Introduction: Photo-Printed Silk Ribbon

About: We're Lumi, a team based in LA making it easier than ever to order custom made goods. We believe getting things manufactured doesn't have to be hard and we love supporting independent artists and business owne…

Only with Inkodye can you create this incredibly easy and rewarding DIY project! Because Inkodyes are truly photographic you can use them with black & white negatives to create your very own photo printed silk ribbon.

Use your ribbon in your hair, around your waist on a summer dress, on a gift, wrapped or not, or cut it into sections and give them away as adorable bookmarks!



Total tutorial time: 15 minutes

Step 1: Materials

 Inkodye, foam brush, pins, silk ribbon, b&w negatives and a work surface board

Step 2: Making Your Own Negatives

You can buy a B&W disposable camera and take your own shots! Important Note: High contrast negatives are needed for this project to work so try to overexpose the pics you take! You can also request "push processing" at your local film development lab to ensure higher contrast negatives.

Step 3: Prepare

Cut your ribbon to the size of the negatives you'd like to print

Step 4: Position

Lay your ribbon down onto a board that you'll be able to move out into the sun

Step 5: Pour

Apply your Inkodye straight from the bottle, we recommend not diluting for this project

Step 6: Brush

Using a regular ol' foam brush make sure your Inkodye is evenly applied. A regular paintbrush can also be used, but watch out for stray bristles!

Step 7: Place

Get your negative placed properly, make sure you put it SHINY side DOWN so as not to smear it

Step 8: Pin

Using push pins, pin your project to the board to keep the negative in contact and so it can't blow away!

Step 9: Smooth

Using the slight stickyness of the wet ribbon rub the negative down until it is smooth

Step 10: Take It Into the Sun

This is where the magic happens, watch your photos develop right before your eyes!

Step 11: Wait

Leave your project in the sun for at least 5 minutes, up to 12 minutes in cloudy weather

Step 12: Uncover

In a shady indoor area uncover your masterpiece!

Step 13: Wash

Wash vigorously in HOT soapy water, for best results use our specialized Inkowash. If you do not wash enough your project may continue to develop after it is dry.

Step 14: Dry

Dry your project without heat, just lay it out indoors (not in the sun) and let it dry completely

Step 15: Enjoy!

Use your beautiful custom ribbon for anything! We'd love to hear what you dream up.