DIY Drawing Charcol

     We went camping up in Big Sur this Thanksgiving with a friend of ours. While we were planning our trip someone suggested, stocking up on drawing charcoal for our Monday life drawing sessions. Then someone else suggested making our own charcoal while we were camping. I said, why not after all it sounded like a very efficient plan. Besides, if you have ever been to the art store to purchase a box of vine charcoal you know what I'm talking about when I say, it's @#$!'s expensive. Well, the good news is that it's actually pretty damn easy to make. It's so easy in fact, we were able to make while we slept. Here's how we did it!

Tools & Materials 

1.)__________________Knife

2.)____Campfire / Barbeque

3.)_______ Twigs / branches

4.)________________Tin foil

5.)_____________Hot ember

_______________________________________________________________________________

     First off you'll want to gather enough twigs and branches to make your charcoal. You'll have to experiment with different types of branches to get the right hardness. We used pine branches because it was all that was available.

     Use your knife to whittle away any bark and make sure there aren't to many knots before you move on. Next, break them down to size and put them bundles of three or four. Wrap them tightly with one layer of heavy duty tin foil. It is important to make sure there are no holes in the foil and that the bundles are well sealed.

     The last step is to set them on top of the hot embers(but not in the fire)for up to five hours. We put our bundles in the fire before we called it a night. Once the fire died down we placed the bundles in the pit and hit the hey. The next morning we pulled them out of the ashes, unwrapped them and BAM! DIY drawing charcoal! It might take some playing around before you find the right balance between the wood and the heat but is worth it in the end. So, if you're anything like we are, then you're nuts and if you're nuts then the next time you decide to go camping or to have a barbaque remember. DIY vine charcoal! It's just that easy!