Creating Handmade Italian Marbled Paper in Florence, Italy

Handmade Italian marbled paper is ideal for Christmas cards, love letters, and travel diaries. Don’t miss this fascinating experience when visiting Italy!

NOTE: Maria's shop is no longer across from the Pitti Palace in Florence. We are awaiting news on where the new shop might be.

0:01 THE OLDEST MARBLED PAPER SHOP IN FLORENCE

The skill of paper marbling was imported from Japan or Persia in the 1500s and was initially used as bookend papers and covers.

The oldest handmade marbled paper shop in Florence is Giulio Giannini e Figlio.

Maria Giannini, the current owner, is a sixth-generation master artist.

During our visit, Maria discussed the bookbinding and embossing process that helped launch the family business 150 years ago.

The shop has over 1,000 different embossing stamps. Some of these date back to the 14th century and are still in use today.

Maria started working in the family shop when she was just 13.

Over the years she learned all about the ingredients and techniques that go into the art of paper marbling.

Paper marbling can be used in greeting cards, stationary, bookend papers, and even wine labels.


1:09 MAKING HANDMADE ITALIAN MARBLED PAPER

Making marbled paper begins with a specialized tray filled with a liquid called “size."

Size is a gelatinous mix of water and powdered carrageenan — a type of seaweed.

The use of ox gall helps the paint to disperse across the surface, creating a kaleidoscope of different shapes and colors.

Every marbled paper is different. This made it useful in the fight against counterfeit money in the 1700s.


2:25 LOCATION

A wide assortment of marbled papers and embossed items are available in Maria’s shop right across from the Pitti Palace in Florence.

The store has been in the same place for generations.

It’s only a few minutes' walk from the Ponte Vecchio and a couple of Italian gelato parlors featuring their own marbled designs.


2:58 RELAX AND WATCH PAPER MARBLING

A brief, but meditative look at paper marbling from start to finish.

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Learn more at the Giannini paper shop: https://www.giuliogiannini.com/en/

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#handmadethings #papermakingthings #souvenirs #florence #italy

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