Orange Slice and Paper Star Garlands for Kids That Glow Like Stained Glass

Dried orange slices glow like stained glass on a Christmas tree, and folded paper stars add the sparkle. An adult dries the slices low and slow in the oven while kids fold puffy lucky stars from paper strips. String the two together on twine for a garland that smells like Christmas morning.

What Supplies Do You Need?

• Oranges, 3 to 4 large
• Sharp kitchen knife (adult use only)
• Cutting board
• Paper towels
• Baking sheets, 2
• Parchment paper
• Oven
• Oven mitts
• Wire cooling rack
• Spatula
• Kitchen timer
• Stovetop
• Colored paper or cardstock
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Natural twine or yarn
• Blunt tapestry needle
• Clear tape
• Apron
• Airtight container or storage box

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How Does an Adult Dry the Orange Slices?

An adult handles the knife and the oven for every step. Slice the oranges 1/4 inch thick and pick out any seeds with the tip of the knife. Blot both sides of each slice with paper towels to remove extra juice. Line the baking sheets with parchment paper and lay the slices in a single layer. Bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 3 hours, flipping each slice with the spatula at the halfway mark. Set the kitchen timer so you check every hour. The slices are done when they feel dry and the edges curl slightly. Move them to the wire cooling rack with the oven mitts and cool completely.

How Do Kids Fold the Paper Stars?

Cut the colored paper into strips 1/2 inch wide and about 11 inches long, using the ruler and pencil to mark straight lines. Tie a loose knot near one end of a strip and press it flat into a pentagon shape. Fold the short end over the pentagon, then wrap the long strip around the pentagon, turning it to follow each edge. Tuck the leftover tail into the folds. Push each of the five edges in gently with a fingertip until the flat shape puffs into a star. Kids 6 and up can fold these with supervision after an adult demonstrates the first knot.

How Do You String the Garland?

Cut a length of twine about 6 feet long and thread the blunt tapestry needle. Push the needle through the flesh near the top edge of an orange slice, then through the center of a paper star, and keep alternating. If a star will not take the needle, attach it with a small loop of clear tape folded over the twine. Tie a knot at each end of the twine so pieces stay put, and trim the extra with scissors. Drape the finished strand over tree branches or across a mantel.

What Can Go Wrong (and How Do You Fix It)?

Slices that brown before the centers dry mean the oven runs hot, so lower the heat to 175 degrees and check sooner. Slices that still feel tacky after 3 hours need more time, so keep baking and check every 30 minutes until dry. Thick slices dry unevenly, so aim for a true 1/4 inch on the next batch. Stars that tear usually have a loose knot, so tie the first knot snug and press the pentagon flat before wrapping. A star that will not puff needs a gentler push on each edge with a fingertip.

How Do You Hang and Store the Garland?

Tie the ends of the twine around sturdy branches or drape the strand across a mantel, keeping it away from candles and heat vents. Fully dried orange slices last the whole season on the tree. After Christmas, store the garland in a dry storage box, or save the slices in the airtight container and the stars flat in the box for next year. Any slice that still feels tacky at the center goes back in the oven for another round before storing.

What Other Ornaments Can You Try?

For a different folded star style, our paper star ornaments from grocery bags use brown paper and glue. For another food-based garland, our popcorn and cranberry garland strings on the same kind of twine. For a paper chain the family builds together, try our paper chain Christmas countdown garland.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What age is this craft best for?

Kids ages 4 and up can fold the paper stars, with an adult tying the first knot for younger ones. Kids 6 and older usually fold the whole star on their own with supervision. The knife and the oven are adult-only for every step, including flipping the slices. Dried orange slices and folded stars are both small, so keep them away from children under 3 who still mouth objects.

How messy does it get?

Orange juice is the main mess. Slice on the cutting board and blot with paper towels, and have kids wear the apron for star folding too, since damp hands smudge the paper. Wipe the counter after slicing. Paper scraps from cutting strips sweep up easily. Wash hands after handling the orange slices so sticky juice does not transfer to the stars.

How long does it take?

Plan about 3 to 4 hours, but most of it is hands-off. Slicing and blotting take 15 minutes for an adult. The oven runs 2 to 3 hours while kids fold stars, which takes 20 to 40 minutes for 10 to 15 stars. Stringing takes 15 to 20 minutes. Start the slices first, fold stars during the bake, and string everything once the slices cool.

Is this craft safe?

Heat and the knife are the main hazards, and both are adult-only. An adult slices the oranges, loads and unloads the oven with oven mitts, and flips the slices. Hot baking sheets stay on the stovetop, never on the table edge. The blunt tapestry needle is for older kids with supervision. Folded stars and dried slices are small, so keep them from children under 3.

Be safe and have fun!