Friday, November 25, 2011

Making more black walnut ink

Well, I was planning to get some artwork done today, but I've been multiply foiled. So I decided to get that pot of walnuts that's been in the garage for two years and make more black walnut ink.
They've been soaking in water the whole time, and I also added some old screws and nails a while back to see if the rust will help the color.
Two years of soaking is probably excessive, but I just haven't needed more ink. Plus, I've had better things to do. Now I'm home alone and it doesn't matter how bad the kitchen smells. And it does, in fact, smell.
Looks like it will be good ink, though.

2 comments:

  1. How do you make the walnut ink? Do you soak them whole in water or in some other substance?

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  2. Hi Anonymous,

    I have more details on my web site (www.marktablerart.com), but yes. Basically, I gather the walnuts after they fall from the trees, put them in a big pot of water, and boil them. It helps to mash and break them up, and I think it's best if the walnuts are old and falling apart on their own. Just simmer until the liquid is reduced and becomes satisfactorily dark, then strain it and put it in jars.

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