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MAKEWORKS
Inks/Onion Skin Ochre
PlantEasySafety: Low Risk

Onion Skin Ochre

Save the papery skins from your kitchen scraps.

Color
Warm orange-yellow
Yield
≈ 150 ml
Shelf life
2 weeks refrigerated

Save the dry papery skins from yellow onions, simmer in water, and you get a warm orange-gold ink.

  • ▸Skins are basically free — most people throw them away.
  • ▸Adding iron-vinegar shifts the color to olive-green.
  • ▸Strong, lightfast, and easy.

Steps

  1. 01

    Simmer skins 30–45 minutes until liquid is deep amber.

  2. 02

    Strain and reduce by half.

  3. 03

    Add salt; bottle.

Materials
3
  • — A loose handful of yellow onion skins
  • — Water to cover
  • — Pinch of salt

Safety

Low Risk

Mostly hand tools and inert materials. Standard studio hygiene applies.

Quick checklist
  • ☐Work in a ventilated area; keep food and drink out of the studio
  • ☐Read each material's safety data sheet (SDS) before starting
  • ☐Have water, soap, and a first-aid kit accessible

Heuristic guidance derived from listed materials. Always consult each material's safety data sheet (SDS) and a qualified instructor before attempting.

Notes

Red onion skins yield green-grey; yellow onions give golden ochre.