Sun Printing (Cyanotype)

Sun printing—also known as cyanotype—is a centuries-old, camera-less photography technique that uses sunlight and chemistry to create stunning blue-and-white prints (sometimes called photograms). We coat paper or fabric with light-sensitive iron-based chemicals. Collected leaves, flowers, and other little finds can be placed on paper or fabric. Once it has been placed in sunlight, the exposed areas react with the UV rays and turn Prussian blue, while the covered parts stay white (unreacted). A simple water rinse “fixes” the image, revealing nature’s hidden silhouettes. It’s a beautiful blend of hands-on science, art, and nature—perfect for curious kids to explore, slow down, and craft a lasting memory.

See below for the simple process we did with pressed flowers on paper, followed by additional examples.

Person painting with a green watercolor brush on paper, with brushes in a jar nearby and a cloth on the table.
A person is arranging dried yellow sunflower and purple pansy flowers on a green-painted piece of paper, with a magazine or newspaper nearby on a metal surface.
Close-up of a person's hand with large green rings placing pressed flowers and leaves onto a green sheet of paper on a table, with a few purple flowers among the yellow flowers.
Hands arranging dried pressed flowers on a piece of paper with a green background, on a metal surface.
A person lifting a cloth or towel to reveal a picture of sunflowers and purple flowers on a piece of paper on a white table outdoors.
A sheet of paper with pressed flowers, including yellow and purple blossoms, placed on a metallic surface.
Person arranging pressed flowers on paper with a towel nearby on a metal table
Person arranging pressed flowers on a clear sheet, with a printed sheet showing a botanical illustration of flowers and leaves on a gray table.
Person holding a sheet of paper with leaf and plant illustrations, wearing dark jeans and a black top with short sleeves.
Person holding a blue-toned photographic slide or print with plant silhouettes in front of blurred green plants.
Canvas tote bag with blue text 'Outdoor Voices' and a graphic of a seashell and bubbles, hanging on a wooden wall.

Ready to create with Sun & Clay Art? Booking is simple — just choose your activity, pick a date, and we’ll bring all the supplies straight to your door or event. Each session is designed to be hands-on, educational, and fun for all ages

Pricing:

  • For Small groups/sessions (up to 5 artists):

    Flat fee of $150 for one artist to show with supplies, instruction, and clean-up.

    Each additional artist will be $30 (or $50 with a tote)

  • Kids Sun Print Party with paper (up to 10 kids): $250

    • includes setup, 60 mins instruction, supplies, and clean-up

    • Each additional artist will be another $15

  • Kids Sun Print Party with totes (up to 10 kids): $350

    • includes setup, supplies, and clean-up

    • Each additional artist will be another $15

  • Adult Sun Print Gathering includes kits with totes, instruction, and clean-up

    • 8-10 artists: $45 per artist

    • 11-15 artists: $40 per artist

    • 16-20 artists: $35 per artist

Each session will be approximately 2 hours