AMA: Faux Botanical Sun Print Postcard

Maybe you know botanical blue prints or Cyanotypes. They look great. The disadvantage of it: you need chemicals or special paper for it and it's limited to blue colour.

For this swap we're doing a easier version without special equipment. Only watercolourpaper, watercolours and some plant pieces are needed. You can mimic the prints while using wartercolours! With this you're not limited to use only blue colour.

I know this technique as "faux sun printing", maybe this has a different name.

Take the watercolour paper. Secure it with tape. Make the paper soaking wet. Apply watercolours. Put a piece of a plant on it. Let it dry in the sun. While this drying process the uncovered pieces dry up quicker than the covered parts. The pigments shift to the covered parts. It's important that you don't speed up the process with a blow-drier. Be patient!

EDIT / TIPP: after some test prints I can say: it's better not to let it dry in direct sunlight! It dries too fast, at least with the watercolour paper I've used. The results aren't great. I got better results while drying in a shady but warm place.

You can watch a Youtube Video here

Postcard can be any mailable size.

Please use a sturdy backing.

To be send naked (without envelope or any other protective cover sleeve- or ask your partner if it's ok to receive it with a cover sleeve).

Have fun!

Requirements:

• You have to be online at least two days before the sign up deadline. Or notice me beforehand.

• No late swaps on your dashboard. Or notice me beforehand.

• I will exclude you from the swap if I see one or both of the mentioned things and you haven't noticed me beforehand about it.