Making wrapping paper- help!

[MarkStretch]

I remember being little and making wrapping paper by dropping paint onto the surface of a bowl of water and then laying paper over the top of it. How do you make the paint stay on top of the water? Am I being really thick?! I tried mixing it with oil but it just sank!

My DD really wants to try it but I have forgotten.

Don't you drop the oil onto the surface first and then drops of food colouring? I made a bound book at primary like this (marbling) and I'm sure it was food colouring......of course I could be completely wrong!

Ah - or was it fairy liquid you add, then food colouring?

Anyway - whichever way I did it, it looked fab....and still does 25 yrs later!