How to Sun Print a Phases of the Moon Wall Hanging

Most of you already know we love all things witchy, good vibes and anything space related!

We tried cyanotype for the first time on HGTV Handmade and got super mystical using the sun to make a phases of the moon wall hanging!

Cyanotype is a inexpensive photo printing process that can be done at home with a few special materials.

You can buy sun print paper that is already cyanotype prepped and ready or you can create your own. Creating your own does take more time, but it allows you to customize your project on a variety of materials, including fabric.

What You’ll Need:

• Cyanotype Set

• Distilled Water

• Measuring Cup

• Paint Brush

• 100% Cotton Fabric

• Contact Paper

• Black Poster Board 

• Hydrogen Peroxide 

• Square Dowels

• Colorful Rope

• Super Glue

How to:

1. Prep cyanotype solution 

In low light, dissolve cyanotype chemicals in distilled water to make two separate solutions and let sit for twenty four hours. Tip: Follow directions on package for the best results.

2. Mix cyanotype solution 

In low light, mix equal parts of each solution together in a third container. Tip: Only mix as much of the solutions as needed per project as the mixed solution will only last twenty four hours once mixed. Make sure you are precise and use equal measurements when mixing together. 

3. Preparing the fabric

In low light, cut out a piece of fabric to size and lay on top of a tarp or piece of paper. Dip brush into mixed chemicals and paint fabric evenly, leaving no puddles. Create brush stroke edges by painting solution starting in the middle of the fabric and paint out towards the edge. Set to dry in a dark location. Let fully dry over night for best results. 

4. Cut out phases of the moon 

Trace and cut out different phases of the moon shapes on contact paper. Tip: Use a round lid or candle to create even sized and round moons. 

5. Add phases of the moon to dried fabric

In low light, peel off contact paper backing and stick phases of the moon to prepared fabric. Tip: Start with the center moon and work your way out for even spacing. 

6. Hide fabric and take outside

Place fabric in a folded piece of poster board, take outside to an area with direct sunlight and lay fabric flat on the ground. Tip: Lay heavy objects on the edges of the fabric if working on a windy day.

7. Expose to the sun

Lay in direct sunlight for about 10 minutes until the solution changes color. Tip: The longer you leave it out, the more exposed it will become.

8. Take inside, rinse and dry

Bring inside and peel off  contact paper. Rinse fabric under cold water until all the chemicals rinse off and the water runs clear. Dip in a bath of a few tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and water to speed up oxidation process. Hang to dry. 

9. Add dowels and rope

Super glue or staple the square dowels to the top and bottom edge of the fabric. Tie colorful  rope around the ends of the top dowel to hang.

Watch how it all went down in the video below!