Festive Dried Orange Garland

There’s something magical about handmade decor during the Christmas season.

This dried orange garland, with its rustic twine bows, warm citrus tones, and wooden beads, evokes the charm of an old-world Christmas, while bringing a touch of natural elegance to your home.

It is so lovely draped across a mantel, woven through a greenery garland or on your Christmas tree.

This craft adds warmth and simplicity to your holiday decorations.

Let’s get started and make this Christmas extra special with your own handcrafted garland!

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Introduction

Please click through the image slideshow to see the progression.

Supplies for a 5 foot strand of garland:

• 3 Navel Oranges

• Sharp knife

• Cutting board

• Cookie sheet

• Parchment paper

• Scissors

• 17-20” pieces of Ivory coloured twine

• Wooden Beads: 16large(0.5”), 32 small(.39”)

• 1 Darning needle

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Preparing the Orange Slices:

1. Slice the Oranges: Using a sharp knife, slice each orange into ¼-inch-thick pieces. You should get approximately six slices per orange, and you’ll need at least 15 slices for the garland.

2. Bake the Slices:

   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the orange slices in a single layer.

   • Place the baking sheet in a preheated 225°F oven and bake for 1 hour.

   • Flip the slices over and bake for an additional hour.

3. Cool the Slices: After baking, turn off the oven and leave the slices inside to cool completely. This allows extra drying time and helps prevent burning.

Stringing Your Garland:

1. Prepare the Beads:

   • For each 20-inch piece of twine, string two small beads with one large bead in the middle.

2. Attach the Twine to an Orange Slice:

   • Thread one end of the beaded twine onto a darning needle.

   • Insert the needle through the top edge of an orange slice (approximately ⅜ inch from the edge) and pull 6 inches of twine through.

3. Add the Second Twine:

   • Thread another beaded piece of twine through the same orange slice, placing the hole about ⅜ inch from the first one. Pull another 6 inches of twine through.

4. Tie a Bow:

   • At the front of the orange slice, tie the two ends of the twine into a small bow. Trim the excess twine tails, if desired.

5. Repeat the Process:

   • Repeat these steps with the remaining orange slices and pieces of twine until you’ve completed your garland.

6. Secure the Ends:

   • To prevent beads from sliding off, tie a knot at each end of the twine.

Enjoy! ♡

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Back to you

As always, thanks so much for stopping by.
Thoughts, questions, ideas— please share in the comments below.
I love knowing you were here.

with love,

Loralie

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