Casey Newman: Botanical Inks

Workshop Description

Making one’s own natural ink not only yields beautiful and interesting colors with which to create, but provides a deep connection to the natural world. It’s also just really fun!

In this workshop, students will learn to extract color from a variety of natural materials, many that are easy to find in the garden or even the kitchen. Students will learn which materials can be added to modify colors so they can create several colors from each dye source.

Once our inks are made, the day will be filled with exploration and play as students try our various forms of markmaking, including writing, painting, and unconventional methods as well.

Students will have the opportunity to create a folded booklet with their own ink designs and they will leave with a variety of decorated papers and any leftover botanical ink to use in future projects.

Materials/Equipment to be Provided by Students

• Variety of favorite papers, any type or size (paper will be provided, but natural inks sometimes behave differently on different papers so it’s fun to have a variety with which to play)
• Assortment of small paintbrushes (nothing fancy, because inks can stain brushes; an inexpensive variety pack from a craft store is fine)
• Calligraphy dip pen (ideally with several nibs) if students would like to write with inks
• Optional:
  • 12 to 15 glass bottles with lids (1 oz. or 2 oz. size) if students would like secure containers to take home extra ink (lidded plastic containers will be supplied but they are not suitable for packing in luggage, especially if traveling by air)
  • An apron; some inks will stain

See Materials Glossary for definitions and images

Materials/Equipment to be Provided by Instructor

• Natural materials to use in ink-making
• Heating element and cooking supplies
• Substances to modify ink colors to increase color palette
• Variety of papers to use for markmaking, writing, and/or drawing
• Assorted brushes, droppers, and other items for markmaking and drawing
• Small plastic containers to hold inks for each student to work from

Instructor Biography

Casey Newman is a naturalist and an artist who incorporates nature into her work, creating a unique way to connect with the beauty of nature. She is a botanical printer and natural dye artist, printing leaves onto fabric and paper using only the natural pigments found within each leaf. Casey grows and gathers natural materials to make dyes for fabric, botanical inks, watercolors, and other art supplies. Her work is centered around northwest native plants and she is inspired by living and working at Cedar Dell Forest Farm on the outskirts of Portland, Oregon.