Who'da thunk that I could make my own vine charcoal? Awhile back someone mentioned making their own vine charcoal and continued to say their favorite wood to do this with was Madrone (Arbutus). Then they went on to say they just wrapped it in tin foil and placed it in the fire place. So I found a Madrone tree, grabbed a small branch dried it out for a day or so, then proceeded to wrap it in tin foil and placed it in the fire place over night.
The next day this was what the Madrone branch looked like. I was worried that as soon as I touched it that it may all fall apart, but it didn't. It was very solid. I'm not particularly fond of the turn out, as it seems almost too hard to make a mark on paper. I'm wondering now if it was because I left the Madrone bark on the branch, because after I draw with it a bit it becomes easier to make a mark. Maybe if I'd have taken it off it would be easier to use. But, on the other hand it isn't messy at all, and my fingers stay nice and clean.
Here you see a small piece of the charcoal I've broken off for ease of use, and some scribbles. I think it was well worth the effort and I'll probably experiment with some other woods in the future.
