The following two methods provide fun ways to make unique botanical prints.
Blueprint Botanical
Materials:
yellow blueprint paper or other light-sensitive paper
fern or other botanical pressed leaves
ammonia - preferably the kind used at a blueprint store
framing supplies, including UV-protective glass
sunlight or a strong light
Caution: Wear gloves when using ammonia, and wear a mask to avoid inhaling the fumes.
Steps:
- Cut a piece of blueprint paper a little larger in size than the print.
- Put the pressed leaf or leaves on top of the paper, and place the ensemble in the sun or under strong, direct light until the paper turns to white. (The time will depend on the strength of the light and if you want some blue background left it the picture. If you do, don't let the paper turn completely white before moving to the next step.)
- After the paper has turned, remove it from the light, and take the leaf off. A yellow image will appear where the leaf was. Run the paper over the open bottle of ammonia until the fumes change the image of the leaf to blue (figure A).
- Frame the picture under UV protective glass for longer life.How to make the second print:
Spray Paint Botanical
Materials:
muslin
mat board or cardboard
tacks or tape
painters tape
fern leaf
spray paint
framing material
Steps:
- Cut the muslin to be a little larger than the print. Stretch it tightly across a mat board or cardboard, and tack or tape it down.
- Tape off a border with the painter's tape.
- Place the fern leaf in the middle.
- Lightly spray paint over the leaf and the tape, and let it dry completely.
- Remove the leaf and the tape, and frame the muslin.
Resources Sunprint - blueprint kit
Blueprint paper is available from blueprint or graphics stores and architectural supply retailers. The following company also makes a light-sensitive paper called SunprintB., which will serve the same purpose. This product is sold in kits, with paper refills available, from:
Discovery Corner
c/o Lawrence Hall of Science, #5200 University of
California
Berkeley, CA 94720-5200
USA
Phone: 510-642-1016
Fax: 510-642-1055
Email:
lhsstore@uclink4.berkeley.edu
URL:
www.lhs.berkeley.edu/Store/
Also in this Episode
)
)
)
