About this Event
Cyanotype Christmas Card Workshop
Saturday 28th November 2026 | 2–5pm | Stoke sub Hamdon, South Somerset
** Early bird booking discount of £10 if you book by 7th November **
Join photographer, visual artist and experienced photography educator Carolyn Lefley for a festive, hands-on introduction to the beautiful photographic process of cyanotype. In this three-hour workshop, you’ll learn the fundamentals of this historic alternative photographic process and create a collection of unique cyanotype Christmas cards to take home and send to family and friends.
Cyanotype is an early photographic printing process that uses light-sensitive chemistry to produce distinctive blue-and-white images. Combining botanical forms, seasonal foliage and experimental compositions, you’ll explore how light, shadow and transparency can be used to create striking handmade prints.
What you’ll learn
The workshop includes demonstrations and practical guidance in:
- Understanding the history and principles of the cyanotype process.
- Preparing and applying light-sensitive chemistry to paper.
- Creating images using seasonal foliage, plants and other natural forms.
- Exploring composition, transparency, layering and negative space.
- Understanding exposure and using UV light to create your prints.
- Developing, washing and finishing your cyanotypes.
- Experimenting with different approaches to create your own distinctive Christmas card designs.
You’ll have the opportunity to create 4–6 unique cyanotype Christmas cards during the workshop, experimenting with seasonal foliage, natural forms and decorations to produce your own distinctive blue-and-white designs. Carolyn will demonstrate each stage of the process and provide individual guidance as you work.
All materials, card blanks and equipment are included, so you can focus on experimenting and enjoying the process.
Mince pies, mulled wine and a selection of hot drinks will also be provided to enjoy during the afternoon.
With a maximum of five participants, the workshop offers a friendly, supportive setting with plenty of time for practical experimentation, questions and individual tuition.
About Carolyn
Carolyn Lefley is a professional photographer, visual artist and photography educator with 20 years’ experience teaching photography in further and higher education. Based in Somerset, her artistic practice explores our relationship with the natural world through photography, moving image and alternative photographic processes, including cyanotype.
Carolyn incorporates natural materials, photographic imagery and experimental techniques into her own practice, bringing both practical expertise and creative insight to her workshops. She is First Aid trained and DBS certified.
Who is this workshop for?
The workshop is suitable for beginners and anyone interested in photography, printmaking or exploring alternative photographic processes. No previous experience of photography or cyanotype is required.
Practical information
- Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
- Time: 2–5pm
- Location: Carolyn’s home workshop space, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, South Somerset
- Group size: Maximum five participants
- Materials and equipment: All included
- Refreshments: Mince pies, mulled wine and other hot drinks included
- Experience: Suitable for both beginners and more experienced printers
Discover the possibilities of cyanotype and enjoy a creative afternoon making handmade Christmas cards to share with family and friends.
Event venue & nearby stays
Stoke sub Hamdon, Stoke sub Hamdon, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.