Artist/ printmaker, Shannon Yost, makes non-toxic printmaking ink, studied with Japanese Master Printmakers and learned a very ancient and little-known technique called the Moku Hanga technique of making your own inks. This ancient recipe has always used all non-toxic ingredients ,natural earth pigments in the mix! This ink is for wood block prints but can also be used for linoleum cuts and mono prints.
 
Materials: Rice Paste (Nori), Natural Earth Pigments, Magnesium Carbonate -optional, Alcohol (Gin is best) – optional (makes ink more archival and durable)
 Tools: roller or soft brush, palette, small container, metal paint spatula
  1. Mix 1 tsp alcohol & 1 tsp. water (1:1)
2. Mix pigment with gin/ water mixture to make creamy ink consistency
2 Tbsp natural pigment : 2 tsp. gin/water (adjust as necessary). Mix in small container with a chop stick. Scoop onto palette.
           
        
  1. Add 1-2 tsp. Nori Paste (thinned a little with water)
4.  If ink needs to be thicker add Magnesium Carbonate (Mag. Mix) – about ½ tsp. adjust as needed.
     
5.  Continue to mix until evenly mixed in with metal spatula
6.  Roll out until it’s evenly coating the roller (note: if it’s not sticking to the roller well, add more Nori)
7.  Roll on Print
Note: the ancient Japanese technique is to actually brush the inks on the woodblocks with a wide, short bristled brush – rubbing it into wood vigorously. They also used wet paper to print on although dry is what we used.
  1. Print with your desired technique – a press or rubbing with a barren
       
      
        
Notes: This recipe makes enough ink to make 1-2 prints. Mix more to make more prints.
All pigments have different absorption qualities and drying times so adjust recipe as needed.
 
Thank you Shannon! You can find her here....
www.facebook.com/shannonyost