Make Amazing Prints with Sunlight!

I’ve always been curious about Sun Print Paper and began experimenting with it this Winter. It feels magical to work with because you use the sun to create blue and white photo-like prints. In these samples you see both Sunprint Paper and Sunprint Fabric Squares. You simply place leaves, ferns and other interesting objects on a sheet of Sunprint paper, expose it to the sun for a few minutes, immerse the paper in water, and watch as a permanent image appears. In these samples I used small wooden letters and small plastic letters to create names. The plastic letters let a little light shine through and created a more mysterious effect than the opaque wood. Lace and stencils add more imagery. Sun Print Paper and fabric squares react to sunlight, creating unique patterns that are always white on blue.

This is a perfect Winter activity that teaches science and illustrates the powerful and tangible effects of the sun. Both fabric and paper versions come with simple instructions and are suitable for children ages 6 and up, or small groups of younger children. I particularly enjoyed the fabric quilt kit and highly recommend it for beginners.

Happy New Year!

Thanks for checking in and Happy New Year! Can you believe we are crossing the threshold of a new decade? I thought I'd open the new year with one of my favorite inspirational ideas, "There's no time like now...today is the day." I love inspirational sayings and over the holidays I painted and gave away small gift canvases like the below. Who knew simple paints could look so sophisticated when combined with inspirational sayings?

If you like the textured effect produced on the canvas shown here, simply layer BioColor® and Colorations® Liquid Watercolor over collugated cardboard shapes. Begin by selecting a base of stiff cardboard, foam core board, or small canvas. Then cut out or tear corrugated cardboard shapes and mount with glue onto your base. Once glue is dry, begin painting with BioColor®, using large brushes and foam rollers. Be sure to include Metallic Gold BioColor®, it has a wonderful sheen. In this sample, I also sprayed on the Liquid Watercolor but you'll find your own combination of brushing, rolling and spraying paint that gives you your own personal sense of fun and discovery. As with all open ended art, there's no right or wrong way to apply the paint. And there's no day like today to begin!

We all enjoy making and receiving handmade gifts, and these were easy and inexpensive to create. Thank you for checking in for a little creative inspiration, and please come back soon!