Friday, September 28, 2007

Kids Project--Homemade pen and ink

I found this fun little project for kids to make and thought I would share it.  Make sure you help the kids with this as it involves using a sharp knife. 

Berry Ink & Quill Pens

Berry ink ingredients:
½ C. Ripe berries (blueberries, cherries, blackberries, strawberries, elderberries, raspberries, etc.)
½ Tsp. Vinegar
½ Tsp. Salt

Fill a strainer with the berries and hold it over a bowl. Using the rounded back of a wooden spoon, crush the berries against the strainer so that the berry juice strains into the bowl. Keep adding berries until most of their juice has been strained out and only pulp remains. Add the salt and vinegar to the berry juice. The vinegar helps the ink retain its color and the salt keeps it from getting too moldy. If the berry ink is too thick, add a tablespoon of water. Store in a baby food jar. Only make a small amount of berry ink at a time and, when not in use, keep it tightly covered.

Quill pen ingredients:
A large feather (find your own or purchase one from a craft store)
Craft knife
Paper
Berry ink
Paper towels

Use a craft knife to cut the tip of the feather at an angle. Carefully, cut a slit in the tip. Dip the feather into the berry ink. Dab the end on a paper towel. Repeat as needed. Now, write your masterpiece just like the pioneers did!

Doesn't that sound like a fun project for kids to do?  I think I would buy the feather at a craft store though.  When I was a kid I can remember finding bird feathers and tickling my face with them.  But these days, with bird flu and all, that just sounds...ewww! 

Be sure to come back and let me know if you and the kids tried out this project and if they had fun.

Have a great day & hugs to all my friends!
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