Botanical Cyanotype: A Guide to the Art of Sun Printing

“Sarah's evocative botanical imagery and creative projects invite readers to explore this historic medium through a fresh and inspiring lens."

—Madge Evers, author of Printing with the Sun

Turn every nature walk into a masterpiece with artist and educator Sarah Bourne Rafferty’s complete guide to cyanotype, a process that blends sunlight with a simple salt solution to turn everyday leaves and flowers into mystical-looking art.

The book includes

• an introduction to cyanotype basics, terms and definitions, troubleshooting, and key safety tips;
• guides to preparing solutions, plus gathering supplies for coating, developing, and drying;
• techniques for creating solar prints on both paper and fabric, plus level-up guides to wet cyanotype, bleaching/toning, double exposures, and incorporating paint and metallic colors; and
• 14 gorgeous step-by-step projects to use and gift, including framed botanical wall art, herb greeting cards, double exposures, an accordion-fold book, a cyanotype + watercolor bluebell print, a bleached and tea-toned fern print, a bandana, cocktail napkins, a T-shirt, a tote bag, worry stones, and a digital negative of a favorite spot.

Whether you’re starting your cyanotype journey here or want to take your talents to the next level, this book offers the perfect blend of approachability and creative empowerment.

Sarah Bourne Rafferty is the founder of Atwater Designs, a cyanotype design studio that produces original cyanotypes, fine-art prints, and paper goods. Her work has been shown both nationally and internationally. She currently lives in Chester County, Pennsylvania. www.atwaterdesigns.com