Group Sunpainting Project (Ages 5-Adult)

Sunpainting involves the application of light sensitive diluted Setacolor Transparent paint to fabric, placing found objects on top of the wet paint, then placing everything into bright sun to dry which creates interesting impressions and outlines wherever the sunlight was blocked. A fun project for people of any age, just a walk in the woods or city to collect flat objects to use to block the light - such as leaves, grasses, ferns, translucent seed pods or petals. You can also use lace, sea shells and starfish, feathers, rice, string, cheescloth, tape, bolts, various shapes of dried pasta or cereal, paper cut-outs, or anything that will create an interesting outline or shape. An extremely easy project to do with a group that results in wonderful finished products! Requires very few materials and has an easy water clean-up.

Instructions

1. Prewash and dry fabric, then iron smooth. (Washing removes any impurities and leads to better, more even painting results.)

2. Mix all colors 2 parts water to 1 part paint in plastic cups. Paints can be mixed to create new colors as well!

3. Have the group collect objects to use to block the light such as leaves, grasses, ferns, translucent seed pods or petals. You can also use lace, string, cheescloth, tape, bolts, macaroni, or paper cut-outs; anything that will create an interesting outline or shape.

4. Lay out fabric on a waterproof board or plastic covered cardboard (foam-core poster board also works for this). Basically you want to support the fabric with something firm and water resistant. Brush clear water over the fabric to adhere the fabric to the board (you can spray it with water instead).

5. Using foam brushes apply paint colors in long smooth strokes (you can use all chosen colors or just one) either overlapping colors or separating them. However you like!

6. Once painted to your satisfaction and while still very wet, arrange found objects in a way that's appealing to you. If using leaves or anything light, put a small rock to weigh it down so if a rogue wind comes along it won't blow it away.

7. Place your masterpiece in the bright sun until dry. This can take anywhere from 15 minutes or longer depending on the warmth of the sun and the temperature of the day. If you remove your objects before the fabric is dry the effect will be less crisp, more blurry.

8. When thoroughly dry, remove objects and remove from board. Iron 2-3 minutes on cotton or silk setting (depending on fiber used) to make the paint permanent and washable.

9. That's it! You're done!!!

* We also have more detailed instructions and helpful hints on Sun Painting with Setacolor Transparent Paints.