Foraging Oak Galls and Making Ink

Welcome back to the studio as I learn how to make Oak Gall Ink!
For this video, I experimented with both a steel wool/vinegar solution and traditional Ferrous Sulfate (known historically as Copperas) to see how the results would differ. The steel wool/vinegar solution had a greeny-brown undertone compared to the blue-grey ferrous sulfate ink. When swatched alongside the raw oak gall ink with no additives they created a beautiful selection of colours that were very fun to play with! The ink with the ferrous sulfate produced the nicest result for writing with a dip-pen, alongside the raw oak gall ink which has a beautiful ochre tone.
When exposed to air for a few hours, the ferrous sulfate ink darkens to a deep grey tone which is very beautiful, however to get a richer black tone, less water could be used for a more concentrated result.
All in all, this was a very fun and interesting project to undertake and I hope you are inspired to go forth and forage for your own inks!
If you would like to learn how to forage and make inks, there are a lot of wonderful recipes to be found online, or grab a copy of Make Ink: A Forager's Guide to Natural Inkmaking by Jason Logan which is a fascinating read :-)
Wishing you a relaxing day ahead,
Katie x

[@craft-o-matic399]

I knew I had seen these before, but I couldn't picture them in context. Now I know what to look for again. Thank you!

[@emilywhite6616]

There is something magic about this video. I watch it for peace as much as to earn about making ink. And what a cat!

[@MANIFESTOSTUDIO]

Thank you Emily, I'm so glad you enjoy watching this video and that it brings peace :-) sending love xx

[@mrcat3493]

Your videos are so amazing. So much artistry in the shots and in what you are making.

[@sophiepoupart9429]

Very relaxing video, and incredible ink! We love the nature!

[@MANIFESTOSTUDIO]

Thank you Sophie, I'm so glad you enjoyed my video! Sending love xx

[@FrancisFabricates]

Truly wish you had made more of these I loved watching this is was so calming

[@bengreco]

awesome video and thanks for the great book recommendation, I can't wait to check that out. I'm in southern California, and our coast live oaks and valley oaks are full of galls, but I think they have lower tannin concentrations than other more temperate oak species. Excited to try it out and see what I get

[@gardenlover9663]

Saw your studio in In Her Studio magazine. I could spend hours in there, looking at your charming collections and creations.

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

I deeply admire your videography and style of experimenting and presenting. I, too, find it peaceful. (Also, very satisfying. ) 🐛🦋

[@craigbond7877]

I'm enchanted with your video and love your pigment experiments collection. I live in central Texas and have a huge oak out front that drops galls every winter. I love using fountain pens and have entertained the idea of making iron gall ink. Thanks for some inspiration and encouragement. Stay well.

[@Antfightingwizards]

This was so lovely!!!

[@MANIFESTOSTUDIO]

Thank you, I’m so glad you liked watching! :-)

[@thegrantcanyon4486]

Amazin'

[@MANIFESTOSTUDIO]

Thank you! :-) xx

[@DennyPetronio]

This was so relaxing to watch. Thank you!

[@kellyjameson1920]

How did someone figure this out…it’s insane to think someone was just like yeah, rusty metal, vinegar, rainwater, and wasp galls- let’s do it! 😮🤯

[@trinity_4967]

Your videos are amazing !

[@SoComposed]

thank you, dear soul

[@feyzayasar7000]

Amazing❤

[@Effe444]

Wow

[@MANIFESTOSTUDIO]

Thank you, Paolo! :-)

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Wow that’s a great simple recipe for a few bottles of oak gall ink. How long do the collected galls keep in storage? Do they do well frozen for storage? I am just getting started with trying to make my own inks. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information!

[@moss_bones]

I've kept mine in a cloth bag in a cool dry place (my closet) for more than a year and they're good still 😁

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

@@moss_bones thanks so much for answering my questions.

[@MrJayzilla101]

Is it only this kind of gall that can be used?

[@loengkeoi]

cool

[@DeepFleeceheart]

What kind of nib are you using?

[@Fawkesbelladonna]

where do you get ferrous sulfate?

[@doubleblessings-royalcrowr1669]

What? Very misleading in what is actually happening.

[@kidkique]

God I hate this way that hipster's make videos