BirdMembers Only — Three Vintage Paints (Yes, Actual Vintage)
Dear BirdMembers,
For October, November, and December, I didn’t just make you three new paints.
I went full time-traveller.
These colours are made from real vintage pigments from the 1960s. As in: older than most of us, definitely older than Instagram, and absolutely not something you can casually restock.
They’ve been sitting quietly for decades, minding their business, waiting for the right moment. And honestly? I couldn’t think of a better group of people to unleash them on than you.
October — Vintage Hooker’s Green
This is not a cheerful, spring-picnic green.
This is not the bright, fresh green you see in modern palettes. Vintage Hooker’s Green is moody. Botanical. Slightly mysterious. It feels like old field journals, forest floors, and the kind of green that doesn’t ask for attention but absolutely deserves it.
In washes, it softens and blooms. In thicker layers, it settles into the texture of your paper.
November — Vintage French Lacquer Red
This one nearly made me gasp. Can you believe I have this sitting in my pigment stash for 2 years? It never looked interesting to me as a dry pigment. But when I started to add the binder...
French Lacquer Red from the 1960s has a depth that modern reds rarely achieve. It’s rich, velvety, and slightly moody. She reminds me of the movie Moulin Rouge. Big velvet curtains on a stage.
December — Vintage Prussian Blue + PBk11
For December, I created something a little different.
This paint is a custom blend: Vintage Prussian Blue from the 1960s, mixed with PBk11 to deepen it. The result is a dark, wintery blue with incredible granulation.
It leans toward night skies, old ink, and deep shadows. Depending on water and paper, the granulation can hit hard and heavy.
BONUS - A vintage Royal Talens Rembrandt halfpan.
Thanks for fellow paintmaker @clairechi.studio, I got my hands on a whole bunch of Vintage Rembrandt paints from the 1970s. I thought it would be a great addition to the set and it would be a great little Christmas Gift from me to you. <3
"These are vintage rembrandt watercolour half pans, produced by Royal Talens around the 70’s-80’s. Many of these colours have been discontinued or reformulated over time, but these pans have never been touched. They are still wrapped in their original packaging and are still great to use and rewet relatively easily. Since they are 40-50 years old, some of the paper wrappers do stick to the paint itself. This can easily be removed with a bit of water."
Claire (find them all here)
Why vintage pigments?
Vintage pigments behave differently.
They granulate differently.
They move differently.
They hold a piece of watercolor paint history.
Which is exactly why they’re BirdMembers only.
You’re not here for mass-produced. You’re here for the good stuff.
Thank you!
Thank you for trusting me with something this special and for being the kind of people who appreciate paint with history, attitude, and a little drama.
I hope these colours keep you company through the darker months.
Cosy blanket, warm drinks and a desk full of artsupplies.
Before we step fully into a new year, I want to pause for a moment and say thank you.
Thank you for sticking with me through 2025, through messy workdays, quiet launches, busy seasons, experiments that worked beautifully and a few that taught me something instead. Thank you for choosing handmade over fast, slow over loud, and story over trend.
This year had its moments. Behind the scenes there were long nights, full shelves, empty shelves, family life woven between paint batches, and a lot of tears. Knowing you were there, supporting, cheering, trusting me, has made all the difference.
BirdMembers aren’t just customers to me. You’re the reason I can work with strange vintage pigments, take creative risks, and make small, intentional things instead of rushing toward more. You give me the freedom to create in a way that feels honest.
So truly, thank you for being here. For believing in what I make. For valuing the process as much as the result. And for staying with me through a year that was a roller coaster.
I’m stepping into the next year with fresh ideas, a head full of colour, and a very full heart, and I’m so grateful you’re coming with me.
With love,
Issy 🪶