Walnut Ink

A few weeks back, I picked up some windfall walnuts and thought I would have a go at making myself some ink. The idea of making walnut ink has always appealed to me as the colour of the wood is beautiful.

Inside the walnuts hadn't developed and some were older than others, but I purposely picked the dark ones as I read somewhere that the older and more darker, the richer the ink? After chopping them up into pieces I put them into a bowl and covered them with water. 

Then left them for 24 hours to soak and release all of their gorgeous nutty colour. 

If you have ago at making this, remember to use an old bowl as the ink stains and will get into any tiny little crack or scratch. Also make sure you wear old clothes or an apron and rubber gloves, as it can stain hands for weeks. The smell was delicious, the fresh aroma you get when eating a fresh walnut. 

After soaking thoroughly, (infact I ended up leaving it an extra 24 hours as I was busy with something else) you transfer it to a saucepan, bring to the boil and simmer for  about 30 minutes

Once it has cooled, strain through a piece of muslin or similar type material into a jug. Squeeze as much out as possible. Depending on how much you have made add about 10 -20% alcohol, or some recipes say vinegar. (I used vodka) to prevent any mold forming. 

Then transfer it into any spare bottles or jars. Some empty Star Child incense jars that I had in the cupboard were perfect for the job. 

The next bit was testing it out. I was really pleased with the colour.   

The tones achieved through layering were quite impressive and I was able to manage to get quite dark contrasts with the ink as I had a good black sediment in the pot. October was 'Inktober' month and although I've been too busy to commit to take part everyday I've enjoyed having a play about with ink. 

It being walnut ink, I felt I had to draw trees.

And a walnut or two.