18. Dried Apple Wreaths
Dried apple wreaths are a traditional harvest craft that fills the home with a warm, nostalgic scent. This project involves slicing, drying, and threading, offering a wonderful opportunity to teach children about traditional food preservation methods while creating a beautiful, rustic piece of home decor.
An adult should slice red and green apples horizontally to reveal the beautiful star pattern in the center seed cavity. Soak the slices in a mixture of lemon juice and salt to prevent browning, then pat them dry. Bake the slices on a low oven setting or use a dehydrator until they are dry and leathery. Once cooled, children can thread the dried apple slices onto a sturdy piece of craft wire bent into a circle, alternating them with dried bay leaves and cinnamon sticks. Twist the wire ends together and cover with a festive burlap bow.