Handmade Cyanotype Wristlet Pouch with Waxed Canvas - Dogwood 2

This listing is for one handmade wristlet. It is a one-of-a-kind item, with hand-printed cyanotype fabric sewn by hand into this darling and unique pouch. It is a collaboration piece between Kmpressed and Emily Ruth Prints, two woman-owned businesses in the Charlottesville, VA area!

The dogwood print was made by hand using the cyanotype process by me, Karly at kmpressed. The fabric was then sent to Emily Ruth Prints to be made into this piece of functional art, a blue, white and brown wristlet pouch and perfect accessory for carrying a phone, small wallet or a few cards and cash, and other small necessities.

It features a 10oz waxed canvas bottom and a removable strap.
Dimensions:
Bag- 5.75x9”
Strap opening- 4.5”


THE ART:
A cyanotype print of an arrangement of plants that grew in my garden. The cyanotype chemical was applied by hand in preparation for printing. The plants were then laid upon the fabric and exposed in the sun, then the plants were removed before washing the fabric in cool water.

What is Cyanotype?
Cyanotype is an alternative photography process dating back to the 1800s. In my home studio, I mix two chemicals, potassium ferricyanide and ferric ammonium citrate, which I then paint onto the surface with a brush for different visual effects. Once this emulsion has dried on the surface, I select and carefully arrange my pressed flowers and foliage into the desired design, and carry it outside on a sunny day. After several minutes in the sun, the image is adequately exposed, and I carry it back indoors to remove the plants and develop (wash) the print. Once the excess emulsion is washed away, and the final blue-and-white image is revealed, the artwork is hung to dry.

Why Cyanotype?
This process allows me to combine my love for botany, pressed flowers, and photography into an enchanting piece of art. I am so fascinated by the silhouette and shape of these pressed flowers, as well as the translucency of certain leaves and petals.