crafts that are cyanotype adjacent
Crafts That Are Cyanotype Adjacent
Cyanotype is a fascinating photographic printing process known for its deep blue hues and ethereal imagery. While traditional cyanotype involves light-sensitive chemicals and UV exposure, there are many crafts that take inspiration from its techniques, colors, and effects. If you love the aesthetic of cyanotype but want to explore alternative methods, here are some cyanotype-adjacent crafts to try.
1. Sun Printing with Fabric Paints
Sun printing, also known as heliographic printing, mimics cyanotype by using light-sensitive fabric paints. To create designs, place objects or stencils on fabric coated with sun-reactive paint and expose it to sunlight. Once dry, the areas shielded from the sun remain lighter, while the exposed areas darken, producing a cyanotype-like effect.
2. Blueprint-Style Watercolor Painting
For a more artistic approach, use watercolors or fabric dyes in shades of blue to hand-paint designs that resemble cyanotype prints. You can paint silhouettes of leaves, flowers, or lace patterns onto paper or fabric, layering washes to achieve the signature deep blue tones.
3. Indigo Dyeing and Shibori Techniques
Indigo dyeing, especially Shibori (a Japanese resist-dyeing technique), creates organic blue-and-white patterns similar to cyanotype prints. Folding, twisting, and binding fabric before dipping it in indigo dye results in intricate, one-of-a-kind designs reminiscent of cyanotype imagery.
4. Photogram-Inspired Screen Printing
Photograms are a key element of cyanotype, where objects are placed on a light-sensitive surface to create silhouettes. You can achieve a similar effect using screen printing techniques. By making screens with botanical or lace-like designs, you can transfer cyanotype-style imagery onto textiles, paper, or even wood.
5. Digital Cyanotype Effects
For those who enjoy digital crafting, graphic design programs like Photoshop can recreate cyanotype aesthetics. By adjusting images to monochromatic blue tones and adding textured overlays, you can produce vintage-inspired prints that mimic the classic cyanotype look without the need for chemicals.
6. Solar Paper Printing
Pre-treated solar paper functions similarly to cyanotype paper but requires no chemical mixing. Simply place objects on the paper, expose it to sunlight, and rinse with water to reveal the final print. This is a great beginner-friendly option for those interested in exploring light-sensitive printing.
7. Cyanotype-Inspired Stamping and Stenciling
Stamping with white or light-colored inks on deep blue paper can replicate the high-contrast look of cyanotype. Similarly, using stencils with white paint or bleach on blue fabric can create striking cyanotype-like designs without the need for UV exposure.
Conclusion
Cyanotype-adjacent crafts offer a way to experiment with the beauty of light, shadow, and deep blue hues using a variety of artistic techniques. Whether through sun printing, indigo dyeing, or digital design, these alternatives allow you to capture the magic of cyanotype in new and creative ways. Try incorporating these methods into your projects and enjoy the timeless appeal of blueprint-inspired art!
Caitlyn Barnes, is the creative force behind our crochet and Cricut crafts content. When she’s not unraveling yarn for her latest crochet project, you’ll catch Caitlyn with a cup of coffee in hand, typing away at her computer, with two mischievous cats by her side.
