25 Years of Marbling: How I Turn Liquid Color into Living Fabric
My name is Susan Marling, and for the past 25 years, I’ve spent my days swirling paint across thickened water and capturing that motion on silk - transforming liquid color into art.
Perhaps you and I already have something in common: a deep love for textiles, color, and the creative spark that lives in handmade work.
Marbling: The Dance of Color on Water
Marbling is an ancient art form where the medium seems to have a mind of its own. It begins with a shallow tray of thickened water. On its surface, I float pigments—drop by drop—and then gently comb, rake, or swirl the colors into intricate patterns.
Once the design is just right, I lay silk fabric carefully onto the surface. In a matter of seconds, the floating design transfers completely to the fabric, capturing that fluid, fleeting design.
It's Always a Surprise. Always a little bit of magic.
I discovered marbling over 2 decades ago and was instantly captivated by the way color flows across water and onto the silk. What began as a weekend experiment grew into a lifelong pursuit - transforming pigment into cloth and then into one-of-a-kind garments that I have sold at art shows and galleries on the East Coast.
From Studio to Wardrobe: Creating Marbled Garments
Once the silk has been marbled and the color set, I study each piece to decide what it wants to become - a scarf, a fun or elegant top, jacket, or dress.
Sewing marbled fabric is both challenging and exhilarating. The patterns demand attention—every seam is thoughtfully placed to preserve the movement of the design. No two pieces can ever be exactly alike, which means each garment is truly wearable art.
Wearing Art, Living in Color
Each garment is created one at a time with care, intention and an eye for form and color.
I create the garment patterns that I use and a prime focus is on making sure the finished garment allows the marbled pattern to move. When I look at each piece of marbled silk, I see movement - in some ways, I think I am still seeing the paint move as the rake travels through the floating design. I want to capture that flow - that calming trance of color moving on water.
It is important to me that whoever wears my clothing knows that I want them to feel their best - to be confident in who they are. I want my wearers to feel pretty. I hope that my hands - as they color the piece of fabric and touch and sew the garment - are infusing that particular piece of clothing with my very best wishes for the individual who will own that piece.
Join My Studio Circle: Stay in the Loop
If you're curious about marbling, fiber artistry, or the life behind the seams, I’d love to stay in touch. When you join my email list, you’ll get early access to new garment designs, behind-the-scenes looks at my process, and invitations to special releases and occasional events.
It’s not a high-stress newsletter—just thoughtful updates from one fiber lover to another.
👉 Sign up for My Studio Circle below
👉 Explore the current collection
I hope to connect with you soon.
Susan Marling
Fiber Artist | Marbler | Maker of One-of-a-Kind Garments