Iron water from foraged moorland horseshoes
There are many bridleways on Dartmoor and for the first few years we lived here, it seemed we were always finding lucky horseshoes. I now use these as the basis for our marvellous iron water "ink". Each batch is a little different and the colour may vary from bright orange into brown. You are literally painting with rust. This also works well as a modifier for other colours, shifting them to greys. I like using little drops of the iron water on other inks to change the colours.
The next batch of ink will be released later this year. Please subscribe to our newsletter to be notified.
Details
- Colour: oranges and browns
- Source: moorland horseshoes
-
Size: one 15mL vial of ink
- Use with: Small paint brushes; you can also use a dip pen
- Suitable for fountain pens? No.
- Light fast rating? 1-2. The ink should not be left exposed to direct sunshine.
-
Ingredients: Rust from moorland horseshoes, Dartmoor rainwater, gum Arabic, preservative
The Perfect Gift For
- Artists and calligraphers.
- Eco-conscious individuals.
- Nature Lovers and Foragers.
- Writers and Journal Keepers.
- Historians and Vintage Enthusiasts.
- Minimalists.
- Botanists and Gardeners.
Usage Tips
We make our ink with a goodly amount of gum Arabic. If you find it's too thick, you can add a little water. Shake well before use.
How it's made
After collection, horseshoes are left in a pot outside with vinegar and a little salt to speed up the rusting process. I use a syringe to get the lovely rusted bits from the bottom of the container, and then add gum Arabic and clove oil.
About the colour
The sample of ink on the outside of the bottle includes one thick brush stroke of colour from the bottle. The ink usually changes colour a little bit as it dries and is exposed to air. It may be darker, or it may lighten. The colour may vary depending on the paper you use (acidity, buffers, absorbency, etc). Use the label only as a rough guide for the colour.
There are many bridleways on Dartmoor and for the first few years we lived here, it seemed we were always finding lucky horseshoes. I now use these as the basis for our marvellous iron water "ink". Each batch is a little different and the colour may vary from bright orange into brown. You are literally painting with rust. This also works well as a modifier for other colours, shifting them to greys. I like using little drops of the iron water on other inks to change the colours.
The next batch of ink will be released later this year. Please subscribe to our newsletter to be notified.
Details
- Colour: oranges and browns
- Source: moorland horseshoes
-
Size: one 15mL vial of ink
- Use with: Small paint brushes; you can also use a dip pen
- Suitable for fountain pens? No.
- Light fast rating? 1-2. The ink should not be left exposed to direct sunshine.
-
Ingredients: Rust from moorland horseshoes, Dartmoor rainwater, gum Arabic, preservative
The Perfect Gift For
- Artists and calligraphers.
- Eco-conscious individuals.
- Nature Lovers and Foragers.
- Writers and Journal Keepers.
- Historians and Vintage Enthusiasts.
- Minimalists.
- Botanists and Gardeners.
Usage Tips
We make our ink with a goodly amount of gum Arabic. If you find it's too thick, you can add a little water. Shake well before use.
How it's made
After collection, horseshoes are left in a pot outside with vinegar and a little salt to speed up the rusting process. I use a syringe to get the lovely rusted bits from the bottom of the container, and then add gum Arabic and clove oil.
About the colour
The sample of ink on the outside of the bottle includes one thick brush stroke of colour from the bottle. The ink usually changes colour a little bit as it dries and is exposed to air. It may be darker, or it may lighten. The colour may vary depending on the paper you use (acidity, buffers, absorbency, etc). Use the label only as a rough guide for the colour.
Ink-terested?
We're fresh out of ink right now. Let us know you're interested, and we'll send you a free recipe to make your own ink at home!