Marbling Nonpareil and Cascades.

As an example on how Gel Git pattern is a base to do other patterns in marbling technique, here I want show you two cases: Nonpareil and Cascade patterns. They are examples of the use of combs, and by this reason these patterns can be classified also as combed ones. Basically the difference between Nonpareil and Cascade is that the first is done with a narrow teeth comb and the second one with a wider comb.

Traditional combed marbleized papers, in accordance with old recipes, are usually made with four or five colors. The colors are applied unevenly in alternation until the surface of the size is saturated with colors. Be careful to use even and slow movements so that no waves arise on the size and the colors do not get mixed up.

The Nonpareil marble represents a revival of the early comb pattern. It came into use in about 1838 and was used throughout the middle of the 19th century for endpapers and later for cover papers on all classes of stationery bindings. It was also used for edge marbling from about 1840 to the 1920s when edge marbling virtually went out of existence. Nonpareil marbles were less artistic than the earlier combs, and, although executed by hand, suffered from a sort of mechanical appearance.

Here, the first picture is a Cascade pattern and the other three are Nonpareil.