Beech husk ink foraged on Dartmoor
A warm afternoon on Dartmoor, captured in a bottle. This beech husk ink is made from the empty husks left behind after the beechnuts have fallen. We pop the mast (nut) out, and use the husk for ink. This ensures the moorland creatures keep their autumn nourishment, while we gather the discarded husks for colour.
Each batch is made by cooking the husks in a bath of Dartmoor rainwater and washing soda. The liquid is further reduced to concentrate the colour, and finally gum Arabic, and clove oil are added. Like all of our foraged inks, this one has personality. It may change colours slightly as it dries, and will be a slightly different hue depending on the characteristics of the paper it's applied to.
The next batch of ink will be released later this year. Please subscribe to our newsletter to be notified.
Details
- Colour: peaches into brown. Often light unless generously applied.
- Source: beech husks harvested from Dartmoor's high moor.
-
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.
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Ingredients: Beech husks, 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
Beech husks are harvested after the mast has fallen away. This ensures the foodstuff remains on the moor for our critter friends. We gather only enough for what we need during the autumn harvest; however, the trees were planted in abundance throughout the moor. After collection, the husks are simmered in water and washing soda for 30 minutes, then left to soak overnight. The liquid is strained to remove the husks, and then further reduced to half the volume.
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.
A warm afternoon on Dartmoor, captured in a bottle. This beech husk ink is made from the empty husks left behind after the beechnuts have fallen. We pop the mast (nut) out, and use the husk for ink. This ensures the moorland creatures keep their autumn nourishment, while we gather the discarded husks for colour.
Each batch is made by cooking the husks in a bath of Dartmoor rainwater and washing soda. The liquid is further reduced to concentrate the colour, and finally gum Arabic, and clove oil are added. Like all of our foraged inks, this one has personality. It may change colours slightly as it dries, and will be a slightly different hue depending on the characteristics of the paper it's applied to.
The next batch of ink will be released later this year. Please subscribe to our newsletter to be notified.
Details
- Colour: peaches into brown. Often light unless generously applied.
- Source: beech husks harvested from Dartmoor's high moor.
-
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: Beech husks, 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
Beech husks are harvested after the mast has fallen away. This ensures the foodstuff remains on the moor for our critter friends. We gather only enough for what we need during the autumn harvest; however, the trees were planted in abundance throughout the moor. After collection, the husks are simmered in water and washing soda for 30 minutes, then left to soak overnight. The liquid is strained to remove the husks, and then further reduced to half the volume.
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, but we'll be releasing a new batch in spring. Let us know you're interested, and we'll send you a free recipe to make your own ink at home!