North House Folk School

“The photographic effects are among the most various and remarkable that have yet offered themselves to our notice in this novel and fertile field of inquiry.” 

– Sir John Herschel (on the invention of cyanotypes) June, 1842

In this class, students will learn the history, chemistry, and process of one of the oldest photographic methods—the cyanotype. We will then apply this knowledge and make cyanotype prints from the early summer vegetation we harvest from the boreal forest. This will serve as the base material for our leather and canvas bags. In this 3-day course, students will learn hand and machine sewing techniques and become familiar with pattern cutting, hardware installation, and leather finishing work. Students will leave class with a one of a kind bag that they’ve crafted from start to finish, and retain the skills required to replicate any part of the process. This course is open to students ages 14-15 if accompanied by an adult. The youth will receive a 25% tuition discount, and both the youth and adult will complete a project. Students ages 16+ may participate independently.

Optional Tools

• Fabric shears
• Watercolor paper for prints if we have extra solution!