Making crafts to give as gifts, make extra money, or to decorate the home can be fun, simple, and easy. With a few simple supplies, a craft business can be up and running in no time. No desire to sell the crafts? Make up some decorations with these craft ideas and give them away as gifts for wedding and bridal showers, Mother's Day gifts, or even Christmas. Keep a few to decorate for yourself, as well.
Food Dehydrators
Food dehydrators come in a variety of styles, colors, and prices. Decide which dehydrator will work the best for what crafts will be made. When making crafts as gifts, a simple dehydrator will do the trick. If planning to sell the crafts, a dehydrator that will hold more fruit and dry faster will be the best bet.
Many department stores carry dehydrators, but before heading out to buy one check online first. Shopping online will give you a broader idea of what types of dehydrators are available and help in the decision of which one would be preferred. Look for one that has a temperature control.
Dry Fruit for Making Crafts
Different types of fruit will require different drying times. Also, the thickness of each slice will alter drying time. Fruit such as: apples, oranges, and pears make beautiful craft decorations. Follow these directions for drying apples:
Supplies:
- red, green, or yellow apples (all three, if desired)
- knife
- 2 cups lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons salt
- paper towels
- sealing spray
When making dried fruit pieces for crafts, do not core the fruit. The core gives the finished piece a more country feel. Using a sharp knife, cut the apple in half. Start at the top of the apple next to the stem and slice down. Continue slicing the apple in this manner with pieces approximately 1/4” inch thick.
Pour lemon juice and salt into a medium bowl, drop in apple slices to soak for about 10 minutes. Be sure the apple slices are covered by the mixture. Remove slices after 10 minutes and pat dry on a paper towel. Lay slices onto dehydrator racks and turn temperature to 150 degrees. Let dry for about 3 to 4 hours, then turn temperature to 125 degrees until apple slices are dry. If slices begin to curl up on edges during drying, simply flip them over.
Oranges and Scented Fruit for Craft Ideas
Drying oranges is similar to drying apples. The only difference is they do not need to be soaked in the lemon and salt mixture. Simply cut the oranges cross-wise and lay on dehydrating racks. Dry as above.
To make dried fruit with scent, simply add a sprinkle of spice mixture containing cloves and cinnamon before adding the slices to the dehydrator. The spice mixture will make the home smell delicious while the fruit is being dehydrated.
Wreaths and Swags
To make a wreath out of dried fruit, cut a piece of craft wire about 24 inches long. Next, fold the dried fruit in half, then fold it into quarters. Push the craft wire through the center of the folded pieces. Continue until the wire is completely packed full leaving only enough wire on the ends to turn up and lock together. Make a loop at the top of the wreath for hanging. Add a raffia bow and the piece is complete. The wreath can be a circle or a heart shape.
To make a swag using the dehydrated fruit, cut a piece of jute twine about 3 feet long. Hot glue torn fabric to the center of the twine. Make loops on both ends of the twine for hanging and add a bow on each end. Hot glue dehydrated pieces onto the twine, let dry, and hang. Another way is to use the same method as with the wreath by folding the dried fruit. Just wait to add the bows until the end. Wire is also better for threading the pieces on.
Try different ways to use the dried fruit. Add them to bowls to scent a room or add them to the base of candles for a country look. Spray the pieces of dried fruit with a sealer two times and let dry between coats for a lasting craft decoration. For Christmas, tie a bow through a dried orange piece and make an ornament for the tree. The fruit will last for years if they have been sealed.
Annette Phillips - Annette Phillips is the Topic Editor for Natural Disasters. Phillips is also the author of Willow's Ride and a licensed Cosmetologist.
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