A Wet Cyanotype Tutorial

Marianne walks you through the creation of a wet cyanotype print.

[@struethful]

Thank you for this really clear and informative video and with such beautiful results! It has inspired me to have a go. Just ordered the stuff.

[@donaldbersano4300]

Such a well made and informative video. Thank you for sharing your talents and techniques Marianne! Looking forward to demonstrating this fun and creative process to my college photo students!

[@laveryring3527]

That's so inspirational. Can't wait to try it. Thanks so much for explaining.

[@valerieoberleexec-artist]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you for you lovely voice in stepping g through this process! Beautiful outcomes. ♥️

[@louisesusan]

Loved watching this and just what I was looking for in the way of products and methods! The gold with the turmeric was incredible x

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

So glad!

[@williamcorbett7810]

Thank you for a clear simple method to try cyanotype printing. Beautiful results . Thank you

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

You are most welcome!

[@SvetikPro]

Very beautiful results! Thank you for the video! 💕👍

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

You are most welcome.

[@HeiderosesPhotograph]

Those are beautiful prints and thanks so much for showing the process.

[@kpopjeon1775]

the turmeric is such a fantastic idea!!! it looks stunning!!

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

Thank you SO much!

[@2techshop]

Thank you for a very good video! Love your results.

[@lynnspencer7753]

I really enjoyed your tutorial I just tried it myself before watching your video. I learned a lot. Going to try again. Thank you.

[@jank831]

Great tutorial, thank you! I just ordered my cyanotype ingredients and I'm anxious to play with all the different ideas!

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

So glad you enjoyed it and have fun with the process!

[@YOREGANICS1]

gorgeous! thanks so much for this insightful tutorial!!!

[@josephina4792]

friendly suggestion: turn your camera 90º for videotaping. That way you'll get a landscape orientated video as opposed to this portrait orientation.

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

Thank you!!! I am new to the whole video thing as you can tell.

[@allisonjames2923]

What beautiful prints. Wish they stayed that beautiful teal colour

[@janetbaker9112]

I haven't started with this art form yet, so your video was very informative, love your work.

[@elizabethclark4892]

you are a good teacher and artist thank you for sharing

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

Thank you so much!

[@gabrieleschneider9126]

I learned some really new details. Such as using of turmeric or the foil for the structure. Very cool. Thanks a lot :-)

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

My pleasure 😊. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@florenciaibanez3774]

Beautiful!!!!! 🤩😍 I loved the effects I will try them, thank you!

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

Thank you and have fun!

[@AngelaMastonAshMeadowStudio]

This is great! Thank you so much for a great tutorial!

[@ianwilson4708]

Really interesting and well explained. I'll certainly give it ago. Thanks

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

So happy you enjoyed it and I hope you do give it a try!

[@jantolliver664]

Thank you. That was fantastic and I can’t wait to try it.

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

Hope you enjoy it and good luck!

[@wrxnglove]

really interesting process, thanks for sharing

[@caroleaudran5672]

Thank you! It is very cool !!! I love it !!

[@ginafeddersen8200]

I did try this last week and had fantastic results! Temps were 7`C and cloudy all day on the first day. On the second day it was 11`C with sunny periods and som clouds. Results were exactly the same for both days. The prints were outside for 2 hours each day. Lots of fun😊

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

Great to hear!

[@ronzyl1]

I AM going to try your method. Thanks a million.

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

You are welcome!

[@racheloliveri5568]

Thank you - great tutorial. I can now experiment with a new technique!

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kimberlyschneider101]

Great video, looking forward to testing a more experimental (& probably messy) version of this. Thanks! :)

[@VC_27]

The gold from the turmeric took me by surprise. I am going to try a copy of Starry Night by Van Gogh. Thank you your lucid explanation.👏🏼

[@arlenemurphy804]

Wow, I must try.. i am new to this and have applied the chemicals and let it dry... was under the impression that putting the soap suds on meant that it was WET... thank you.

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

I hope you try it this way. I think you will be happy with your results. It is SO addictive!

