How to Make Calligraphy Ink with Jacquard's Pearl Ex Powdered Pigments

It's simpler than you think to mix your own calligraphy or drawing ink!

Calligraphers are creating beautiful hand lettering inks with Jacquard Pearl Ex Powdered Pigments. You can even create custom colors by mixing different Pearl Ex pigments together or adding Pearl Ex to your favorite existing ink. They're available in over 50 colors, including metallics, interference, and color-shifting duo colors.

Suggested Recipe

• 1 teaspoon Pearl Ex Powdered Pigment
• 1/4 teaspoon liquid or powdered gum arabic
• 1 teaspoon water if using powdered gum arabic; a few drops if using liquid gum arabic

Instructions

1. In a tiny container, mix 1 teaspoon Pearl Ex Pigment to 1/4 teaspoon powdered or liquid gum arabic*. (You can mix larger amounts in the same 4:1 ratio.)
2. Add the water and stir vigorously until thoroughly mixed to an ink-like consistency. You want the ink to flow while still clinging to the nib, like half-and-half creamer.

*If using powdered gum arabic, mix the water in slowly until you get the desired consistency. If using liquid gum arabic, add water a drop or two at a time - you may not need any at all.

Tips

• Adding more or less water will result in a thinner or thicker consistency.
• Ink with thinner consistency will lie flat on the paper when dry, while a thicker consistency will stand up and have a raised texture.
• Depending on the nib size, the amount of water may need to be adjusted for optimal flow.
• Mix in small batches and experiment with consistencies for a particular nib, style, or paper.
• Thinner inks may require frequent mixing during use as the pigment is likely to settle more quickly.
• Store in an airtight small container in a cool, dark place.