Onion Skin & Vegetable Trim Paper

Kitchen scraps + recycled paper = paper that dyes itself.

Texture

Mottled, naturally dyed

Yield

≈ 4 sheets per cup

A delicate translucent paper made by adding onion-skin dye to a thin recycled pulp.

▸Not made FROM onion skins — colored WITH them.
▸Sheet is pulled extra thin so light glows through.
▸Looks like aged parchment, but soft.

Steps

01
Simmer scraps 1 hour to release color; strain and keep both pulp and dye-water.
02
Blend the cooked scraps with 50% recycled paper pulp.
03
Use the dye-water as the vat water for an extra-tinted sheet.
04
Pull, press, dry.

Materials

— Onion skins, beet peels, carrot tops, or garlic skins
— Recycled white paper pulp
— Blender + mould & deckle

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

Different scraps give yellows (onion), pinks (beet), greens (spinach). Endless palette from the compost bin.