Christmas Crafts

Apple and Orange Garlands

Apple Slices: Slice 1/4 inch thick and soak for 30 minutes in a brine made from the juice of 2 lemons, 2 tablespoons of salt and 1 cup of water. Spread on parchment paper on a cookie sheet and bake 2-3 hours in a 200-250 degree oven. Easier method: Leave slices in an oven with a pilot light for 2 days, or until they lose all moisture. Strung into garlands, the apple slices will air-dry completely and "last forever".

Orange Slices

Cut oranges into thin slices, lay on paper towels and microwave on high for 1 minute. Flip and repeat several times, then follow directions for baking apple slices in oven.
You can string your slices on heavy nylon thread (like fishing wire) or heavy dental floss. You can also add bay leaves, cinnamon sticks (cut short) and babies breath. Make them as long as you want. Add raffia bows to the ends.

Apple Wreath

Using apple slices that have been dried, take a large embrodiery hoop and layer the apples around the ring. Hot glueing each slice as you go. Add a bow, some artifical Christmas greenery, or Christmas picks and dried babies breath. Now you have made a wreath!

Scented Cranberry Wreath
You will need: wire, fresh cranberries, glue, baby's breath and satin ribbon or fabric

1. Shape the 18 gauge wire into a heart of the desired size. String fresh cranberries tightly onto the wire (they will shrink considerably). Air-dry flat in a very warm, dry place. It will take a week or more for fruit to dry.

Gingerbread Decorations

Hang spicy gingerbread hearts from a garland over a doorway ~ you'll get a fragrant whiff everytime you pass!