[@SaadATazi]

Wonderful. Thanks for sharing

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

My pleasure

[@Rednutsacc]

Great video thank you it’s very informative

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mendyhand3895]

I am now obsessed with this! Thx! - Messy Mendy 🍃🍂🍁

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

You are so welcome!

[@louisesmithers7274]

Thank you from Australia !

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

Thanks for watching!

[@dianvik]

very well done, so beautiful 💥💥❤❤

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

Thank you so much 😀

[@paulaboudreaux3258]

Thank you!

[@eleanorsegal257]

Thank you!!!

[@lisagott1354]

What a great video❤️,

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@eydimyers1654]

great video, thank you.

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

You are welcome!

[@eydimyers1654]

@@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605 I have just one question please. I see you place your leaves and such in a lit room, doesnt that start the process, or does regular room light not interfere with the project and process. Again, many thanks.

[@gillyb44]

Fabulous and so inspiring. I bought the chemicals and water colour paper. It did not turn out so good. I think the paper must be important. Mine was cold pressed 100% cotton. Looked dreadful too textured. And colours were harsh. Can you tell us what you use please?

[@HH-wk6zg]

Thank You💙

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

You are most welcome!

[@mp0mme]

OMG i would not rinse this directly over the soil as potassium ferricyanide is slightly toxic. Not sure mother earth and all the little beasts appreciate a shower of this one ! Otherwise thanks for the tutorial, the turmeric spot are beautifuuul !

[@lisamariaartista]

cyanotype chemicals are safe to wash down the drain provided they are diluted with plenty of water

[@margarethanicolle9506]

Absolutely gorgeous. Can't wait to try it. Does it work on fabric?

[@laovejameme]

Hi, thank you for the video, loved the process! Can I ask how was the vinegar diluted? is it 50-50 with water? Thanks for any help!

[@wharz8957]

Hello, what is the glass' size? and how many millimeters about the thickness? I do use a plexiglass but I don't find it heavy enough? Your work is a very beautiful inspiration, thanks!

[@KalpanaImaginationArtandEngPoe]

Wow loved it...wet into wet. Cd you pl . write if u cn in a reply the names of chemicals used. Thx

[@ivywreden6330]

Love your results. Have try try this out love the cling wrap idea. Have you tried the turmeric under the ginkgo leaves?

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

Under the leaves? I don't think I have. I tend to spread the turmeric around AFTER i place my objects.

[@RickLeMon]

Beautiful work. I've been playing with cyanotypes and am always looking to try new things. Next on the list is toning using coffee or various kinds of tea. I really want to try your wet cyanotype technique though. How colorfast is the turmeric? I know turmeric anthotypes will fade over time if exposed to light, but this doesn't seem to be quite the same thing.

[@iditwagner]

thank you

[@cathpd4583]

Thanks very much for this video. I like the yellow spots: I suppose that’s the turmeric? I probably did something wrong as the turmeric when rinsed did not give any yellow stains but just whitish spots as the sun did not go through ! I would like to get some yellow tones as for the moment mine are just in blue tones and that’s a bit boring ! Thanks again

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

Yes, Catherine. The turmeric is what gives the gold/yellow colors. I put quite a goodly amount on the paper and it seems to ALMOST always work. Nothing is set in stone with the process. It is a lot of experimentation so just enjoy the fun of the process!

[@karenmusa3052]

Omg how absolutely stunning, thanku so much. What is the solution called?

[@usualatoms4868]

Please rinse into a drain and not outside.

[@joanbutler3818]

Thanks so much for this video -I've been experimenting with wet cyanotype with mixed results and you gave me some new ideas to try. Question - how did you get the white edges on the prints in the beginning of the video? did you just coat part of the paper or cover the edges?

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

Sometimes i tear the edge of the watercolor paper once the print is done and dry

[@kristinaginorio1344]

What happens if you don't rinse with the peroxide? Will it stay with a greenish cast or fade? You're a good teacher. Thank you.

