Let’s play a word association game. What is 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 a food dehydrator use?
In fact, quite a few. Here are 10 ideas * to get you started.
- Dried apples aren’t just for eating. Cut the apples into rings, sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg if desired, and dehydrate. Arrange them on a piece of jute cord, alternating with other dried fruits, nuts, cinnamon sticks, and strips of colored fabric tied in bows. Tie a knot at each end of the cord or tie the ends together. Hang it on a wall, on a door or window, on a curtain rod. Place it on a mantel or shelf.
- Fill a large decorative jar with dried fruits, nuts, berries, flowers, and corn husks. Seal with an airtight lid. Place it on a shelf, sideboard, or table for a rustic look.
- Don’t throw away your bouquets! Dehydrate them while they still have color, then use them in arrangements, crowns, 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 twine, then place them in a vase, pitcher, or crock. Glass jars can hold treasures like homemade trail mix, dried fruit slices, and yogurt caramel. A nice bowl could contain potpourri.
- Glue dried flowers, nuts, fruits, and seed pods in wooden letters, then paint if desired. Attach the letters to a wooden base for added stability. Spell your name to create a unique stationery plaque. Use thicker pieces of wood for individual, independent 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 cleaning.
- Dough art is a fun way to get the whole family into crafting! With a basic recipe and a little imagination, you can produce dozens of dough toppers, plates, and figures, perfect for any occasion! Using your dehydrator prevents the cracking, baking, breaking, and browning that can occur in the oven. When your work is dry, it is ready to be painted and sealed.
- Make your own edible cake toppers ahead of time. Scoop the frosting onto solid tray liners or plastic wrap, then dehydrate. Have flowers, swirls, strings, and dots ready when you need them!
- A simple wooden frame becomes a work of art when you put dehydrated items on it. Customize the frame to complement the image it will contain.
- Dried citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits) are interesting decorations. Thin slices tied with gold or silver cord can be hung on a Christmas tree or window. Use whole fruits as candle holders, paint them or carve whimsical faces, or use them as air fresheners. You can even use the shells to make dolls and small animals.
With summer yard sales and fairs, fall bazaars and craft sales, and winter holidays, now is a great time for crafting. What will your next project be?
* Some of these items may be large and require removable trays and doors for maximum drying space. Make sure of the capacity and capabilities of your dehydrator before starting your project.