Inkodye is no more, but SolarFast is here to save the day! This tutorial works even better using SolarFast than it did with Inkodye! Only with Inkodye (now with Solarfast!) can you create this incredibly easy and rewarding DIY project! Because Inkodyes are truly photographic you can use them with black & white negatives to create your very own photo-printed silk ribbon.
Use your ribbon in your hair, around your waist on a summer dress or cut it into sections and give them away as adorable bookmarks!
Total tutorial time: 15 minutes
Shopping list:
- Inkodye - Violet
- Black & White Photo Negatives
- Silk Ribbon
- Foam Brush
- Pins
- Work Surface Board
Let's get started!
Making your own negatives. You can buy a B&W disposable camera and take your own shots! Important Note: High contrast negatives are needed for this project to work so try to overexpose the pics you take! You can also request "push processing" at your local film development lab to ensure higher contrast negatives.
Prepare. Cut your ribbon to the size of the negatives you'd like to print
Position. Lay your ribbon down onto a board that you'll be able to move out into the sun
Pour. Apply your Inkodye straight from the bottle, we recommend not diluting for this project
Brush. Using a regular ol' foam brush make sure your Inkodye is evenly applied
Place. Get your negative placed properly, make sure you put it SHINY side down so as not to smear it
Pin. Using push pins, pin your project to the board to keep the negative in contact and so it can't blow away!
Smooth. Using the slight stickyness of the wet ribbon rub the negative down until it is smooth
Take into the sun. This is where the magic happens, watch your photos develop right before your eyes!
Wait. Leave your project in the sun for at least 5 minutes, up to 12 minutes in cloudy weather
Uncover. In a shady indoor area uncover your masterpiece!
Wash. Wash vigorously in HOT soapy water, preferably use a strong textile soap like synthrapol. If you do not wash enough your project may continue to develop after it is dry.
Dry. Dry your project without heat, just lay it out indoors (not in the sun) and let it dry completely
Enjoy! Use your beautiful custom ribbon for anything! We'd love to hear what you dream up.
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