A great way to augment the power of your magical record keeping or journaling is by making your own inks. Not only is this a fun way to get crafty, but it’s also relatively easy! For this recipe, you’ll need a mortar and pestle, a bowl, a piece of cheesecloth, one teaspoon white vinegar, a funnel (optional), and a clear, clean jar. You’ll also need to collect two cups of berries. I love pokeweed for this because it’s a common wild plant, growing in most regions of the continental United States, and it’s bearing fruit at this time of year. You can use many kinds of berries, however, so use what you have.

To begin, smash the berries to a pulp using the mortar and pestle. Then strain the pulp by pouring the concoction through cheesecloth, allowing the juice to collect in a clean bowl. Add the white vinegar and stir. Use a funnel (or just a very steady hand) to transfer your finished ink into the jar for storage. You can use your ink with a dip pen, a quill, or a paintbrush.