Printmaking at home with plants (Anthotype print workshop)

Learn to make Anthotype prints, a traditional photographic printmaking technique using organic materials like plants, flowers and foods.

Anthotype prints can easily be made at home – you just require a little bit of sunlight and patience, making summer the perfect time to try them out! This natural process creates beautiful pigmented prints, which change and fade over time through the seasons.

To make the pigment:

· Organic material to extract pigment from (I recommend spinach or blackberries for your first print as they produce strong colours. Feel free to pick any organic material you fancy – a quick Google will give you an idea of what works well)

· Blender/pestle and mortar (this is to mash the material with – if you do not have access to these items, a fork and some elbow grease should work. I recommend choosing a berry in this case to make it easier)

Fine strainer

· Isopropyl/white spirit such as vodka – if you do not wish to use alcohol, white vinegar or water works too

· Small jar/dish/bowl

To make the print:

· Thick paper or card – white or cream colour

· Picked flowers/leaves

· Scissors

· Water

· Photo frame

· Paintbrush/sponge

· Hairdryer

· Plate/chopping board

· Drying rack

· Kitchen roll/an old towel