Sun Print

The blue is really all one color- my reflection is wrecking a perfect picture!
My son is fighting the flu, and although his fever is gone he hasn’t asked to do any projects and I haven’t pushed. He has been watching far too much TV though which if the fever is still gone tomorrow will be ending. So today while he sat on the couch enjoying my lax rules about TV when we are sequestered in our house , I made this. I was so impressed with the results. My mom bought me this paper and I think she paid $7 for the pack of 12 in Canada, I would bet it’s cheaper in the states! This is not a craft for little ones but you can grab leaves or other flat objects and use sun print paper with young kids. Here’s what I did:
- Gather your materials. You will need sun print paper kit, some construction paper of any color, a pen or fine tip felt , fine tip scissors and patience !
- Start by reading the instructions in your sun print paper kit. Pull out the frame that is included to make sure your paper cut out will fit. I did not do this and had to adjust later on.
- Draw a spooky scene that can be cut out, I drew way too much but edited it down to a tree with an owl.
- Check on your sick child who is overjoyed to be watching a 2nd episode of Dora.
- Start cutting out your picture. It may take a while… I was thankful Dora was keeping my normally clingy sick son happy, cutting this was not easy.
- Place the cut out in the frame provided before you open the sealed pouch of light sensitive paper.
- Take the paper out, close the frame and place in sunlight.
- You will see that we had a foggy foggy morning , I specifically wanted to try it on a day like today to see how it would work in overcast conditions.
- It worked but it took longer than the 2-3 minutes of sunlight suggested ( about 10) .
- Rinse in a dish of water for a minute.
- Let dry- colors get darker as it dries.
- Frame and add some classy touches to your Halloween display!
Note to Readers
I am putting together an educational toy guide for the holidays and would love to include some reader suggested toys or games. My rules are : No characters, no weapons and keep the reviews short . I am aiming to have it done by the end of the month and up shortly after. I will as always link back to your blog in the post. If you are interested send me an email with “Gift Guide” in the subject.
teachingmybookworms says
we love sun paper I can get a 24 pack at our local science store for 5 bucks!!! 🙂
We love it and i buy it quite often!
It turned out great!
.-= teachingmybookworms´s last blog ..More Orange and Black Blotto =-.
Kim says
Too cute!! Looks great. My little guy would love to see the paper turn like that.
Hope your little guy starts to feel better soon!
.-= Kim´s last blog ..Worn Out Wallet =-.
becky@oursweetpeas says
This is so cool. I may have to pick some of this paper up. Your’s is adorable. Hope your son feels better soon. I too give up on limiting tv when they are sick.
.-= becky@oursweetpeas´s last blog ..SITS DAY!!! =-.
Julie says
Very pretty. I don’t know anything about this kind of paper so I’ll have to check it out. My son is sick this week too, so we’ve been watching a lot of TV too.
.-= Julie´s last blog ..Open Ended Art: Black & White =-.
admin says
I am so happy I am not the only one who relaxes her tv rules when my kid is sick!
I hop your kids are feeling tip top soon!
Sally says
Very cool! Hadn’t thought of using this for Halloween.
We do the sunprint technique at school with cheeeep construction paper. Use a little blue tape on the back of the item you are printing. Leave it out in the sun for a couple of hours. Not as classy as this, but a Dollar Store frame will jazz it right up. &: )
admin says
Sally that never ever works for me, I have had it happen by accident but never been able to recreate it on purpose! I tried to do leaves a few weeks ago and it didn’t work at all! What’s your secret?
Amber says
I love that! It really does look classy. I might have to try this, and maybe not even for Halloween.
And I hope your little guy is feeling better really soon.
.-= Amber´s last blog ..I am an Artist =-.
Beverly says
this is so nice. thanks for sharing!
Emily says
You did such a great job! I’ve never seen that paper before but will definitely keep my eye out for it. What a great project! As always, thanks for the great project idea.
.-= Emily´s last blog ..Acacia Custom Art =-.
Sally says
My secret is noticing which paper fade the fastest by accident like you said. We’ve had some really bad paper over the years. I put that shade(s) away for this project. The other secret is BRIGHT sunlight and at least 2 hours, preferrably around noon.