arteacher wrote on 04/15/11 at 02:59:09:Very nice work Mick. I do small woodworking projects myself. My Grandfather taught me some tricks, one of which is how to make a nice dark stain. In a large pickle jar soak ripe walnuts, not shucked, in alcohol. It takes a while (like months) but eventually the alcohol turns black. Decant some off and let the alcohol evaporate till it looks like ink, then apply it and wipe like a regular store bought stain. The advantages are that it penetrates very well, and dries very quickly.
There is nothing like a gift that you have made yourself. It's like giving a piece of you.
what kind of alcohol? (100 proof vodka) ? ripe walnuts ? how do I know they are ripe if I don't take the shell off ?
Because I am going to make some and I want to get it right,teach.
Thanks for the valuable tip,I don't mind buying it ,but the thought of my very own stain. Sounds good.