Willow ink foraged on Dartmoor
Willow is the only tree we chose to cut for our harvest. This was made possible due to winter-related windfall behind the village pub. Several of the willow trees snapped under the weight of the snow, and we were able to take several of the broken branches from the side of the path for ink making. The young branches were dried and then cut into smaller pieces for nearly a lifetime supply of reddish-brown ink.
I haven’t been able to determine which willow it is. There are over 300 species, and they interbreed, giving most botanists cold sweats when asked to identify, with certainty, which willow it was. The digital plant identification app, Seek, thinks it’s goat willow, but I think the leaves are too long and slender, so I think it must be basket willow.
The next batch of ink will be released later this year. Please subscribe to our newsletter to be notified.
Details
- Colour: reddish brown.
- Source: windfall branches from the willow trees behind the village pub
-
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: Willow branches, 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 branches are chopped and then simmered in water and washing soda for 30 minutes. The liquid is strained to remove the branches, 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.
Willow is the only tree we chose to cut for our harvest. This was made possible due to winter-related windfall behind the village pub. Several of the willow trees snapped under the weight of the snow, and we were able to take several of the broken branches from the side of the path for ink making. The young branches were dried and then cut into smaller pieces for nearly a lifetime supply of reddish-brown ink.
I haven’t been able to determine which willow it is. There are over 300 species, and they interbreed, giving most botanists cold sweats when asked to identify, with certainty, which willow it was. The digital plant identification app, Seek, thinks it’s goat willow, but I think the leaves are too long and slender, so I think it must be basket willow.
The next batch of ink will be released later this year. Please subscribe to our newsletter to be notified.
Details
- Colour: reddish brown.
- Source: windfall branches from the willow trees behind the village pub
-
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: Willow branches, 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 branches are chopped and then simmered in water and washing soda for 30 minutes. The liquid is strained to remove the branches, 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.
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!