here's what became of that still life
Nov 20, 2008 
Everything in the world is now neatly divided into two categories: would it make a good Sunprint or no?
You have to try this little bit of magic. I got a Sunprint kit from a local kids museum store and plucked leaves from neighborhood trees. The transformation from 3D to 2D was so cool and worked so well that it felt like some kind of after-school special that makes science fun and beautiful.
The simple, four-step instructions on the package are completely sufficient. How refreshing is that? But I realized only after I made the first batch that some of the plants I was most excited about actually came out kind of murky and dull. Then I realized it's the outline that creates the image. Duh. So I'd recommend finely textured leaves with positive and negative space if you're looking for a delicate print. I love the inky, deepwater feel of these.
And if you were watching too much Welcome Back, Kotter to ever notice Sunprints the first time they came around, it's not too late. You find them here.
Reader Comments (9)
So lovely! Those are going on my Christmas list immediately.
I picked up some of the paper at a museum recently and have been waiting to use it- how did you get the numbers/months on them?
I wrote the numbers and months with a white, extra fine paint pen from Deco Color. When I used it on the Sunprint paper, it gave me the kind of watery wash that you see in the photo. You can also trace back over if you want a more opaque white. Enjoy!
Those are really lovely!
What a lovely idea! I have a couple of these kits and refill paper lying around but have been waiting for some inspiration to make something beautiful.. thanks (:
What a great idea! I would love to have my science students make these for their moms on Mother's Day. I wonder if having the kids write in black marker on overhead projector film would work. I'll have to experiment...
beautiful! the calendar is a great idea. i've had a pack of those kickin' around for a while now. thanks for the inspiration!
Liz, that's an interesting idea, and I would think it would work if I'm understanding correctly. You'd use the transparency on top of the Sunprint paper, yes? It's a whole new world of possibilities -- I'd love to see how they turn out!
Hello Kelly!! Thanks for your interest in Sunprints, you can check out some more ideas and activities over at www.sunprints.org. Happy printing!