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How to Make a Valentine from an Onion

Jeffery Rudell, contributor

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The lowly onion is much appreciated in combination with other foods but often abhored on its own. On Valentine's Day some feel the onion is a perfect metaphor for the single life. I disagree.

Jeff Rudell

From tears come beauty? Not quite. But lovely results can come from taking a fresh look at the world around you. Here an onion becomes a beautiful gift.

Jeff Rudell

Be Mine: a box of inspiration; a reminder to appreciate the world as it is (not only as you wish it were); an affirmation that being alone can be as romantic as being with someone else.

Jeff Rudell

The lowly onion is much appreciated in combination with other foods but often abhored on its own. On Valentine's Day some feel the onion is a perfect metaphor for the single life. I disagree.

Photo: Jeff Rudell

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I used to hate Valentine's Day; I still do in some respects. Of course, I love the "idea" of Valentine's Day—the romance of celebrating romance—but somewhere along the way the holiday seems to have been transformed into a hyper-magnification of the "trappings" of love instead of being a time to contemplate—and be grateful for—love itself. For one day each year, everything (everything!) is suddenly and ONLY about couples: being in a couple, dining out as a couple, exchanging candy and flowers as a token to prove one's devotion to the coupling one happens to be in at the moment. It can all seem a little shrill when viewed from the vantage of someone who is single.

At least this is how it appeared to me back in the early '90s when I was single—and lonely—and living in New York City. With my meager romantic prospects and with February 14th fast approaching, I decided on a whim, to send myself a Valentine. Admittedly, not a particularly original idea, but I found it was empowering to sit down and write myself a love note. I wrote something that I'd read somewhere: "Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end." I folded up my note, sealed it in a bright red envelope, dropped it in the mailbox, and awaited its return to me.

To prove that the universe really does have a sense of humor, that card never made it back to me. Since I was mailing it to myself, I had been too embarrassed to put my own return address on it, so it didn't even make it home via "Return to Sender." The irony of that first year aside, I have made it a habit every year since to send myself a note (regardless of whatever romantic entanglement I might be enjoying). Depending on your own relation to romance, this will strike you as either sad and slightly pathetic, or weirdly charming (and maybe a little awkward). Either way, it is the action of a man who clearly has too much time on his hands. In my own defense, I think it's completely acceptable to set aside client work, set aside design briefs, set aside other people's expectations, for one day a year and just make something pretty for my own enjoyment. Nearly 17 years later, I would venture that I have learned as much about romance and love from treating myself well as I've learned from Hollywood movies, romance novels, and Lifetime television dramas combined.

So, to all the single people out there (and even to the craftier married people), I would like to share with you the Valentine I have made for myself this year. In keeping with CraftStylish.com's focus on all things "green" this month, I've again limited myself to using scraps and found materials for this project. In this case, I decided to try using onion skins. Not only are they paperlike, but they also have the most incredibly vibrant color. I wanted to see if I could make something marvelous out of something modest.

Once I had the onion as my raw material, I turned my attention to crafting the Valentine, proper. I chose for my theme, "Go Ahead and Cry," which speaks to both the stereotype of the someone all alone and weeping on Valentine's Day and, of course, the tears caused by onions. A quick trip to the Internet provided a slew of quotations about crying (you can see the ones I selected at the end of this post). Despite the seemingly sad title of the piece, the message it conveys is, I hope, one of affirmation and love.

Please let me know if you like what you see. It is enormously rewarding and inspiring to read the comments that other members leave. As for the onion skins, I feel certain they would make a handy material for all sorts of other projects and I hope all of you incredibly creative readers will let me know what creative uses you find for this beautiful material. And, thank you in advance to all who post pictures of your work here in the gallery for others to enjoy.

I thought I'd begin this post with some pictures of my inspiration. I had these onions sitting in a bowl in my kitchen. One afternoon, as the sun was streaming in, I was struck by how absolutely gorgeous the colors were. I grabbed my camera and a few sheets of colored paper and snapped these shots. As happens again and again, I was drawn to a material—and spent some time just "playing" with it—long before the idea of how to use it came to mind.

Scrap sheets of Twin Tak adhesive were put to work as the foundation of my onion skin "paper."

After covering the Twin Tak with onion skins, I used a bone creaser to burnish the pieces into place and "knock off" any protruding edges or overlapping pieces that were not firmly glued in place.

My finished sheets were more beautiful than expected. The yellow onion skins look like wood grain and the red onion skins like rose petals.

