Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Today I show how to make a rich botanical ink with the hulls from horse chestnuts. I foraged these while walking. With water, baking soda, and a little time they turned them into a gorgeous handmade ink, a found art supply that can be used in art journals and other mixed media projects. It could even be used to dye papers and fabric.
Simmering horse chestnut hulls with iron or rust will make an even stronger colour, in shades that can range from an auburn brown to more of a chestnut-ty russet.
Today I show how to make a rich botanical ink with the hulls from horse chestnuts. I foraged these while walking. With water, baking soda, and a little time they turned them into a gorgeous handmade ink, a found art supply that can be used in art journals and other mixed media projects. It could even be used to dye papers and fabric.
Simmering horse chestnut hulls with iron or rust will make an even stronger colour, in shades that can range from an auburn brown to more of a chestnut-ty russet.
