Turn dehydrated oranges and grapefruit into an unusual, but festive, holiday wreath.

Are you a crafty person? If so, I am in awe of you! I fall squarely into the practical category. Need a prom dress? I can sew that. Need a wool hat? I can knit that. Need a casserole or a loaf of bread? No problem. Looking for a decorated birthday cake? Sorry, can’t do it. Want to turn construction paper, cotton balls, and a coffee can into a Santa? Just not happening. I can clearly see the end result in my mind’s eye, but the execution is pathetic.

But since 2020 is a topsy-turvy year, I decided to create an unusual wreath. My idea was to somehow turn my food preserving into a crafty item. While it won’t be gracing any art galleries, I was thrilled with the results. Of course, we have had nothing but rain, fog, and freezing fog since I hung the completed wreath outside. So, I fully expect that it will mold and start falling apart soon. But in the meantime, here’s how you can make your own version.

Needed Supplies

• 14-inch foam wreath ring
• Muslin, osnaburg, or other scrap fabric (about ½ yard)
• 1 grapefruit
• 2-4 oranges (I used 2 navel oranges and 2 blood oranges)
• Bay leaves, whole nutmeg, whole allspice berries, whole cinnamon sticks
• Glue gun/stick
• Tiny sewing pins
• Ribbon or pre-made bow
• String to hang the wreath
• Spray acrylic

Dehydrate the Citrus

1. Slice the grapefruit and oranges into ¼ inch thick crosswise pieces.
2. Dehydrate overnight, using a food dehydrator set at 135 degrees. Some pieces may need a longer drying period.

Prepare the Wreath Ring

1. Cut the fabric into 3-inch wide strips.
2. Wrap the ring with the fabric strips, slightly overlapping strips. Secure each strip with small sewing pins.

Place the Citrus Slices

1. Lay the citrus slices on the fabric covered ring, leaving a 2-inch space to place the bow.
2. Move the citrus around until you have basically covered the entire ring, and achieved your desired look. Citrus slices can be overlapped, as long as they can be glued to each other.
3. Using the glue gun, glue several pieces to the ring. Then go back and work your way around the ring, gluing citrus slices in place.
4. Let glue dry. Check to make sure pieces are securely attached. If not, add more glue.
5. Slide bay leaves and whole spices into bare spots and glue in place.

Complete the Wreath

1. Let wreath sit until glue is completely dry.
2. Spray wreath with several coats of acrylic.
3. Attach string to hang the wreath, and then attach a bow.

Voila! A completed, and beautiful wreath.

Did you make this project? Send me a photo!