Outdoors · Arts & crafts

Sun prints

Lay leaves, flowers and toys on sun-sensitive paper and let the Perth sun make blue-and-white prints.

  • Ages 4–12best for 5–10
  • 30–60 minabout 10 mins of prep
  • Prepare days aheadplan below
  • Under $20about $15
  • Backyardon a hot day
  • Some helplow mess

Plan it

Good planning makes a good day. Tick things off as you go.

1Days before

2Day before

3On the day

0 of 3 done ·

You'll need

From home

  • Leaves
  • flowers
  • feathers
  • small objects
  • cardboard or a clipboard
  • water tray

To buy

  • Sun print (cyanotype) paper
🪄 Wizard's tip

Perth summer sun is strong, so prints develop fast. Start with a short exposure and check.

How to do it

  1. In the shade, place paper on cardboard and arrange objects on top.
  2. Carry it into full sun for 5–10 minutes (check your paper's instructions).
  3. Remove the objects and rinse the paper in cool water for about a minute.
  4. Lay flat to dry and watch the blue deepen.

Younger kids: Use big, bold shapes like keys, leaves and cookie cutters.

Older kids: Design a layered composition, or cut paper stencils for words and patterns.

⚠ Safety Play before 10am or after 4pm on hot days, with hats, sunscreen and water bottles.

Builds CreativityCuriosity & science thinkingNature connection

Clean-up 5 minutes.

Make it a bigger day Frame the best ones as gifts for grandparents.

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Sun prints