Valentine’s Day is such a lovely holiday. In Mexico we call it Day of Love and Friendship. I love hearts and all the décor that comes with it. However, many of the décor is disposable, and even most things you can basically only use them once. I wanted to create something either made of paper, or even something sustainable and biodegradable! I saw this cute idea from Valerie Garcia back in December. She used orange peel to make gift tags! So I thought I could follow her lead and make a dry orange peel heart garland for Valentine’s Day!
You’ll need:
- 4-5 navel oranges (big oranges work better)
- Heart shaped cookie cutter
- Jute cord or cotton string
- Cooling rack and baking sheet
Preheat oven at 200°F (90°C). Cut the ends of your oranges, and slice the peel lengthwise. Peel it off carefully so that the peel stays as whole as possible. This way you’ll have more area to work with.
Place the orange peel with its inside up on a cutting board. Use a sharp cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes. Press hard with your palm to get an even cut. Place the hearts on a cooling rack on a baking sheet, or on your baking sheet using some parchment paper.
Place the tray in the oven, and bake for about 2h.
Remove from the oven, and use a needle and jute cord or cotton cord to string your hearts and form a garland as long as you need it. Et voilà! Your garland is ready to make your place look more charming!
NOTES:
* I recommend using bigger oranges so that you get more material to work with. Even bring your cookie cutter to the store, and buy some that are good for its size
* Don’t be tempted to add more temperature to the oven
* If you don’t have a cooling rack, don’t forget to use parchment paper on your baking sheet so that the shapes don’t get stuck on it
* Play around with this sustainable idea! You can buy grapefruit, red oranges, or even limes!
The best part about this DIY is that it is completely sustainable, biodegradable, and you get to eat your oranges! Click here to see what I did with mine. Also, you can totally adapt your garland to any other holiday. And even make ornaments and gift tags for Christmas!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
♡ Michelle | con limón, please
Some other garlands I’ve made before:
Other St. Valentine’s ideas:
St. Valentine’s Day date idea at home
St. Valentine’s Day snack idea: St. Valentine’s popcorn
*
*
*
*
*
For some more St. Valentine’s Day craft ideas go see what my friends shared!
DIY Valentine’s Day Welcome Sign For Front Door by Cameron
Toddler Valentine’s LOVE Art by Amy
Paper Hearts by Stephanie
Valentine’s Day Craft: Thumbprint Tree by Ally
DIY Valentine’s Day banner by Cammie
Simple Valentine’s Day Toddler Craft: Heart-Shaped Shortbread Cookies by Kirsten
Colorful Heart Garland for DIY Valentine’s Photos by Amy
Valentine DIY decor by Kimberly
Valentine’s Day Craft by Christa
Valentine Love Wands by mamallamallama
Yarn Crafts Valentines Edition by Stephanie
DIY Valentine’s Day Tree Decor by Alex
Valentines Day Craft for Kids by Alexa
Valentine’s Day Activities for Toddlers by Surabhi
conlimonplease.com 
I adore this project! So sweet! Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
I love How this turned out! So creative girl!!!
LikeLike
Love the recyclable diy..Best part is that it’s biodegradable.
LikeLike
This is such a good idea! Love that it’s biodegradable! I don’t know if I’d be able to get through this without my daughter eating all of it haha.
LikeLike
This is just brilliant! Sustainability and mindful practices are so important, and this is a gorgeous solution!
LikeLike
This craft is so neat! A beautiful, sustainable and delicious one!
LikeLike
Love it! Extra special that it is biodegradable
LikeLike
That is such a great idea and it will make the space smell fresh and sweet!
LikeLike
I love your creative ideas! And another one made with oranges so the scent will be divine!
LikeLike
Love that these are sustainable and biodegradable, plus just totally adorable. We buy lots of oranges for my daughter so I’ll definitely be trying this out with the peels! 🙌
LikeLike
I like this idea of using what you have and creating such a cute garland!
LikeLike
This is the most amazing Vday craft I would keep up wayyyy past Valentine’s Day because it’s so cute & cozy! Love it!
LikeLike
This is the most darling Valentine’s Day DIY ever! I would keep it up wayyy past Vday 🙂 Love it!
LikeLike
This is such a creative idea! It turned out so cute!
LikeLike
This is such a creative and great idea! I bet your house smelled wonderful and I love that it’s biodegradable.
LikeLike
I love this idea! I feel like you can use it for other holidays too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! Any theme!
LikeLike
I love this idea! I feel like you can use it for other holidays too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the smell of dried oranges and never thought to cut out the peels for fun shapes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh definitely!
LikeLike