Making Artist Charcoal

This is the process I use to make small quantities of artist charcoal over a campfire, from willow rods. The idea is to heat the willow sticks without allowing oxygen into the container, as this would allow them to burn. Any sort of willow, and many other types of wood, can be used although these rods are nice and straight as I grow them for basketry. About 30-40 minutes is long enough to char these pencil-thick rods - just enough time to enjoy a few toasted marshmallows!