Linden, small-leaved (Tilia cordata) anthotype by Ellen Evers

“Tilia” by Ellen Evers, Utrecht, the Netherlands
Parts used: Petals and stems of the blossoms
Amount: A handful
Extracted by: Cooking for at least 30 minutes just covered by water, put into a blender, filtered through a cheesecloth
Thinner: Tap water
Application: Brushing with a foam sponge

Layers: 10
Substrate: Watercolour paper
Created with: Photogram of linden blossom with bract
Exposure: 1 month in July-August 2024
Contrast: ✘ (Almost none)
Challenges or observations: My first ever anthotype! Due to blending, my emulsion was very thick and slimy, so it took very long for the paper to absorb each layer well. I thought more layers would give more contrast, but read later that each layer actually multiplies exposure time. However, the exposed emulsion did not bleach, but more changed colour from light brown towards more orange. Another print with 5 layers changed nicer in color but showed even less contrast.
Additional information: I really like the idea of using the same plant and even parts of it as an emulsion and as a photogram object, and have already started more anthotypes like this for a series.