Natural Ink

Gather your materials, many of which can be found at home or outside in the backyard

In an old pot, add leaves, flowers, or berries, water, salt (1 dash per cup) and white vinegar (1 tsp per cup). Heat, keeping just below bowling.

Cook for at least an hour or until water takes on a deep, rich color. Use a strip of paper to test your color.

Place a coffee filter inside a funnel, then the funnel inside a wide-mouth glass jar. Pour the water slowly into the top to filter the ink.

In a glass bottle, add gum arabic (one part to 10 parts ink) and a whole clove or a drop of wintergreen (as a preservative). Pour ink into the bottle, leaving some space at the top. Close with a tight-fitting lid.

Name and label your ink.

Use ink in arts and crafts projects.