Let’s play a word association game. What’s the first thing you think of when I say “dehydrator”?
Long term food storage? survival food? Fruit leather? Dried meat? Craft projects?
Wait – “Craft projects?” From a food dehydrator? What kinds of craft projects can use a food dehydrator?
Quite a few, actually. Here are 10 ideas* to get you started.
- Dried apples are not just for eating. Cut apples into rings, sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg if desired, and dehydrate. String them on a piece of jute string, alternating with other dried fruits, nuts, cinnamon sticks, and colorful strips of fabric tied into bows. Tie a knot at each end of the rope or tie the ends together. Hang it on a wall, above a door or window, over a curtain rod. Place it on a mantel or mantel.
- Fill a large decorative jar with dried fruits, nuts, berries, flowers, and corn husks. Seal it with an airtight lid. Place it on a mantelpiece, sideboard, or table for a rustic look.
- Don’t throw away your flower bouquets! Dehydrate them while they’re still colored, then use them in arrangements, wreaths, or potpourri. You can dry the entire flower or just the petals.
- Dress up your garage sale, bazaar or craft sale items. Tie the dried flowers together with some ribbon or string, then place them in a vase, pitcher, or crock. Mason jars can hold treasures like homemade trail mix, trail fruit slices, and yogurt caramels. A pretty bowl can hold potpourri.
- Glue dried flowers, nuts, fruit, and seed pods onto wooden letters, then paint if desired. Attach the letters to a wooden base for added stability. Spell out your name for a unique desk plaque. Use thicker pieces of wood for individual, free-standing letters.
- Use your dehydrator as a quick way to dry papier-mâché, clay figures, or plaster of paris. Tip: You may want to line the bottom of your dehydrator with sheets of parchment paper or a tray liner for easy cleanup.
- Dough art is a fun way to get the whole family started crafting! With a basic recipe and a little imagination, you can create dozens of dough ornaments, plates, and figures—perfect for any occasion! Using your dehydrator prevents cracking, baking, splitting, and browning that can happen in the oven. When your work is dry, it is ready to be painted and sealed.
- Make your own edible cake decorations ahead of time. Pipe the glaze onto solid tray liners or sheets of plastic wrap, then dehydrate. Have flowers, swirls, ropes, and dots ready when you need them!
- A simple wooden frame becomes a work of art when dehydrated elements are placed on it. Customize the frame to complement the image you will have.
- Dried citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit) make interesting garnishes. Thin slices tied with gold or silver cord can be hung on a Christmas tree or in a window. Use whole fruits as candle holders, paint or carve whimsical faces on them, or arrange them as air fresheners. You can even use the shells to make little dolls and animals.
With yard sales and fairs in the summer, bazaars and craft sales in the fall, and festivities in the winter, now is a great time to craft. What will your next project be?
*Some of these items may be large and require pull-out trays and a door to maximize drying space. Make sure of the capacity and capabilities of your dehydrator before starting your project.
