Cyanotype Photograms 🔵☀️

(or simply said - Sun Prints)

Hi Dabblers! This week, I tried a new craft that was gifted to me. I am always open to new ideas for trying something new - whether that’s a hobby, a food, or an experience. If you have something to share, please let me know. Thx!

Cyanotype photograms are images created by exposing light-sensitive paper to sunlight with objects placed on the surface. I was given a “Sunography” kit as a gift, and you can easily find one online. Note - Sunography is a trademark name for the product I received, and there are many other options.

Making sun prints (cyanotype photograms) is easy and requires only sunlight, water, and light-sensitive paper or fabric. You start by finding a few interesting shapes, arranging them on the light-sensitive paper, letting them sit in the sun for about 15 minutes, and then rinsing the paper off in cold water. You can see my first try above.

If you are dabbling, i.e., just trying it once, I’d suggest buying the photosensitive paper online. You can usually get it for less than $10. If you think you may want to dive deep into cyanotype photograms, you can make light-sensitive paper by buying your own cyanotype chemicals and treating everything from paper to fabric to wood, and then trying the process on these surfaces.

I found a few other objects to use up the rest of my paper in the kit.

The Dabble Deets

What I liked about this Dabble: It was fast and easy, and didn’t require a lot of cleanup.

What I didn’t like or didn’t plan for: The sun moved really fast during the 15 minutes I was making the print, and part of it was in the shade for half the time.

Would I do it again? Probably not. I am curious about trying this on wood but that would be a bigger commitment.

What I will do with the results: I often send my elderly mother care packages and always add some type of handmade card in the box. These will be easy to turn into cards (see below). They could also be cut and made into bookmarks - which I never use (lol).

Cards for Mom :)

Thanks for reading! I’d love to hear how you are dabbling this week! Please comment below.