Hand-coated and individually wrapped, these Cyanotype kits are the perfect introduction to analogue photography. Using simple Victorian processes, sunlight and water you can create unique and interesting images in your home or garden!
This kit consists of 3x A4 pieces of heavyweight watercolour paper, which have been measured, cut and dry hand-coated with a colour-changing cyanotype chemistry. You can use them at A4 size (as they arrive), or cut up each sheet into smaller sizes, shapes etc.
For example, from this one ready-coated kit you could create: 3x A4 pieces, or 6x A5 pieces, or even 9x 6x4 inch prints! Enough for your own mini-exhibition!
Alongside the hand-coated sheets, you also get a handful of eco-friendly objects to get you started (i.e. die-cut paper shapes, lace etc.) plus mini-pegs and string to hang up your masterpieces to dry. All of it comes in a beautiful re-usable A4 Kraft folder for storing the un-exposed sheets and for keeping your final prints safe.
Crafted by our friend and passionate analogue artist Rachel @ Little Vintage Photography
How does a Cyanotype work?
The kit uses a simple but effective process to help everyone discover the fascinating art & science of analogue photography. It uses dry-coated chemistry (Please read the Health & Safety section for further information) to demonstrate the reactions created by light and help everyone learn more about alternative ways of creating photographic prints using just daylight and water!
The sheets of hand-coated watercolour paper arrive wrapped in aluminium foil to prevent premature exposure to light, and includes instructions for how to use.
When you open the foil packet (initially away from daylight), you will see that the hand-coated paper has a green-ish hue. You place/arrange items/objects/negatives on top of the coated paper and expose it to daylight (UV light). Once exposure is complete (guidelines on instructions), simply remove your items/objects, wash the paper in tap water and watch it change colour to a beautiful blue & white. This is your final 'photographic' cyanotype 'sunprint' ready for display (see example images - frames & other items shown, not included).
How to Make a Cyanotype:
- Put on non-porous gloves before touching the coated paper
- Open the pack INDOORS and away from daylight/windows
- Place flat objects on top of the green area in your chosen design (flower/leaves/anything with a strong silhouette will work well!)
- Cover with clear plastic or glass. Ensure nothing else obscures the green area
- Leave outside in sunshine/daylight or under UV light
- Green area will change to brown/grey (bright sun = 5-10 mins; cloudy weather = ~45 mins)
- Remove from daylight/sun and rinse in tepid water
- You will be left with an unique permanent blue & white cyanotype sunprint!
Health and Safety
Not a toy. Paper is pre-coated with chemicals. Do not eat, ingest, or rub on skin. Use non-porous gloves if possible. Wash and dry hands thoroughly after handling. Use within 6 months. Do not leave within reach of children or animals.
