Berry Ink

• Making ink from berries is a very easy and safe way to get a nice consistency of a dark ink color. For this process, you will need 1/2 cup of ripe berries, 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1/2 cup of salt. The berries you choose can be any type, but remember that the more saturated they are, the deeper color you will get (blueberries and raspberries are recommended). You will also need measuring cups, a regular spoon, strainer, bowl, wooden spoon and an empty baby food jug to hold the ink when you are done. To start, fill the strainer with the berries and hold them over a bowl. Crush the berries with the wooden spoon so the juice falls in the bowl and the rinds stay in the strainer (make sure you don't get any pulp in your berry juice). Once all of the berries have been juiced, add vinegar and salt to the mixture. Vinegar helps the ink keep its color, and salt keeps it from molding. Pour the mixture into the jar of baby food and seal tightly.
  
  

Nut Ink

• If you make ink using nuts, you will get a lighter ink than berry ink. For this, you need shells from eight walnuts, a cup of water, 1/2 tsp. of vinegar and 1/2 cup of salt. You also need a hammer, saucepan, measuring cups, regular spoon, strainer and a baby food jar. Begin this process by crushing the walnut shells with a hammer. Do this on something that can withstand the pressure of a hammer (a tiled counter is not recommended). Fill the saucepan with the water, and add the powdered shells. Bring the pan to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Wait approximately 30 minutes for the mixture to turn a dark brown; the water should almost be evaporated by this point. Remove the mixture from the heat, and let it cool before running it through a strainer and into a baby food jar. Once it is in the jar, add the vinegar and salt. Seal tightly and store.