Sun Print Wall Hanging

Make a summer project using a photography technique that is safe, easy and doesn’t need a darkroom or  fancy equipment.

This project is perfect for kids (or young at heart) as it is so easy and gets you outside for a few minutes.

Step 1 Cyanotype

The sun print is actually a Cyanotype. Cyanotypes are a type of photographic printing process that will make a blue print; cyan means dark blue. Engineers and architects formerly used this cheap process to make large copies of their drawings--"blue prints".

Sir John Herschel, an English astronomer and scientist discovered this procedure in 1842. Even though John Herschel is credited as the inventor, Anna Atkins actually brought the process to photography by creating a book of ferns and other plant life. Anna Atkins is regarded as the first female photographer because of using this process.

Cyanotypes are made by exposing the treated paper or cotton fabric to sunlight for about 10-15 minutes and then rinsing in water to “develop” the image. 

There is another instructable about making cyanotypes and you can search for this or do a search on the internet for information on mixing your own chemistry.

Comments

[daveamy]

Thankyou, will see if I can find some over here in the UK. Yours looks great and would love to make some with the kids for gifts for family :)

[artfulann]

You might have a better time looking for photographic supplies. I'm not familiar with UK terms but I found the chemicals online here: http://www.firstcall-photographic.co.uk/products/602/rockland-blueprint-kit-500ml Also some fabric/cloth stores might have this-- or could order it for you

[daveamy]

That's great but what do you mean by treated material? What colour is the material to start with? Thanks

[artfulann]

The sun prints were made on a material that is pretreated with chemicals so that it is a light sensitive material. Two kinds I found in art supply catalogs: Design and print fabric squares pkg of 20 8.5 inch squares $25.13 (https://store.schoolspecialtyonline.net) Design and Fabric Print Squares – Set of 50 6” squares $22.70 (http://www.enasco.com) You can also find it by searching for "blueprints".

[artfulann]

Oh sorry...and the material I used is blue but I've seen it also in magenta.

[ChrysN]

Nice!