You might be asking how to make cyanotypes? Let me tell you first what a cyanotype is...Cyanotypes are an old photography/printmaking process that involves creating a blueprint with exposure from the sun or UV light. The process uses two chemicals: ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide. The process was discovered in 1842. Read on to learn from artist Jackie Partridge as she reviews the process of how to make cyanotypes!
How to make cyanotypes- this wheat print is being washed to remove chemicals
Fun Fact About Cyanotypes
Cyanotypes were used to create house blueprints and that’s how the blueprint got its name. Of course blueprints are created digitally nowadays.
Materials for How to Make Cyanotypes:
Paper or fabric
Plastic gloves
brush/sponge
Container of water for rinsing
Water
Chemicals: ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide
plants/flowers to create the prints
A sheet of glass or plexiglass
How to Make Cyanotypes:
Mix the chemical solution in the dark by mixing half and half of each chemical
Apply the chemical solution with a brush/sponge to the paper or fabric (thin and even coat)
Let the paper dry for a few hours in the dark
Store paper somewhere the light can’t get it
Fill a container of water to rinse the prints
Lay your coated paper in the sun and add your botanicals on top - can add a sheet of glass or plexiglass to keep the plants secure
Set a timer and test your exposure times between 3-30min. (3min if it is full and direct sun)
Rinse the paper in the water and let the paper dry (Make sure all yellow residue is off)
Learn about my wildflower cyanotype project here!
Creating cyanotypes is a bit of an art and science. There is a lot of testing and experimenting to see what works. To learn more about this process you can purchase a detailed lesson with instructions, tips, video tutorial and examples for cyanotypes here:
My Favourite Cyanotype Prints
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Palm Leaf Unisex V-neck T-shirt
Cyanotype Prints by Jackie Partridge
In my new series called Garden Prints- I use the cyanotype process to create these original prints. Each one is slightly different. I use foraged plants and flowers from my mother’s and grandmother’s garden to create these special prints.
Related Articles:
Learn how to make paper out of blue jeans
Learn how to make paper out of plants
Check out my Cyanotype Prints- here!
You can check out other art in my shop -here!
Shop Cyanotype Daisy Cards -here!
Join my mailing list to save 15% off my cyanotype artwork
How to make cyanotypes - lay flowers (forget me nots) on the coated paper and cover with glass in the sun