How to Make Dried Orange Ornaments

Budget friendly. Easy to make. Better for the planet.

With the amount of trash going to the landfills INCREASING by 25% every Christmas season, it’s important to remember to use what you have. Last years decorations are just as great this year. & I promise you, no one remembers what your tree looked like last year. & if they do, give em that same show again this year. Obviously it’s already great!😉

Here is my easy to do guide on how to make your own Dried Orange Ornaments if you are in need of new ornaments.

What you’ll need:

5-6 full sized navel oranges

3 ply Jute cord

Cookie sheets

Oven or dehydrator

Hole punches *optional*

Instructions:

1. Cut your oranges into very thin slices, keeping in mind the thinner they are, the less time they will have to bake in the oven.
2. Place slices on cookie sheets. Edges can be touching but be sure not to overlap the slices as they might bake together as sugar cooks out
3. Take a dish rag & plot dry orange slices on each side. The more dry they are, less time in the oven.
4. Set oven to 220° & place oranges in oven once it’s heated up to temp.
5. Check on your slices every 30 minutes flipping them onto the opposite side every 30 minutes to create an even bake.
6. Once you notice your oranges start to turn a darker shade of orange, remove from oven. This will happen anywhere between 2-3 hours. Your house will smell delicious in the meantime. If you notice your larger orange slices are a bit too soft still leave that slice on a dish rag to dry over night on counter.
7. While your slices are cooling, start cutting your jute cord about 5-6 inches.
8. Once your slices have cooled, you can start to hole punches a small hole into the edge of your orange (right under the rind). Or poke a hole using a fork.
9. Weave your cut jute cord through the hole & tie a knot! Now your ornaments are ready!