Handfasting-by-Design             

This could be a wondful way to sign your invatation.                                                                            Rose Ink

[Note: By Aelwah Lodarc]

This recipe is simply a tincture derived from rose petals, it is
completely non-toxic, and eco-safe, although I wouldn't drink it (I
doubt it tastes very good) and don't spill it on clothing, it
*will* stain. As an ink, it will retain it's rose scent for about 2
days after drying when used independently, though if used in a BOS
continuously, it will have a lingering scent. This ink is a purpley-red
on paper, although it dries relatively slowly, so give it some time.
After a while, it may turn brown on paper, depending on the acid
preparation of the paper.

Ingredients: Petals form 2 red rose blossoms.
Ground Cinnamon.
White Vinegar.
Water (preferably distilled).
Ground Clove.
Vanilla extract.

Equipment: Mortar & Pestle.
Small paring knife.
Small Funnel.
3 large test tubes.
2 Tablespoons.
Medium sized candle.
Filter paper. (or a coffee filter)
Test tube rack.
Test tube grabbers.
Glass string rod.
Cork (large enough to seal test tube).
Paraffin wax.

Procedures:

Heating: When heating the test tubes over the candle flame, hold the
tube (with test tube grabbers) diagonally about a half inch over the
flame to get the greatest heating area possible without spilling the
contents or allowing it to boil over. It is also suggested that the
tube should be moved diagonally up and down, with the flame passing
only over the area that contains liquid, so that the liquid will be
heated evenly, and scorching will be prevented. If the test tube
grabbers being used are short, wearing a glove is advisable.

Filtering: When filtering, paper should be folded in half, then in half
again, unfolded, and formed into a cone to fit your particular funnel.
after filtering, paper should be twisted until the mush is an inverted
tear-drop shape at the end of the paper, and then squeezed over the
funnel to remove all liquid without breaking the paper. Filter paper
should only be used once, then discarded.

Labeling: Before beginning, label the test tubes; 1, 2, & 3.

Directions:
Start by washing and removing all the petals from the two rose blossoms.
Take a few (about 6-10) petals and roll together into a small bundle,
then with paring knife, cut the bundle into thin slices and put them
into the mortar. When all the petals have been cut in this manner, add
two tablespoons of distilled water into the mortar, and reduce the
petal slices into a paste using pestle. Scrape the petal mush into the
test tube labeled "1", be sure to get all the liquid as well. Into tube
1, add enough white vinegar to cover the mush plus about an eighth of
an inch, then add a pinch of cinnamon (be slightly conservative, too
much here will ruin it, and you can always add more later) and a *very*
small pinch of ground clove. Mix well using glass rod. Light the candle
and begin heating tube 1. Periodically stir the tube. Continue heating
tube 1 until it bubbles, allow it to continue bubbling while stirring
for about 10 to 15 minutes, being careful not to let it boil over or
scorch. At the end of this time, the mixture will have darkened
*slightly*. Using funnel and filter paper, filter the contents of tube
1 into the tube labeled "2". Be sure to squeeze all the liquid out of
the filter paper, as this is what we want. Put the mush from the filter
paper back into tube 1. Set aside tube 2 and allow to cool. Add equal
parts of vinegar and distilled water to tube 1, just barely covering
the mush. If the contents of tube 2 is very red, you may choose to add
a small pinch of cinnamon to tube 1 now. Repeat heating and stirring
procedure on tube 1 for 5 to 10 minutes, then filter the liquid into
tube 2, making sure to squeeze out the filter paper. Discard mush. Add
1-2 drops of vanilla extract to tube 2 depending on the volume of
liquid; 1 drop for every 1 1/4 inches of rose solution. Heat tube 2 for
10 to 15 minutes or until solution thickens and re-darkens slightly.
Filter the contents of tube 2 into the tube labeled "3" and allow to
cool completely. There should be no sediment left in tube 3, if there
is, re-filter. Cork tube 3 and set aside. Cut a small piece of paraffin
and liquefy it in the second spoon over candle flame. Use the wax to
seal around the cork of tube 3. Lay tube 3 in a cool dark place to age
for about two weeks, every couple days you should shake it to keep it
reacting equally. Total preparation time is about and hour and 15
minutes, plus two weeks aging. If refrigerated, the ink will keep for
about a year. If it ever turns brown, or starts smelling funny, it has
gone bad. The yield of this recipe is about 2 ounces.