
What is Cyanotype?
Cyanotype is a type of photography that can be done without a camera. To understand this process, it's helpful to know about the history. Cyanotype is a Greek word. cyan = blue type = print. So in the literal sense, a cyanotype is a blueprint.
Interestingly enough, the original way to create a blueprint for building plans was to write in black marker on a clear sheet, place that on top of a paper that was coated with UV sensitive chemicals, and expose it all to light. The black marker would prevent the paper from reacting with the sun, leaving that area white, while the clear parts would allow light in and the chemicals and light would react on the paper, leaving behind a blue space. The print was then rinsed in water and you were left with a blueprint.
My process is essentially the same thing, though I am using clothing instead of paper, and my 'black ink' is replaced with botanicals found in Alaska. So the images that you will find on my clothing, are all just photographs of plants.
What is the Process?

Step 1
Mixing the Chemicals
Cyanotype is made with two UV sensitive chemicals: ferric ammonium and potassium ferricyanide. These powders are measured out and mixed with water, sit for 24 hours, and then mixed with one another. Since they are reactive in the light, all of this needs to happen in a 'dark room'.

Step 2
Painting
Paint night! In a 'dark room', the chemicals are then painted onto the clothing. Once painted, the clothing must stay in a dark place while it completely dries so that the material isn't ruined.

Step 3
Printing
Once an item is completely dry, you can set up your photograph. Botanicals are placed on the item, and exposed to light for a specific duration of time. It's important that the garment is equally exposed, and for just the perfect amount of time. If exposed for too long, the entire picture will fade and appear too dark. If exposed for too short of time, the image will temporarily appear, and then all wash out and not be visible. Once exposed for the correct amount of time, the item is rinsed in water to stop the UV reaction. Item is then washed, photographed, and posted on social media and for sale on the website.

Step 4
Final Product
If everything goes smoothly, this process takes a minimum of 4 days and many hours of work to get the final product.