Do I need prior art experience?

No prior experience is necessary; the workshop is designed for all skill levels.

How long does the cyanotype process take?

The exposure to sunlight usually takes 5-15 minutes depending on light conditions.

Can I use any fabric for printing?

Natural fabrics like cotton or linen work best for cyanotype printing.

Is the process safe for children?

With adult supervision and guidance, older children can participate safely.

What should I bring to the workshop?

Bring a fabric item to print on, comfortable clothing, and sunscreen.

Are materials included in the workshop fee?

Basic chemicals and materials are provided, but personal fabrics must be brought by attendees.

Cyanotype Printing Workshop at The Kampong, Miami | Eco Tour

Located in Miami, Florida, The Kampong is a lush botanical garden known for its rare tropical plants and serene atmosphere. This venue provides an inspiring backdrop for the Upcycling with Cyanotype Printing workshop, a unique hands-on experience where participants transform natural leaves into vivid fabric designs using an age-old photographic technique. The cyanotype process, dating back to the 1840s, uses a simple chemical solution and sunlight to create striking blueprints that capture the intricate details of plant life.

The workshop invites creativity and sustainability by encouraging guests to upcycle garments or fabric pieces with original prints inspired by The Kampong’s diverse foliage. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, this workshop offers a creative escape centered around nature’s artistry and environmental mindfulness. It's especially suited for those interested in botanical art, eco-friendly crafts, and historic printing methods.

The Kampong itself is a highlight of Miami’s vibrant outdoor scene, showcasing rare tropical fruit trees and unique flora collected over the years. This setting makes the cyanotype experience truly special, connecting art with the natural world in an intimate garden setting. Guests leave not just with a beautiful printed fabric but also a deeper appreciation for sustainable craft and Miami’s plant heritage.

Ideal for day visitors in Miami, the workshop is a creative addition to outdoor enthusiasts' urban itineraries. This class blends artistic expression with green principles, making it a standout offering in Miami’s landscape of outdoor cultural activities.

About The Kampong - National Tropical Botanical Gardens

The Kampong — part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens — is a historic tropical garden located in Miami, Florida on the shores of Biscayne Bay. The site preserves the Fairchild-Sweeney House and showcases the legacy of plant explorer David Fairchild through extensive exotic fruit trees, rare tropical species, and curated collections. Visitors can choose docent-led guided tours that highlight the estate’s history and plant collections, or self-guided tours that allow leisurely exploration with a provided map.

The Kampong hosts a rotating schedule of hands-on workshops and classes set in the garden landscape. Offerings include cyanotype printing for fabric, community indigo dip workshops teaching Shibori resist dyeing, edible gardening programming presented with UF/IFAS (recommended for ages 12 and up), watercolor courses led by local artist Eileen Seitz, and all-levels yoga with Sam Reynolds. Forest bathing sessions guided by neuroscientist Karina Del Punta focus on sensory practices grounded in science; evening Moonrise Forest Bathing is offered under the full moon.

Several specialty experiences such as macrophotography, ikebana, functional movement, and seasonal events invite creative engagement with plants and place. Cyanotype workshops note limited spaces to encourage advance booking. The Kampong combines plant conservation, education, and cultural programming on a historic estate, offering both structured interpretation and independent discovery for visitors interested in botany, art, sustainability, and Miami’s tropical landscape.

Public programs emphasize hands-on learning, conservation-minded practices, seasonal plant highlights, and the site supports research, education, and community engagement for residents and visitors from Miami and beyond, with year-round programming and volunteer opportunities available.