Course Description

​'Sue was extremely knowledgeable on the subject and I was inspired to go home and do some more.'

At a glance, this course:

• Supports people's wellbeing
• Promotes low impact living​
• Uses natural materials

About the workshop

Come and spend a relaxing and informative day learning to make natural inks at The Sustainability Centre based in the beautiful South Downs National Park. This friendly workshop will teach you how to make your own natural inks from a variety of plants and minerals.

You will also have a chance to try a range of natural inks made by your tutor to see how the colours work together and the various effects which can be achieved by using different pens and brushes. Your tutor will demonstrate a range of techniques you can use the ink for, and you will have time to explore the site and try the inks and different ways of using them. As well as learning how to make natural inks for yourself, you will take away a pot of natural ink and ink recipes.

Making your own natural inks is a very satisfying and easy when you learn. This intimate workshop begins by foraging for some plant material to make natural ink and putting them on a fire to ‘cook’. Once the ink is on the fire we will explore how to make different colours from readily-available, natural resources.   Take inspiration by viewing colour samples of natural inks and discover how these are made. We will also make our own charcoal, make a chalk paint and try using some earth pigment to make paint with.

The course will give you:

• an understanding of how to make natural ink
• experience using and mixing natural ink colours
• recipes to make your own inks
• a sample pot of ink to take home

This course is suitable for:

Suitable for all adults and beginners - you do not need to be an artist!

What to bring:

• weather-appropriate outdoor clothing. This course will take place in a covered outdoor space.
• walking boots or sturdy closed footwear
• sunscreen, and water to drink
• pencil and paper for notes
• snacks and a packed lunch or buy from our onsite Beech Cafe

Cancellations, refunds, and bursaries:

Read the full Adult Courses Cancellations and Refunds Policy and Courses Bursary Fund Information.

About the tutor