I have always enjoyed ink and writing with pens. Years ago – back in the days of my being just out of university – I fell in with a group of evil re-enactors. Making things from scratch was the trend, and in that time period I learned to weave and spin and dye – the last two I still do – as well as to cut quills and the rudiments of calligraphy. My Italic is still acceptable, and I can do a good Spencerian and Roundhand and a few others when pushed. For some reason, it crossed my mind that I should re-learn how to cut feather quills, to write with a la Jane Austen, and from there it evolved into making oak gall ink.
And so, it has begun. Supplies are in hand. I have quills (turkey, not goose, but they are pinion feathers it appears) and the makings for ink: oak galls, ferrous sulfate, and gum arabic. Now, time to find instructions on how to cut quills (which I have) and recipes for ink. Oak gall ink is very acidic, and thus not especially archival over the centuries – but who will give much thought to my musings in 300 years if they are still around? Luckily, not too far from me is a feather wholesaler, and of course there are some excellent online resources; I also have a good supply of pen nibs from the last few centuries and nib holders, ranging from repousse silver to student plastic and wooden.
The fact is, I love making things and creating from scratch. Quill cutting is an art, and one I was only beginning to master years ago. I have never made ink, and am looking forward to it, using both “quick” methods, and “slower” ones wherein the oak galls ferment for a few to several weeks. Meanwhile, I will look up inky recipes and begin my adventures into the 18th century . . .
Ink, Yarn & Beer 