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Across the Fence:  important lesson learned while making walnut ink..  |
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forgetmenot
True Blue Farmgirl
3602 Posts
Judith
Nora Springs
IA
USA
3602 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 16 2011 : 7:53:49 PM
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The entire process was messy, smelly, but a lot of fun. However, probably the most memorable part of this experience would be: when working outdoors on a blustery day making something which will act as a dye..it's best not to wipe your runny nose with a rubber glove.
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the belief that something is more important than fear." Ambrose Red Moon |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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ClaireSky
True Blue Farmgirl
1792 Posts
Julie
Arcadia
WI
USA
1792 Posts |
Posted - Nov 16 2011 : 9:40:18 PM
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Judith, could you explain the whole process? I have never heard of anyone doing this.
Julie
Farmgirl Sister #399
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. |
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forgetmenot
True Blue Farmgirl
3602 Posts
Judith
Nora Springs
IA
USA
3602 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2011 : 07:54:16 AM
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Julie, there are lots of recipes for this online. I just googled. In the end..I picked up a couple dozen black walnuts from the yard. Some at the green/black stage, some black. I put them in a stock pot and covered with water. Brought to a boil. Simmered for about 3 hours. They pretty much stunk up the house. (Smell was very earthy) I used a potato masher on them to moosh off the husks. I think I read that they should simmer about 8 hours. (We couldn't handle the smell indoors) Then I took the pot outdoors when cooled. Using the rubber gloves at this point I strained all of the gunk and walnuts from the liquid using slotted spoon, colanders and cheesecloth. Strained 3 times. Then added 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the liquid. (I read in one of the recipes that this would retard mold. Then I transfered the ink to 4 4oz. jars for gifts (if the ink works) And I have 1 quart left over for whatever. Next year I plan to do a batch outdoors (cook the whole 8 hrs.) in a cast iron pot over the fire pit. DH found some rusty nails to put in the pot (they are supposed to darken the ink). One of my sisters has requested a sample of writing with the ink. So, today I am making bookmarks for several people. (stenciled with the ink) Next project will be quill pens from goose and turkey feathers.
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the belief that something is more important than fear." Ambrose Red Moon |
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ClaireSky
True Blue Farmgirl
1792 Posts
Julie
Arcadia
WI
USA
1792 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2011 : 11:13:07 AM
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Thanks Judith! Your explanation was very helpful. Can you post some of your bookmarks that you are making? I would be very interested in seeing them.
Julie
Farmgirl Sister #399
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. |
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acairnsmom
True Blue Farmgirl
1319 Posts
audrey
cheyenne
wy
1319 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2011 : 11:28:14 AM
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ROTFL! Judith, those are such sage words of advice! Hope your nose is back to it's normal color! I'd love to see your finished bookmarks is you get a chance to post a picture. What a neat gift those would make!
Audrey
.jpg) Good boy Hobbs! I love and miss you. |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2011 : 1:28:44 PM
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Very cool! I'm allergic to black walnut or I'd try this, since we have a number of giant BW trees on our property.
I'm a huge fan of fountain and dip pens, so I have just a teensy warning: I wouldn't use this ink in a fountain pen, since it would clog up the works, probably irreparably unless you are (or know) a skilled repair person. It's perfectly okay for dip pens, though, as long as you clean the nibs thoroughly after use.
I would love to see something written with this ink. Do you think you could post a pic? I'll bet it's gorgeous :) |
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forgetmenot
True Blue Farmgirl
3602 Posts
Judith
Nora Springs
IA
USA
3602 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2011 : 8:13:26 PM
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Hi, ladies. Well, I have been practicing with my ink. I think it is a lovely shade. I don't do calligraphy, but may try to learn. My hands have been shaky lately, so handwriting isn't pretty like it used to be. I have been trying to stencil bookmarks;but, the ink seeps under the stencil. I think I'll try to trace inside the stencil and then fill it in with the ink. Would like to make some for Christmas. So far, I am using dip pens since my next step will be to cut quill pens from turkey and goose feathers. I need to find some sand to heat the quills in. I'll post a pic as soon as I get a good bookmark. So far I have ruined six...(crying real tears here.) Rosemary, thanks for the advice re fountain pens. In the Spring I plan to pull some bloodroot growing in our woods to make ink (red) and dye.
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the belief that something is more important than fear." Ambrose Red Moon |
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queenmushroom
True Blue Farmgirl
985 Posts
Lorena
Centerville
Me
USA
985 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2011 : 08:39:30 AM
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I laughed at the wiping your nose with the glove, but the whole ink making process sounds interesting.
Patience is worth a bushel of brains...from a chinese fortune cookie |
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Relientkrazy
Farmgirl in Training
32 Posts
Connie Jo
Portland
OR
USA
32 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2011 : 8:21:12 PM
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Judith, I do calligraphy and would LOVE to see your ink and quills...I would even like to buy some or barter, if you would like to do so.
I can remember my dad getting husks off of walnuts. He would put them in burlap bags and run over them with the car several times. I remember his hands being black from taking the husks off.
Please let me know if you would like to sell or barter some! You can shoot me an email.
Thanks so much!
Connie Jo
Farmgirl 3640
Recyle, Reuse, Relove something old! Everything deserves a second chance! |
Edited by - Relientkrazy on Dec 01 2011 8:21:55 PM |
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Across the Fence: important lesson learned while making walnut ink.. |
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important lesson learned while making walnut ink..
