ARELLANO UNIVERSITY - ELISA ESGUERRA CAMPUS

Gen. Luna St. Brgy. Bayan - Bayanan, Malabon City

S.Y. 2022-2023

The Effectiveness of using Bougainvillea Petals in making Natural Ink as a Substitute

for Water Color

an Investigatory Project presented to the faculty and staff members of Practical Research 2

of Arellano University

RESEARCHERS

Alarcon, Mark Jefferson Egana, Fely Pearl P. Najera, Joanna

Antoniano, Jhoness Garcia, Manuella Paras, Mariella

Belen, Angela Lafuente, Kurt Santos, Andrei

Carsula, Daphney Lagman, Rommel Tapalla, Shiela

Cruz, Josepina Mananday, Renz Vestil, Carlos

Cubos, Andrew Manglanlan, Shaina Zamora, Vernadet

Domingo, Arnel Mejia, Lemuel

1
 ARELLANO UNIVERSITY - ELISA ESGUERRA CAMPUS
Gen. Luna St. Brgy. Bayan - Bayanan, Malabon City
S.Y. 2022-2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Background of the Study .............................................................................................. 3-4

Conceptual Framework ...................................................................................................5

Scope and Delimitations .................................................................................................6

Statement of the Problem ............................................................................................ 7-8

Hypothesis.......................................................................................................................8

Significance of the Study ................................................................................................9

Methodology

Research Design .............................................................................................................10

Materials, Tools, and Procedures ............................................................................ 10-13

Results and Discussion ...................................................................................................14

Summary of Findings .....................................................................................................15

Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 15-16

Recommendations ..........................................................................................................17

References ......................................................................................................................17

2
 ARELLANO UNIVERSITY - ELISA ESGUERRA CAMPUS
Gen. Luna St. Brgy. Bayan - Bayanan, Malabon City
S.Y. 2022-2023

Introduction

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Water Colors are used for drawing, writing, and coloring, using a pen or a brush,

making it a fundamental part of our life, especially in terms of various arts. Bougainvillea

is a popular ornamental plant with brilliant color and long flowering periods. (Zhang, W.,

Zhou, Q., Lin, J. et al., 2022). This paper investigates the effectiveness of using

bougainvillea petals in making natural colored ink as a substitute for water color. The

bougainvillea plant’s vibrant and unique bracts, which are abundant in stable pigment, are

its main decorative feature. Results of that, Researchers want to produce an economical

and environmental colored ink for water color that has the same quality as the regular or

normal ink.

Today's ink is not a good choice for long-term use because it contains higher levels of

volatile organic compounds (VOCs). (Siti Amira Othman, Noraisyah Hafizan Sabturo,

2022). Many inks used, contain harmful chemicals. Not only for us, but for the

environment. (Mikayla M Erbe, 2020). In arellano University - Malabon, several of

students in Grade 12 are intended to have a problem in finding coloring materials that is

cheaper yet, has a good quality, especially now that numerous people have difficulties to

buy because they find it expensive accordance with their other daily needs. There is need

3
 ARELLANO UNIVERSITY - ELISA ESGUERRA CAMPUS
Gen. Luna St. Brgy. Bayan - Bayanan, Malabon City
S.Y. 2022-2023

for innovation and improvisation of materials to encourage and motivate learners who

can’t afford the compulsory manufactured materials required for drawing. (Michael

Odongo, 2018). The creation of natural inks is examined in this research distinction

thesis, along with the materials used. It also assesses how effectively using sustainable

resources may be converted.

Taking everything into account, this research aim to lessen and to reduce the amount

of harmful chemicals and make an environmental friendly ink. This study will justify that

using bougainvillea petals as the substitute for water color would benefit all of the

students, as well as the students who are studying art-related courses, by its low-cost

amount, more safe, and easier way without using any technologies.

