DIY Ink.
Growing up my parents always told me âDonât write on your skin, there are bad chemicals in the ink.â Well this ink is 100% safe, some might even call it eatable. To make this ink it will take anywhere from 2 hours, to 12 hours. â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘ Supplies: (Mandatory) â a pot â a silicon spatula â a cloth/ paper towels â a mesh or fine strainer â measuring cups â measuring spoons â a stove â a bowl (Optional) â a Mortar & Pestle ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ingredients: (Mandatory) â ½ cup of Tea Leaves (any kind) â 3 cups of Water â ½ teaspoon of Table Salt â ½ teaspoon of White Vinegar â 1 tablespoon of Binder (Optional) â gel food coloring (only if you want less earthy colours) â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘ Instructions: 1. combine Tea Leaves* and Water into the pot. * for best results grind the Tea Leaves into a powder with the Mortar & Pestle 2. reduce the Tea for 1 hour on medium heat, stirring often with the Silicon Spatula. 3. ** strain Tea into a Bowl with the Mesh Strainer. ** for best results let it steep overnight for a minimum of 5 hours 4. Combine 1 cup of the ink infusion with vinegar and salt. Stir until completely combined and dissolved. 5. If adding a binder (highly recommended), stir in now, until desired thickness and consistency is reached. 6. Store in a mason jar sealed tightly with a lid, when not in use. Be sure to store your jar of ink in a cool dark location. Many natural inks are not lightfast, and will lose color and brilliance if stored in a sunny location. You can also add 1/8 cup (2 Tbsp.) alcohol to your ink, to help preserve it even longer! â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘ If you don't have tea, or don't want to use tea, you can also use: +Acorn hulls +Beet root +Black walnut hulls +Berries (frozen then thawed, tend to give +the most pigment) +Coffee +Henna +Hibiscus flowers +Indigo +Soot/Activated charcoal â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘ Alternative binders: +Grass fed gelatin +Gum arabic powder â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘ Happy Ink making!
