Cyanotypes

This art project is great to do with elementary students and it can be easily connected to science or the history of photography.

Materials

• Cyanotype printing kit: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0045Y1H2M/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2/188-2527093-0835012?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=1TMZNYN3HWZGNX8N5799&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_i=B0002Y2OWQ
• Thick white paper

Using the materials above you can sensitize the paper yourself before doing the art project or you can buy this kit:  http://www.sunprints.org/ and they will already be sensitized and ready for class use.

• Black construction paper
• negatives of pictures on overhead paper (optional)

1. Turn off the lights in the classroom and allow only enough light to see.
2. Arrange the any items you want on your paper.
3. Use 2 pieces of black construction paper to cover both sides of the cyanotype paper as you walk outside.
4. Find a place with direct sunlight and uncover the top of the paper. Do not move any of your objects while it is exposed.
5. After 30-45 seconds cover the paper again and take it inside. If you want your picture to be darker than leave it out in the sun for longer.
6. Inside the dark classroom, rinse your cyanotype in cold water until all the chemicals are washed off.
7. Lay flat to dry.