If you're looking to introduce yourself to experimenting with Natural inks or have any arty enthuistants who appreciate a gift they can play endlessly with. This is a lovely option. This is great for anyone who is an expert in what they do, or anyone just starting out, it comes with everything you might need in beautiful handmade detail. Within the Natural Ink Section on my website you can find a step by step/ general guide on how to use the kit and an instructions guide is included within the tin.
The 10ml Natural Ink starter Set Contains: 4 x Unmodified Natural Inks and 4 x Modifiers. The modifiers included are: Soda Ash, Iron Sulphate, Copper Sulphate and citric Acid or Aluminium Sulphate . The inks contained will vary seasonally depending what I'm able to forage. However I always try and stick to a fixed pallet e.g. browns (Alder/ Walnut), two types of pink/ purple (Sloe/Ivy Berry), and a lighter wash/ beige (Horse Chestnut/ Cherry Bark/ Nettle)
What is a modifier?
A modifier is a material you use to shift the PH content of the ink you're using which are a result shifts the colour. These are natural elements, often metal based e.g. Aluminium sulphate, Copper sulphate, Iron Sulphate. A great example of their use is Iron Sulphate when combined with the Alder cone, it will shift into a beautiful black. The Soda Ash when combined with the sloe, will turn an incredible green, then as this oxidises will shift into a murky brown ish orange. Each will react differently with each Ink, although Alder is very reactive with Iron, when combined with Citric Acid you will see much less of a shift.
This amalgimation of art, nature and science is a great way to visualise these alchemic reactions happening. You do not need to be a scientist, however you may come away from its use feeling a little more confident in this area than you were before.
Coming soon will be a set of activity sheets which will pair with these sets.
Natural Ink Starter Set 10ml
Storage
Certain Natural Inks such as Elderberry and other berry based inks are particularly susceptible to fermentation. I take every step to ensure this does not happen, however on occasion one slips through the cracks. This would show as bubbling when opened or some leakage out of the bottle. I recommend inks are stored in a cool dry place, If possible the fridge is the best place for them to extend their life.
Long Term Care
With the inks being made from natural materials, they can grow mould. In every bottle there is a drop of albas oil which prevents mould growth. However over time the effectiveness of this can waiver. If you open a bottle and there has been mold growth. Although never nice this isn't the end of the world for your ink, by simply scraping away the area and adding another drop or two of any essential oil you can extent the life of the inks you have.
Delivery on this item is £3.99 which is charged at the standard Royal Mail Small parcel cost. I attempt to dispatch all deliveries within 7 days of purchasing.