For my box, I sketched out a shape that would accommodate 3-inch x 5-inch index cards (finished dimensions: 3.5 inches x 5.5 inches). I assembled the box completely before attempting to cover it with the Twin Tak and onion skins.

The outside of my box looks like an abstract painting or a book covered with flower petals.

For the inside of my box, I used yellow onion skins. This detail provides an unexpected surprise upon opening.

The box closure consists of two small, 45-degree slots into which the cover flap can be inserted.

The finished components. All that remained was to decide on my content.

Since the photos at the top of this page provided my inspiration, I decided I would include one of those images in my piece. I printed it on an ink-jet machine using photo paper and trimmed it to size.

For the remaining cards, I selected a variety of quotations and facts befitting a box made from onions. All that remains is for me to mail my Valentine and await the arrival of the postman.

The quotations I used on the cards pictured above were the following:

"If someone you love hurts you, cry a river, build a bridge, and get over it." —Unknown

“Life is an onion and one peels it crying." —French Proverb

"To weep is to make less the depth of grief." —William Shakespeare

"I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love." —Mother Teresa

"Go ahead and cry" —Jeffery Rudell

“Statistically speaking, happiness accounts for 21% of all tears.” —Dr. William Frey, Director, The Dry Eye and Tear Research Center, MN

“Crying is the refuge of plain women but the ruin of pretty ones.” —Oscar Wilde

“Jesus wept.” —John, 11:35 (So, you’re in good company.)

"The cure for anything is salt water—sweat, tears, or the sea." —Isak Dinesen

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Comments (35)

avocadooo writes: So, so, so awesome.
Posted: 9:30 pm on March 14th

BeckyN writes: Am delighted to discover this site - never mind what latecomer I am!

The only thing I've used onion skins for is dying eggs - I was so disappointed the one year I used the yellow skins for their gorgeous color - and my eggs just looked like brown eggs when I was done.

This box is fabulous - and your photos of the onions so lucious.

I have always loved Valentine's Day - from the time I was in first grade and we decorated the box to receive the class valentines with crepe paper. I loved the cookies my mom would make with raspberry jam between them and icing on top. I loved picking out valentines for each of my classmates - trying to match each to the person. So while I'm grateful for my dear husband, even when I was single, I loved the day. I still like to send valentines to my friends - it's another opportunity to tell them how I love them.
Posted: 8:57 am on March 8th

artistsar101 writes: It is BEAUTIFUL, I never would have guessed. Great job!
Posted: 2:15 pm on February 21st

Lin G writes: I'm a little behind on reading my e-mails but I just had to comment on your valentine. I always wondered if there was anything you could do with onion skins. The box is just wonderful. I will be looking to see more of your great ideas.
Posted: 9:57 pm on February 20th

lifesart writes: Jeffrey,

As usual, your imagination and ingenuity amaze me. Thanks so much for such a great idea. You have inspired me to rummage throughout the entire house for materials.

When are you going to write a book?
Posted: 1:15 pm on February 12th

Daydah writes: This is so creative! I live in Nigeria, Africa, and the little art supplies one can find are very expensive, so I used to try to create with what I can find.

I spent many years being lonely on Valentine's Day - even though I never got a present (not even a teddy bear) I used to wrap up and send a card and gift to a guy as his mystery admirer, but he died in an accident the day after high school grad.
I am going to start sending myself a gift...It will definitely boost my morale (will suggest it to everyone I know too!).
I saw a hexagonal box today and felt the urge to do something, and going online, I found ur onions project.
Thanks for sharing - there is a basket of onions in my kitchen and am going to start the second I get home!

As for the adhesive, I am sure I have to find an alternative, so wish me luck. I will post the picture for you when I am through!
Posted: 11:47 am on February 10th

jburgesq writes: Only you Jeffery...using an onion to say "I love you" has many layers of meaning...

Your Minneapolis Fan
Posted: 11:21 am on February 2nd

Louella writes: Its beautiful isn't it! I have also heard of boiling onion skins, (you'll need to save because it takes a lot) and then dying fabric with it! Thanks, I'm going to try this, and look around you! Think of other things that are in your home that you could also work with! Louella
Posted: 1:09 am on February 2nd

youngrecluse writes: This idea and the result just amazed me. So creative. Now I must buy onions (especially those red ones!) and start playing! Thanks for sharing!
Posted: 7:32 pm on February 1st

Jeff_Rudell writes: Dear justj: I did not find it necessary to coat or treat the onion skins with any fixative or finish. When adhered to the Twin Tak adhesive sheets, I found them to be very durable. As for the box, I don't have a template but I encourage you to make a box to whatever dimensions best suit your needs. My photographs were intended only as a guide to what shape you might use. Good luck and thank you for your very kind comments. Jeffery
Posted: 10:30 am on February 1st

martinnpatsy writes: This is so cool. I teach recylable arts at our art center here in Cambridge, Maryland to kids. This would be such a great project for them. I also do mosaics out of recycling materials. It is so much fun.

