Bonus Blog - Natural Charcoal #34b - 26th Nov 2024

I have a following of artists who also like to be out in nature and connect to the Earth, trees and herbs, so I’m adding this as a bonus blog for those people who might like to use something they have foraged and harvested themselves to make their art with.

Simply go out in nature and find a European Spindle Tree, its easy to find at this time of year as it has lovely pink flowers out in November. Once you've found it, you need to snip off a branch. (Ask the trees permission please).

Cut the branch into 8-10cm long pieces. They need to fit inside a clean can. (As in baked beans/soup can)

Remove the bark from the pieces, place in the can and cover with a piece of tin foil. Make a small hole in the foil.

Place the can on some hot coals for about 20 mins. (open fire, fire pit, BBQ).

Leave to cool, remove the foil and start drawing with your natural charcoal.