Blue Lovers Blues
Blue Lovers Blues
Wednesday, March 12, & 19, 2025
7:00 - 8:30 PM, EST
If you are new to the cyanotype process, have years of experience, love stitch books, are new to creating handmade books or are just looking for a fun experience with fiber art and alternative photography processes this workshop just might be for you.
I know how many of you love dyeing with indigo and having taught growing, dyeing and vat formulation classes for years many have shared that they may never set up a vat at home. They just love the dyeing process in a group setting. So, if you love the look of indigo blues then you may just get excited about the deep and beautiful shades of Prussian blue produced with the cyanotype method. Cyanotype provides that same joyful element of surprise we all love when pulling an indigo dyed fabric or paper from the vat. The difference is that surface design with cyanotype takes less time, produces just as beautiful results and provides more options for design and personal storytelling or making images of your materials that are endearing.
Cyanotype is one of the oldest photographic processes dating back 183 years. Since the invention of the process it’s been used to copy notes, capture photographic illustrations and architectural plans before photocopying and computer printers were ever dreamed of.
Since the conception of the cyanotype process the techniques have virtually stayed the same with few variations and introductions of simple ways to tone developed images.
Cyanotype has no need for a camera, darkroom or any special equipment. The UV rays of the sun even on a cloudy day will provide surprising and beautiful results. Learn about using the sun, clouds and other light sources for developing on a rainy day.
The workshop covers mixing solutions, using pretreated materials and ways to alter your prints with the natural tannins from items found in your pantry and garden.
Learn how to make prints from your photo negatives, how to make negatives, drawings, three dimensional objects, transparencies, textiles, botanicals and other interesting surprises that make for interesting compositions inspired from your imagination.
Combining your fabric and paper stashes learn how to create your own original art, small stitch books, journals, scrolls, patches and fun additions to other projects. Gift items like tags, cards, gift bags and wrappings.
Some fascinating photography history will be shared and plenty of visual stimulation and inspirational examples to excite your senses and get you eager to create.
Bookbinding techniques will be covered for providing a variety of ways to bind cloth books of different sizes, thicknesses and for those with hardcovers. Expect to learn a minimum of six binding techniques.
Participation in this workshop will have you feeling confident with adding this photographic process to your creativity endeavors and ready to expand your own creative ideas to fully enjoy all that the cyanotype process can provide.
Supplies, materials, tools, vocabulary and resources will be covered. An optional suggested supply list will be emailed to all students.
This class will meet on Zoom. Registrants will be provided with meeting details for class entry. Please become familiar with Zoom applications before class. This will provide for a more relaxing experience at class time. Note taking suggested.
The class is lecture style with hands on demonstrations, examples and time for answering questions. The class will be recorded for viewing and downloading.