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Procedures for Making Ink

Before the invention of ballpoint pens and laser printers, people used fountain pens and often made their own ink. These inks were made from natural materials, like fruits and nuts, sometimes even chimney soot. While natural inks might not be as dark as modern synthetic inks, they work better than you might think.
  1. Berry Ink

    • Take about 1/2 cup of ripe berries, of whatever kind you want, and crush them through a strainer over a bowl. When they are completely crushed, add 1/2 tsp. vinegar and a 1/2 tsp. salt. The type of berry you pick determines the color of the ink. The vinegar ensures that the color will hold, and the salt acts as a preservative. Store small amounts of this ink in a tightly sealed container, or the ink will go bad.

    Walnut Ink

    • Crush between 10 and 15 walnut shells and put them into a saucepan. Cover them with water and simmer them for 30 minutes. Remove them from the stove and let them soak overnight. After the soaking, strain out the shells and add 1/4 tsp. of vinegar to make the color hold. Store this ink in a tightly sealed container.

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