make : citrus garland
i strive to live a simpler life. less clutter, less consuming just because it's the thing to do.. one of the ways I decided to do that is by decorating with natural elements. i find that anytime i use something earth-based i'm overcome by a sense of peace & appreciation + it's beautiful and neutral tones are my jam.. so...
i also have this sense of "duty" now that i am a mother - to instill my little ones with a sense of pride and respect for what they have right in front of them. not always needing more to feel content, but if wanting to add to their life or their home they value making something from nothing while respecting their earthly home they've been given by god.
this is probably one of the easiest diy's you can do when it comes to seasonal decorating!
okay, let's do it...
— materials —
a few citrus of your choosing (i like grapefruit, lemon & orange)
cookie sheets
parchment paper—not “needed” but useful if you have it
scissors
twine
needle
— Instructions —
i always begin any project that needs the oven by preheating first; that way you're working with the time you've got, rather than adding to it. preheat the oven somewhere between 150 - 250 (150 if you have 4 hours to kill, and 250 for 2 hours)
cut your fruit thin whilst thick enough to keep them from burning. somewhere 1/3inch range, but if we're being honest here.. i just cut and go with what i got.
once cut i like to press a paper towel, or regular towel to absorb most of the juice to better help the drying out process - especially if you've sliced some thicker than others, to keep them from becoming too soggy.
line your cookie sheet(s) with parchment paper to make the removing process easier & then add your freshly pressed citrus slices and set the timer for the allotted time you have chosen (i did mine on 250 for 2 hours) and flip every 40 minutes or so to keep from overbaking.
after they're finished baking i set them on a cooling rack until i felt they were dried out enough, then you'll string your needle, poke it through each side of the citrus slices, and you'll do that until it's the length you need.
