DIY Dried Citrus Wreath

Who doesn’t love a good upcycle project? How about upcycling an upcycled wreath project! That is what I did this weekend when I made this dried citrus wreath. 

When I first purchased it for $4.50 at the thrift store,  I stripped it of it’s greenery and freshened it up to a pretty red berry wreath that has been moved around and used in a few places throughout our home, landing in the kitchen.

While I was preparing dinner the other day I glanced up at the wreath and cringed at how dusty and sad looking the wreath had become.  I thought about tossing into our donation box and re-donating back to the thrift store for someone else to freshen up and enjoy.

But, then the colander of fresh citrus fruit on the counter caught my eye and I knew I could give it a whole fresh new look myself!

Removing the berry stems was easier than I thought.  I easily pulled them all out and clipped away any bits of dried glue that were still visible.  I gave it a good rinse in the sink and set it aside to dry.

I used thinly sliced red Moro oranges, pink grapefruit, clementines, and lemons.

How to make a dried citrus wreath

• Preheat oven 200 degrees and place an oven safe cooling rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet
• slice citrus fruit thinly, no thicker than 1/4 inch
• blot excess juice by placing a clean kitchen towel layered with paper towel and arranging slices on top, place another sheet of paper towel on top of the slices and gently press down to absorb juice

• arrange the slices on top of the prepared cooling rack baking sheets in a single layer
• bake for 2 to 3 hours, turning at the end of each hour, until slices are dry to the touch (I had two sheet pans and it took 3 hours total) 

• turn off the oven and leave the slices in the oven while it cools
• remove from the oven and allow to completely cool – they will continue to dry as they cool

After the slices are sufficiently cool you can arrange them on your wreath.  I used some fresh salal leaves I had leftover from my rose arrangement, however you can use whatever green you have or none at all.

 

There is nothing quite as satisfying as getting so much use out of one $4.50 purchase! With just a couple of dollars in citrus fruit this thrift store find gets a whole new lease on life! 

I shared the process of how I made this DIY dried citrus wreath from start to finish on my Instagram stories, so be sure to follow me and click on the Recycled Wreath in my profile highlights! 

Until next time…..