What to do with Oak Apples ?

[Spartan]

Hi All,

Over the last two or three years, when I've been out and about, I've picked up and pocketed almost every oak apple I've spotted on the floor.

I'm not sure how many I have at the moment but they almost fill a Pot Noodle pot.

Anyone have any ideas as to what I could use them for or make with them ?

Cheers, Sp

 

[copper_head]

Could make some fishing floats...

http://www.leeswordsfishing.co.uk/how-to-make-a-homemade-perch-bob-with-a-difference-the-wasp-gall-perch-bob/

 

[tombear]

If you've got a bit of gum arabic to thicken it, black ink. There's a tutorial somewhere. And you can make leather dye in a similar way. Ok it's acidic and can damage the leather in the long term but it was used for a awful long time. All you really need is a rusty iron container, rusty wire wool works well and copperas best of all.

ATB

Tom

 

[Quixoticgeek]

Second the ink suggestion. Also, stick em up on ebay, reenactors love em for making authentic ink...

J

 

[richardhomer]

Could make some fishing floats...

http://www.leeswordsfishing.co.uk/how-to-make-a-homemade-perch-bob-with-a-difference-the-wasp-gall-perch-bob/

I Like that idea.

 

[Spartan]

Thanks for the replies,

When I get a bit of spare time I'm going to have a go at the fishing floats, should it be succesfull I'll post some pics here,

Cheers, Richie

 

[Toddy]

They're really rich in tannin and they make excellent dye. They pound down quite quickly and can be stewed like tea. The tannins help 'fix' the dye to fabrics like linen, hemp and cotton, and they'll darken a weak dye on wool too.
Useful stuff.

M