The Alchemist

Some people, some special people are just not content with the ordinary. It is imperative to them to seek out the authentic, the historical and the unusual. Professor Asperity is such a man. He wanders through the trees seeking out Oak Galls. They have to be the perfect and proper Oak Galls, for Professor Asperity hand makes batches of Oak Gall Ink.

The ingredients are a wee bit strange and the process unique to this product. Here in his words is the process of brewing: "To brew Oak Gall Ink (or Iron Gall ink) it is best to brew it in an iron cauldron or pot, and add nails as many recipes suggest to set the color. When iron sulfate (called vitriol or copperas in the past) is added to the liquid tannin, it turns from a mild brown to a purple black color."

Interesting, isn't it?

Professor Asperity also makes his labels by hand in another step towards making his ink especially special.

Why, you ask, am I telling you all this? Small Studio has been chosen by Professor Asperity as just one of three stores that have his handmade Oak Gall Ink available to customers. I am thrilled beyond thrilled. I always say that I am a lucky person, but this stroke of luck has me in awe.

Come in and claim your bottle.

(All photos except the bottom one are property of Professor Asperity and taken by photographer Samantha Bryson. Bottom photo is mine)

Comments

[www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawk5nFUTx5kfzKXm31m7icd8e7CkRDw2OLY]

wow this look awesome

[Marymcvay20]

Exactly what I said! Awesome!

[ginny carter smallenburg]

Thank you! I think it is pretty awesome, too.

[Kimo5o]

OMG, I am beyond excited about this! I have been using only Iron Gall ink the past year while I have been learning and studying pointed pen calligraphy (Spencerian and Copperplate).

If I can get away for a couple hours today and the weather holds out I will definitely be there later.