Gorgeous Sunprints (Cyanotypes): So Simple & So Much Fun!

This week I promised you a series of projects celebrating leaves for Spring, so I'm really happy to share with you these projects involving nature printing using cyanotype paper. Sun printing is a great craft activity to do with kids in the Spring, and big folks can use this technique as well to create gorgeous one of a kind artwork!

Isn't the simplicity and vivid color of this olive branch cyanotype just stunning? And believe me, it's so simple to do it's almost laughable! Yes, you'll need special paper, but beyond that it's a piece of cake. Oh there's one other thing you will need, and that is some sun!

Prints like these look wonderful when hung in multiples, so you could very easily fill a hall or vacant wall in one shot. And I bet you even have some frames ready and waiting! Or why not just hang your prints from a string with some wooden clothespins? How about a bunting banner made from sun prints? There are so many possibilities for using your prints!

I just love these pencil holders!  I made the thank you can by printing the words on a piece of laser printer film, but you can make one without a computer by adhering vinyl letters to a piece of overhead projector film (or any clear plastic that will lie flat).

One of the fun parts about cyanotype printing is watching the developing process. Prints that have been exposed to the sun are then "developed" by placing them in a tray of water. Initially the print will look like the above photo but after this step the dark blue areas become white and the white areas become dark blue!

I have seen many examples of interesting cyanotype art using photographs and old photos transferred to film, objects of all kinds, lace (gorgeous!) and more. Paper kits in small sizes are fairly easy to come by in art supply or nature oriented stores. Larger sizes can be ordered from several sources on the internet, just be aware that you'll need a piece of plexiglass the size of the paper. Complete instructions will come with your paper, but as you may know all you do is place flat objects on your paper, cover with a piece of plexiglass and place in sun until paper is bleached by the light. You'll then place in a tray of water as described above and enjoy watching your prints come to life!