davekn@shark.UUCP (08/10/84)
Shadow prints are made by putting objects (leaves, flowers, toy cars,
hands, etc.) on special paper, exposing it to sunlight for a short while,
and then developing the picture. It can be done either with blue-printing
paper or ozlid paper. Blue-printing paper requires only water washing
for developing and produces white images on a dark blue background.
The problem is poor availability. Most drafting copies now use ozlid paper.
Does anyone know of a good source?
Ozlid paper is available almost anywhere large drafting copies are
made. It is inexpensive at about 10 cents per C size sheet. It produces
deep purple images on white or pink background. Its major drawback,
however, has been that ammonia vapor is generally used for developing -
a nuisance for home use. I have accidentally discovered a solution for
this. A pan of warm water with washing soda dissolved in it works to
develop ozlid paper. The mixture is not critical: a few tablespoons
of washing soda to a quart of water does fine. Simply soak the exposed
ozlid paper in the pan for half a minute or so (again not critical) and
lay it out to dry.
I do not remember the correct exposure times for blue-printing paper.
For ozlid paper, use about 10 to 15 seconds outside and about 20 to 30
seconds if the sun is coming through a window. For us, the easiest
technique is to arrange the picture on the paper on a piece of cardboard,
shade it with another piece of cardboard, step into the sunshine, remove
the shading cardboard for the required exposure time, shade it again,
move away from the sun, develop the picture, and set it out to dry.
If the object being printed has any depth (ie. a flower or toy), the
arrangement must be kept still during exposure to prevent blurry shadows.
For this reason, I would recommend flat things such as leaves for small
children.
Do not stock up on paper as it keeps for only a few months. Of course
it must be kept in a dark place. Room lights will not harm it, but even
indirect light from windows will expose the paper in an hour or so.
The finished pictures will eventually fade if left where they get direct
sunlight.
Have fun. I would appreciate any feedback or further suggestions.
David Knierim 8/10/84