It isn't grinding the pigments which is the problem... that is just labor, and the skill of knowing when they are fine enough. Even digging for blue clay isn't too bad. The problem is going to Siberia in the depths of winter and climbing ice-bound trees to catch those darn Kolinsky squirrels when their coats are at their best. Ever try pulling tail hairs out of a grumpy woken-from-his-nap squirrel? While balancing precariously 80' up? While the temperature is so cold that your curses have frozen solid in the air? :brrrr: Carolly