How to Make a Dried Orange Wreath with Cardboard
A dried orange wreath looks intricate, but its base can be something as ordinary as a piece of cardboard. Cut a ring from a sturdy box, overlap the orange slices until the cardboard disappears, and finish with a simple ribbon. This is an easy natural Christmas decoration that needs no special wreath frame.
This flat, lightweight version is ideal for an interior door or wall. The most important step is making sure the orange slices are completely dry before attaching them.
What You Need
• Sturdy cardboard, two circular objects to trace, pencil, scissors or a craft knife and cutting mat
• Around 25–40 fully dried orange slices for a 25–30 cm wreath
• Hot-glue gun or strong craft glue, ivory ribbon or twine for hanging
• Optional: smaller citrus slices to fill gaps
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Prefer ready-dried slices? You can use dried orange slices. For a deeper colour, try dried blood orange slices, or mix in a few dried grapefruit slices for a larger, paler variation. Check that the slices are completely dry before attaching them.
Prepare the Orange Slices
Cut oranges into even slices, about 3–5 mm thick, and blot away excess juice. Dry them in a dehydrator or low oven, turning occasionally, until they feel dry throughout rather than soft or sticky. Drying time varies with slice thickness and equipment. Let them cool and rest somewhere dry overnight. If a slice still feels damp at the centre, dry it for longer. Discard any slices showing mould.
How to Make a Dried Orange Wreath with Cardboard
1. Cut a Sturdy Cardboard Ring
Trace a large circle on cardboard, then a smaller circle inside it. An outer diameter of about 25–30 cm and a ring width of 5–7 cm provide enough surface for the slices. Cut out the ring. If the cardboard bends easily, glue two identical rings together and let them dry flat.
2. Add the Hanger First
Loop ribbon or twine around the top of the cardboard and tie it securely, keeping the knot at the back. The cardboard should carry the wreath’s weight, rather than a glued orange slice. Test how it hangs before covering the ring.
3. Arrange the Slices Without Glue
Lay the slices around the ring, overlapping them slightly like roof tiles. Use larger pieces in the first layer and save smaller ones for gaps. Rotate them until the cardboard is hidden from the front and the wreath looks balanced. Take a quick photograph of your arrangement before gluing.
4. Glue the First Layer
Work a few slices at a time. Apply a small amount of glue where each slice meets the cardboard and press gently. With hot glue, take care not to burn your fingers. With craft glue, keep the wreath flat until it has cured. Avoid visible blobs of glue in the translucent centres.
5. Fill Gaps and Finish
Add a few slices over visible cardboard or thin areas. You need not stack every slice: too many layers add weight and hide the citrus pattern. Let the glue cure fully, then lift the wreath gently and check for loose pieces. Finish with a bow if you like.
Where to Hang and Store It
Hang the wreath indoors in a dry place, away from condensation, direct heat and open flames. Humidity can soften dried citrus and cardboard, while strong sunlight may fade the colour. At the end of the season, wrap it loosely in tissue and store it flat in a dry box. Check it before reusing it.
Simple Variations
Mix orange with dried lemon or blood orange for a subtle change in colour. Make a miniature version for a cupboard door, or use a wider cardboard ring for a fuller look. Keep heavier additions to a minimum so the ring remains flat.
For a more three-dimensional alternative, see my guide to making a natural wreath base from garden cuttings.
For another way to use the same dried slices, try this pinecone and dried orange garland.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh orange slices?
No. Fresh slices contain too much moisture and may spoil against the cardboard. Dry them completely first.
2. How many slices do I need?
Start with about 25–40 for a 25–30 cm wreath. The number depends on slice size, ring width and how much you overlap them.
3. Which glue works best?
Hot glue holds quickly. Strong craft glue can work too if you leave the wreath flat until fully cured. Test a spare slice first.
4. Can I hang it outdoors?
This cardboard version is best indoors. Rain and humidity can soften the citrus and weaken the base.
5. How long will it last?
Thoroughly dried slices should look good through the Christmas season in a dry room. Inspect them before displaying the wreath again next year.
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