Black Walnuts and what to do with them!

While picking apples at the Holmes we discovered Walnuts! I found quite a few resources on processing these gems! This resource and link from Arlene Wright-Correll explains a number of uses and how to process them. What I was looking for was how to make Walnut Ink. Here is another resource from an Artist on how he made the ink.
I already knew I was going to make an Extract and had done that before...which I'll share in another blog post.

Yes! Wear gloves. My pair had a little crack in one of the fingers and I had a stain for about a week.
I cut all of the green hull off of the nut. This hull is what I used for the Ink and the Extract.















I cut the hulls off since I am going to make an Extract as well and also plan on planting the nut. I would like to have my very own source on our property! The link is from the U of M and being a Master Gardener, I am always happy to share the excellent resources and information there.














Look how stained my gloves are! I'm so glad I decided to do this outside. It was a beautiful fall day and I enjoyed this crafting time even better.

I used one of my stainless steel stockpots to put the hulls in and covered them with water. I let it sit for over a week. Most resources say to let them soak for as long as you can. 

I brought the hulls and water to a boil, added the salt and vinegar.

Look! It is nice and dark and looks nice and dark.....perfect.

I did buy some cheesecloth to strain it with. The cheesecloth will be stained and I look forward to using it for an "Altered Book" project!

I'll come back in the near future and post pictures of using this Walnut Ink for artwork or writing.