Easy Sun Prints with Kids....

9/12/2020

Are you a first-time home school parent looking for a way to add more art to your lesson plans? Or are the kids in a hybrid plan at school this year with less time for the arts at school?
Cyanotypes, or sun prints, are a great way to combine an easy, no-mess creative activity with a simple science lesson!

First a little science background...

A cyanotype is a form of photo printing that uses sunlight to form an image on a chemically treated paper or other surface. The process was invented by Sir John Herschel in 1841 and was used by engineers and architects to make technical drawings called "blueprints" because of the high contrast blue image that was produced. Blueprints were made in this manner well into the 20th century. Photographers and artists also used this process to create botanical prints and for proofing photographic negatives. Today, artists use this nineteenth century technique in many creative ways, incorporating it into stand alone and mixed media artwork.

Two chemicals are mixed to make cyanotype solution: ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide. The chemicals are diluted with distilled water, mixed together in equal proportions, then applied to the paper or fabric on which the print will be made.
(NOTE: The sun print paper in these kits has NO toxicity dangers, even if you purchase the "do it yourself" mixing kit to make your own sun print paper or fabric. Like all science and art materials, keep the paper away from your face and wash your hands after using. That's basic safety for any materials used in science or art!)

Once the paper is dried, objects are placed on the paper, which is then exposed to bright sunlight. The ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun reacts with the iron salts on the surface in a process called oxidation. After exposure, the paper is immersed in running water to wash away the excess iron salts, leaving behind a white image on a deep blue background. The amount of contrast between the white and blue areas is determined by the amount of sunlight hitting the surface. Objects that are opaque and lie flat on the surface will appear as a high contrast white, while objects that are translucent or three-dimensional will allow the surface to be exposed to varying degrees of UV light, which creates a shadow effect between the lightest and darkest areas of the surface.
NOTE: The highlighted terms are not live links, but make for a good opportunity to add a vocabulary lesson!

But no worries! No mixing of chemicals is required for this lesson...

Sun Print papers are ready to use without any chemistry, which makes this introductory lesson perfect for younger children. Click here or on the image below to access my YouTube video for the complete demonstration! The Sun Art paper kit that I used for this video is available on Amazon. Another good quality kit for young children is Super Sunprint Kit, also available on Amazon.

To learn more...

If you're working with older children or teens, the two chemicals are available as a kit at most craft stores or on Amazon. This allows the young artist to mix the amount needed to prepare paper and fabric in a variety of types and sizes to create unique cyanotype prints. The chemicals are safe to use when directions are followed, although I consider adult supervision necessary with elementary and middle grade kids to minimize risk and the mess caused by spills!
To learn more about this process, I have a Skillshare class that you can access here: Cyanotype Prints for Your Mixed Media Art.
NOTE: Skillshare is a membership site which offers hundreds of classes taught by experts in different fields: the fine arts, crafts, business and marketing, computers, photography, and many more. With my link, you will be invited to a two-month free trial which will allow you to access every one of the classes offered on Skillshare. There is no obligation to continue with a paid subscription once the free trial ends.