Forage and Make your own Botanical Ink with Janne Larsen — Aug 24
Learn how to make your own art supplies with local flora.
Learn how to make your own art supplies with local flora.
Learn how to make your own art supplies with local flora.
Dates: August 24, 2025
Times: "Forage & Make Your Own Botanical Ink" Workshop (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
12:00 PM – 12:15 PM: Welcome & Introduction
Meet and greet with participants. Overview of the workshop goals and schedule. Brief discussion on the ethics of foraging and sustainable practices. 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM: Foraging Walk
Guided walk to identify and gather local plants suitable for ink-making. Discuss the cultural, historical, and ecological significance of the plants found. Emphasis on minimal impact and responsible harvesting. 1:00 PM – 1:15 PM: Refreshment Break
Light snacks and drinks, with time to reflect on the foraging experience. 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM: Ink-Making Demonstration
Step-by-step demonstration of preparing and extracting pigments from foraged materials. Explanation of tools, techniques, and additional ingredients (e.g., binders, modifiers). 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Hands-On Ink Making
Participants create their own inks using foraged materials. Experiment with colors and modifiers to create unique shades. Share tips and troubleshoot with guidance from the instructor.
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM: Share inks
Group sharing of inks created, including any discoveries or surprises.
4:00-4:45 Paint with inks demonstrating surprising combinations, buildable layers and ways to achieve thinner lines and darker saturation
4:45-5:00 Provide handouts or tips for continuing ink-making at home. Farewell with an optional Q&A session and clean up.
Level:
Workshop Description:
In this Botanical Ink workshop, participants will leave with more than just their own handmade ink—they'll gain a deeper understanding of the local environment and the stories plants carry. They’ll learn hands-on techniques for extracting natural pigments, explore the cultural and ecological significance of native flora, and discover how creative practices can foster a connection to place. By the end of the workshop, attendees will feel empowered to experiment with sustainable art-making, inspired by the unique colors and materials the natural world provides.
About the Instructor:
Required Materials:
- Provided
Optional Materials:
- Jars if they'd like to bring home extra ink
Specific watercolor paper if they have a preference