Cyanotype is much more than an old photographic technique: it is a modern, versatile art form that fits perfectly into interior design, fashion, graphic design and creative DIY projects.
Whether you're an artist, maker, photographer or hobbyist, cyanotype offers endless possibilities to create your own unique deep-blue artworks.
1. Botanical wall art (the timeless classic)
Dried leaves, flowers, ferns or herbs create sharp silhouettes and elegant compositions.
Perfect for:
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Wall decoration
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Minimalist interiors
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Botanical gallery walls
2. Cyanotype on fabric: clothing and accessories
Cyanotype works beautifully on cotton, linen, canvas and silk.
Create items like:
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T-shirts
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Tote bags
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Pillowcases
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Scarves
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Table runners
3. Cyanotype on ceramics
Unglazed (bisque) ceramic tiles can be coated with cyanotype solution.
Use them as:
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Wall art
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Coasters
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Decorative pieces for kitchen or bathroom
4. Window art & light installations (transparent cyanotypes)
Making cyanotypes on transparent materials creates a magical play of light.
Try:
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Plexiglass
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Acrylic
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Vellum paper
The prints glow beautifully when sunlight shines through.
5. Handmade greeting cards and gift tags
Unique cyanotype cards for:
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Birthdays
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Weddings
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Christmas
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Thank-you notes
People often keep them as mini artworks.
6. Mixed media art – combine cyanotype with other techniques
Combine cyanotype with:
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Watercolour
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Gouache
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Ink
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Calligraphy
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Gold or metallic accents
This creates a layered, luxurious look.
7. Portraits using digital negatives
Print your photos on transparency sheets to create deep-blue portraits.
Perfect for:
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Family portraits
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Wedding art
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Pet portraits
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Personalized gifts
8. Cyanotype lampshades
Thin fabrics or Japanese washi paper can be exposed and turned into lampshades.
When the light turns on, the room gains a warm blue glow.
9. Cyanotype on wooden panels
Wood adds natural texture and warmth.
Use:
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Birch plywood
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Untreated wooden panels
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Wooden boxes or slices
Seal with UV protection to preserve the blue tones.
10. Cyanotype journals & memory books
Combine cyanotype with photos, drawings, text and botanicals.
Ideal for:
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Diaries
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Travel journals
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Portfolios
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Gift books
Why cyanotype is loved by artists and makers
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Affordable and accessible
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More eco-friendly than many print techniques
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Works on almost any material
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Timeless aesthetic
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Highly shareable on social media
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Suitable for both small and large projects
Materials to get started (available at Cyanoprints.com)
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Cyanotype chemicals (ferric ammonium citrate & potassium ferricyanide)
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High-quality paper & fabric
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UV lamp or sunlight
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Plexiglass sheets
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Botanical objects or negatives
These materials work beautifully with all 10 creative cyanotype ideas.
Cyanotype is more than a printing process — it is a creative world of colour, light and exploration.
Whether you want to refresh your interior, create art, personalize clothing or simply experiment with nature and light, cyanotype offers endless freedom.
👉 Ready to start?
Discover all cyanotype products at Cyanoprints.com.
