When I woke up this morning, I didn’t intend to do a complete overhaul of my handmade ink inventory. But there I was staring into the little minifridge with all the inks nestled in their trays packed on the shelves.

There were over 80 bottles, labeled and dated, some of which were from the first batches that I ever made. I realized that I’ve been making ink for almost 6 years! Just last week I would have been horrified by the notion of dumping it all, but it had to happen. It was time.

I found myself being mesmerized by the colors as they drained out of the bottle into the bottom of the sink mixing in with each other for a last goodbye. As I poured them out I remembered where they each came from and when I made them. I will always have the many memories of growing and foraging and cooking them all.

I’ve learned a lot in the past six years, the journey has been life altering. This clearing was necessary in order to make room for all the beautiful pigments and ink  that I plan to make this year. The next step for me is to really understand the chemistry and to learn to finesse making pigment from natural resources. I tried a few last year with some success.

I have enrolled in a year long intensive lake pigment workshop, where I’ll be taking a deep dive into the history of pigment, the recipes, the plants and fungi that can be used to make sustainable colors. 

I love it!