Stop Tossing Pomegranate Peels: Turn Them Into Whimsical Decor For Your Home

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There are a lot of DIY projects that allow you to take common items and turn them into whimsical hanging decor. One of those projects is making your own garland at home. If you enjoy using things you have on hand already for your DIYs, one option is to make a dried fruit garland. Instead of throwing out the skin of a pomegranate, you can turn them into a whimsical decor piece that's customizable and can add a pop of freshness in any room.

To make a dried fruit garland, you'll want fresh pomegranate (or at least the skin of one). From there, you'll need a small cookie cutter, a fork, parchment paper, a baking sheet, a cutting board, small metal hooks (or you could use safety pins), a length of cord for the garland, and a knife. For this project, a small star cookie cutter is used, but feel free to mix and match shapes. You can even use different size stars to add to the whimsy of the decor.

You can also use a simple, pre-made garland strand, like a Boao Wool Felt Ball Garland, instead of starting the project from scratch. If you have a dehydrator, that will make this project faster and easier, but you can also dry the fruit in the oven. And while this does feel a bit whimsical, it's also a unique DIY garland that's perfect for minimalists and complements various styles.

To get started with this project, cut your pomegranate peels into medium to large pieces, big enough for the shape of your cookie cutters. Using a small star cookie cutter, cut out as many stars as you can before using the fork to punch two small holes through the skin. 

Place the parchment paper on the cookie sheet, then lay out your peels so that they can go into the oven to dry. You'll want the peels spaced out so that they are able to dry evenly without burning. Bake them for roughly 15 minutes at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you will want to check to make sure that they are fully dry before using them. 

To prevent curling, flip the star-shaped peel about halfway through the process. Once completely dry, take the pomegranate pieces and add it to the metal hook or safety pin through one of the holes you punched through with the fork. Finally, string the hook to the cord or garland you're using. Repeat the process until you like the look of the garland.

There are unique ways to style your garland for a fresh look. Cutting the pomegranate peel into various shapes, like hearts or spirals, is one way to add a whimsical touch to your decor. Another option is to pair the peels with different fruits and berries to add more color and texture to your garland. Plus, the pomegranate peel stars can be used for more than just garland. Use them as a simple hanging ornament or in a bowl of potpourri, with the stars sitting on top things like cinnamon sticks and mini pinecones. Or, try adding the stars to a small jar as part of a centerpiece or around a decorative tray.

When drying fruit to use as decor, there are a few things to consider to get the most out of these natural items. In general, the dried fruit and skins can last up to two years, as long as they were properly prepared. No matter what fruit you're using, it has to be completely dehydrated to prevent mold growth. Another thing to consider is that any lingering liquid will attract bugs. 

Over time, the fragrant scent from the drying process will eventually fade, as will any color left behind, especially if the fruit pieces are put near windows. On top of the natural fading that occurs, any humidity in the air can cause the dried fruit to go bad as well. However, if you want to use these stars as a seasonal decor item, store them in an airtight container after you're done displaying them, to help preserve the peels so it can be used again.