How to Make Cyanotype Tea Towels

Welcome to The Poker Club at West Houston's comprehensive guide on how to make stunning cyanotype tea towels! This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process of creating unique and beautiful designs on your tea towels using the cyanotype technique.

What are Cyanotype Tea Towels?

Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that produces a distinctive blue and white print. Originally developed in the mid-19th century, it has evolved to become a popular artistic technique for creating beautiful blue-toned images. Cyanotype tea towels are tea towels that have been treated with light-sensitive chemicals and exposed to the sun or UV light to produce cyanotype prints.

Materials Needed

• Tea towels
• Cyanotype chemicals (available online or at art supply stores)
• Brushes or foam brushes
• Cardboard or foam board
• Water
• Clear plastic sheet or glass
• Washing line or drying rack

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare your Workspace

Start by setting up a clean and well-ventilated workspace. Cover your surface with plastic or newspaper to protect it from any spills or stains. Ensure you have access to water for rinsing your prints later.

Step 2: Mix the Cyanotype Chemicals

In a dimly lit room, mix the cyanotype chemicals according to the instructions provided with the specific product you purchased. Typically, you will need to mix two equal parts of chemicals, usually labeled as "Solution A" and "Solution B." Use gloves and ensure proper ventilation during this step.

Step 3: Prepare the Tea Towels

Take your tea towels and wash them without using any fabric softeners or detergents. This step ensures that the chemicals will bond well with the fabric. Once washed, let the tea towels air dry or tumble dry on low heat.

Step 4: Apply the Cyanotype Solution

Using a brush or foam brush, apply an even layer of the cyanotype solution onto the tea towel. Ensure that the entire surface is covered, but avoid creating thick puddles or uneven areas. Work quickly to prevent the solution from drying before exposure.

Step 5: Arrange and Expose your Design

Once the cyanotype solution is applied, you can start arranging objects or creating designs on the tea towel. This is where your creativity can shine! You can use various materials such as leaves, flowers, stencils, or even hand-drawn designs directly on the towel. Make sure the objects or designs are secure and come into contact with the treated fabric.

Once you've arranged your design, place a clear plastic sheet or glass on top of the tea towel to keep everything in place during exposure.

Step 6: Expose to Sunlight

Take the tea towel with the arranged design and place it outside in direct sunlight or under a UV light source. The exposure time will depend on various factors such as the intensity of sunlight or the wattage of the UV light source. As a general guideline, exposures can range from 5 to 20 minutes, but you can experiment to achieve the desired effect. Keep an eye on the fabric, as overexposure may result in a loss of detail.

Step 7: Rinse and Dry

After the desired exposure time, carefully remove the objects or designs from the tea towel. Rinse the tea towel under running water until the water runs clear. This step helps to remove any unexposed chemicals and stops the development process. Hang the tea towel on a washing line or drying rack to air dry completely.

Step 8: Enjoy your Cyanotype Tea Towels

Once dry, your cyanotype tea towels are ready to be used or displayed! The beautiful blue prints will add a unique touch to your kitchen or make fantastic handmade gifts for friends and family.

"Creating cyanotype tea towels is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your kitchen. The process allows you to experiment with different designs and objects, resulting in stunning blue prints that are sure to impress. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, the cyanotype technique is accessible to all and guarantees beautiful results. So, grab your tea towels, gather your materials, and embark on this exciting artistic journey!" - The Poker Club at West Houston

Conclusion

Cyanotype tea towels offer a creative outlet to add artistic flair to your kitchen. By following this step-by-step guide provided by The Poker Club at West Houston, you can confidently create your own unique cyanotype designs on tea towels. Enjoy the process and let your imagination run wild as you experiment with different objects and designs. Have fun and create stunning cyanotype tea towels that will impress everyone who sees them!