June Art Challenge: Sun prints
Cyanotypes, or sun prints, are a special coated paper that exposes in the sun. The process is similar to how photography film would “develop” in a dark room. Let’s dig in…
The technical name is cyanotypes, but sun print sounds really nice. Cyanotypes, or sun prints, are a special coated paper that exposes in the sun. The process is similar to how photography film would “develop” in a dark room. Let’s dig in…
STEP ONE // You’re going to need the fancy paper!
If you’re local to our town, we’ve got some Sun Print packs in our coffee shop! Come visit us. If not, no worries. You can pick up some pre-coated paper right here on Amazon.
FEELING FROGGY?
If you want to make your OWN coated paper, artist Sarah Rafferty of Atwater Designs (a legit Cyanotype artist) has a Cyanotype Kit that would be really awesome for advanced users.
STEP TWO // It’s time to collect!
Anything you place on TOP of the fancy paper will “block” the paper from being exposed by the sun. This can be flowers (bonus points if you have time to press them flat). It can be objects. Get creative!
STEP THREE // Grab your tools needed!
YOU WILL NEED:
1) Sunshine and a flat surface outside (overcast days still work).
2) Your paper (keep it covered until you begin)!
3) A bin with an inch or so of water large enough for your paper to fit in flat (we use our glass Pirex brownie-baking dish).
4) Grab your foraged items.
5) A timer or stop watch.
STEP FOUR // Work patiently …but kind of quickly
You’ll want to work fairly quickly …but don’t freak out or anything, it’s not that serious! This is meant to be fun. Once your paper hits the sun though, it’ll start to expose.
Carefully take out your paper and place on a flat surface in the sunshine. Quickly place your foraged or found objects on TOP of the coated side of your paper. The ready-made kit linked above from Amazon comes with a piece of clear acrylic. Once your items are placed, you can use this for items that may blow away in the wind. Once placed, don’t move anything.
STEP FIVE // Time it!
This part is no really no hard and set rule. On cloudy days, I’ve left foraged florals in the sun for 4-6 minutes. On super sunny days, I’ve waited only 2-4 minutes. Play around with different timings and see what you get!!
STEP SIZE // Agitate + Dry Time
Once you’ve had your pieces in the sun for the appropriate amount of time (trial and error here), you’ll want to immediately place your paper in your water bin, fully submerged. You can carefully agitate the water bin for a 30-60 seconds. Then remove your piece and hang to dry. :)
STEP FIVE // Hang that masterpiece up!
We love collecting art with story. …and what better story than the memory of quality time with art. Plus blue. Blue is always happy.