Spruce bark ink foraged on Dartmoor

Sitka spruce have been planted on Dartmoor since the late 1800s. They are not native to the area, but they are fast-growing and act as a decent wind break. The bark of the spruce tree naturally sloughs off, and can be collected from the ground without any impact to the tree. We use the bark to create a lovely brown with warm yellowy-red undertones hinting into orange-brown.

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Details

• Colour: brown.
• Source: bark from Sitka spruce
• 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: Sitka spruce bark, 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, the bark is broken into smaller pieces and then simmered in water and washing soda for 30 minutes. The liquid is strained to remove the bark, and then further reduced to half the volume. Gum Arabic and clove oil are then added.

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.