginner. I also took all the artwork I created with me as a memory. Thank you Mehmet for writing out my name in Arabic calligraphy as a gift as well, that was very nice! I'd highly recommend this experience to everyone.

Dino
Switzerland

This is my first stop in Netherlands. I had got a perfect day and unforgettable experience about joining this workshop. Everything is well explained, great printing tools. Instructor Mehmet and his daughter Nur are kind, helpful and professional. They make all the things wonderful. Finally, it is surprising and exciting that I can bring all of my printings back to home. I hope all of you can join when you saw this comment.

Yiu Kwan
Hong Kong
VISITOR IMPRESSIONS

Sylvia & Maxi sharing their impressions

ART IN ACTION

Close-up video, Ebru making

VISITOR IMPRESSIONS

Ebru Art workshop as a company activity

Frequently asked questions

How do VIP sessions work?

You will be the only student in a 4-hour long session. We will go through all the major topics to give you a detailed introduction on ebru / marbling. Check below for session availability, or feel free to request a session for a desired date.

Can I request a private workshop?

Yes, we organize private workshops for both individuals or groups. Some of our customers for instance request Ebru workshop as a birthday or bachelorette/bachelor party with their friends. Please use the contact form at the bottom of the page for further details.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

We will be providing all the art material, as well as protective clothing against the paints, so you don’t need to bring anything.

Can I take the artwork I create during the program with me?

Sure, all the artwork you will be creating will belong to you.

What is the group size for classes?

One time workshop sessions and short courses (such as the 4-day courses) are limited to a maximum of 10 people. Weekly recurring courses are limited to a maximum of 14 people.

Can workshops and courses be organized at a different location?

Yes, we can organize both workshops and courses at your preferred location as long as there are sufficient number of participants.

Do I need to have any prior experience?

No experience is needed at all, anyone can join our programs and we will ensure you have an enjoyable experience.
Choose from the available sessions

Vlaardingen

begin date:
18
january

2-Day Ebru Course - Level 1

Saturday & Sunday 18 & 19 January 15.30 - 19.30
€ 150,00 
per lesson
per month
Deadline to register:
16 January
Westhavenkade 39A, 3131 AD Vlaardingen 
PAY LATER

2-Day Ebru Course - Level 1

Saturday & Sunday 18 & 19 January 15.30 - 19.30
€ 150,00 
per month
per lesson
Deadline to register:
16 January
PAY LATER
begin date:
18
january
Westhavenkade 39A, 3131 AD Vlaardingen 

Vlaardingen

begin date:
25
january

Ebru / Papermarbling Workshop

Saturday 15.30 - 17.30
€ 50,00 
per lesson
per month
Deadline to register:
24 January
Westhavenkade 39A, 3131 AD Vlaardingen 
PAY LATER

Ebru / Papermarbling Workshop

Saturday 15.30 - 17.30
€ 50,00 
per month
per lesson
Deadline to register:
24 January
PAY LATER
begin date:
25
january
Westhavenkade 39A, 3131 AD Vlaardingen 
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Contact Us

Van Hogendorplaan 45A, 3135 BC Vlaardingen
Westhavenkade 39A, 3131AD Vlaardingen

Getting there by public transport:

From Rotterdam Central Station, take the train and get off at Station Schiedam Centrum. Then, take the metro line B in the direction of Hoek van Holland Haven, get off at Station Vlaardingen Centrum, which is 5 minutes walking distance from our studio.

Free parking:

Free parking is available on several streets close to our studio, such as part of Landstraat en Vetteoordskade, click here to see a detailed map. You can also park for 2 hours for free on Westhavenkade with a parking disc.

Sunday parking is free.
You can reach us at hello@rumikunst.com,
by filling in the form below, or calling at 010-2094038
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