Introduction to Ebru Fabric Marbling

Explore the traditional art of Ebru water marbling with Turkish-born artist Eda Tevrizci.

In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn the mystery of this centuries-old Turkish marbling tradition inherited by Eda through generations. 

During this creative journey, you'll discover how to transform ordinary fabric into extraordinary works of fabric art by directly applying paint onto a water-based solution. 

To familiarise yourself with the technique, we'll begin with marbling exercises on paper before progressing to fabric. You'll learn how to prepare the special marbling solution. Then using specialised tools to apply and manipulate floating pigments you will capture many ephemeral designs onto fabric. 

Each participant will work with their own marbling tray (30x40cm) and also experience working with a larger tray in turns. 

Beyond technical skills, you'll gain insight into Ebru's cultural significance and spiritual dimensions within Turkish artistic heritage. 

Eda will guide you through both traditional approaches and contemporary applications for this immersive experience that connects you to an ancient artistic tradition. 

By the end of the workshop you will have a collection of unique marbled pieces, including 3 small fabric works (28x28cm) and one elegant 50x50cm chiffon scarf.

About Ebru

Ebru marbling is a traditional Turkish art form that carries centuries of cultural heritage and is UNESCO heritage listed. This ancient practice, dating back to the Ottoman Empire, has been meticulously preserved by master artisans who passed their knowledge to apprentices. The delicate balance of water, pigment, and sizing solutions represents wisdom accumulated over generations. Ebru was used for centuries as decoration in traditional book binding. Designs included flowers, foliage, latticework and moons. Today artists incorporate contemporary marbling applications to fabric, but the core techniques (creating patterns through carefully controlled movements across a prepared tray) remain true to the historical methods that their ancestors developed and refined. 

About the workshop facilitator

Eda is a professional ebru artist who discovered this ancient Turkish art form in 2015. It immediately captured her heart and has now become her lifelong passion. She established Marbling Art Studio to share this cultural heritage with others through workshops and handcrafted designs. Originally from Turkey and now based in Adelaide after living five years in Melbourne, Eda developed unique marbled textiles, stationery, jewellery, accessories and fine artwork. 

Eda's approach balances traditional techniques with contemporary applications, creating abstract forms rooted in centuries-old methods. Using the water surface as her canvas, she explores the magical interplay between floating pigments, fabric, paper, and other materials. 

She sees Ebru as a reflection of life itself, teaching patience, balance, and the beauty of surrendering to flow while maintaining creative direction. Through her workshops, she invites others to experience this meditative art form that connects us to both cultural heritage and personal creativity. 

What you need to know

• Suitable for beginners 18 years and older.

• We supply the materials and equipment. However, please bring along towels or similar materials to transport your completed pieces, as your work may not be completely dry by the end of the session.

• Wear workshop friendly clothing.

• If your circumstances change and you can no longer attend this workshop, please email nvouis@ahc.sa.gov.au before 5pm, Thursday 7 August 2025. After this time and date we cannot issue refunds.

• Bring your own snacks. Tea and coffee provided.

This workshop is presented as part of Fabrik's Heritage Workshop Program, a series of skills development and cultural knowledge-sharing workshops hosted by makers who reflect the rich heritage of our diverse crafting communities.

We are currently looking for makers who may wish to share their inherited or culturally diverse creative skills. Find out how to apply here.

Inclusion in the Fabrik mailing list

By registering for a Fabrik workshop or event your name and email address will be added to our contact list. This means from time to time you will receive Fabrik program updates by email. If you wish to opt out, please email the Public Programs Officer (nvouis@ahc.sa.gov.au) directly with Contact List Opt-Out in the subject heading and your full name in the message.