4
 ARELLANO UNIVERSITY - ELISA ESGUERRA CAMPUS
Gen. Luna St. Brgy. Bayan - Bayanan, Malabon City
S.Y. 2022-2023

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

INPUT PROCESS
OUTPUT
1. Gather some bougainvillea
• Bougainvillea petals
flowers.
2. Remove its stem and put An effective natural ink for
• Small amount of water the petals in a bowl.
water color made by using
3. Add some small amount of
• Bowl water to the petals to bring bougainvillea petals. An
out the color.
4. Leave it for 24 hours to affordable way that can be a
• Jar
make sure that the color
would come out. helpful for artists, students,
• Piece of cloth (for straining) 5. Mash the bougainvillea teachers, and researchers.
petals to bring out its color.
• Small bottle 6. Squeeze the mashed
bougainvillea using a piece
• Essential Oil of cloth to remove some
residual bits.
• Arabic powder 7. Add drops of essential oil
to remove the unpleasant
smell.

8. Transfer it to a small bottle.

5
 ARELLANO UNIVERSITY - ELISA ESGUERRA CAMPUS
Gen. Luna St. Brgy. Bayan - Bayanan, Malabon City
S.Y. 2022-2023

SCOPE AND DELIMITATIONS

This study will be primarily focused on producing natural red water color ink using

bougainvillea petals. The research aims to explore and assess the effectiveness of

Bougainvillea petals as an alternative ingredient in producing natural, high-quality, and

low-cost water color ink. This research will be carried out from 2022 to 2023, at Arellano

University - Elisa Esguerra Campus Gen. Luna St., Brgy. Bayan-Bayanan, Hulo,

Malabon city. The participants of this study are the students of Arellano University -

Elisa Esguerra Campus.

This study will be limited only to studying bougainvillea petals and producing them

as natural water color ink. It will also be beneficial to the senior high school students of

Arellano University - Malabon Elisa Esguerra Campus.

6
 ARELLANO UNIVERSITY - ELISA ESGUERRA CAMPUS
Gen. Luna St. Brgy. Bayan - Bayanan, Malabon City
S.Y. 2022-2023

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Watercolors have long been favored by artists for their ability to create vivid and

expressive paintings. However, the environmental impact and potential health hazards

associated with synthetic watercolor pigments have raised concerns among artists and

environmentally conscious individuals. As a result, there is growing interest in exploring

natural alternatives for creating inks, with bougainvillea petals being a potential option

due to their availability and vibrant hues.

Despite the potential advantages of using bougainvillea petals as a natural ink

substitute for watercolors, there is a lack of comprehensive research on their

effectiveness. Questions arise regarding the color quality, light fastness, longevity, and

overall performance of bougainvillea petal-based inks compared to traditional

watercolors. Furthermore, the techniques and processes for extracting pigments from

bougainvillea petals and incorporating them into ink formulations may vary, and their

impact on the performance of the resulting inks needs to be evaluated.

Thus, the problem at hand is to assess the effectiveness of using bougainvillea

petals in making natural ink as a substitute for watercolors, taking into consideration their

potential as an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative, while also maintaining the artistic

quality, lightfastness, and longevity expected of watercolor pigments. Addressing these

research gaps will provide valuable insights into the viability of bougainvillea petals as a

natural ink source for artists and contribute to the understanding of sustainable and

environmentally friendly alternatives in the field of art materials.

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using bougainvillea petals as

7
 ARELLANO UNIVERSITY - ELISA ESGUERRA CAMPUS
Gen. Luna St. Brgy. Bayan - Bayanan, Malabon City
S.Y. 2022-2023

an alternative watercolor?

- Environmental Aspect

- Financial Aspect

- Physical Aspect

2. How effective are Bougainvillea petals in making natural ink as a substitute for

Watercolor?

3. What is the significant difference in terms of quality between Bougainvillea petals

ink and store-bought Ink?

HYPOTHESIS

Ho (null): There is no significant difference in the effectiveness of Bougainvillea petal-

based natural ink and watercolor in terms of color quality, longevity, and ease of use.

