Sunlight and Water: Making Blueprints by Hand

30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

To our knowledge, there is no activity like this happening anywhere. There are lots of people around the world making Cyanotype prints, but for anyone to be able to come into a studio and leave with Cyanotype prints made by them from photos in their phones in under a half hour is unheard of. And this kind of activity is perfect for visitors to the Mendocino Coast. The deep blue of the Cyanotype print mimics the clear deep blue of the sea, just a stone's throw from our studio. There's still a hint of mystery and magic that we've captured with our many mermaid and sea creature themes. The rich history of the coast makes a process from the 1840s bring everything to new life in a beautiful, calming color. The perfect way to capture the essence of every visit to the Mendocino Coast.

What's Included

Finished prints and printed negatives

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The entrance to our studio is at the back of the building, next to the parking lot. Follow the signs, and you'll see our logo on the door.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What to expect

The best gift is the one you make yourself! Drop into our studio and combine modern technology with a process from the 1840s to make beautiful deep blue prints from precious memories in your phone, using UV light and water!
* Upon entering the studio, you'll spend a few minutes looking at dozens of examples of Cyanotype prints and shown the versatility and options for making prints.
* You'll be given an overview of the simple process -- choosing an image to print (from photos on your phone, or one of the nearly 100 options in the studio, or grasses/plants/flowers, or even some beautiful vintage glassware).
* We will do a bit of Photoshop work, printing the "negative" on the inkjet printer, exposing the Cyanotype-coated paper under the negative in UV light, then you take over for washing and "developing" the print in water.
* Each print takes about 15 minutes to make. We lead you through the process and do all the technical stuff -- you get to watch, learn and do the fun part: watching that image appear in beautiful, deep blue!

These prints make amazing gifts, especially because you make them!

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by Cyan Art Studio
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Tags

Historical Tours
Art Classes
Small Group
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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