This “ink” is not exactly an ink. It is actually a liquid created by purposely rusting copper. This copper liquid is composed of extremely strong vinegar (cleaning grade) and tiny, tiny copper crystals. Its color ranges from turquoise blue to a ruddy green, depending on the copper scraps used and how long it has been sitting.
I first made this ink to paint with, and I do plenty of that; but my absolute favorite way to work with it is to drop it into various plant-based inks. Copper is an inorganic material (little to no carbon, from beings that are below the surface of the planet… like rocks, minerals, metals, etc.). And rusted copper has an incredible reaction when combined with inks created with organic matter (lots of carbon, from beings who live on or above the surface of the planet… like plants!). I was stunned when I first stumbled upon this reactivity. It is gorgeous. This image below is a close up of copper oxide dropped into black walnut ink in the Seven of Wands card.
I also use copper oxide as a mordant in creating eco prints on paper. I will create some directions for how to create these very special prints in future blogs.
To create this ink, you will need copper scraps, cleaning-grade vinegar, and salt. I get copper scraps from friends who are sculptors and printmakers. You can also use copper bits from trimmed pipes or pot scrubbers. US pennies do not have enough copper in them to work with. Cleaning-grade vinegar is often found with cleaning materials in hardware stores, or you can find it online. And any kind of salt is fine.
In the recipe below, I suggest that you use a stick to stir your concoction with. This is because tiny copper bits might crystallize on the stirrer when it is left to dry in between stirrings. And you might end up with a very cool wand. This happened to me, and I hope it happens to you!
Recipe for Copper Oxide “Ink”
For this recipe, you will need:
~ copper scraps (bits of repurposed printing plates, copper wire, copper plumbing bits, etc.)
~ cleaning-grade vinegar (often found with cleaning supplies or online)
~ salt
1. Combine copper scraps (bits of repurposed printing plates, copper wire, copper plumbing bit, etc.) and cleaning-grade vinegar in a large glass jar. You can try a ratio of 1 to 5 copper to vinegar.
2. Add a dash of salt, mix with a stick or something wooden, and leave the jar uncovered in a well-ventilated area.
3. Allow this mixture to rest for at least three weeks. Stir the ink regularly (even daily if you remember).
4. After three weeks, you should have a blue or blue-green liquid that is ready to use as an ink or mordant.
5. The liquid will have separated into a thin, clear blue liquid and a whitish, chalky substance. Mix or shake to reintegrate before using.
6. Store this ink in a glass jar with a plastic lid. A metal lid will rust out pretty quickly. And please keep it out of the reach of children and pets. It is very toxic. Some folks use gloves when working with it. I just work slowly and carefully. And most often, I am using it from a dropper.
7. Use heavy paper (like watercolor or printmaking paper) when painting with this ink.
Magical Nature Tarot 