Cyanotype printing

Cyanotype printing sounds somewhat exotic, but it is actually really accessible and easy to do. You can buy ready made papers which makes the process really simple when you want to do a little bit of experimenting or you want to have some arty fun with your kids.

I had seen some Cyanotype prints before and was enchanted by the deep blue colour and the dreamy effects that people achieved. I knew that I wanted to play with flowers and leaves and so I gathered an assortment and got playing!

The paper that you use is light sensitive and so you have to work fairly quickly, but I think that I felt the pressure from working with photo emulsion in the past and actually I could have taken a bit more time with this.

You really can use anything to create impressions on the paper. I used flowers and feathers and also cut out a moth shape, but I could have used lace, crystals, seeds, or any other interesting shapes/patterns.

Once you are happy with your arrangement it’s good to cover with some glass to keep it all in place and then put it in the sunshine. The first one I tried didn’t work at all as I didn’t leave for long enough! It seems to take an average of a couple of minutes, but you can also watch the paper get pale and then take it inside again.

The above image is what you see when you first take off your objects which looks really lovely, but you have to soak in water for a minute which then produces the below effect.

You need to leave them flat to dry and then you can hang them and press them in a book. I actually ironed mine and that was fine - it didn’t make any difference to the image. You are still left with a slightly wavy paper but I think it is quite charming.

The process is fast and satisfying allowing for plenty of variations and creativity.

I bought some papers that were intended for kids crafts on Amazon for around £8 but you can buy more expensive versions and also kits in order to make your own papers or fabrics.

I have ordered myself some of the chemicals to make my own as I am thinking about making some fairy kits to sell for Christmas! I think the idea has potential, but I’m trying to not get too side tracked by the shiny new thing syndrome!

I had a nice variety of foliage left afterwards and so I made myself a mini wreath. I think it looks really cute and now have it hanging on my dresser. I’m getting myself prepped for autumn vibes.

It was pretty simple to do! Ivy makes a really good circular base and then you can use some string to twist around and add extra bits onto. Voila!

Let me know if you have a go at either of these things - I’d love to see your results. Have a magical time. 💕😊✨