Pressing Matters

 

I'm getting some plants ready for a cyanotype workshop with the folks at hcma Architecture and Design in Victoria. First I'm pressing them between sheets of paper towel to get some of the moisture out, then I'm putting them between pages of magazines to squeeze them flat. This is Stoechas lavender and thyme.

It's good to have some heavy books around to add weight to the squeeze.

Cyanotypes works so well with plant details, especially translucent materials like petals. However, it's best to press the plants flat first so the outline with be sharp. You can also lay a piece of plexi or glass on top to help it stay flat, especially if there is a slight breeze.

After you've done an initial pressing you can check the leaves to make sure they are laying the way you want to present them.

The history of cyanotypes is quite fascinating. One of the first uses of the process was to document types of seaweed by Anna Atkins.

If you are on Pinterest, I have been collecting images of different ways they can be used: https://www.pinterest.ca/beespeaker/cyanotype/

I've very excited to have to space and time to create some fabrics with cyanotype prints that can be made into costumes. Stay tuned!