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Fun in the Sun with Cyanotype! Tutorial and Inspiration.

Fun in the Sun with Cyanotype! Tutorial and Inspiration.

The process of Cyanotype was originally invented by an astronomer named Sir William Hershel in 1842 for the purpose of copying notes. It was actually a family friend of Hershel, Anna Atkins, a botanist and photographer, who used the process to make what some people say was the first published book of photography. She used Cyanotype for documenting collected specimens of algae.
 
 
   Anna Atkins,1861
 
 
 1843 book, Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impression 
 
 
A Cyanotype Photogram by Atkins

 

The word cyan comes from the Greek, meaning “dark blue substance”.  Compared to other photographic printing processes, cyanotype is easy and inexpensive! No darkroom is needed, instead it uses the power of the sun! Ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide are combined, and exposure to UV light creates ferric ferrocyanide, also known as Prussian Blue (named for the color of the Prussian military uniforms.) Here's a fun fact!: even though the cyanotype process is no longer used in construction, it is still referred to a "blueprint" today.

 

 

 
 
Okay! Let's fast forward to the here and now! We have right at this moment in our supply shops everything you need to harness the power of the sun! Make detailed prints from virtually any object that casts a shadow! We also know seeing is believing, so stop in and see a sample for yourself!
 
 
 

That's right! Anything! Tools, toys, plants, leaves, stones, sand, string, lace; the possibilities are endless! The great thing is that you can do this will ALL AGES! 

 

 
  
 
 
Here is a quick tutorial video that really break down the details!
 


THIS STUFF IS FOR EVERYONE! Cyanotype is great for photographers, mixed media artists, printmakers, quilters, kids and more! The cyanotype process is easy, forgiving, quick, magical and fun! Capture the nuance of every shadow; this is a great group activity for any age! Come on in to any of our shops and ask our collage rock stars to help you fill your basket with everything you need for a fun and DIFFERENT summer craft!


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