Art Club at the Library: Cyanotype Prints

Some art projects feel a little like magic. Cyanotype printing was one of those programs.

The first time participants watched a piece of paper transform from pale green to deep blue, the room filled with excitement. Leaves, flowers, feathers, and found objects suddenly appeared as beautiful white silhouettes against vibrant blue backgrounds.

Part science experiment.
Part photography.
Part art.

And completely fascinating.

This Art Club session introduced children to one of the earliest forms of photography while giving them the opportunity to create stunning artwork using nothing more than sunlight and a little creativity.

What is a Cyanotype?

Cyanotype is one of the oldest photographic printing processes, dating back to 1842.

The process was invented by British scientist and astronomer Sir John Herschel. Later, botanist and photographer Anna Atkins used cyanotypes to document plant specimens, creating what is considered the first published book illustrated with photographs.

Unlike modern photography, cyanotypes don’t require a camera.

Instead, objects are placed directly onto specially treated light-sensitive paper. When exposed to sunlight, the uncovered areas turn a rich Prussian blue while the covered areas remain white.

The result is a beautiful silhouette image that feels both scientific and artistic.

When I introduced the process during Art Club, participants were fascinated by the idea that they were using a technique developed nearly 200 years ago.

Why Cyanotypes Work Well in the Library

One of the things I love most about Art Club is finding projects that combine creativity with learning.

Cyanotypes naturally connect to:

Art history
Photography
Science
Nature exploration
Observation skills

They’re also highly accessible.

There is no “right” way to create a cyanotype.

Children who love detailed designs can carefully arrange materials, or those who prefer experimentation can simply place objects on the paper and see what happens.

Both approaches produce beautiful results.

Supplies

Essential Supplies

Cyanotype paper (pre-treated paper makes this incredibly easy) or,
Cyanotype chemicals (for a more advanced event, printing on fabric or any other material!)
A sunny day or UV light source
Shallow container or tray for rinsing (these trays are amazing and get used for so many projects!)
Water
Paper towels
Clip Boards (helps keep everything sandwiched together while developing)
Acrylic boards (helps keep everything in place while developing in the sun. Be sure the size matches your paper or item!)

Natural Materials

Some of our favorites included:

Leaves
Flowers
Ferns
Grass
Feathers

Other Fun Objects

Encourage participants to experiment with:

Lace
Keys
Stencils
Toy dinosaurs
Small plastic animals
Paper cutouts
Buttons
String

The more unusual the object, the more exciting the results can be.

Program Setup

Before participants arrived, I organized a variety of natural materials and found objects for them to explore.

I also encouraged participants to gather their own materials outside before beginning.

This added an extra element of discovery to the program and helped connect the art activity to nature exploration.

Once everyone selected their objects, they grabbed a clipboard and arranged their items on their paper, then sandwiched it between the clipboard and the acrylic sheet.

Originally, we had plannd to take our boards outside, but weather was not cooperating, so we used UV lights instead.

I think I could have accurately predicted the weather based on my summer programming schedule.

How We Made the Prints

The process couldn’t have been simpler.

Step 1: Design Your Print

Participants arranged objects directly on the cyanotype paper.

Some created carefully planned compositions.

Others embraced a more abstract approach.

Both worked beautifully.

Once laid out, carefully cover items with the acrylic, using the board clip to hold it in place.

Step 2: Expose to Sunlight

The papers were placed in direct UV light for several minutes.

Exposure times can vary depending on weather conditions, but generally range from 3–10 minutes.

Step 3: Rinse

After exposure, the items are removed, and the papers are rinsed in water, using the trays.

This is where the magic really happens.

As the chemicals wash away, the brilliant blue color begins to emerge.

Every time we reached this stage, kids were amazed.

Step 4: Dry and Display

Once dry, the prints were ready to take home or display in the library.

The finished pieces looked professional, unique, and surprisingly sophisticated.

Extension Ideas

Want to expand the program?

Try:

Nature Journals

Have participants identify and label the plants used in their prints.

Photography Connections

Discuss the history of photography and how photographic processes have evolved.

Art History Exploration

Introduce participants to Anna Atkins and her groundbreaking botanical cyanotype books.

Collaborative Cyanotype Mural

Combine individual prints into a larger community art display.

Seasonal Themes

Spring flowers
Summer leaves
Fall foliage
Winter silhouettes

Tips for Success

Check the Weather

Sunlight is your friend. Bright sunny days produce the best results, but have a backup plan!

Prepare Extra Materials

Participants often want to create multiple prints, so having extra paper available is helpful.

Encourage Experimentation

Not every print will turn out perfectly.

That’s okay.

Unexpected results often become favorites.

Use a Drying Area

Designate a space where prints can dry safely without being disturbed. I just laid them out on cookie drying racks, but a table lined with paper towels works okay too.

Why I Loved This Program

Cyanotype printing checks all the boxes for a great library program.

It’s educational.

It’s creative.

It’s hands-on.

It’s memorable.

Participants learn about photography, science, and art history while creating something beautiful they are genuinely proud to take home.

Most importantly, it sparks curiosity. Kids naturally begin asking questions:

How does sunlight make the image appear?

Why does the paper turn blue?

Who invented this?

Those questions lead to learning—and that’s exactly what we hope for in library programming.

Resources

Learn More About Cyanotypes

Books to Pair with the Program

Nature identification guides
Books about Anna Atkins
Art history resources featuring alternative photographic processes

Final Thoughts

Art Club programs don’t always need paint, clay, or markers to be successful.

Sometimes all you need is sunlight, a few leaves, and a little curiosity.

Cyanotype printing was one of those rare activities that felt equal parts art project, science experiment, and historical exploration.

And watching children discover that a simple leaf could become a beautiful work of art is amazing!

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