Make Permanent Black
Ink
The crafting of ink for artistic and literary use is, in itself, an art. With a little research it is possible to find ancient ink recipes written in archaic language dating as far back as the pyramids utilizing obscure-sounding ingredients and measures. Before pens were available in stores, bird feathers, reeds, and rod-like implements were transformed into writing tools that were dipped into ink filled pots, many of them rather ornate. The ink that filled these stylized inkwells was often homemade. Usually the ink was first made as a solid block, stick, powder or paste. A liquid is then added slowly in very small amounts until the ink becomes a usable liquid. Today you can try your own hand at basic ink making. The following instructions are just one method of making permanent black ink that can be used in a variety of ways.
Instructions
1. Place one egg yolk into a small bowl and beat it with a wire whisk until smooth.
2. Add one teaspoon of gum arabic to the egg yolk and whisk again for at least 30 seconds.
3. Pour ½ cup of honey into a measuring cup and slowly add the honey to the bowl while constantly whisking the ingredients together.
4. Open the tube of lamp black and with a measuring spoon measure ½ teaspoon of the lamp black to add to the mixture in the bowl. Whisk well for one minute. A thick paste should form. Spoon the ink paste into a jar with a lid. Use your ink by scooping out a portion of the ink paste and adding a small amount of water to form liquid ink. Your ink may be kept in an antique inkwell, used to fill the cartridge capsules of calligraphy pens or for other artistic uses.
