Description
🟦 Make your own cyanotype tote bag at Montsalvat
Create a functional piece of photographic art using one of photography’s earliest alternative processes.
In this two-hour Cyanotype Tote Bag Workshop at Montsalvat, you’ll transform a cotton tote into your own one-of-a-kind Prussian blue cyanotype.
Working with photographic artist and Montsalvat Resident Artist Aldona Kmieć, you’ll explore composition using botanicals, lace, found objects, shapes and other materials before exposing your design to UV light.
Then comes the best part: washing your print and watching the image emerge and transform into cyanotype’s distinctive deep blue.
No photography, printmaking or previous cyanotype experience is required.
What you’ll do
During the workshop you’ll:
- learn how the cyanotype photographic process works
- explore composition, positive and negative space
- experiment with botanicals, objects, textures and shapes
- arrange your own design directly onto a cotton tote
- expose your cyanotype using UV light
- wash and develop your finished textile print
- learn how to care for your cyanotype tote at home
Your cotton tote will be prepared with light-sensitive cyanotype chemistry before the workshop, allowing more time during the session for designing, experimenting, exposing and creating your finished piece.
What you’ll take home
You’ll leave with your own hand-printed cotton cyanotype tote bag – a functional analogue artwork created by you.
Every cyanotype responds differently to light, materials, exposure and water, so no two bags will ever be exactly alike.
What’s included
Your workshop includes:
- one prepared cotton tote bag
- cyanotype chemistry and processing materials
- botanicals and creative materials
- use of professional UV exposure equipment
- washing and processing facilities
- two hours of artist-led tuition
- small-group guidance
- entry to Montsalvat
You’re also welcome to bring small flat objects, interesting leaves, lace, feathers or other materials you’d like to experiment with.
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is designed for complete beginners as well as photographers, artists, gardeners, makers and anyone interested in trying something creative.
It’s particularly suited to anyone who would like to experience cyanotype without committing to a longer technical workshop.
If you’d like to learn the complete process – including mixing chemistry and coating your own paper – my Intro to Cyanotype Workshop is the next step.
Make it a day at Montsalvat
My workshop takes place at Montsalvat in Eltham, one of Melbourne’s most distinctive historic arts precincts and the location of my artist studio.
Your workshop includes Montsalvat entry, so you’re welcome to explore the gardens, historic buildings, galleries and grounds before or after your session.
Caring for your cyanotype tote
Cyanotype is a photographic process rather than a commercial fabric dye, so your finished bag should be treated gently.
Wash in cool water using a mild, phosphate-free detergent. Avoid bleach, harsh alkaline detergents and prolonged soaking, and allow your bag to air dry. Some variation and gradual change over time is part of the character of a handmade photographic textile.
Give a creative experience
Looking for something different to give?
Cyanotype workshops make a creative gift for photographers, gardeners, artists, makers and anyone who enjoys making something by hand.
Gift vouchers are available.
FAQ
What is included?
Everything you need to create your cyanotype tote is included:
- one cotton tote bag prepared with light-sensitive cyanotype chemistry
- cyanotype chemistry and processing materials
- botanicals and creative materials
- use of UV exposure equipment
- washing and processing facilities
- two hours of artist-led tuition
- entry to Montsalvat
You’ll leave with your own hand-printed cyanotype tote bag.
Do I need previous cyanotype or photography experience?
Not at all. This workshop is designed for complete beginners.
I’ll guide you through composition, exposure and processing step by step. No photography, drawing or printmaking experience is required.
Do I coat the tote bag myself?
Your tote will be prepared with light-sensitive cyanotype chemistry before the workshop.
This allows us to spend more of the two-hour session experimenting with composition, exposure and creating your finished bag. I’ll explain how cyanotype chemistry is prepared and applied to fabric so you understand the complete process.
If you’d like to learn how to mix chemistry and coat your own materials, my three-hour Intro to Cyanotype Workshop covers the process in more depth.
Can I choose my own design?
Yes. Every bag will be different.
You’ll create your own composition using botanicals, leaves, lace, shapes, found objects and other suitable materials.
A selection of materials will be available, and you’re very welcome to bring your own small, relatively flat objects or botanicals to experiment with.
Will my tote look exactly like the examples?
No — and that’s part of the beauty of cyanotype.
Cyanotype responds to light, exposure, fabric, water and the objects used to create the image. Small variations, marks and unexpected results are natural characteristics of this handmade photographic process.
Every tote is unique.
What should I bring?
All essential materials are provided.
You may like to bring:
- small leaves, flowers, lace or flat objects you would like to include in your design
- clothes you don’t mind potentially getting marked while working with photographic chemistry
You’ll receive practical workshop information by email before your session.
Will my tote be dry when I leave?
Your tote is washed thoroughly during the workshop and may still be damp when the session finishes. Instructions for drying and caring for your cyanotype at home will be provided.
How do I care for my cyanotype tote?
Cyanotype is a photographic process rather than a commercial textile dye, so gentle care will help preserve your print.
Wash only when necessary using cool water and a mild, phosphate-free detergent. Avoid bleach, harsh alkaline detergents and prolonged soaking, and allow the bag to air dry.
Is Montsalvat entry included?
Yes. Entry to Montsalvat is included with your workshop booking.
You’re welcome to explore the historic buildings, gardens, galleries and grounds before or after your workshop during Montsalvat opening hours.
Can I give the workshop as a gift?
Yes. Workshop gift vouchers are available and can be used towards a Cyanotype Tote Bag Workshop or another eligible cyanotype workshop.
