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Natural Inks
My Journey With ink-making first began during my Masters in 2023-24, a fascination was captured by this relationship between place, creative practice and the materiality of place. Considering how through the use of found materials may we engage and ultimately form bonds to places in an alternative way than I ever have before. This masters work manifested itself into a project titled 'collections in place' which questions this relationship we hold to place and the effect experience shaping the bonds we hold to a space.
To Date my collection of natural inks sits at 37 unique material Inks, with a screen printed collection of 34 of these. Stocks fluctuate but to date I currently sell a variety of 23 different Inks, From Oak Galls to Holly Berries and Nettles. Seasonally stocks shift and grow as new plants fall into season.
This Page explores my own journey in natural ink making, a guide on how to use my own product line, a guide on how to make your own natural inks and answers to many commonly asked questions. 7
My Journey In Natural Inks
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Guidance for use:
If you've purchased Inks from me before or are interested in making an order, here are some answers to commonly asked questions.
How can I use them?
With any sort of dip pen or quill they can be used as a dipping Inks.
Can I dilute the Inks?
Being water based all natural inks can be diluted with water.
Are the Inks water or oil based?
All the natural Inks I sell are Water Based
Can I use these as a refill for my fountain pen?
NO these cannot be used as fountain pen re-fills, natural inks can act as corrosive to dip pen nibs and should only be used for dip pen or brush use.
How can I screen print myself with these?
Get aprox 100ml of Ink to a boil, mix wheat starch and a small amount of water in a separate container
What To Forage:
My current personal collection of natural inks sits at 37 unique natural base material inks.
If looking to make your own Inks you are very much at the whim of the seasons. What fruits, husks and leaves on offer very much dictate the colour pallets you're seeking. What time of year
From the Quayside in Bristol, housing estates in London or local village green, I've spotted Alder Cones in all. Between August and February, if you can find yourself a good few trees, you'll be sorted for some wonderful easy to make inks.
Other great materials to use are:
1) Oak Galls - July - October.
2) Ivy Berries - December - February (they're poisonous so do be careful).
3) Sweet Chestnuts - August -
very much dependent on the time of year and where you are.
If in a more urbanised space, do not be discouraged at your ability to find, despite living in a rural countryside space, my only Walnut finds to date have come from a small part in central London.
Steps of making:
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