Orizome, which folds and dyes paper is a very simple method of dyeing that even small children can enjoy.
In the past, I have used colored inks as dyeing materials, but I have always wondered if it could be done with easier and safer materials. At the same time, I wanted to use this beautiful handmade Orizome paper for food wrapping. The answer lies in one simple place. It uses food coloring.
I have always been skeptical of using artificial colors on food. Even now, when necessary, I use natural coloring such as beets, green tea, and turmeric instead of food coloring. But what about for crafts? Once I had a flexible mindset, I realized that this was the safest ink for the craft.
I immediately tried several food colors. I experienced beautiful dyeing with better colors than ever before with no problems at all. Of course, you can also combine colors with each other like paints to create your favorite colors. I share here a beautiful color chart to help you think the same way. The materials, folding guide, and basic process are described in detail here. Please take a look at it as well.

Color Chart of Food Color

Here are the food colors I will be using; I tested a sample of 20 colors. This color chart shows the hue of each color as a single color. You don’t have to have all the colors, but just like with paints, you can combine colors to create a variety of colors.
An interesting point is that the purple, for example, was made by mixing red and blue, so the blue bled into the tips of the gradient. Rose pink, on closer inspection, has yellow blotches. Some colors produce this kind of gradation expression, so I felt it was interesting to see the subtle nuances of color in the dyed result.

Instructions for making

Step 1. Paper Preparation

For paper folding instructions, please check here for more details. Triangle, square…the dyed pattern will change depending on how you fold it. Soak the folded paper in water and squeeze out excess water. Soaking the paper in water allows the ink to bleed easily and the colors to spread naturally.

Step 2. Ink Preparation

Put a small amount of food color in a cup and dilute it with about 10 times as much water. Mix well so that the gel ink dissolves completely in the water.

Step 3. Dye

Each side of the paper is dipped in a different color. After dyeing, excess water is pressed down with paper towel, then the dyed paper is carefully opened.

Step 4. Dryness

Place the dyed paper on a flat surface to dry. As it dries, the color will settle and the density will be shallower than when wet.

Color Variations

Once the ink has run to the edges, pull the paper up from the cup and allow it to dry. When it is completely dry, it is finished.

For Food Wrapping

The use of food coloring allows for wrapping on food products. It will be used in the future for decorations at catering and events.