Puddle Printing
Also known as Suminagashi, this mesmerising Japanese art form involves floating ink on water to create unique, swirling patterns. Traditionally used to decorate paper, Suminagashi translates to "floating ink," and it’s a meditative way to unleash your creativity. Even better? You can adapt this ancient practice using nothing more than a puddle and a few simple tools to make stunning wrapping paper or one-of-a-kind prints.
How long will it take?
How hard is it?
How many people can do it together?
Under 2 hours
Moderate
Perfect solo or fun group activity
Anytime
a wildish story
What do you need?
Natural ink stick
Spoon Ink stone (or smooth surface)
Brush or stick
Good quality drawing paper
A still puddle
How to do it.
1. Prepare Your Ink Find a calm puddle. Use your spoon to add some puddle water to your ink stone. Grind the ink stick in circular motions until you have a thin liquid ink.
2. Design on the Puddle Use your brush/stick/fingers to drop or swirl ink on the puddle’s surface. Create patterns, circles, or splashes.
3. Make the Print Lay your paper gently on the inked surface for 1–2 seconds. The ink “”sticks”” to the paper.
4. Reveal Lift paper to see your marbled design. Let it dry. TIPS Experiment with different ink colors. Use quick or slow dips for varied results. Larger puddles give bigger prints!