Make your own drawing charcoal

with Craig Cockcroft (www.artcroft.co.za)

If you’re running low on supplies, or even just want to experiment, these sticks work perfectly and are quick and easy to make.

STEP 1: Cut olive or grapevine branches & twigs about 6 – 15mm in diameter and 120mm in length. Note that the size of the twigs reduces by about 50% in the baking process.

STEP 2: Trim off the green bark with a sharp knife. DO NOT USE YOUR WIFE’S FAVOURITE KITCHEN KNIFE!

STEP 3: Place the twigs into an old metal coffee tin or similar container (preferably with a lid). I used an old Prince Albert Olive Oil can and fashioned a lid using tin foil. Using a nail, punch a small hole or two into the top of the can – this will allow the twig sap vapours to escape.

STEP 4: Make a fire. Place the can of twigs into the fire and ‘cook’, turning the can every so often to distribute the heat. After about 30 minutes, the sap gases/vapour will start escaping from the can. 

STEP 5: After about 45 minutes of “cooking” remove the can from the fire and allow it to cool for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Carefully remove your charcoal sticks and do a test drawing.

Even my old olive oil can looks like a work of art after the charcoal stick cookout!