We’ve always been crafty but regular work life usually means our DIY projects get put on the back burner. But with quarantine we figured why not give a project that’s been top of mind a try?
Why do dried citrus?
The only fruit technically “in season” in the US during the winter is citrus, especially on the east coast. So we are doing the responsible thing here by choosing oranges. Plus they smell absolutely divine when you cut them and pair with rosemary, cinnamon or pine.
You’ll need
- 4 oranges
- 1 bag of cinnamon sticks
- 1 thing of twine or yarn
- 1 Rosemary bunch or tree
- Brown paper
Step 1 – Cut an array of citrus. Different types of oranges and lemons. Slice almost paper thin. Lay them out to dry for a few days. Leave them out on your countertop for a fresh smell, overtop of either a drying rack or paper towels.
Step 2 – After the fruit has dried, gather your products needed (see list above). For making ornaments you’ll want to just simply poke a hole in the center of your fruit with a knife, hole puncher or scissors and then weave twine through it about the length of your thumb. Weave it through the hole and tie a small knot, cutting off any access twine. Bada bing! You have handmade ornaments!
For the gift wrapping, we want to get a little fancier and add in the cinnamon sticks and rosemary twigs. Essentially the same steps as above, just add in the sticks to top the orange slice and weave back into the remaining twine on the package, almost like tying a bow at the top.
Your holidays will smell fresh, and during this Covid time they’ll have that added sense of cleanliness! Bonuses all around.