What “ink made from plants” means
People use this phrase in two ways. The first is craft ink you make yourself: you simmer or steep plant materials such as flower petals, berries, walnut hulls or oak galls, then strain the liquid and use it to draw or write. The second is commercial printing ink in which the oil base comes from plants, such as soybean or other vegetable oils, instead of petroleum. Soy ink, used in printing, is the best-known example.
This guide focuses on the first meaning: natural ink for drawing and calligraphy. Results are less predictable than store-bought ink, which is part of the appeal, and part of the challenge.
Plants that can make ink
Many plants contain pigments or tannins that stain. Common starting points include:
- Flowers: Craft sources suggest marigold and dandelion for yellows, hibiscus and rose for pinks and reds, and hyacinth for blues. Colors from flowers are not always what you expect. The color of the petal does not always match the color of the ink, and results vary by plant and batch.
- Berries: Blackberries and blueberries are often used for purple tones, but fruit colors tend to fade.
- Kitchen scraps: Onion skins, avocado pits and similar scraps are commonly used in natural dyeing and can give yellows, oranges or browns.
- Walnut hulls: Produce a brown ink and are widely used by hobbyists.
- Oak galls: Growths on oak trees that contain tannins, used traditionally to make dark ink.
Treat any color promise as an experiment. Test small batches first.
A basic method for plant ink
This simple approach, similar to those shown in craft tutorials, works for flower petals and many other plants:
- Prepare the plant material. Dry it fully if it is damp, then crush or chop it finely. A mortar and pestle works.
- Add hot water. Pour just enough hot water over the material to cover it. Keep the amount small so the ink is not too weak.
- Steep. Leave it to sit, often for several hours up to a day. Some tutorials simmer the mixture gently instead of steeping.
- Strain. Pour through a coffee filter or fine cloth into a clean jar.
- Test. Dip a brush or a dip pen in the ink and try it on scrap paper.
If the color is pale, you can simmer the liquid down gently to concentrate it, or add more plant material to the next batch. Wash all utensils afterwards; kitchen tools used for craft ink are better kept separate from food tools.
Can ink come from trees?
Yes. Tree materials have long been used for ink. Oak galls, which form on oak trees, contain tannins and are the traditional base for iron gall ink. Walnut hulls give a brown stain. Bark and some nuts are also used by natural dyers.
Traditional iron gall ink is made by combining tannin-rich extract with an iron salt and a binder. It is a more involved process than simple plant ink, uses ingredients that need careful handling, and the finished ink can be acidic, which may affect paper over time. If you want to try it, follow a reputable ink-making source, wear gloves and work in a ventilated space.
Improving your ink: binder, concentration and storage
- Binder: Plain plant extracts can look watery and absorb into paper. Gum arabic is a commonly used binder that gives body and helps the ink stay on the surface. Use only a small amount and test.
- Concentration: A stronger extract gives deeper color. Reduce slowly.
- Storage: Homemade ink can grow mold because it contains organic matter. Keep it in a clean, sealed container in the fridge, and use it within a short time. Some makers add a preservative such as a drop of clove oil, but results vary, so discard ink that smells off or shows mold.
Using plant ink for drawing and writing
Plant ink works best with a brush or a dip pen (see pointed nibs for calligraphy for nib prep and care). It can clog fountain pens and fineliners, so avoid putting it in a pen that you want to keep. Use it on watercolor paper or a heavier sketching paper with some tooth; thin paper can wrinkle or feather.
You can use plant ink alone for loose sketches and washes, or combine it with a waterproof fineliner for outlines. For more about choosing pens that will work with colorful washes, see our guide to the best pen for ink drawing. If you want drawing ideas that suit a soft, earthy ink, try the pen drawing ideas, especially plants and landscapes.
What to expect: fading and color shifts
Natural inks are generally less lightfast than modern pigment inks. Colors may fade or change over weeks or months, particularly in strong light. Most plant inks are also not fully waterproof, so they can lift or run when wet. Treat your work as a craft project, keep finished pieces out of direct sunlight, and do not use plant ink for anything that must last or be archival.
Safety: edible, drinkable and non-toxic questions
Plant ink questions often turn into safety questions, so here are cautious answers.
- Is it safe to drink pen ink? No. Pen ink is not made to be swallowed, and you should not drink it. If someone swallows ink or you are worried, contact a poison control center or doctor, and keep the product packaging.
- Can I make edible ink? Food-grade colorings made from ingredients such as fruit or vegetable juices exist for decorating food, but craft ink should not be treated as food. If you want ink for food, use ingredients and tools that are used only for food, and follow a recipe intended for edible use rather than a craft ink recipe.
- What ink is non-toxic? “Non-toxic” labels vary, and a plant being natural does not mean it is safe. Some plants are poisonous, and some traditional ink ingredients, such as iron salts, need careful handling. Look for products with a recognized safety label and read it, especially for use by children.
- Be careful with unknown plants. Do not use plants you cannot identify. Wear gloves when working with strongly staining or unfamiliar materials, and keep homemade ink away from children and pets.
FAQ
Can I make ink from flowers? Yes. Dried, crushed petals steeped in hot water and strained give a simple ink, though colors are often soft and may fade.
Which plants make the darkest ink? Tannin-rich materials such as oak galls and walnut hulls are traditionally used for darker tones.
Is plant-based printing ink the same thing? No. Plant-based printing inks, such as soy ink, use vegetable oils in industrial printing. They are a different product from homemade craft ink.
Does plant ink last? Not usually as long as commercial pigment ink. Expect some fading.