In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to make your own drawing charcoal kit from scratch! The afternoon will include information about wood types for different types of charcoal and how to make your own charcoal kiln. Together, we’ll build a fire to make our own drawing charcoal. While the charcoal cooks, we’ll craft a charcoal holder, stick-bound drawing book, and blending stump. You’ll leave with a sketch-ready set and the skills to keep making your own materials!

Workshop objectives & lessons:

• Different local wood species for drawing charcoals and pros/cons

• How to create your own charcoal-making kiln

• How to harvest and prepare sticks for charcoal

• How to use fire to make your own charcoal

• How to craft your own charcoal pencil holder with natural materials

• How to use a simple, twig-bound technique to make a sketchbook

• How to create and maintain a blending stump

Takeaways:

• Several pieces of drawing charcoal made from different woods

• A charcoal pencil holder

• A twig-bound sketch book

• Blending stump

No experience necessary and all materials included, including:

• Variety of harvested and prepared woods for charcoal

• Firewood and ignition

• Mini-kilns for charcoal making

• Papers, glues, twine, and additional art supplies for crafting sketchbook

• Homegrown and prepped sunflower stalks for charcoal pencil holder

• Papers and tape for blending stumps

Accessibility and other consideration:

• Millersylvania requires a Discover Pass for parking

• We will have access to flush toilets and full-day access to a covered shelter

• Practice around the fireplace will be on the ground - consider bringing a camp chair and/or kneeling pad if you need/want extra support to engage with the fire (optional)

• The class will be mostly seated on picnic tables - consider brining a seat pad or other items to be comfortable.

• Any other accessibility questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out.