Have you ever noticed how time slows when you’re fully absorbed in something with your hands? That moment when you’re focused on creating something—whether it’s arranging leaves on fabric, pressing textures into paint, or waiting for sunlight to develop an image—it’s like the rest of the world falls away. The stress, the distractions, the mental noise… gone. It’s just you and the process.
That’s what I’ve been thinking about lately—how certain art forms aren’t just creative activities; they’re opportunities to hit pause on life, even for a little while. Cyanotype, gellie plate printing, and eco-dying are three practices that, in my opinion, are perfect examples of this. They’re simple, hands-on, and surprisingly meditative. And the best part? They invite you to slow down and be present.
Cyanotype: A Collaboration with Nature
If you haven’t tried cyanotype before, it’s basically magic—but in the slow, unfolding kind of way. You take a light-sensitive solution, coat paper or fabric with it, and then arrange objects (leaves, flowers, random treasures from a walk) on the surface. After that, you let the sunlight do the rest. The paper turns into this rich, deep blue, and whatever you place on it leaves a ghostly white imprint. The result? Beautiful, haunting images that capture the essence of nature.
What I love about cyanotype is how much it asks you to slow down. You have to be patient. You arrange your objects just so, then wait for the light to work its magic. It’s not something you can rush—and that’s the point. You’re forced to pause, breathe, and trust the process. The world slows down for a bit, and in that stillness, you find a kind of peace. It’s incredibly satisfying to reveal the final print, rinse it off, and see what you’ve created.
Gellie Plate Printing: Letting Go of Control
Gellie plate printing is a bit like taking a leap of faith every time. You never really know how it’s going to turn out, and that’s what makes it so freeing. You use this squishy, gelatin-like plate, spread some paint on it, and press in whatever objects or textures you want—plants, stencils, even found objects. Then, you lay a piece of paper over the top, gently lift it, and voila—your print is revealed.
The thing is, no two prints ever turn out the same. The paint spreads and mixes in unexpected ways. Maybe it’s a little messy. Maybe the colors blur together. But that’s where the magic happens. It teaches you to let go of control and embrace the unexpected. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in perfectionism in other parts of life, but gellie plate printing? It doesn’t let you do that. Instead, you’re left with something that’s entirely unique—and that feeling of not knowing exactly how it’s going to turn out can be a huge stress reliever. You’re just in the moment, playing with textures, colors, and shapes.
Eco-Dying: Finding Mindfulness in Nature
Eco-dying is one of those practices that connects you to the natural world in a tangible way. You gather leaves, flowers, and plants (anything that catches your eye), arrange them on fabric, wrap it up tightly, and then either boil or steam the bundle. The natural pigments from the plants are released and leave beautiful imprints on the fabric. Each piece is a direct reflection of nature, and no two are ever the same.
What I love about eco-dying is the entire process, from start to finish. You’re out in nature, collecting materials, then back in your space, arranging them thoughtfully. There’s no rushing—just patience and care. And when you finally unwrap the fabric, there’s this moment of awe at how the leaves and flowers have transferred their essence. It’s a practice that grounds you, makes you slow down, and reminds you of the beauty in the everyday. Plus, it gives your mind some much-needed quiet time to breathe.
Why the Process Matters
Cyanotype, gellie plate printing, and eco-dying—all of these practices share a common thread: they draw you into the moment. They ask you to engage fully, to let go of your day’s stressors, and to just be. And isn’t that something we all need more of? It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle, to feel like you have to be constantly doing something productive. But these processes remind us that there’s value in slowing down, in focusing on the journey instead of just rushing to the destination.
And here’s the best part—you don’t need to be an artist to do any of this. You don’t need special skills or years of experience. You just need the willingness to show up, to play, and to be open to the process.
If you’re craving that sense of calm, that mindful connection to yourself and the world around you, I invite you to join us at our upcoming Art for Self-Care: Cyanotype & Gellie Plate Printing, Eco-Dying, & Fabric Book Fiber + Paper Folding + Art Journaling Retreat at Big Raven Farm. We’ll spend time together learning these creative techniques, taking a break from the rush of everyday life, and sinking into the beauty of slow, intentional creation.
Because sometimes, it’s not about what you make—it’s about the process of making it.
Take Away
Art can be a powerful way to unplug, recharge, and connect with yourself. Cyanotype, gellie plate printing, and eco-dying are practices that invite you to find peace and mindfulness through the simple act of creation. So next time you feel overwhelmed, consider picking up some paper, some leaves, or a little paint—and let the process work its magic.