[@AJ-jw8tm]

thank you! wondering what is the vinagre dilution

[@elizabethclark4892]

I forgot to ask in one of your pieces what object did you use to make the balloon shape

[@lucimeireribeiro150]

Very beautiful and inspiring. Is it exposed for 5 hours because it's a wet cyanotype? I've tried the dry one and it takes less than a few minutes of faily good sunlight. Thanks!

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

Lucimeire, yes. With the wet cyanotype process, the longer it is left out in the sun, the more interesting the results can be. Some people leave them out for 24-48 hours. I am too excited to see the results so I usually don't go more than 8-9 hours. Experiment with it though. Results will vary and that is part of the fun!

[@2techshop]

Do you seal your art work with anything to preserve the colors in any way? Thank you!

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

Recently I’ve been using Renaissance Wax Polish but I don’t think it is necessary as my older works from 3-4 years ago have not faded at all. It is best not to hang them in direct sunlight, polished or not.

[@iditwagner]

Thank you, was the paper left in direct sun the whole time?

[@CINEMAforandobrasil]

what kind of paper are you using? Is it plain paper?

[@elizabethclark4892]

Also what kind of paper do you use? It looks like card stock? Di you tear the edges yorself or did it come that way? Can you use any type of paper? Thank you

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

I often tear the edges once the prints are done. I like the look. And I use a variety of watercolor paper. Different papers work differently as far as colors go. You just kind of have to experiment. There are sources online that will help you choose.

[@NowTheresaCraftyIdea]

Great tutorial tfs

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

Thanks for watching

[@nevaoliver3908]

Love this idea! I am going to try it. Can you give me an idea of what the ratio is for the vinegar solution please? You said diluted- can you just give an estimate if exact doesn't matter. Thanks!

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

Neva, I would guess it is about 50/50.

[@nevaoliver3908]

@@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605 Thanks so much.

[@elizabethclark4892]

I am sorry I just noticed that i could turn on the captions to read your directions as well. I have a hard time hearing. I was able to read all the answers to my questions. Sorry i had not noticed this before.

[@amandavdbergh2210]

Do you also sometimes use salt and foam?

[@tasfa10]

I liked the greener color! Is there any way to preserve that?

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

You can skip the hydrogen peroxide rinse but over time the color will change anyway.

[@sherrilldanebroek2603]

What could be a replacement for the sun?

[@yurizaroli6882]

How toxic are the chemicals? can they be used in a classroom by secondary students? Also, can it be done with plexiglass instead of real glass? thank you

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

The chemicals are not toxic but of course care needs to be taken to avoid ingestion of anything. I think secondary students would love it. And yes, i have also used plexiglass.

[@cindyk3443]

Is the process the same if you use a t-shirt or canvas bag?

[@vedaywilliamson2875]

Lovely work 11:09

[@tushita7835]

It was in the direct sunlight for 5 hours or it was in the shadow? I'm really struggling with the time to do the cyanotypes

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

I try to keep them in direct sunlight for the majority of the time. In my yard It requires moving them as the sun moves but that's ok. The longer the better. Some even leave them out for days at a time. I am not patient enough for that! Usually 5-8 hours is all I do.

[@zydradelaney9940]

Do you sell by chance ginkgo leaves? Thank you 😊

[@a.jak.3761]

Hi, what is the vinegar for?

[@a.jak.3761]

Sorry , i sent it too fast. I'm very impressed of your works and i have everything here to start and try , but i can not find something in the internet about it. I thought, that is dangerous to mix the chemicals with acid!? So, i hope you will answer and sorry for my bad school-english😏

[@ek3568]

But acid in contact with cyanotyping colour sets free toxic gas. You use vinegar!! So how can you avoid breathing that in??

[@crystaledwards9878]

Hi Marianne!

[@7136749070]

CAN I DO THIS WITH FABRIC?

[@elkrapidsdistrictlibrary8605]

Yes you can. I have never done it though.

[@sinthiaakhter6596]

which chemical you first use on yours paper?

[@joannebouchard477]

Collagraphie

[@edzoedzo369]

What r the chemicals that u r using?