Guest Picks: Plan on Blueprints for Cool Art
Take a page from science, nature and industry for unexpected and striking artwork in your own design lab
Blueprints and sun prints have captured my attention lately. And because I’m a sucker for a good DIY project, I actually tried making my own — but that’s a whole other story. If you’re more a point-and-click kind of person, check out this selection of blueprints and sun prints from around the web. — Nicole from Nicole Scott Designs
Astrological Chart Framed Print
This blueprint star chart is out of this world! I found this beauty a few months ago, and it started my obsession.
The effortless coolness of city maps mixed with blueprints is a winning combination.
‘Constellation Explorer: Compass to the Northern Sky’ Print
Hang this one low, because it’s the kind of print that makes people lean in and take a few minutes to examine.
Bernese Mountain Dog Blueprint
The only time I ever wished my mutt’s breed could be more defined was when I saw these dog blueprints. They get two paws up.
“Brandt Type Bak Guide for Typewriters 1926” Framed Art
Hipsters rejoice! Lovers of typography and typewriters will revel in the simple beauty of this office relic blueprint.
Eames Wire Chair Blueprint-Style Art Print, Blue by Scarlet Blvd.
Attention, design lovers: Blueprints depicting famous forms by Charles and Ray Eames do indeed exist.
Dinosaur Study III Print
This would be such a great addition to a kids’ room. It’s simple and still totally interesting.
Cape Henry Lighthouse Blueprints
Classic forms like lighthouses work in both modern and contemporary settings.
Vintage Bicycle Patent Artwork 1894 Art Print
This two-wheeler patent print would add a dose of vintage charm to any space.
Who wouldn’t want to gaze upon this handsome geometric blueprint in charcoal?
Virginia Woolf III by Rob Delamater Original Print
I know this is a splurge, but you must admit that it’s very cool.
Seattle Blueprint Map Art Print by Summit Ridge Studio
Clever artists combined shades of blue and familiar city views to create these watery sun-print-style posters. I love this one of Seattle. Check out the website and see if your city is available.
1930s Engineering Blueprint of Monorail System by Vintage & Nostalgia
True vintage blueprints are great little industrial points of interest in halls, powder rooms and offices.
Framed Print, East River Bridge I
Combine important architectural monuments with the timeless beauty of indigo, and you have yourself a statement piece.
Rocket Ship Blueprint Mural Wallpaper
This wallpaper treatment takes the love of blueprints to a whole new level.
‘Nature's Imprint III’ Framed Print
Natural elements like classic flora and fauna make great subjects for sun prints.
Framed Print, Plate LXXVII
This print with the stages of the moon has a handmade quality I love. You could try making a DIY version of it.
Photographers’ Formulary 07-0091 Liquid Cyanotype Printing Kit
I used this kit to create my own sun prints. It was so easy and fun. There are lots of online tutorials, and a little research will reveal ways to adapt your sun-printing chemical combinations to achieve shades of green, blue or gray.
Pacon Artist Watercolor Paper Pad, White
To make your own sun prints, you will also need watercolor paper. And a sunny day.
Reclaimed Wood Gallery Frame
Don’t forget a frame for your prints. Anthropologie is all over it with this collection.
Next: 14 Creative Ways to Hang Art
Next: 14 Creative Ways to Hang Art