Thanks for sharing! Where do you get the paper for this project, or can you use any kind of adhesive paper?

Keep up the great work!

Sincerely,
Pattie in Cambridge, MD
Posted: 10:24 am on February 1st

justj writes: This is just so wonderful! Did you coat the onion skins with something after adhereing them to the paper? Also, do you have a printable pattern for your box? I'd love to make one of these for my recipes. What a truly inspired idea! Love it! HUGS, Judy
Posted: 9:10 am on February 1st

JacquelineLauraYoung writes: Great! I love this idea! Very creative and very useful! I am going to do this project and I am also going to create a necklace, earrings and put the skins in bread dough and make small boxes and whatever else I can think of. I learned something new today! Thank you very much. Take care
Posted: 5:03 pm on January 31st

Jeff_Rudell writes: To Readers Inquiring about Twin Tak: Twin Tak is a double-sided adhesive sheet (usually about $4.50 for an 18" x 24" piece) that is widely available at art supply stores. I am uncertain whether or not it is available at craft stores such as Michael's, etc.

As alternatives you might wish to consider other brand name adhesive sheets (double-sided being the most convenience since you can adhered the onion skins to one side and then adhere the the other side to your project -- in my case a Valentine box) or white liquid adhesive suitable for paper. With liquid glues you will have to wait for it to dry fully after gluing your onion skins in place. If you are comfortable with spray adhesives, that might offer another solution.

If you would prefer to use Twin-Tak as specified, you can order it by calling New York Central Art Supply at 212-473-7705 or 800-950-6111.

Thank you to everyone for their very supportive comments on this post. Good luck and Happy Valentine's Day to you all.

Jeffery
Posted: 3:42 pm on January 31st

Munka writes: This looks so much fun,can't wait to try it! A lot of time
went into the how to do it. What is twin tak and where do I
get it? Michaels or Joanne fabrics and craft? Thanks.
Posted: 12:17 pm on January 31st

Nightcats writes: This is amazing. How creative you are, and what a beautiful project. I am going to link to it from my scrapbooking blog.
Posted: 12:01 pm on January 31st

Babytreese writes: This is SOOOOO beautiful!! I would love to make a card this way. What do you think? And how would I protect it? Thanks so much!
Posted: 10:31 am on January 31st

HeronMoonDesignworks writes: I am astonished at the creativity and energy involved in this project, as well as at the loveliness of the outcome. Quite impressive a skill set, atop the inventive nature of the author's thought processes. Congratulations on an article written well and well worth reading!

Terri, Heron Moon Designworks
http://heronmoon.etsy.com
Posted: 9:50 am on January 31st

jaxlady writes: Dear Jeffrey,

I would like to join your many admirers in recognizing your amazing talent! I enjoy your creations very much.
My first attempt was the thank-you card. Of course my finished product was not the equal of yours but the learning experience was fun. I had not worked with paper for ages and this gave me a new perspective.

Thank you for sharing with all of us!
Posted: 7:58 am on January 31st

anneinkzland writes: Thank you so much for this idea. I do some crafts with kids at an international school in Kazakhstan. We are very limited in what we can do because most art supplies aren't available here. I love to make things out of natural products or found items. So after I read this idea this morning and went to the local market or my groceries, I thought I'd look for onions to try this for myself. One stall had red onions - a great rarity - and I was so lucky. The vegetable lady was peeling off the extra skins from the red onions and was going to throw them away. She actually gave me a lovely bag full. Of course, I also bought some of the onions :) I'm deinitely going to make this now. Just one question - can you post the pattern and/or dimensions or the box?
Thanks again.
Posted: 5:07 am on January 31st

SewDanish writes: What a great project! I love to reuse. I already have a big bag of onion peels that I have collected for when dying embroidery threads and for adding as specks of colour and interest when making handmade paper. Will deffinately have a play this technique. Birgitte http://www.SewDanish.etsy.com Scandinavian Textile Art, Unique Handmade Supplies
Posted: 2:52 am on January 31st

gracie_girl writes: Beautiful! There is such a beauty in all of creation--even in an onion! Apparently, you can boil red onion skins and make dye with them...
Posted: 1:16 am on January 31st

prpldy writes: This is awesome. I have a red onion right now that I have been saving the skins from it as they fall off and IO already have saved the yellow skin to use on a project. Since I am single..I will definitely make this for myself this year and maybe follow your run and send myself a valentine each year. Thanks for the wonderful inspiration.
Posted: 1:19 pm on January 30th

AWilcox writes: Wow, another innovative and great project by Grand Master Crafter Mister Rudell! This is amazing and VERY COOL!

