diy: sun prints

I recently styled a photo shoot for young america, highlighting new additions to their "My Haven" youth bedroom furniture collection.  I wanted to add some DIY decorative accents to the room scenes to inspire parents & kids to create their own one-of-a-kind decor.

For a teen-girl room, I crafted some sun prints using elements from nature & sun print paper (Tedco 8"x10" Sun Art Paper Kit from amazon)

Here's the finished result...

 

I framed the prints in white and added some dimension by incorporating umbra Loft Twig Wall Art purchased at Target. The walls are painted in benjamin moore Sea Mist Green.

 

 

{The completed room...Cool for any surf-lovin' girl.}

{Styled by patti borrelli &

photographed by diana parrish photography & design

for young america}

 

 

The how-to:

 

The sun art kit came with easy step-by-step instructions.  My first attempt flopped, but after reading the directions a little more carefully (& listening to my daughter's advice) I went to a "dark room" (my pantry) to place the items on the sun print paper & cover with the acrylic sheet.  I chose natural items like sea-stars, shells, stems & flowers. Then, I placed the paper in the sun for 5 minutes, removed the items & rinsed paper in cold water with a little lemon juice ... & wallah... magic.  The images appeared, crisp & clear.  I love the deep indigo color & the wispy shapes the branches, leaves & flowers create.

 

Here are some shots of the sun prints in the making...

 

first attempt failed. images were very faint.

 

 

 

 

2nd attempt- Success! images sharp & artful.

 

 

More detailed steps are posted on the young america blog.

 

 

...Here are two more images I found that show even more ways to display your very own DIY sun prints...

 

{via sweetpaulmag}

{via apartment therapy}

{diy pinterest-BeSoStyle}

 

 

Here's to sunshine & more fun DIY projects on the horizon.

 

patti