| Alder Tree growing by a stream |
Alder trees usually grow by rivers and streams and during the Winter after a storm you'll find loads of the 'cones' that have fallen to the floor, it's good to collect them when they're dry.
The Alder is part of the Birch family.
I always experiment with my ink making and don't follow any particular recipe, but here is a guide.
Alder Ink
Gather the Alder cones and remove the sticks.
Soak in hot water for a few weeks or boil in a pan on the stove for 30 - 40 mins
Optional: Add Iron sulphate/iron water to create a darker blacker ink
*to make iron water you'll need some rusty metal. Add the metal to a jar of water and leave until the water is orange. the more iron you add the darker the ink. You could soak the cones at the same time as making the iron water. For a quicker method use iron sulphate and boil the cones.
This rough recipe is exactly how I make oak gall and acorn cap ink, so if you can't find an Alder tree there are other options. Oak Galls create a brown black, Acorn Caps create a grey black. Alder has a blue tinge.
Making your own adds extra magic to your artwork. The process connects your artwork with the land physically becoming part of your work.
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| Alder ink. The iron creates a black ink without it’s like a tea stain colour |
