The Art of Marbling – colour, comb and feather design
Marbling is a timeless decorative art form that beautifully blends tradition with contemporary creativity. By floating rich, flowing colours on water and carefully guiding them into intricate patterns, learners explore both the unpredictability and control that make marbling so unique. Through techniques such as using feathers to create soft, organic lines and combs to produce structured waves and repeating designs, participants gain insight into how colours interact to form balanced, striking compositions. Each piece is entirely one-of-a-kind, reflecting the heritage of this historic practice while embracing modern artistic expression. By working with shared colour palettes, reusing materials where possible, and focusing on a curated number of prints, learners adopt sustainable practices that not only reduce waste but also model how marbling can be carried out effectively and affordably at home. This focused, beginner-friendly course provides all materials and the opportunity to create and take home distinctive marbled artworks.
Course fees
Or call us: Call this number: 020 8314 3300
Monday - Friday 10am-3pm
How to enrol
After you’ve chosen which course you want to do, you need to enrol. You should enrol before the course starts to make sure you get a place.
You can enrol up to three weeks after the start date if there are spaces available.
Enrolment
You can enrol online for most courses on the course page.
Phone: 020 8314 3300
Monday to Friday: 10am-3pm
Evening and Saturday mornings:
Phone: 020 8314 3300
Monday to Thursday: 4.30-7.30pm
Saturday: 9am-1pm
For enrolments during term time only.
You can also enrol in person at any one of our adult learning centres.
We can only accept debit or credit card payments.
Requirements
If this is your first enrolment you’ll need to provide proof of identity. We will accept a photo of one of the following:
- passport
- driving licence
- national ID card
- birth or adoption certificate
- National Insurance card
- credit or debit card
- recent utility bills or bank statements
- Freedom Pass
How to enrol if you get reduced fees
Find out whether you’re entitled to reduced fees when paying for your course.
If you’re entitled to reduced fees, you can enrol online, but you’ll need to pay for the course then claim a partial refund – you can do so by sending copies of any benefits you’ve claimed in the last three months to adultlearning@lewisham.gov.uk.
The Art of Marbling – colour, comb and feather design
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Learning aims
- Develop marbling techniques by using tools such as feathers and combs to create both fluid, organic designs and more structured patterns.
- Build understanding of colour and composition through experimenting with how colours interact on water to create balanced, visually striking outcomes.
- Encourage sustainable practice by sharing materials, limiting waste, and producing a thoughtful selection of high-quality prints that can be recreated at home.
What prior knowledge do I need
No prior knowledge or experience is necessary to enrol on this course. Please be advised that some learners who enrol will have more experience than others. A basic level of English, Maths and computer skills would be useful.
What teaching methods
The tutor will use a range of teaching methods during the course, which will include the following: Demonstration - both group and individual, one to one tuition, and group work, assessment of progress, observation, discussion/question and answer sessions.
What assessment methods
The course tutor will use a range of methods to assess progress on the course. These may include: observation, completion of an Individual Learning Plan which will be updated regularly, evaluation of work samples, question and answer sessions, photographs of projects to record achievement presented on our virtual learning environment (VLE).
Extra work
Learners may wish to work on their projects outside class time to progress. Homework exercises are set to enhance and develop techniques learnt in the class. Homework may be set. You will be encouraged to access our virtual learning environment all.lewisham.gov.uk (VLE), take part in course forums and various online activities provided. You will also need to sign up to a gmail google account, to enable you to access google sites, where your online course will be posted.
Materials needed
All materials are included in the course. If you wish to explore printing on a specific paper for your own project then please bring it with you. No liability can be accepted for expenses incurred for a course cancelled/altered at short notice.
What to bring
Don't forget to bring a notebook an apron, wear suitable clothing and enclosed footwear.
Please note that you will have a one-hour lunch break.
After completion
The department offers a wide variety of Design, Media, Music and Food courses at different levels. Information about these courses is available through the tutor, the Curriculum Leader or the ALL programme.
Contact details
Maria Turner
Curriculum Leader for: Design, Media, Music, Food and Family Learning
Phone:
020 8314 3986
Email:
maria.turner@lewisham.gov.uk