Quill Pen and Ink
During colonial times, people made their writing materials
by hand out of natural materials. Try this out and see how
it feels to write with an old-fashioned quill pen!
Materials:
Large feathers (feathers from a peacock or pheasant are
best)
Scissors or pen knife
10 walnut shells
1 cup water
½ teaspoon vinagar
½ teaspoon salt
Hammer
Old cloth or rag
Saucepan
Small jar with lid
Strainer
Directions:
* Make sure to get a grown-up's permission to use the
stove!
** Don’t do this craft if anybody involved is
allergic to nuts!
Wrap the walnut shells in the cloth and then use the hammer
to smash them into small pieces. Put the crushed shells and
water into the saucepan; bring it to a boil, then turn down
the heat and let it simmer for 45 minutes, or until the liquid
turns dark brown. Most of the water will evaporate.
Let the ink cool, then strain it into a jar and add vinegar
and salt. This will preserve the ink. Use your scissors or
a pen knife to cut the end of the feather so it’s on
an angle – then dip the feather into the ink and start
writing!
