Fun With Cyanotype Printmaking

Fun With Cyanotype Printmaking Project

Time: 2-3 Class Periods
Difficulty: Moderate
Cleanup: Soap & Water

Materials:

Jacquard Cyanotype Sensitizer Set

Transparency Film

Digital Camera

Photo Editing Software

Printer

Bristol, Watercolor Paper or Fabric

Tray

Measuring Cups

Brush

Cardboard

Tape

Step 1
Take a black and white photo. Open the photo in your favorite photo editing software.
Step 2
Invert the photo.
Step 3
Print the inverted photos on transparency film.
Step 4
In low light, mix equal parts Jacquard Cyanotype Part A and Part B, according to package instructions. Paint the solution on your choice of fabric or paper. Allow to air dry in the dark; keep it covered until ready to expose.
Step 5
Tape the dry sheets of paper or fabric to a board, and tape the transparencies on top of the sheets. Take outside and expose to direct sunlight for 1 to 30 minutes. A longer exposure will produce a darker print. After exposure, remove the transparencies and rinse the prints in a shallow tray of cool water for 5 minutes. Hang or lay flat to dry. The prints will continue to oxidize during the next 24 hours to their final, deep blue color.
Step 6
Watch our YouTube Video for tips on creating a transparency with a Sharpie, bleaching a cyanotype print, and toning a print with other mediums, such as coffee and tea!