Simple Sun Print Project

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October 6, 2010

Developed in the warm summer sun, light-sensitized paper or fabric turns a rich blue color, while areas covered with flat objects remain white. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions to create your own, then get inspired with easy ways to incorporate them into your home.

How to Make Sun Prints

Materials
Sun print paper or fabric (available at photography supply stores, art supply stores and online)
Cardboard, same size as paper or fabric
Fabric pushpins
Small objects (see below for inspiration)
Glass or plastic sheet
Shallow dish, filled with water

Instructions
Use these basic instructions as a guide, but be sure to follow the instructions included with your sun print paper or fabric.

Sun Print Paper sunprints in progress

Use pushpins to secure paper, blue side up, on cardboard. Then use objects to arrange a composition on the paper. Cover completed arrangement with a piece of glass or plastic sheet.
Expose to sunlight for 1-5 minutes, until paper turns a very light blue.
Carefully remove glass or plastic sheet and objects off the paper, then completely submerge the paper in a shallow dish filled with water. Let sit for 1 minute.
Let dry on paper towels, away from direct sunlight. The blue color will darken as the paper dries.

Sun Print Fabric

Pin sun print fabric to cardboard. Arrange a composition with your objects on the fabric, then cover completed arrangement with a piece of glass or plastic sheet.
Expose to sunlight for 5-10 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with water, until water runs clear.
Let dry away from direct sunlight. Blue color will deepen over the next 24 hours.

Tip: For a quick flat piece of glass, use the glass sheet included in a picture frame set. Plastic sheets work, too!

Object Ideas

Gather natural elements, like leaves, petals and feathers, from your own backyard create wilderness-inspired prints.
Celebrate your loved ones with silhouette prints. To learn how to make paper cutouts of your family, friends or pets, read Silhouette Project & Heirloom Tips.
Use alphabet stencils to create one-of-a-kind monograms.
Design a print with doilies for a romantic touch.
Arrange triangle, circle and square cutouts to create bold geometric patterns.

Ways to Use Sun-Printed Paper

Special Stationery: Glue images to blank cards, then read our article Homemade Stationery to learn how to fold your paper into envelopes. We love to surprise new brides with a set of monogrammed sun print stationery.
Personalized Journal: For an elegant journal, cover a blank notebook in sun print paper. Keep a few extras around so you'll always have a hostess gift on hand.
Framed Prints: Give any room a fresh burst of color by hanging a cluster of framed sun prints on a wall. For a vibrant display, use an array of different colored frames.

Ways to Use Sun-Printed Fabric

Custom Cushions: For a sophisticated look, wrap removable seat cushions with sun printed fabric, then adorn bright white chairs with your new custom covers. Get full instructions in our article Upholstery Brings New Depth to Your Space.
Wall Décor: Use sun print fabric to create decorative handmade panels. Display your images in a simple photo frame, or stretch it taut over an artist’s canvas. For creative mounting ideas, read Ideas for Decorative Wall Panels.
Functional Art: Cover pegboard, corkboard or even a window screen in sun print fabric, then attach to the back of a frame. Use hooks, tacks or decorative pins to hang jewelry.