I wish this was available about 7 years ago. This would have been the perfect gift to give to my best friend, Joe. On Feb 14th, he and I were both "dateless" so instead of spending Valentine's alone, we decided to make the best of it and do a night out on the town in the fabulous New York City.

We went out to and spend a fortune on a pricey dinner, gave each other a single rose, shared a bag of Hersey's chocolate kisses and than went to see Art Garfunkel in Carnegie Hall (without Paul Simon).

We were both unfamiliar and slightly bored with Garfunkel's solo work but towards the end of the show, Garfunkel sang the popular "Bridge Over Trouble Water" and half way into the song, he chocked and started coughing up a storm. He could barely finish the song or the show. The audience was mortified, we were no longer bored and sat on the edge of our seats as the drama unfolded. We felt bad for the Garfunkel, but not as bad as we felt for each other for being alone on this lover's holiday.

Although my friend and I had a great night out, we were both went home feeling the pressures of not having that special someone in our lives. I know this would have been the PERFECT Valentine GIFT to give him, it would have been the icing on the cake to an almost perfect dateless Valentine Day.

Thanks for continuing the amazing work you do, great job like always!




Posted: 12:35 pm on January 30th

Sister_Diane writes: Wow... could you BE any more of a genius?

This is a beautiful project, and I loved the framing of your story, and your practice of sending yourself a note on Valentine's Day. This is one of my favorite posts of yours ever.
Posted: 8:00 pm on January 29th

Jeff_Rudell writes: To AuburninAuburn: Twin Tak is a double-sided adhesive that comes in a variety of sheet sizes. I would probably recommend against spray adhesives or liquid glues for this project in order to avoid the mess. Twin Tak allows you to adhered the skins to one side and then peel off the backing and adhere the the finished sheet to your project. Good luck!
Posted: 3:57 pm on January 28th

Deana writes: Jeffery, you continue to entertain and inspire. I love this post and I so want to make this. It's just beautiful. Who knew there was a crafty use for onion skins. You did! Bravo!
Posted: 1:17 pm on January 28th

2manyideas writes: Now if only you could do something with Lemons .... ?! My favorite quote is "When life hands you lemons, find the person with the vodka!". I love this onion card (and laughed reading your thoughts on the special day as they seemed to have echoed my own). I will definitely start sending myself a Valentines Day card! How inspiring in more ways than one! :-)
Posted: 7:59 pm on January 27th

brookebethany writes: Jeffrey, I am so glad to be able to view your creative endeavors here, they are always interesting and inspiring. I have a particular problem with onions - I think I must be allergic to the fumes as I always sneeze and tear painfully. So, I'm not sure I will attempt this project. But I'm so glad you did and I hope you have a wonderful, lovely Valentine's Day.
Posted: 7:35 pm on January 26th

FaveCrafts writes: What a great idea! I was a little skeptical when I saw "How to Make a Valentine from an Onion" but I am truly impressed at how beautiful it turned out. As a crafter and a foodie, this is something I will definitely have to try.
Posted: 5:07 pm on January 26th

vintagechicken writes: That is a wonderful idea! Thanks for sharing...the onion skins are a very unique medium. Love it! Looks like a fun craft idea to do with my crafty daughter!
Posted: 3:56 pm on January 26th

jessajune writes: Absolutely beautiful. So far, the only thing I've used onion skins for is for dying (Easter eggs, mostly), but this is a great idea and the finished project is amazing!
Posted: 11:59 am on January 26th

JenniferStern writes: Hi...can you use a Orbit Gum Box????
Posted: 7:43 am on January 26th

Asia_Tatiana writes: This is the coolest Valentine I've ever seen, how many Valentine's Days have I spent crying? LOL
Posted: 3:34 am on January 26th

AuburninAuburn writes: Great idea! I love the look of the onion skins! I am not sure what "Twin Tak" is or where to get it. Is it like contact paper, sticky on one side? If so, then I imagine almost any one sided sticky surface would work, including paper covered with Spray Mount adhesive. I may have to make one of these for my husband this year. We aren't into Valentine's Day much, as we prefer to celebrate our relationship year round, but this would be fun.
Posted: 12:53 am on January 26th

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