DIY Gilded Dried Grapefruit Slices

Create easy DIY fall decor with fruit!  This tutorial for DIY gilded dried grapefruit slices is sure to help you bring in the new season with gusto!

I am super excited about this project today!  It’s been on my mind the entire summer and I’m so happy how it turned out.  Fall decor tends to weight heavily on warm colors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have any shiny metallics.  These diy gilded dried grapefruit slices are the best of both worlds.  They are easy to make and so versatile for your fall decorating.  Don’t believe me?  Just you wait and see friends.  I have a few projects coming up this fall season that will give you plenty of uses for these diy gilded dried grapefruit slices.

DIY Gilded Dried Grapefruit Slices

What You Need:

• Grapefruits
• Parchment paper
• Gold leaf sheets
• Mod Podge
• Sponge brush

To make dry the grapefruit slices, cut 1-2 grapefruits into 1/4 inch slices.  If you have a mandolin, you may be able to get even thinner slices!  Lay the grapefruit slices on parchment paper covering a cookie sheet.  Place in a preheated oven set on it’s lowest setting (mine was set on 175F) and bake for 4-5 hours.  Flip each slice every hour while baking.  If the edges start turning inward or are too brown, you’ve let it bake too long.  You can also air dry the grapefruit slices, but expect it to take 3-5 days.

Adding the gold leaf to the dried grapefruit slices is super easy.  Simply apply a bit of mod podge to the desired area of the dried grapefruit slice using a sponge brush.  Don’t forget about the edges of the grapefruit slice.  Let the glue dry for about 2-3 minutes.

Now flip the glue sided grapefruit slice onto the gold leaf paper.  Press the grapefruit gently onto the gold leaf paper and drag the slice off.  I found this way was so much easier and less messy!  Use the sponge brush to gently press any loose pieces of gold leaf onto the grapefruit slice.

Let them sit for another minute before using and that’s it!

I just adore these gilded dried grapefruit slices.  You can do so much with them.  I’m using a few to decorate my fall tablescape.  Here is a peak of it!

If grapefruit doesn’t float your boat, you can always use other citrus fruits like lemons, limes, or oranges to create this look.  I’m looking forward to sharing the other projects I made with these diy gilded dried grapefruit slices with you.  What would you do with them?  Share your ideas in the comments below!

Happy decorating!

Remember to pin this post to your Fall Decorating or DIY Entertaining Ideas board!