Dried Orange Wreath With Natural Decorations

 

Supplies: 

• Grapevine wreath or wire wreath frame (HERE AND HERE)
• Orange slices - navel oranges and blood oranges
• Whole dried mandarins
• Walnuts in the shell
• Acorns - (FAUX - BUY HERE)
• Cinnamon sticks
• Star anise
• Champagne-colored craft paint - or paint of your choice
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Paint brush
• Floral wire (optional)
• Surebonder glue pot (optional) - (BUY HERE)
• Ribbon

I prefer a grapevine wreath because its rustic look works well with dried oranges and other natural elements. You can also use a wire frame if you have it on hand. Wrap the wire frame with burlap before creating this wreath.

 

Step 1: Paint the Walnuts  

Start gilding the walnuts using champagne-colored craft paint. You can completely cover them or let some of the natural color show through.  Allow the walnuts to dry completely before assembling the wreath. I like to make this wreath on a flat surface so everything is easy to see and reach.

Step 2: Attach the Orange Slices

Begin adding the dried orange slices to the grapevine wreath using hot glue. Work in smaller sections, placing the slices close together and overlapping them slightly. I like using dried orange slices in different sizes because the variation gives the orange slice wreath a natural look. You don't need to make the arrangement perfectly uniform. Cindy's Tip: Floral wire is another option when you want to attach an individual slice and have a little more flexibility while arranging the wreath. 

Step 3: Attach the Whole Mandarin Oranges

Next, add the whole mandarins to the wreath. These larger pieces give the orange farmhouse wreath dimension and balance the flat shape of the dried orange slices. A hot glue gun will work for attaching the mandarins. I used my Surebonder glue pot because I find it faster when adding larger pieces to a project. Dip the mandarin in the glue pot, add glue to the back, press it onto the grapevine wreath, and hold until it sets. I like placing the mandarins between the dried citrus slices rather than grouping them. Using different sizes throughout the entire wreath creates a more natural arrangement.

How to Dry Whole Mandarins

To dry whole mandarins or clementines, use a sharp knife to cut through the peel at four points: 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. Roll each mandarin on a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Place them on a wire rack over a baking tray or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Dry them at a low temperature, about 200 F, for 4 hours, rotating them halfway through the drying process.  

Step 4: Add the Walnuts and Cinnamon

Now it's time to add the painted walnuts and cinnamon sticks. The champagne-painted walnuts are a great addition to the dried citrus. Use hot glue to secure the walnuts beside the citrus slices. Then add cinnamon sticks throughout the wreath. I tucked them between the dried oranges and the walnuts, then placed them in a pattern. The dry oranges, cinnamon, walnuts, and a grapevine base give this DIY Christmas wreath a rustic look.  

Step 5: Add Star Anise

Star anise is one of my favorite natural items to pair with dry oranges. The little star shapes add an interesting detail and a woodsy fragrance. Glue a star anise over the small holes on top of the orange slices.  Look at the entire wreath as you work and fill any open areas of the orange farmhouse wreath. Using natural items in different sizes helps keep the wreath looking natural.

Step 6: Add the Acorns

I love using preserved acorns in my decorating because I can collect and preserve them and use them year after year. Lightly dry brush them in the champagne-colored paint gives the acorns a little detail while preserving their natural look. To dry brush the acorns, dip just the tip of the brush into the paint and wipe off most of the paint on a paper towel. Lightly brush the surface of the acorns, allowing the natural color to show. Use a glue gun to attach the acorns to open areas. This is the perfect way to make this a rustic and natural orange decoration. If you collect your own acorns, see mt tutorial on how to clean and preserve acorns before using them in your projects or home decor. (HERE) Cindy's Note: For me, this is what sustainable decorating is about: using nature, preserving pieces I can reuse, and creating decorations that can be enjoyed for multiple seasons. 

Step 7: Add Ribbon and Hang the Orange Farmhouse Wreath

Once all the natural elements are attached, add your ribbon to the top of the wreath, then hang it from the top of the door or a protected front door. Rather than a traditional red or a piece of gray buffalo check, I like using lace or velvet ribbon for a little contrast against the grapevine base. This wreath is beautiful for fall and Christmas decorating. The natural colors and textures make it easy to enjoy throughout the holiday season and winter.