Making elderberry ink is a creative and traditional process. Making elderberry ink can be a do-it-yourself project. The process involves collecting ripe elderberries, extracting their juice, and then combining it with a binder and other ingredients. The ink is then strained and bottled for use.
TRADITIONAL ELDERBERRY INK
Elderberry ink is traditionally made by crushing and extracting the juice from elderberries. The juice is then combined with other ingredients to create an ink.
The exact recipe may vary, but common additional ingredients include water, gum Arabic (a natural binder), and sometimes a small amount of vinegar.
For this project, I experimented with the additions of white vinegar iron, and alum.
HISTORICAL & ARTISTIC APPLICATIONS OF INK
Historical Use: Historically, plant-based inks have been used for writing and drawing. Elderberry ink was particularly popular in medieval manuscripts and was often used by scribes for creating texts and illustrations.
Artistic Applications: Some artists and calligraphers today may choose to make elderberry ink for artistic purposes. The unique color and historical associations make it an interesting choice for those interested in traditional or natural art materials.
COLLECTING ELDERBERRIES FOR INK
Elderberry ink typically refers to ink made from elderberries, which are the dark purple to black berries of the elder tree (Sambucus nigra).
You could be lucky enough to have an elder tree on your property or live in an area that has plenty of elder trees in the wild. If so, be sure you pick some and freeze them to use for a variety of projects like this ink or elderberry syrup
Elderberry bushes are commonly found in moist areas, such as along riverbanks, in open woods, and along roadsides. Mature elderberries are typically dark purple to black. They may appear in clusters on the shrub. Elderberries are small, round berries that grow in clusters. The berries have smooth, shiny skin and are usually about 1/8 to 1/4 inch in diameter.
FREEZING ELDERBERRIES
When collecting elderberries I like to put some away for projects to get me through the long winter months. I place the entire bunch - stems and all into gallon freezer bags.
During the winter, I pull a bag of frozen elderberries from the freezer give it a good shake pick out any green berries and stems and throw them out. Then the berries are ready for anything I desire to use them for. Like elderberry ink and elderberry syrup.
Traditional Elderberry Ink Recipe
The traditional way of creating elderberry ink is by using water and berries, heated together, and then straining to use the juice as ink.
- Harvest Ripe Elderberries: Collect ripe elderberries. Ensure they are fully ripe, as unripe berries may contain certain toxic compounds.
- Extract Juice: Remove the berries from the stems. Crush the berries to extract their juice. You can use a potato masher or similar tool.
- Boil the Juice: Place the crushed elderberries in a pot. Add a small amount of water to cover the berries. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- Strain the Juice: Allow the elderberry mixture to cool slightly. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a container. This will separate the liquid from the solid berry remnants.
- Add Gum Arabic: Measure the elderberry juice, and for every cup of juice, stir in about 1-2 teaspoons of liquid gum Arabic. This acts as a natural binder to improve the ink’s consistency.
- Optional: Add Vinegar: If you want to enhance the ink’s preservation, you can stir in a small amount of vinegar. This helps prevent mold growth. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to your preference.
- Store: Transfer the elderberry ink into a jar or bottle for storage. Ensure it has a tight-sealing lid.
Your elderberry ink is ready to use! You can use it for writing, drawing, or any artistic purposes.
Notes:
- Elderberry ink may darken over time, which is a natural process.
- Be cautious when handling elderberries, as raw berries may contain compounds that can be toxic in large quantities. Stick to ripe berries and avoid ingestion of the ink.
But, as I mentioned above, I am making color variations using white vinegar, alum, and iron water.
EXPERIMENTING WITH INK VARIATIONS
For this process, I wanted to experiment with ink color variations. I measured out 2 cups of elderberry and replaced the water in the recipe above with 1/3 cup of vinegar
To create ink color variations drops of iron water were added to bottle number two and powdered alum was measured and added to bottle three. I took a brush and tested the colors on cotton fiber paper and added additional drops of iron water or powder alum. Once I liked the color that was achieved liquid Gum Arabic was added. I then bottled each color in sterilized ambered colored ink bottles.
Pictures From The Process
A variety of pictures were taken to document the process. The last two items created are the most important from the day's events. Having that documentation will allow me to create the colors or at least get close if I wish.
THE PROCESS
Measure: Measure out 2 cups of elderberry and 1/3 cup of vinegar into a medium saucepan.
Boil the Juice: Crushed elderberries with a potato masher. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
Strain the Juice: Allow the elderberry mixture to cool slightly. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a container. A second straining through a coffee filter. This will separate the liquid from the solid berry remnants.
Sterilize the Bottles: Sterilizing the amber-colored ink bottles prevents bacteria from being present in and on the bottle. Place your bottles in a saucepan and make sure the water covers the bottles completely. Bring the water to a boil and boil for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the water and bottles to cool and reach room temperature.
Bottle 1: Straight elderberry. I liked the color without anything added.
Bottle 2: 7 drops of homemade iron water added (video), shake to incorporate.
Bottle 3: 3/4 teaspoon of powder alum to the third bottle, shake to incorporate.
Add Gum Arabic: Measure the elderberry juice, and for every cup of juice, add about 1-2 teaspoons of liquid gum Arabic. This acts as a natural binder to improve the ink’s consistency.
Storage: The ink has to be stored in the refrigerator.
What Will I Use The Ink For?
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites and artists to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com products. I will earn a commission if you click the links and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Products Used: Amber-colored ink bottles, liquid gum Arabic, powdered alum, cone coffee filters