During a commission, I researched and began making natural inks. I liked the colours so much; they were incredibly rich but gentle at the same time, and about the landscape. They really suited the kind of painting I make - they complement watercolour – and all sorts of media. So, I’ve been making them and using them ever since. I usually process a limited amount of black walnut, oak gall (knopper),  as well as acorn cap, alder buckthorn inks, elderberry and avocado pit (not local!). Natural inks are ‘live’ and the colour can vary on different surfaces, though the size in decent paper will help to fix the ink. They're lovely to draw and paint with; you get a rich, sepia brown (walnut), a warm, purpley black which gets blacker with age (oak gall), a warm elephant grey (acorn cap), and a vibrant, earthy yellow (buckthorn). Where possible, the inks are made with ingredients sourced locally to me in north Kent - and preserved with essential oils. They'll last at least a year - the oak gall will last forever. Always shake the bottle before use and try layering single, or combinations of colour.
To purchase the inks, please go to my Etsy page; Turpsey

I also run ink-making workshops - please email me or use the Contact form for more information.