FOBA 2026 - Casey Newman - Botanical Inks

Focus on Book Arts 2026

Casey Newman
Botanical Inks - Sunday, June 28, 2026

Read more about FOBA 2026 on their website!
https://focusonbookarts.org/2026-foba-conference/

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