Callifolio - Yalumba

Callifolio - Yalumba - ink drop

This is Yalumba from L’Artisan Pastellier’s Callifolio line. These are mixable inks made using natural pigments and dyes. Formulated to be easy on pens, I find them consistently easy on the eye, too! L’Artisan Pastellier inks are also some of the best value on the market, particularly if you order direct from their Albi, France boutique (L’Artisan Pastellier).

Callifolio - Yalumba - Strong, dark edging

Visually, Yalumba is a mix of buttery caramels, and earthy browns. The name Yalumba is an indigenous Australian word meaning “the land around”, and this ink has a very dusty, loamy appearance, but it also looks fresh and healthy. On some papers, there’s a vibrant amber glow, while others show off more of a pastel mid-brown. There’s good shading, with light and dark highlights. The splatter shows a blackened edge, and a thin band of silver sheen. In writing, this becomes a dark stroke halo on premium papers. This is a pleasant, attractive ink.

Callifolio - Yalumba - lights and darks

As a writing ink, Yalumba, like other Callifolio inks, is a very comfortable ink that performs well. It leans slightly dry, but not in a negative way. It’s perfect in a slightly wetter pen. For some reason, drying on the swatch card was very slow. However, on all six test papers, it actually dried quite quickly, with premiums at 10-15 seconds, and office copy under 5 seconds.

Callifolio - Yalumba - Ink swatch card

I really like Yalumba, and Callifolio inks, in general. They’re consistent, come in 36 beautiful colors, and are inexpensive. They’re also mixable, and excellent drawing and sketch inks. I’m sure they would be great with a water brush. If Yalumba is a color that inspires you, it’s a nice ink and won’t disappoint. Enjoy!