How to Make Quill Pen Ink

Make your own quill pen ink from walnut shells.

In history, as quill pens were used more and more, writers tried many different recipes for ink. They tried berries, nuts, leaves, tea, coffee and many other things to get a dark ink that would last. One of the most popular inks was made from walnut shells. The ink is a dark brown and lasts longer than some inks made from other ingredients. In addition, walnut shells were plentiful, making this kind of ink easy to make. One drawback is that it spoils over time. Some ink makers added wine or other alcohol to preserve it.

Things You'll Need

• 4 walnut shells
• Paper bag
• Hammer
• 1 cup water
• Saucepan
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. vinegar
• Wooden spoon
• Cheesecloth
• Glass jar with lid

Instructions

1. Put four empty walnut shells into a paper bag. Close the bag tightly and lay it on a hard surface such as a concrete patio. Crush the shells in the bag by pounding them with a hammer.

2. Combine the crushed shells with 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Stir in 1/2 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. vinegar. Put the pan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil.

3. Remove the pan from the stove and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth into a clean glass jar with tight-fitting lid. Straining removes the shell debris from the mixture.

4. Let the ink cool. Dip your quill pen or dipping pen into the ink and write with it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you pound the walnut shells into a fine powder, the ink will be darker than if the walnut shell pieces were bigger. This is because a fine powder gives the water and vinegar more surface area from which to extract the brown color.

• Keep the ink jar tightly closed when you are not using it. This ink can get mold on it.

• You can make berry ink by squeezing fresh berries through a strainer lined with cheesecloth. Use the juice for the ink.

• Try making your own quill pen from a feather to use with this ink, for a lesson in history. You will have to dip the pen in the ink about every line you write. You also can make a quill pen from a short length of bamboo, as long as it is hollow.

• This ink will stain. Use an old saucepan and wear old clothes while making this ink. You cannot reuse the cheesecloth after making walnut shell ink.

References

• The Ink Corrosion Website: How to Make Ink
• ThinkQuest: Quill and Ink Recipe
• Barinya: Home Made Quill and Ink

Resources

• University of Cambridge: English Handwriting 1500-1700