Hello! Have you heard of cyanotype? It’s essentially an old photographic printing process that gives ghostly results in shades of (Prussian) blue. It uses the power of the sun and a couple of chemical solutions to achieve really incredible results, without the need for a camera. I have always loved cyanotype prints, and have made some a long time ago. But recently, I was inspired in a few ways to make a faux version. First, the album Indigo from BTS’ RM came out recently, and the included book is filled with gorgeous cyanotypes. Also, 3 of the newest stencils from A Colorful Life Designs really reminded me of these prints. My card today features the Trailing Vines stencil, and on Friday, I will share a YouTube video that will show you my entire process using a different stencil.
*Some affiliate links are used in this post. That means that if you shop through these links, I may receive a small compensation, at no cost to you. For more information, please see my Affiliates page, where I also have some coupon codes.
![](https://alisonheikkila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Trailing-Vines-1.jpg)
You only need a couple of supplies for this technique, and it doesn’t take long to make. I applied some of Therm O Web’s Pixie Spray to the back of the stencil, which I then laid on to a piece of Smooth Bristol Cardstock. Next, I inked the entire thing with Prize Ribbon Distress Ink. That color is very similar to cyanotypes, though you can certainly experiment with other shades of blue if you’d like.
![](https://alisonheikkila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Trailing-Vines-2.jpg)
Once the panel was inked, I removed the stencil. I wet the inked side of the stencil and placed it on to another piece of cardstock, to get the reverse image that I can use at a later date. I’ll share that project later this month. Back to this card….I then sprayed it lightly with Sheer Shimmer Spritz in Frost. I used my ink blower (this is the current one available) from Ranger and moved the ink around a bit, to create that ghostly effect. If you don’t want the shimmer, you can use plain water instead. Cyanotypes don’t have a shine like my card does, but who am I to pass up a good opportunity to have this beautiful shimmer everywhere?
To finish the card off, I used a couple of die cuts from the Tim Holtz/Sizzix set called Abstract Elements. I love this die set. In it has my new favorite die to use for teeny sentiment strips, as shown in my photos. It’s a funky shape, I love the little holes, and it just gives you another cool feature on your projects. The foliage was colored with watered-down Prize Ribbon Distress Ink. The sentiment is from Simon Says Stamp’s Tiny Words.
![](https://alisonheikkila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Trailing-Vines-3-600.jpg)
If you want to see exactly how to do this technique, I hope you will check out my YouTube video that will be up on Friday. As I mentioned earlier, I use a different stencil, but the technique is exactly the same. I hope you’ll give it a try! Please be sure to visit A Colorful Life Designs to see the many, many stencils they have to offer. You can use my code, AlFan10 to save 10% off of your regular-priced purchase. Then, show off your creations in the A Colorful Life Designs Fan Group on FB. Thanks so much for stopping by. Have an inspiring day!
I can’t wait to try this, Alison! So gorgeous! And I will look up cyanotype photos online to see what it’s all about! Thanks for sharing this great technique! 🙂
Such a cool card. I love cyanotypes. Look forward to your video on Friday.
I just love your card and the technique. Will be looking forward to seeing the video. Will be looking forward to ordering some new stencils.