Harness the Sun's Radiance, Transform Spinach into Sun-Dye Masterpieces
Capturing Sunshine: DIY AnthotypesTired of those mundane garden chores? Want a unique craft that brings a piece of summer into your home? Look no further than Anthotypes! This easy, eco-friendly, and fun project is perfect for a sunny day, especially if you've got some little helpers. But be prepared – it requires patience and an open mind.
The word anthotype is derived from Greek roots – anthos for flower and typos for imprint. If you're familiar with sun prints using photosensitive paper, you have the basic idea. Instead of toxic chemicals, we're using chlorophyll to create our light-sensitive emulsion.
There's a variety of botanical materials you can use to create an emulsion, but why make life complicated? Spinach is both easy to find and quick. All you'll need is a blender, a fine strainer, cheesecloth, a glass jar, a foam brush, watercolor paper, a sheet of glass, a sturdy base, and some vinegar (optional) for a pop of color.
Grab some leafy greens from your garden (or the grocery store), and get ready to experiment. You'll find that fern fronds provide the best results, although pressed geranium flowers also work well. But don't get too hung up on perfection – think of it as messy playtime.
To begin, puree spinach leaves into a fine slurry. Transfer the mixture to a cheesecloth-lined strainer and squeeze to extract the bright green juice. You'll need about a half cup for a good amount of emulsion. If using vinegar, now's the time.
Next, paint a light layer of your spinach juice onto your watercolor paper and wait for it to dry completely. You can apply a second coat for higher contrast. Why not prep a few sheets while you're at it? Remember, this is about fun.
Now comes the exciting part! Sandwich a botanical between the completely dry watercolor paper and a sheet of glass (secured to a sturdy base), and set it in direct sunlight. Keep an eye on the progress – as the hours pass, you'll see the areas of the paper exposed to sunlight lighten, leaving behind a beautiful anthotype print.
Once you're happy with the results, carefully remove the glass and botanical to reveal your masterpiece. anthotypes are delicate and will fade over time, so be sure to scan your creation and save it as a digital image for a more lasting memory.
Enjoying anthotype crafting? Don't stop here! Experiment with different plant materials and pigments to create unique and beautiful works of art.
Want More Crafty Ideas?Don't miss out on our other creative articles in Pacific NW magazine:
- The world's most popular museum shuts down, highlighting the dangers of mass tourism. [Read Now]
- Discover an unusual property in WA perfect for doomsday preppers. [Read Now]
- Amazon-owned Whole Foods shuts its Capitol Hill store. [Read Now]
- A car tragedy off Edmonds ferry dock leaves 2 dead and 3 injured. [Read Now]
- Former Seahawk Richard Sherman faces DUI charges. [Read Now]
[1] URL for information on using positive transparencies[4] URL for information on experimenting with other pigments and mediums[5] URL for information on seasonal factors in anthotype creation
- The unique craft of Anthotypes, an eco-friendly and fun project, can bring a piece of summer into your home even during Seattle's gray days, making it an ideal activity for those who are into lifestyle changes and home-and-garden hobbies.
- For the sports enthusiasts residing in the Seattle area, creating Anthotypes can serve as a refreshing break from rooting for the Seahawks or exploring the vibrant business scene in the city.
- If you're a fan of gardening, you might find that using various botanical materials to create Anthotypes, such as fern fronds and geranium flowers, provides an interesting intersection between your love for the outdoors and the creative world of crafts.
- With the closure of several businesses due to the impact of mass tourism, such as the world's most popular museum, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen's art collection, or Amazon-owned Whole Foods stores like the one on Capitol Hill, Seattle's business landscape is undergoing changes. Partaking in a DIY craft like Anthotypes can help create a more personal connection to your community.
