The Forgotten Art of Onion Waxing
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Next, gather the decorating materials. Your choices for the
trimmings are limited only by the range of your
imagination. Broom straws, fibers, acrylic and tempera
paints, ribbon, and plastic or natural flowers are just
some of the items you may want to use. Other materials
you'll want to have on hand are old aluminum pie pans or
foil on which to set the dipped onions, inexpensive
watercolor brushes for painting designs, and allpurpose
glue for attaching hair, ribbons, and the like.
TAKE A DIP
Once the materials are gathered, strip the outer, paperlike
layers from the vegetables until you get to a firm surface
that will hold wax.
Next, place the coffee can (or whatever) in a pan of water
and melt the paraffin, old candles, or crayons over medium
heat. If you intend to use crayons just to tint the wax,
let the paraffin or candles melt down completely before you
add the coloring. Then remove the container from the heat.
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To dip an onion, hold it by its tip or sprout and lower it
into the wax. When the surface is coated all over, remove
it and allow the wax to harden for several seconds. Repeat
this operation 10 or 12 times, or until a thick layer has
been built up (you may need to reheat the wax during this
dipping process). Then, to form a flat base on which the
onion can stand, set it on a level surface (here's where an
aluminum pie pan comes in handy) for a while after each of
a few final dips.
Now comes the fun part: decorating. If you plan to add
adornments that must adhere to the wax, such as eyes or
whiskers, you'll need to do the work quickly, before the
coating hardens. Other methods of
decorating—painting, for instance—work well
after the wax has set up. And if by any chance you create a
"monster" that you don't care to keep, simply peel of the
wax, remelt it, and start anew, using the same onion.
This simple craft adds a welcome twist to our clan's
rainy-day activities . . . and I think your family will
agree that it's a pastime worth reviving.
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