Naturally Festive: A Homemade Orange Wreath

Are you looking for a natural and pretty way to add a touch of holiday cheer to your home? Look no further than this easy-to-make dried orange slice wreath! This project is perfect for those who love the warm, inviting scents of the season and want to create something beautiful with their own hands.

In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the simple steps of drying orange slices and assembling them into a stunning wreath. With just a few supplies and a little patience, you’ll have a gorgeous, natural, and homemade decoration to brighten your holiday season.

Brighten Your Holidays with a Citrus Wreath

Drying The Orange Slices

1. Choose Your Oranges: Look for oranges that are bright in color.
2. Slice the Oranges: Using a serrated-edged knife, carefully slice your oranges into thin, even rounds. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
3. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the orange slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Dry in the Oven: Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature setting, typically around 200°F. Place the baking sheet with the orange slices in the oven.
5. Patience is Key: Drying time can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the slices. It may take anywhere from 3-5 hours. Check the slices periodically and rotate the pan to ensure even drying.
6. Achieving Crispy Perfection: The slices are done when they are completely dry and crispy. They should be hard and brittle to the touch.

Once the slices are fully dried, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before using them in your wreath.

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Assembling the Wreath

Once the oranges are dried putting the wreath together doesn’t take very long at all. You will need to heat up your glue gun and have extra glue sticks on hand.

For my wreath, I am using a bamboo hoop wreath form but a craft store wreath hoop will work just as well.

Start with a Single Slice: Run a bead of hot glue to the wreath hoop. Press one end of an orange slice onto the glue, securing it in place. Hold for a few seconds to allow the glue to set.

Overlap and Glue: Continue adding orange slices, slightly overlapping each one. Apply hot glue to the overlapping part and press it onto the hoop. Hold each slice in place until the glue sets to ensure a secure bond.

Continue gluing the dried oranges around the entire wreath ring until it is covered.

You can choose to leave your wreath with a single layer of orange slices for a minimalist look. To add more depth and visual interest, you can glue smaller orange slices around the wreath. Place these smaller slices every few larger slices, creating a layered effect.

Adding Finishing Touches

To complete your dried orange wreath, add a festive touch with a bow. A dark green or red bow tied at the top or bottom center of the wreath looks elegant. For a simple yet stylish look, tie a bow using a deep green satin ribbon.

For a simple, natural look I would suggest using jute twine to craft a loop at the top to hang the wreath.

Time To Hang Your Wreath

There you have it! A beautiful, fragrant, and easy-to-make dried orange slice wreath. This DIY project is a perfect way to add a touch of natural elegance to your holiday decor.

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