Iron Gall Ink

[firecrest]

Ive been reseaching ways of making Irongall ink (by research I mean Wiki!!)
I found a couple of Oak Galls and fascinated that when I squeezed them dark liquid came out, I was convinced there must be a use for them. well, of course, they do, and one thing they were used for was to make a type of ink called Iron gall.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_gall_ink

Has anybody here ever made any? Any tips? I am an artist and traditional art materials and techniques give me endless pleasure, so Id love to make some. My only problem is finding the Galls. I just dont seem to be able to find any since the first one. Its always the way isnt it. Can I actually buy them from anywhere Im sick of looking, which I know isnt in the spirit of things, but I'll need alot to experiment with. Or if anyone has got a load, Ill buy/beg/swap for them.
Incidentally, I am In Knaresborough on sunday at the Starving Artists Fair. Give y'all discount I promise!

 

[Singeblister]

Sounds interesting , never tried it but if I see any Oak galls I will grab em for you no charge

 

[Toddy]

I make this ink, if you do a search I think I posted a recipe or two a while back.
Just be aware that the mordant, the iron, will actually destroy paper or parchment if too strong.
Ground oakgalls are sold for natural dyeing, I usually buy the stuff (if I don't make my own, mortar and pestle or coffee grinder if I'm being lazy) from George Weil, part of the Fibrecrafts group.

http://www.fibrecrafts.com/ProductGroup.asp?Level1=1&Level2=2&Level3=0&PID=4435&Action=&FromPage=1

cheers,
Toddy

Recipe
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25820&highlight=ink

 

[JohnC]

I made some a year or so ago, using water that had had rusted nails in it, mixedin with the powdered gall, and it developed ok, the recipe I used did mention the damage it could cause to the paper.