Cheeky Treasures

CheekyTreasures's Shop Announcement

Hey! Welcome to Cheeky Treasures, If you've been a fan or hearted my shop before September then you'll notice I've changed my shop! I am now specializing in Photography and cyanotype printing!

Now you may be asking yourself "what is a Cyanotype?" That is a good Question! The Cyanotype was discovered/invented in the 1800's (1840ish) It was used mostly to make silhouette and to document different types of plant life.

Here is a little overview on how I make cyanotypes: First I mix up two chemicals, and when they are combined they make a light sensitive liquid that I brush on to watercolor paper. That dries in a dark place. Then I take a negative , you can use a film negative or one made and printed digitally, and place it directly onto the prepped cyanotype paper. Then I set it outside in the sunshine to expose. This takes a careful eye and the ability and willingness to start over if you do make a mistake. The sunlight the reacts with the chemicals to form the different shades of blue on the paper. The more light the darker the blue. The negative allows the sun access to only portions of the paper so you can get fine details. After the picture is developed you rise it with some water and dry. You can soak the print in coffee or tea if you want to change the coloring.

The process isn't used very often today because of modern printing and digital editing, but I think it has a very unique and beautiful quality than you can only get by the developing process.

Another cool thing about Cyanotypes is that unlike most photography you don't have to worry about keeping your prints in special backing or paper, because most of those are treated with chemicals to prevent sticking or fading, and those chemicals will actually fade your cyanotype. Also, should your cyanotype start to fade due to sunlight exposure, you can take it put it in the dark for a couple of days and the cyanotype's magical rejuvenation powers will make it look like new! True story. :D I will send a little care and information card with each print.

Now if you've made it this far in the reading, let me apologize for the lengthy shop announcement and thank you for looking at my shop and learning about an art process that I truly love! Enjoy shopping and as always feel free to message me with any questions or comments!



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