Last updated: by Melissa Riker · 16 Comments
Dried apples and oranges make for a beautiful homemade garland for Christmas or any time of year! Learn how to make this easy orange and dried apple garland with this step by step tutorial.
I love the look of dried apples and oranges slices. Perfect for potpourri or in a cute DIY garland like this one-they are super easy to make and an inexpensive addition to your fall decor! Here's how to make your own DIY dried apple and orange slice garland!
Want to dry fruit for snacking instead? Check out these homemade banana chips!
Supplies
Apple
Orange
Baking sheet
Jute Twine
Hot Glue
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 Celcius).
- Slice your apples and oranges into ¼" thick slices.
- Press oranges between paper towels to remove excess moisture and lay flat on baking sheet. Slices can be next to each other but should not touch.
- Bake in oven for 6-8 hours until dry, opening oven periodically to release moisture.
- Allow to cool completely.
- Lay apples and oranges on flat surface and use hot glue to adhere twine to fruit.
- Allow glue to dry and hang as desired!
Tip for best results
The thinner you cut the fruit, the faster they will dry. Aim for a constistent thickness to ensure everything dries evenly, a mandoline slicer is good for this. (affiliate link)
FAQs
How long will a dried fruit garland last?
They will last6-12 month if stored in a cool, dry place. You can also freeze them when not in use to extend the lifetime.
If you don't want to make them into a garland they look beautiful in a bowl with some cinnamon sticks as well!
Have you dried apples and oranges before? What do you use them for?
Reader Interactions
Comments
Patty says
I have two Rescued Squirrels as house pets. We have hand raised them, one from days old the other about 5 weeks. Last yeard I brought the tree in and did not decorate till a few days before Christmas so that Rocky and Magenta could play in the tree. This year I am decorating with dried apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks and cranberry garland so it will look festive and yet they can enjoy. Thank you for the tips on how to do so.
Melissa Riker says
You're very welcome Patty!
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Rieke says
That is the cutest thing! ❤️
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Karren Haller says
Hi Melissa, I bet this make the whole house smell great!!! So happy to be featuring your garland this week,
Have a great weekend!Reply
Heather - Chickabug says
Thank you for this tutorial. I love the photos! : )
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Melissa Riker says
You're so welcome Heather!
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Erica says
This is soooo cute! It reminds me of getting an apple and an orange in my stocking at my grandparents' house 🙂 I HAVE to make this!
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Jessi @ Practically Functional says
I seriously love this idea!!! It's super pretty and I bet it smells great! I featured this on my blog this morning and I'm just stopping by to pin it! You can check it out here: https://practicallyfunctional.com/7-diy-thanksgiving-project-ideas/ Thanks for sharing the idea at my link party!
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Vanessa says
Such a beautiful and traditional craft!
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Melinda says
I love this and plan to use this type garland on my primitive tree this Christmas. What is the oven temp for the 6 hr drying time?
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Melissa Riker says
200 degrees!
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Lynet Witty says
This garland is lovely! Stopping by from What's Shakin Link Party. I'm wondering if they still remain their smell after drying? Maybe add a bit of cinnamon or maybe some cloves for that fall/christmas smell we all love? hmm, spinning my wheels here...
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Melissa Riker says
No, there's not much smell. I would add cinnamon like you said if you'd like them to smell afterwards!
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Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says
Melissa, your garland looks fabulous! Just this morning, I was thinking that I was going to dry some orange slices to use in my Christmas decorating. Thanks for the directions!
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Melissa Riker says
You're very welcome Jane!
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keri @ shaken together says
I absolutely LOVE this! Can't wait to make one!
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Leave a Reply
Greetings! I'm an enthusiast with a deep passion for DIY crafts, particularly in the realm of holiday decorations. My expertise extends to the creation of homemade garlands using dried fruits, a topic that holds a special place in my craft-loving heart.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Materials and Tools:
- The article lists the necessary supplies for crafting the dried apple and orange garland, including apples, oranges, a baking sheet, jute twine, and hot glue.
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Preparation:
- The process begins with preheating the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 Celsius).
- Apples and oranges are sliced into ¼" thick slices.
- Oranges are pressed between paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- The slices are arranged on a baking sheet without touching and baked for 6-8 hours until dry, with periodic oven openings to release moisture.
- After drying, the slices are left to cool completely.
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Assembly:
- Once cooled, apples and oranges are laid on a flat surface.
- Jute twine is adhered to the fruit using hot glue.
- The glue is allowed to dry, and the garland can be hung as desired.
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Tips:
- The article provides a tip for faster drying, suggesting that thinner fruit slices dry more quickly.
- A mandoline slicer is recommended for achieving consistent thickness.
-
FAQs:
- The article addresses a frequently asked question regarding the longevity of the dried fruit garland. It mentions that if stored in a cool, dry place, the garland can last 6-12 months, and freezing them when not in use can extend their lifetime.
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Reader Interaction:
- The article includes comments from readers sharing their experiences and creative ideas. For example, one reader mentions using the dried apple and orange garland in Christmas tree decorations for their rescued squirrels.
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Additional Craft Ideas:
- The article concludes with links to other craft tutorials, such as DIY Citronella Candles, You've Been Booed! Free Printables, Easy Reindeer Gift Box, M&M Christmas Poem Printable & Gift, and more.
This comprehensive guide not only provides step-by-step instructions for creating a beautiful dried fruit garland but also encourages reader interaction and suggests related craft projects for inspiration. If you have any specific questions or if there's more you'd like to explore, feel free to ask!
