How To Squeeze Seaweed | guide

Algae provide some of the brightest and most beautiful colors in the ocean, a vital habitat for marine wildlife, and an important part of our ecosystem. Seaweed is remarkable, growing on the deepest parts of the seabed and floating freely with the tides. An estimated 50% of the planet’s oxygen comes from a species of algae known as planktonic algae. It comes in various shades of greens, browns and yellows and can be exquisite and otherworldly in its various forms.

Squeezing seaweed is a simple and fun activity that the whole family can enjoy, resulting in amazing nautical art. It takes creative flair, a soft touch and patience.

Start your project with a trip to the coast, scouring the shore for small bits of interesting seaweed, but being very careful not to pick up seaweed with living creatures attached to it, like small crabs and sea snails (gently rinse your seaweed in a bucket or the sea. Remember that your collage will need to fit on a sheet of A4 paper.

How to Squeeze Seaweed for Art

Things you will need

• A deep plateau
• Thick watercolor paper
• A carafe of fresh water
• Paper napkins
• From Journal
• A few heavy books

How it’s made

The first step: Begin by rinsing your algae samples with fresh water. It is best to work on a table or a flat surface, consider laying down a few sheets of newspaper or a rag if you want to protect the surfaces.

Second step : Half fill your deep tub with fresh water and gently lay your sheet of heavyweight watercolor paper on the surface.

Third step: Bob the paper with your finger until it’s submerged just below the surface, then carefully arrange your seaweed collage on top. Take your time and let your creativity run free.

Fourth step: Very slowly, lift the paper out of the tray and lay it face up on some newspaper. Carefully cover the collage with paper towels to help absorb moisture, being careful not to press too hard. Carefully remove the soggy paper towels and replace them with new paper towels and a layer of newspaper.

Fifth step: Press down the seaweed collage with four or five heavy books, remembering to keep the paper towels and newspaper in place.

Sixth step: Do nothing for a few days, checking occasionally to see if the bonding is dry. When you think so, slowly remove the books, newspapers and paper towels and admire your original, one-of-a-kind work of art!

Seventh step (optional): Submitting your seaweed masterpiece for the Turner Prize?

Now all you need is a vacation home near the coast. Look for our beach houses and waterside cottages in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Hampshire.