Soft chocolate brown. If you let the layers dry between application, you can reach about 65% dark chocolate.
Holly berries are collected from low-hanging branches (and under) the tree. There aren't many holly trees on Dartmoor, so we extend its ink by mixing it with other colours. Beech trees are in abundance on Dartmoor, usually seen in planted rows, often beside the road. 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 in colour. It's a great extended for other colours in the brown-red range.
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: chocolate brown.
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Source: holly 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; you can also use a dip pen, but it's very light when wet and difficult to see
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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, holly berries, iron (Fe2Su), 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 holly berries and beech mast husks are decocted separately in washing soda, and combined once the plant matter is removed. Our holly-beech ink is generally at the ratio of 1 part holly ink to 10 parts beech ink. This is enough to darken the beech ink (which we can make in abundance), without using too much holly (which is relatively scarce).
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.