STILL AIR CRAFT VII

INK & PAPER

Focus • Thought • Creation

 

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Supports sustained focus, clear thinking, and quiet creative flow.

 

 

INGREDIENTS

(Small batch - approx. 20 hand-rolled sticks)

Primary Materials
• Paper fibre powder (washi or rice paper) - 1½ tsp
• Makko powder - 2 tsp

Supporting Materials
• Cedarwood powder - ½ tsp
• Sumi ink base (charred pine soot powder) - ¼ tsp

Use pure soot or charred pine ash only.
Do not use liquid ink or pigment.
No essential oils.

 

TOOLS REQUIRED

• Stone mortar and pestle
• Fine mesh sieve
• Ceramic or glass mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Distilled water
• Wooden board or tray
• Baking paper or unbleached cloth
• Damp cloth
• Airtight storage container

 

PREPARATION

Refining the Materials
Place paper fibre powder and cedarwood powder into the mortar.
Grind gently until very fine and soft.

Add soot powder last and grind briefly to integrate.

Sift through a fine mesh sieve.
Return coarse fibres to the mortar and repeat.

Soot must be extremely fine to avoid harsh smoke.

 

DRY BLENDING

Combine in a bowl:
• Paper fibre powder
• Cedarwood powder
• Soot powder
• Makko powder

Mix thoroughly until colour and texture are completely even.

The blend should be pale grey-beige with a soft, dry feel.

 

ADDING WATER

Add distilled water slowly, mixing gently.

The dough should become:
• Smooth
• Flexible
• Soft
• Slightly cool to the touch

Avoid over-wetting - paper-based incense becomes sticky if rushed.

 

RESTING THE DOUGH

Cover with a damp cloth.
Rest for 10-15 minutes.

This allows fibres and binder to stabilise.

 

HAND-ROLLING

Pinch a small amount of dough.
Roll gently into thin ropes:

• 2-3 mm thick
• 8-10 cm long

Pressure should be even and calm.

Ink & Paper should appear clean and precise, not decorative.

If fibres appear, lightly dampen fingertips and smooth once.
Do not compress too tightly.

 

DRYING

Lay sticks on baking paper or cloth.

Dry in a shaded, well-ventilated space:

• No sunlight
• No artificial heat

Drying time: 4-6 days.
Turn once daily.

 

CURING

Once fully dry, store in an airtight container for 3-4 weeks.

This deepens mineral notes and smooths the burn.

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HOW TO BURN

• Burn on a mica plate or ash bed
• Break into shorter pieces if desired
• Best burned while writing, studying, or planning

This incense supports focus without distraction.

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WHY THIS BELONGS IN STILL AIR

• Thought without pressure

• Focus without force

• Creation through restraint

• Time marked quietly

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CaravanSerai Gypsy

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