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How to… Make Dried Orange Slices & Craft Ideas

18 November 2011 32 Comments

A very quick craft for you – how to dry orange slices for Christmas. I love the “rustic” look of dried oranges – they are so simple and yet so cheerful and Christmassy. I have only really had time to dry our slices and to hang them by a ribbon (I do actually think this looks quite lovely that way), but I have also selected some orange slice crafts below for you to be inspired by! But first to the quick “how to” – it is really straight forward:

x

Materials: Oranges (haha), an oven (really?) and a knife (of course)! An oven rack (the big secret!)

1) Slice your oranges approx 1cm wide

2) Place on a rack (if you put them on a tray they will *really* stick) in the oven at approx 120C (250F)

3) Leave for 2-3 hours. Turn 2-3 times and keep checking on them. I had to make two batches as I burnt the first lot (the oven was too hot). Turning (especially at the beginning) them will prevent them sticking from the rack.

Once cooled, add a ribbon and hang! Add fairy lights as a “back light”:

I found my were still slightly moist, but ready for crafting with and that over time they dry out completely.

And here for another set of crafts (links below)!

Oooh and a lovely tree from a reader on twitter (www.twitter.com/@SineadGray)

1. A GORGEOUS garland by Design Megillah

2. A traditional advent kranz (version 1) select tab 21 by Wunderweib

3. Traditional advent kranz (version 2) by Bastelspass

4. Gypsy Daisy makes another easy and fun garland. Combine it with berries

5. A wreath by Bastelideen.info

6. Simple table decoration by Bastel Elfe – collect and scatter!

7. Anis Decoration from Canadian Country Woman

8. Cinnamon & Orange Decoration by Bastelideen.info

9. Gift embellishment by Lea

So… aren’t all these orange slices simply divine? Fancy giving it a go? Why not make it part of your advent activities with your kids?

(2 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)

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32 Comments »

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# 18 November 2011 at 5:44 am

Mutiple Mummy said:

They are so pretty! I never knew you could make them! Off to give them a go! x

# 18 November 2011 at 11:27 am

Red Ted Art (author) said:

Hooray! Have fun – involve the kids if you want – a great one to do together!

# 18 November 2011 at 11:29 am

Esther said:

Wow! I like the one with back light! I guess the whole house will smell like oranges! I love the orange aroma!

# 18 November 2011 at 1:51 pm

Aadel said:

This is so cool! I love the smell of oranges at Christmas time. It reminds me of the oranges and pecans we would always get in our stockings.

You might think about linking this or another crafty post up to Natural Family Today’s Holiday Homemade gift list!

http://naturalfamilytoday.com/nutrition/homemade-gifts-from-your-kitchen/

It can be any kind of homemade gift or decor.

-Aadel

# 18 November 2011 at 2:39 pm

Red Ted Art (author) said:

It does look rather nice with light, doesn’t it?! And yes, whilst I was drying them we did indeed have an orangey smell in the house. Very festive!!!

# 18 November 2011 at 2:51 pm

Lindsi B said:

This is sooo gorgeous! I love these! So festive, and I bet they smell fantastic! Yummy!

Could you please link this post on my blog? I’d love to share it with my readers too!

http://www.toysinthedryer.com/2011/11/introducing-fun-stuff-fridays.html

# 18 November 2011 at 4:53 pm

Red Ted Art (author) said:

Have joined both your link up parties! Thanks for the invites ladies!

# 18 November 2011 at 5:44 pm

maryanne @ mama smiles said:

I used to make these in high school! They are so pretty hanging on the tree! Maybe the kids and I can make some this year =)

# 18 November 2011 at 11:11 pm

Ruth said:

I tried these last year. and failed. will try again, maybe I cut them too thin?

# 21 November 2011 at 4:13 pm

Red Ted Art (author) said:

Possible? Also, did you put them on a rack AND turn them? I do find that that helps.. I did burn one batch (oven too hot). I think slowly slowly?

# 21 November 2011 at 4:19 pm

Jaymie @ Dances, Dishes, & Dreams ... said:

I love the idea of this. Thanks for sharing!

# 24 November 2011 at 3:06 am

Nicki Cawood said:

I couldn’t remember where I saw this post so sliced, put them on a tray and set the oven off at 180. Oh the mess!

Will try again now I’ve found (and saved!) this post lol!

# 24 November 2011 at 11:31 am

Red Ted Art (author) said:

Nicki fear not! I burnt my first batch too!!

# 24 November 2011 at 11:32 am

Nicki Cawood said:

Define “burnt” …….
*Scrapes gooey black mess and curses*

# 24 November 2011 at 11:35 am

Red Ted Art (author) said:

Ha! Mine were quite black. Did you put it on a rack or sheet? Rack is better!!

# 24 November 2011 at 12:12 pm

Nicki Cawood said:

I know that now lol!
I’ll let you know how I get on when I buy more oranges!

# 24 November 2011 at 12:57 pm

Red Ted Art (author) said:

Can’t wait to see your second batch!

# 24 November 2011 at 1:26 pm

Red Ted Art (author) said:

(and I do hope you managed to get your tray clean!!! Sticky messes not good!)

# 24 November 2011 at 1:31 pm

creativejewishmom/sara said:

Thanks so much for sharing all your great projects on craft schooling Sunday! I’m hoping to finally try this for The Jewish New Year of the Trees in February, so thanks for the inspiration!

# 24 November 2011 at 9:04 pm

Christine said:

WOW!!! Do they smell after??? I can just imagine the wonderful citrus scent!

# 24 November 2011 at 10:32 pm

Red Ted Art (author) said:

They do smell a little… but not like fresh oranges do…

# 25 November 2011 at 7:54 am

Red Ted Art's Blog » Blog Archive » Happy 1st Advent! said:

[...] Not many people realise that already in late November Christmas preparations begin on the 1st Advent, celebrated on the 4 sundays preceding Christmas. In Austria you light a candle on each on these 4 sundays on an advent wreath. I wasn’t able to get hold of one (or make one) in time this year, so we lined up or candles on the mantle piece and decorated with some pine cones and dried orange slices. [...]

# 27 November 2011 at 1:13 pm

Lani said:

Hi, I was wondering how long these last before they start to go bad or mouldy? Do you have any idea?

# 27 November 2011 at 10:51 pm

Red Ted Art (author) said:

If done properly, they shouldn’t go mouldy – i.e. if they have been fully dried they should day that way. If you are worried that yours haven’t dried 100% then make sure that at the end of the season you pack them in a way that they can continure drying, e.g. loosely between newspaper. Then just check on them now and again.

# 28 November 2011 at 7:35 am

Ally said:

Thanks for linking to momstown.ca!

# 3 December 2011 at 1:37 am

Amanda said:

Great idea! How many ornaments are you getting from 1 orange?

# 7 December 2011 at 8:02 pm

Red Ted Art (author) said:

I would say about 4 perfect ones and 2-3 smaller end ones?

# 7 December 2011 at 8:03 pm

Julia, kidstravel2 said:

thanks for this – I have been wanting to ‘make’ these orange decos for a while and stumbled across your post today – bet they smell lovely ‘cooking’ too don’t they? Shall be trying this weekend

# 7 December 2011 at 9:08 pm

Melitsa said:

I just made some this week for our tree. I left them out and they dried in two days. Fab! Bit of colour for the tree.

# 22 December 2011 at 6:22 pm

Red Ted Art (author) said:

Ooh how lovely Melitsa, am so pleased!!

# 22 December 2011 at 8:12 pm

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# 30 April 2012 at 9:33 pm