Turn an Orange Peel Into a Lantern (Really!)

3 Materials

10 Minutes

Easy

It sounds strange but, yes, I made candles out of oranges, using just the peel and some olive oil. It's a really fun, easy project, and I'm sharing it with you just in time for those long summer nights. Plus, you can still eat the orange, so it's completely eco-friendly!

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

orange peel lantern, crafts, how to, repurposing upcycling

I used some oranges I had laying around, a sharp paring knife, and some olive oil. I think it's very possible that the candles would have burnt longer if I used better oil, but this is what I had on hand. Step 2: Cut the Orange Peel in Half

I didn't want to cut the whole orange in half, because then it would be tough to pry the skin away from the fruit in the next step. Instead, I cut only a little deeper in than the peel of the orange, so that only the outside was halved.

I turned it so that the stem side (pictured above) was face up. This is the end that will have the wick in it. Step 3: Remove the Top Half of the Peel

I slid my thumb inside the top half of the orange peel, then went around and around prying it away from the fruit, until it was completely loosened on all sides. I found on some of the oranges that it was helpful to separate all the down to the base - in those instances, I used my index finger to reach inside.

When it was loosened enough, I gently pulled off the top half of the peel. Much to my excitement, I found right there in the bottom of the peel a cute little wick standing up ready to become my candle. Step 4: Fill Your Peel with Oil

Next, I poured olive oil in the peel cup, about 2/3 of the way up the wick. I made sure to get the wick nice and soaked as I poured, so that it would light more easily. I then gave it a few minutes to let the oil soak into the wick. Step 5: Make a Fun Top (Optional)

While the oil was soaking into the wick, I decided to pry the other half of the peel off my orange to make a cute lantern top. I laid it open side down on a cutting board, then used a knife to punch my shape into it. You can cut all sorts of fun shapes out of the top - I chose a few easy designs for my first attempt.

Now, just sit your lantern top over you burning candle and enjoy the aromatic, citrus glow! Maybe munch on some fresh cut orange slices while you relax...?

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1 question

Tina on May 10, 2020

How long does the candle burn?, And could you use torch oil to repel mosquitoes? Love this idea . The smell of orange is so so energizing...

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2 of 3 comments

Patricia ruffino on Feb 20, 2022

awesome idea, maybe a drop or two of essential oils would enhance the sent.

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Jo on Mar 04, 2022

I love this ideas. Maybe I will try it .

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Turn an Orange Peel Into a Lantern (Really!)

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