Summer Makes an Imprint All Year Long With These Nature Sunprints

• Light-sensitive paper
• Tray
• Pane of glass or a clear acrylic sheet
• Paper towels or a clothesline, for drying

Source: Jennifer Causey

On a sunny day, collect objects with interesting shapes and silhouettes (the more intricate the negative space, the better). Place the objects flat, being careful not to bend stems or break leaves.

Source: Jennifer Causey

In a room with little to no ambient light (e.g. a windowless bathroom), place a sheet of light-sensitive paper on a tray. Then arrange your specimens on the paper. Place a pane of glass or a clear acrylic sheet on top of the arrangement to keep it in place (and to create crisp outlines when it's exposed to light). Take the tray outside, and expose it to sunlight.

Source: Jennifer Causey

After about five minutes (or up to 20, if it's overcast), the silhouette will be apparent.

Source: Jennifer Causey

Rinse the print with water from a hose or in a sink to stop the chemical reaction. The colors will then become more pronounced. Lay the sheet on an absorbent surface, like paper towels, or hang it on a clothesline until it's completely dry.

Source: Jennifer Causey

The entire set of instructions, and more, can be found in the July/August issue of Martha Stewart Living, available at newsstands and for iPad now.