Some of my so-called experiments actually do turn out
(surprise, surprise).
A trip to the local cemetery yielded about two dozen black walnuts which, I'll have you know, was a definite skirmish with the squirrels who think they have exclusive rights. I thought they could share a few with me and not miss them. The trees there are huge and there are tons of walnuts falling to the ground right now.
I put the walnuts in the slow cooker, covered them with water, and 'brewed' them all day. The walnuts ended up looking like this.....
I know, yewwww!!
Jack suggested I should try giving them another brewing to see what would happen and here is what I ended up with....
Five 250 ml jars of walnut ink!!
and....
now that mishmash of walnut bits has been wrapped in some fabric
and is stewing outside to see what happens.
and is stewing outside to see what happens.
Hopefully I'll end up with interestingly dyed fabric
UNLESS
the local squirrels decide they LIKE cooked walnuts!!
p.s. Considering the fact that at least five years ago I paid $7.50 for a mere 20 oz. of walnut ink, I think my 'experiment' was a rousing success!!
I think you are safe from the squirrels but the neighbor ladies may start eyeing that fabric. What a smart cookie you were to make that ink. You may have just come up with a new business for yourself. Now I want to see pictures of your hands after fooling around with those walnuts.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Erm.......that ash like substance came from the ...where?
ReplyDeleteYou sure it was walnuts?
Just because of you some poor freezing squirrel will be hungry this winter!....HA...too blinkin' bad!!! Nice work
ReplyDeleteMrs Noofy
well that's a lot more positive than the last post i just read, on another blog, thanks for brightening my day. Well done making all that walnut ink, an excellent result...k.
ReplyDeleteIt looked like BBQ charcoal to me. I hope the results turn out nice.
ReplyDeleteThat's a neat idea! What a deep, rich brown shade it's giving your fabric. I wonder how it would work with rusty fabric, too.
ReplyDeleteWow...you are very clever!!! Hope it works amazingly well. xoxo
ReplyDeleteEUWWWW is right--BUT now smash all that into fabric and hide it somewhere! The staining looks marvellous on the others.
ReplyDeleteHow did you know to do this to make walnut ink? I can't wait to see you fabrics!
ReplyDeleteAnd who said that you weren't a clever girl -not me -I new all the time that you were clever.
ReplyDeleteOh....they already look wonderful...keep them away from the squirrels!
ReplyDeleteI hope the fabric looks better than the walnut stew! Lol. I'll be waiting for the final results.
ReplyDeleteInteresting you are one clever lady do you use the ink on fabric or paper.
ReplyDeleteYou are so funny, I can just see you cooking these and having fun, yet you told me you don't cook. Sounds just like me :)
ReplyDeleteI think this is an amazing experiment and yes, that walnut ink or the crystals which you used to have to buy years ago was soooooo expensive, good for you!!!!
Can't wait to see how the ones baking outside turn out.
What's going in your cauldron next?
well I have to say that your walnuts look pretty disgusting, don't think I will come over for supper!! but the cloth looks VERY promising!!
ReplyDeleteOh! I have been wanting to find a black walnut tree and experiment. It is lovely to see yours!
ReplyDeleteOh Mary Anne! How awesome! We have black walnuts around here, I just have to look for them.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU for sending me the walnuts--i can't wait to try them!!!!!!!!!! Hope mine look half as good as yours!
ReplyDelete