Homemade Plant Ink Markers With Salt & Vinegar

Vinegar

• According to Versatile Vinegar, adding vinegar to your homemade ink helps the ink retain its color. The vinegar may also intensify the color for a short period. However, as the ink ages, the color will fade slightly.

  Choose white or apple cider vinegar for your ink. Darker and thicker vinegars will only gum up your ink. These light, thin vinegars will help your ink flow and give it a smooth consistency.

Salt

• Salt, according to Versatile Vinegar, helps keep your homemade ink from getting moldy. Salt prevents bacteria growth that causes mold. Since the salt dissolves into the warm mixture, it doesn't interfere with the consistency of your ink.

  To further prevent mold, keep your ink in a cool, dark place. Make sure it's tightly capped after each use.

Plant Materials

• Dark berry juices work best for homemade ink, according to Science Buddies. Berries are full of juice, meaning you can harvest a lot of juice from just a few berries. Choose dark berries like blueberries, blackberries and black cherries. You may use any one of these berry juices alone or mix them together to create different shades of ink. Try just blueberries for blue ink and cherries for red ink.

Method

• Simmer half a cup of ripe berries in half a cup of water for about 15 minutes. Strain the berries and pour them into a colander. Press down on the boiled berries with the bowl of a large serving spoon. Catch the juice in a large bowl and add 1/2 tsp. each of salt and vinegar to the berry juice. Stir until the salt dissolves and allow the mixture to cool. Store your ink in a clean glass jar.

  To write with your ink, use a homemade quill, sharpened stick or calligraphy pen.