The use of ink tablets dates back to pre-Colonial America. Although fountain pens were around, most people of the era dipped a writing instrument in an inkwell, such as the tip of a bird feather. Ink was expensive and, if exposed to air, would dry quickly. So another way to use ink had to be found. Ink tablets have been commonly used by soldiers fighting in wartime. For example, during World War I, soldiers were not allowed to carry ink bottles to refill their fountain pens, so ink tablets were a needed accessory. Modern-day ink tablets, generally made from a sugar extract, follow the same principle as their predecessors. Using ink tablets to make ink is a process with very few steps.
- Inkwell
- Water
- Ink tablets
- Latex gloves, if necessary
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Instructions
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1
Fill an inkwell or a similarly sized container with about four ounces of water.
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2
Break an ink tablet into several pieces.
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3
Add the pieces of the ink tablet to the inkwell and close the lid.
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4
Shake well, keeping your hand over the lid to prevent it from accidentally opening.
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5
Dip the pen into the inkwell to check the consistency. If necessary, repeat Step 4.
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6
Repeat Steps 2 through 4 if ink is too light.
