I’m longing for a traditional Christmas experience, untainted by the pressures of modern commercialism. I believe in keeping things simple – gifts, decorations, and meals alike. There’s no need to break the bank on extravagant celebrations when a heartfelt gathering with loved ones is what truly matters.
In my quest for simplicity, I’ve discovered the joy of crafting my own decorations, which not only saves money but also fosters quality time with family members.
This year, we’re trying something new – creating our own dried fruit ornaments for the tree. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also a budget-friendly option that adds a personal touch.
To create your own DIY dried fruit ornaments, simply follow these steps…
You’ll Need:
To get started, you’ll need some fresh fruit like apples, oranges, pears, or star fruit. You can also use a dehydrator or your oven to dry the fruit. If you’re using an oven, be sure to prepare a baking sheet for drying. In addition to the fruit, you’ll require some lemon juice and spices if you want to add extra flavor. A toothpick will come in handy when checking on the fruit’s dryness, while twine can help with any additional crafting. To clean up any mess, have some paper towels ready.
If you’re planning to create a decorative piece, bring along a knife for trimming and craft items like beads or sequins if desired. Finally, consider using clear craft varnish to seal and protect your finished work.
Prep Your Oven
When embarking on the journey of creating your own ornaments, the first step is to decide how you’ll proceed – opting for a dehydrator or using your oven as an alternative method. If you don’t have access to a dehydrator, preheat your oven to 200°F and ensure it’s ready for use. On the other hand, if you do possess a dehydrator, take this opportunity to thoroughly clean and prepare it for its intended purpose.
With your chosen equipment at the ready, you’re now prepared to dive hands-on into the process of crafting ornaments.
Slice the Fruit
For this creative project, you’ll be working with ornaments made from sliced fruits of your choice. I personally opt for using what’s readily available in my root cellar or selecting seasonal favorites at the grocery store. The beauty of this project lies in its flexibility, allowing you to choose the fruits that best fit your preferences and creativity.
Apples, oranges, pears, and starfruit are particularly well-suited for this endeavor, each offering distinct designs and colors that add a personal touch. Once you’ve selected your fruits, slice them into ¼-inch thick pieces. A crucial step when working with apples is to soak them in lemon juice to preserve their natural color and prevent browning.
Dry, Sprinkle and Poke
Once your sliced fruits are complete, arrange them neatly on paper towels, allowing each row to dry slightly before adding another layer of paper towels on top. This crucial step helps absorb any excess moisture that may hinder the dehydrating or baking process later on.
As the paper towels continue to absorb the liquids, take a moment to dab the tops of the fruit slices one last time with a gentle touch. This ensures a dry surface for your next steps.
You can then proceed to add a fragrant touch by sprinkling your preferred spices over the fruit. Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, or even a blend like apple pie spice are all great options.
With your spices of choice added, it’s time to prepare the fruit for twine wrapping. Use a toothpick or other small, sharp object to create a small hole in the top of each fruit slice. Make sure the hole is large enough to accommodate a piece of twine, ensuring a secure and attractive finish.
Time to Dry
Once your fruit ornaments are prepared, it’s time to begin the drying process. For oven-drying, place the fruit pieces on a baking sheet and set the temperature to dry for 4-6 hours. The exact timing may vary depending on the thickness of the fruit slices and personal preference for moisture level. If using a dehydrator, consult your machine’s manual for specific guidelines on temperature and drying time.
Simply spread the fruit out on the trays and let it run its course until you’re satisfied that they’ve reached the perfect level of dryness to be used as ornaments.
Turn Them into Ornaments
To transform your dried fruit slices into beautiful ornaments, begin by preparing small pieces of twine. Cut six-inch lengths and thread one end through the pre-existing hole in each slice. Tie a secure knot at the top where the two twine ends meet, allowing you to create a loop for easy hanging on your Christmas tree.
Add a Personal Touch
As you near the end of the DIY ornament-making process, consider taking it to the next level by adding decorative elements that make your creations truly special. If you’re going for a themed tree or involving kids in the fun, this step can bring an extra layer of enjoyment and customization. To give your ornaments some personality, try incorporating various craft supplies.
For instance, placing buttons in the center of the design can add a charming vintage touch, while ribbons or small bows can provide a pop of color and texture. You could also experiment with adding bows at the top or bottom of the ornament, or creating a ribbon outline that adds an extra layer of visual interest. Don’t forget about the magic of glitter! Adding a pinch to your ornaments can instantly elevate their sparkle factor, and kids will adore the extra whimsy.
To apply glitter effectively, simply add glue to the area you want to cover, sprinkle on the glitter, and then gently shake off any excess over a paper plate for easy cleanup. Alternatively, use glue to create unique designs or cover the entire ornament in glitter for an eye-catching DIY Christmas decoration. The possibilities are endless, and your imagination is the only limit. Finally, consider transforming your ornaments into beloved holiday characters.
With googly eyes, red glitter noses, and button smiles, you can bring reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, or other festive creatures to life. Whatever design you choose, it’s sure to be a hit on your Christmas tree.
Make Them Last
To ensure that your DIY ornaments remain a treasured tradition without the need for frequent repetition, consider applying a clear craft varnish to seal their surface. While this approach eliminates the pleasant aroma of fresh fruit and spices, it will significantly extend the lifespan of each ornament. Before coating, allow the ornaments to dry completely.
Using a small paintbrush, apply a thin layer of varnish to one side of the ornament, allowing it to dry before flipping and repeating the process on the opposite side. This straightforward and budget-friendly technique enables you to create DIY ornaments that will remain a cherished part of your holiday celebrations for years to come.
I’m confident that you’ll find joy in creating these unique and beautiful DIY Fruit Decorations, just as I did.
They’re an excellent way to bond with children or incorporate a vintage theme into your Christmas festivities. You can use them solely to decorate your tree or combine them with other fruit-inspired decorations to create a truly one-of-a-kind holiday display. The possibilities are endless when it comes to crafting memories at Christmas.
