I have been in search for a few years now on how to make ink. I've taken out books specifically about ink making. All very interesting, but labor intensive and I'm not into that. I like when things are done in an uncomplicated way.
I haven't tried to make this yet, but you can bet it's on my to do list or my to get list.
This is from Natural Earth Paints
Earth and Mineral Pigment
Gum Arabic Powder
Small mixing bowl and spoon (remember don't use for cooking or storing food after, secondhand store is good for finding these)
A small glass jar (you can find these in a hobby store or even a dollar store or just keep your eye out for jars at your local secondhand store. I have become hyper aware of glass jars and have asked my hubby to not throw out a jar until I've looked at it. You'd be surprised how much food stuff comes in small jars.)
tape and pen to label your jar.
Directions:
To make 1oz of ink
Mix 4 tsp of pigment (mineral any color you want) and 1 tsp of Gum Arabic and stir the two together in a small bowl (make sure this is a bowl you won't ever use for food or cooking!)
Add 4tsp (add a tsp at a time and stir, some pigments need more water some less. Gold mica, needs about 7tsp of water) of water to this dry mixture. Stir until it is really smooth.
Use to draw with a quill or brush.
With no preservatives it will last about 3 months, if refrigerated about 7 months.
*** My thought...I wonder if you put just a drop of essential oil, will it help to preserve it better. Rosemary, cinnamon, tea tree oil, lavender are some. I use Jade Bloom to buy essential oils; they are natural not synthetic and of reasonable price.
The trees around this area have gotten fiery looking with their reds, yellows and orange. I look at them every morning and every chance I get to take that deep breath.
I hope everyone had a fun Halloween. I spent the entire month watching horror movies old timey and the newer ones. Soon it will be the holiday movies.
With many Hugs to all,
Dolores
