Cyanotype: Harnessing Sunlight to Create Botanical Art

There’s something magical about using sunlight to make art—especially when it involves chemistry, nature, and a touch of unpredictability. Cyanotype, also known as solar printing, is one of the oldest photographic processes, dating back to the 1840s. It produces stunning blue-and-white prints using UV light and iron-based chemistry. Whether you’re printing on paper or fabric, cyanotype is a beautiful way to capture the essence of plants, textures, and shadows.

What Is Cyanotype?

Cyanotype is a light-sensitive printing process that uses two chemicals:

• Ferric ammonium citrate

• Potassium ferricyanide

When mixed and applied to a surface, this solution reacts to UV light. The exposed areas turn a deep Prussian blue, while areas blocked by objects remain white or pale. The result is a striking silhouette-style image with rich contrast and organic detail.

Materials You’ll Need

• Cyanotype chemicals (pre-mixed kits or powders)

• Natural fiber fabric (cotton, linen, silk) or watercolor paper

• A brush or sponge for coating

• Flat botanical objects (leaves, flowers, feathers)

• A sheet of glass or acrylic to hold objects in place

• Sunlight or a UV lamp

• Water for rinsing

• Gloves and a dark workspace for prep

Step-by-Step Process

1. Mix the solution   Combine equal parts of the two chemicals in dim light. Use gloves and avoid direct sunlight during this step.

2. Coat your surface   Apply the solution evenly to your fabric or paper. Let it dry in a dark space—this creates your light-sensitive canvas.

3. Arrange your design   Lay your dried surface on a flat board. Arrange leaves, flowers, or stencils on top. Cover with glass to keep everything flat.

4. Expose to sunlight   Take your setup outside and expose it to direct sun for 5–20 minutes. The coated surface will shift from greenish-yellow to bronze.

5. Rinse and reveal   Remove the objects and rinse the print in cold water. Watch the blues deepen and the whites emerge. Optional: add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to intensify the contrast.

6. Dry and admire   Let your print dry flat. Over the next 24 hours, the color will continue to oxidize and deepen.

   Creative Possibilities

Cyanotype is endlessly versatile:

• Print on linen for eye pillows or sachets

• Create wall art with pressed botanicals

• Make greeting cards, bookmarks, or journal covers

• Combine with embroidery or natural dyes for mixed-media pieces

Why It’s Special

Cyanotype is more than a technique—it’s a dialogue between light, chemistry, and nature. It’s eco-friendly, low-tech, and deeply expressive. Each print is a one-of-a-kind collaboration with the sun.

Sun printed linen herbal pillow with Lavender, Flax seeds, and Mugwort.