Natural Dye Inks from Bugs and Roots – 3 Varieties

Description

Natural Dye Inks from Bugs and Roots

We offer 3 ink varieties created by Judi Pettite of Biohue, our ink maker extraordinaire. Each variety is from historic plant root dyes or the legendary cochineal insect, and all are beautiful! Judi Pettite started BioHue in 2006 after falling in love with colors she was getting from plants. Since that time, she has foraged, purchased or grown the materials for her art. She makes her inks and watercolors intentionally from the fewest ingredients possible. This minimalist approach also allows the personality of the plant to come through. We love Judi’s work! So we thought taking Botanical Colors’ most popular dye extracts and turning them into beautiful inks would be a perfect fit.

Judi created our different inks from the following materials. All are handcrafted, small batch and individually bottled.

• Madder Root Ink: the color is a burgundy red to purplish hue
• Himalayan Rhubarb Root: A warm, deep brown-gold
• Cochineal Ink: Vivid cool red from the cochineal insect

Each ink comes in a 1 ounce capped bottle and includes a glass stopper. Shake well before using. Use dip pens or brushes. The ink works best on paper. Its intended use is as a drawing medium or combined with gum arabic to make your own watercolors.

Judi says:

“I love foraging and cultivating for my natural inks and paints; if you’re looking to expand your palette, extracts may be the answer. I’ve developed a new line of inks in partnership with Botanical Colors and their extracts. The colors are lush and saturating. I keep the hues as true and clean as possible—never any synthetic preservatives. I only use thyme or clove oil. Inks are water-based and made in small batches with care in Northern California.”

Did you see our live FEEDBACK FRIDAY exploring natural dye inks with Judi Pettite of Biohue? Watch the recording here.

Expand your natural dye ink adventures by purchasing Make Ink: A Forager’s Guide to Natural Inkmaking by Jason Logan. In addition, we have the wonderful Botanical Inks: Plant-to-Print Dyes, Techniques and Projects by Babs Behan.