Ha (alternative): There is a significant difference in the effectiveness of Bougainvillea

petal-based natural ink and watercolor in terms of color quality, longevity, and ease of

use. Specifically, it is expected that Bougainvillea-based natural ink will perform

comparably or better than watercolor in these aspects.

8
 ARELLANO UNIVERSITY - ELISA ESGUERRA CAMPUS
Gen. Luna St. Brgy. Bayan - Bayanan, Malabon City
S.Y. 2022-2023

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study aims to achieve the production of high-quality red ink for water in an

affordable way without the risk of harming the environment. The results of this study

would be beneficial for:

The Artists,

The information and procedures presented in the research will help the Artists make

their own watercolor ink to be used in artworks, without spending a lot of money yet

adequate to what they’re used to.

The Students,

This research may help students save money and aid them in developing their

creativity through the process of making the product.

The Teachers,

This research will provide teachers with greater in-depth knowledge and can be used

in future discussions on relevant courses.

The Future Researchers,

Future researchers may use the provided information as a guide and also a reference

of related literature for their research.

9
 ARELLANO UNIVERSITY - ELISA ESGUERRA CAMPUS
Gen. Luna St. Brgy. Bayan - Bayanan, Malabon City
S.Y. 2022-2023

METHODOLOGY

RESEARCH DESIGN

The researchers used a comparative analysis design for this study. This study

will compare and contrast the ink made from bougainvillea petals and store-bought

water color in terms of physical, environmental, and financial aspects.

MATERIALS, TOOLS, AND PROCEDURES

A. MATERIALS

Ingredients Functions
Bougainvillea petals Main ingredient.
Water To lighten the color of the ink.
Arabic powder To thicken the texture of ink.
Essential Oil To reduce the unpleasant smell of the ink.

Tools Functions
Bowl Used to mix the petals and water.
Jar Used to keep the petals soaked in
water for 24 hours.
Mortar and pestle Used to mash the petals.
Small bottle Used as a container for the ink.

10
 ARELLANO UNIVERSITY - ELISA ESGUERRA CAMPUS
Gen. Luna St. Brgy. Bayan - Bayanan, Malabon City
S.Y. 2022-2023

B. PROCEDURES

STEP 1: Gather some bougainvillea flower.

STEP 2: Remove its stem and put it in a bowl

STEP 3: Add some water to the petals to come out the color

11
 ARELLANO UNIVERSITY - ELISA ESGUERRA CAMPUS
Gen. Luna St. Brgy. Bayan - Bayanan, Malabon City
S.Y. 2022-2023

STEP 4: Leave it for 24 hours to make sure that the color would come out

STEP 5: Mash the bougainvillea petals to bring out its color.

12
 ARELLANO UNIVERSITY - ELISA ESGUERRA CAMPUS
Gen. Luna St. Brgy. Bayan - Bayanan, Malabon City
S.Y. 2022-2023

STEP 6: Squeeze the mashed bougainvillea using a piece of cloth to remove some

residual bits.

STEP 7: Add drops of essential oil to remove the unpleasant smell. (optional).

STEP 8: Transfer it to a small bottle

13
 ARELLANO UNIVERSITY - ELISA ESGUERRA CAMPUS
Gen. Luna St. Brgy. Bayan - Bayanan, Malabon City
S.Y. 2022-2023

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In the first trial, the researchers immersed the bougainvillea petals in hot water for 24

hours. However, the scent and lack of precise uniformity prevented it from being a

success. When they paint it on the paper, it becomes watery and colorless. On their

second try, the researchers came up with the idea of boiling the bougainvillea petals in

able to get rid of the scent and produce the desired consistency, and it succeeded. The

researchers used one color of bougainvillea petals as an example to show the

effectiveness of using Bougainvillea Petals in making natural ink as a substitute for water

color

Trials Date of Mixtures Observation

experiment

1 Feb. 16, 2023 2 cups of hot Was not able to

Failed water then get the right

exposed to the consistency and

—Experimental
sun for 24 color

hours

2 Feb. 19, 2023 2 cups of water Was able to get

Partially then boil the right

Successful consistency and

—Controlled color.

