A lovely reddish brown reminiscent of conkers.
Rowan berries are collected from low-hanging branches on the tree, and if it's been windy, under the tree as well. Rowan trees grown in abundance on the moor, but not all years have an abundant harvest. 2024 was a good year for rowans.
Beech trees are in abundance on Dartmoor, usually seen in planted rows, often beside the road. (2024 was not a good year for masts, but there were plenty of empty husks on the ground from previous years which can still be used for ink making.) We collect empty mast husks, leaving the nuts for the animals to eat. On its own, beech mast husks make a lovely light brown-red ink; however, even reduced, it's still quite light when applied to paper. It's a great extended for other colours in the brown-red range, though.
This product is part of our Acorn & Mire give-back line. A portion from each sale is donated back to environmental charities supporting hedgerow regeneration and peatland restoration.
Details
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Colour: chestnut brown (except without the chestnuts)
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Source: rowan berries and beech mast husks harvested from Dartmoor's high moor.
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Size: one 15mL vial of sustainably foraged ink
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Use with: Small paint brushes; or a dip pen
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Suitable for fountain pens? No.
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Light fast rating? 1-2. The ink should not be left exposed to direct sunshine.
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Ingredients: Beech mast husks, rowan berries, Dartmoor rainwater, gum Arabic, preservative
- This ink has a limited shelf life. We do our best to ship within 2 - 3 weeks of the ink being made.
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
This is a natural product with a limited shelf life. Best used within a few weeks or months of making. 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
The rowan berries and beech mast husks are decocted separately in washing soda, and combined once the plant matter is removed. Our rowan-beech ink is generally at the ratio of 1 part rowan berry ink to 2 parts beech ink. Both trees are in abundance on the moor.
About the colour
Your vial of ink will include the year it was made, and a sample on the label. The ink usually changes colour a little bit as it dries and is exposed to air. It may be darker, or it may lighten. Use the label as your guide for the colour.