Introduction: One of my passions is “learning with locals” and I have always loved Florentine stationery and papers! So when I came across Riccardo on Instagram and learned that my friend and Friend of Victoria, Maria and he were friends, we made a plan to visit and do Riccardo’s workshop together!
When is the last time you walked into a shop and the owner displayed photos of his family? Well, you will find them proudly displayed in Riccardo’s shop, honoring the traditions and skills passed down four generations from his great grandfather and practiced since childhood…what a pleasure to meet, visit and now introduce you to him…
Look for this sign…you’re here!
Before you even walk in the door, you are welcomed by an eye-popping display of heavenly colors and designs! But first…
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Let’s Meet Riccardo
You will find Riccardo is in his shop working, demonstrating, and creating every single day!
Although he opened his shop in 2019, Riccardo has been practicing and perfecting his craft since 1991! Creating exquisite hand crafted items using paper and leather marbling techniques as well as binding and restoration skills passed down through generations, he combines tradition techniques with contemporary trends and is continually creating new items.
⇓ CLICK to Meet Riccardo ⇓
Riccardo Welcome Video
A Little Background About the Origins of Paper Marbling
The origins of paper marbling dates back hundreds of years. Some believe it was “accidentally discovered” by someone in a Japanese imperial family in the 12th century. Certainly, in the 15th century, it evolved in Persia and Turkey. The oldest paper marbling in Europe actually dates back to the 15th century in Venice as well.
Why is it Called “Marbleized”?
Good question! Because the original technique imitated marble!
Riccardo shows us examples of marbleized paper that, of course, look just like marble!
By the 17th century its techniques and popularity had spread throughout Europe. However, it is with Florence, who has embraced and elevated the art and process by both enhancing and popularizing it to such heights, that paper marbling is so closely associated with Florentine artistry and creativity today (excuse my bias!).
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Riccardo Demonstrates and Describes the Technique…
We can hardly wait to see Riccardo in action…
The marvelous art of marbling onto paper begins with a pan filled with a special gelatinous liquid “glue” or “sizing”. Completely organic, it is derived from seaweed and the formula is a secret.
First a “clean pan” and all of the tools, “combs” ready…
Choosing from the pots of water color, Riccardo then dips the “guide brush” into a jar and then, with a smaller brush, very carefully taps and “spatters” the color onto the liquid.
The technique requires an even steady hand so the color is (ideally) evenly distributed.
The tiny spots of color “float” on top of the liquid and then start to diffuse and spread out. As additional colors are added, they will combine, “layer”, and change intensity. You can see how the tiny spots of color spread- out and change their intensity on top of each other.
Since every creative effort is subject to the whims of its creator and nature (i.e., temperature and humidity), exact duplication is impossible so you will never find two sheets of paper that are exactly alike.
The level of spread is also affected by the temperature and the humidity (for example, spring and fall are considered optimal seasons) – this is a natural process and one can say with confidence that you will never find two sheets of paper exactly alike. But there’s no time to dilly dally, Riccardo quickly finds and removes little spots of paint that are too solid or intense with the handle of a paintbrush…
Then come the “tools of the trade” inherited from his father, albeit simple tools, and techniques perfected with practice.
Making “waves” with a simple tool and special effects…
⇓ CLICK to Watch Riccardo ⇓
MOVIE: First Step – Making Waves
First, using one of his “combing” tools, Riccardo slowly and expertly drags the comb over the top of the paint resulting in the familiar ”arches”pattern, always popular with book-binders.
⇓ CLICK to Watch Riccardo ⇓
MOVIE: Next Step – “Combing” the Colors
Then, using another antique tool, Riccardo transforms the “arches” into the spectacular and colorful tails of the peacock, pavone.
⇓ CLICK to See the Pavone, “Peacock”, Emerge! ⇓
MOVIE: The “Peacock” Design..
Riccardo shares that in addition to the infinite ways that the colors can be blended, the paper (always high grade) can also be a color adding even more potential combinations. But our beautiful peacock tail is still suspended in the pan…
And Now…the Magic!
Probably the trickiest and most challenging phase is the final stage! Gently placing the paper onto the pan and colors… It’s critical that it be done with precision to transfer the design or all could be lost…but not today!
The delicate process of laying the paper onto the pan…
⇓ CLICK to Watch Riccardo Place the Paper onto the Colors ⇓
MOVIE: Placing the Paper onto the Colors
It’s amazing how quickly the colors adhere to the paper and then…abracadabra! Riccardo expertly pulls the paper off the tray with all the design work intact!
⇓ CLICK to Watch the Peacock Emerge! ⇓
MOVIE: Watch Riccardo!
Voilà! The magic moment…truly a wonderful surprise! Once again the his expertise using this fascinating technique has resulted in another quite beautiful sheet of marbleized paper.
Riccardo gingerly transfers the wet paper onto a board to dry and, in a day or so, it will be ready to be transformed into a marvelous assortment of “marble-ous” items.
As is the case with any artisan “made by hand” craft, each piece is unique. And with paper-marbling, designs/patterns and color combinations are literally unlimited.
You can then have your paper made into a frame, book, journal or album cover or so many other memorable keepsakes or gifts.
Riccardo’s meticulous attention to tradition, detail, and method using time-honored recipes and tools passed down from is father are testimony to his skill and commitment to his craft. And then there’s the wildcard – mood and whim – where consistency meets creativity and chance.
Some of the many marvelous gifts to choose from and every one is unique!
Of course, watching an experienced artisan demonstrate the process and techniques can appear to be deceptively simple but still Maria and I are excited at the prospect and ready to give it a try!
Making a Little Magic of Our Own…
I can hardly wait and although there’s always a little bit of “pressure”, there really aren’t any “mistakes”, are there?
⇒ Please wait for the slideshow!
⇓ Check out our videos!⇓
Marbleized Leather
Adding to the tremendous array of “wow!” items in his shop, Riccardo has perfected the marbleizing technique with leather! Innovating and combining ancient with contemporary techniques, he even developed a special secret formula of “glue” to attach the color to leather…
Be sure to allow plenty of time to enjoy (and shop) the beautifully hand crafted personal items including wallets, eyeglass cases, portfolios, card cases, key fobs, and so much more…all beau!
Wow! All hand made and crafted by Riccardo!
Choose from an outstanding selection of stationery, note cards, book marks, notebooks, personal items (key rings, business card cases, frames, writing instruments, key fobs), and so much MORE!
Be ready to shop!
And, since Riccardo learned hot foil printing in gold leaf from his father, you will find stunning gold leaf details on many items and you can even have your initials printed on your purchases! I love mine on my new wallet!! Grazie, Riccardo!
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You are always welcome to come and visit, chat and, of course, make your own marbleized paper!
Grazie Riccardo for your gracious hospitality! What a pleasure to meet you and to learn more about the art of paper and leather marbling!
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Visit Riccardo and His Beautiful Bottega
♦ Riccardo Luci ♦
Via del Parione , 35A/R
50123
riccardoluci.com
Local: +390557096188
Mobile and WhatsApp: + 39 347 5920581
Email: riccardo.luci@tiscali.it
Facebook: Riccardo Luci Marbled Paper
Instagram: riccardolucifirenze
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♦ Would you like to do a workshop with Riccardo the next time you’re in Florence? Click HERE
♦ Meet other artisans on curated walking tours with Maria, Florentine Experience Shopping. Click HERE
♦ Read More About Locals I ♥ Meeting: “Learning with Locals”
♦ Let’s plan your next trip to Italy!