14
 ARELLANO UNIVERSITY - ELISA ESGUERRA CAMPUS
Gen. Luna St. Brgy. Bayan - Bayanan, Malabon City
S.Y. 2022-2023

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

Based on the results of the experiment, the findings were drawn:

1. The researchers were not able to do the right method to extract the petals into ink

that’s the main reason why the ink is watery and colorless.

2. Increasing the amount of water used for soaking the petals can reduce their color

and quality

3. The Ink’s quality deteriorates after a month. The ink’s shelf-life is 1 month.

CONCLUSION

The researchers found in this study, “The Effectiveness of Using Bougainvillea

Petals as an Ingredient in Making Natural Ink,” that using Bougainvillea petals as an

ingredient in making natural ink is better than using store-bought inks

Environmental Aspects: Using bougainvillea petals to make red ink are a more

sustainable and eco-friendly option. This alternative will offer several environmental

benefits, including waste reduction, and reduced chemical use. Traditional ink is bad for

the environment because it is made from materials that don't break down naturally. The

15
 ARELLANO UNIVERSITY - ELISA ESGUERRA CAMPUS
Gen. Luna St. Brgy. Bayan - Bayanan, Malabon City
S.Y. 2022-2023

fallen petals that are on the ground are still useful for making red ink. Apart from making

ink with it, it helps to reduce the clutter around it.

Financial Aspects: The researchers conducted this study because they want to produce

good quality ink for water color but at a lower price. Using bougainvillea petals to make

red ink is a financially friendly option compared to traditional ink which has a lot of

ingredients and is more expensive. In addition, Bougainvillea comes in a variety of hues

and is inexpensive and simple to grow.

Physical Aspects: Bougainvillea petals have better physical properties for colored ink

making because, unlike the usual and store-bought inks, its color also stays for a long

time; these properties are enough to say that the ink made from Bougainvillea petals are

good visually. There is a significant difference in the effectiveness of Bougainvillea

petal-based natural ink and watercolor in terms of color quality, longevity, and ease of

use. Specifically, the Bougainvillea-based natural ink performed comparably than store-

bought watercolor in these aspects.

16
 ARELLANO UNIVERSITY - ELISA ESGUERRA CAMPUS
Gen. Luna St. Brgy. Bayan - Bayanan, Malabon City
S.Y. 2022-2023

RECOMMENDATIONS

This study aims to produce an effective natural ink for water color made from

bougainvillea petals. For future studies, the researchers would suggest:

1. Add essential oils to remove the unpleasant smell. Petals develop an unpleasant

smell when soaked.

2. Follow the right systematic procedures for better outcomes. The experiment will

result in a poor product if there is a missed step or an incorrectly done procedure.

3. Bougainvillea has various colors that can be used to make different colored water

color inks.

REFERENCES

Zhang, W., Zhou, Q., Lin, J., Ma, X., Dong, F., Yan, H., Zhong, W., Lu, Y., Yao, Y.,

Shen, X., Huang, L., Zhang, W., & Ming, R. (2022). Transcriptome analyses shed

light on floral organ morphogenesis and bract color formation in Bougainvillea.

BMC Plant Biology, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-022-03478-z

Google Scholar. (n.d.).

https://scholar.google.com/scholar?cites=2401884596926410687&as_sdt=2005&

sciodt=0,5&hl=en#d=gs_qabs&t=1682943072050&u=%23p%3DZFQN6LQvsjIJ

Nini, P. (2020, May 1). Sustainable Stationery. https://kb.osu.edu/handle/1811/91508

Odongo, M. (2018). Exploring Indigenous Materials for Creative Drawing as an

Alternative Resource for Sustainable Development in Least Developed Countries.

ajest.info. https://doi.org/10.2022/ajest.v5i1.605

17