A number of years ago, I had purchased some okra, dried it, and painted Santa faces on it. But, it was a bit of a disappointment. I purchased the largest, fresh okra I could find, but after drying it, I ended up with a lot of tiny Santas.
Okra in the garden
This past summer I grew okra for the first time. I harvested them before they got large and tough, but a few of them got away from me and were inedible. So I thought I would try the Santa ornaments again. This time they were a success! A few of the Santas are 10″ long.
Drying the Okra
To make the ornaments, simply hang the fresh okra until dry. Then use acrylic paint to decorate your Santa. I added cornmeal to white paint for the fur on the hat, and for Santa’s eyebrows, mustache, and beard.
Santa Okra
After painting, hang your ornaments to dry. They make lovely gifts, and will be admired on your Christmas tree!
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Make Your Own Evergreen Wreath for Christmas
Thank you for visiting Learning And Yearning. May "the LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Num 6:24-26
Leah says
those are absolutely adorable!!!! i love them! you seriously amaze me with your creativity 🙂
learningandyearning says
Thank you, Leah! I enjoy this like you enjoy writing!
Nicole Kawawaki says
Again, with the creativity! I want one!
learningandyearning says
I did not make this up, so I can’t really claim the creative title. They are quite easy to make. Wish we could get together and make a few!
Jennifer Ward-Pelar says
That is the coolest thing! How long do they last–the Santas? And the okra in the garden was just beautiful!!
learningandyearning says
Thanks, Jennifer! As long as the ornaments are stored in a dry location, they should last indefinitely. The little ones I made 8 or so years ago still look like new.
Jennifer Ward-Pelar says
Oh! That is so amazing! I can’t wait to grow okra this year!!
learningandyearning says
The only problem is that the okra is so good that you may never save any for Santas. It was only because 4 of them got too large that I didn’t eat every last one! The variety I grew is a Russian Red Okra but the green variety should be just as good.
Jennifer Ward-Pelar says
The red variety is so pretty. I heard it has to be really hot for okra to grow. We’re in south GA this year so it shouldn’t be a problem. I’ve never grown it before but my mom used to when we were little. We used to pick it when we were little before school in the field. I remember the moldy dew got on my school jeans and I was so grossed out!
learningandyearning says
Oh, I’m sure okra will thrive in GA! I’m in NE Pennsylvania. We live at a higher elevation and Spring comes two weeks later than in the valley just 10 minutes away. But we have a bit of a micro-climate next to our garage. It is south facing and the garage holds the heat and protects it from wind. The okra loved that spot! Sounds like your mom provided some good memories for you!
Jennifer Ward-Pelar says
The garage spot sounded perfect. Are you going to grow it again this year?
My husband is from Pennsylvania! Latrobe.
learningandyearning says
I definitely will grow it again. It is honestly the most beautiful vegetable I’ve ever grown, and we just love eating it, especially grilled. Looks like we are in the opposite corners of the state! My husband and I both grew up in Scranton and we haven’t moved far. Does he still have family there?
Jennifer Ward-Pelar says
ALL his family is there but his parents. We know Scranton from The Office! We’re big fans, espcecially when it snows on the show! 🙂 He wants to know if you’re Steelers fans. Ha!
learningandyearning says
My husband is absolutely a Steelers fan! My son even has a terrible towel. LOL. It’s funny to see Scranton scenes in the opening of The Office. And, of course, they mention local businesses, etc. I rarely watch TV, though, and haven’t see it at all this season.
Jennifer Ward-Pelar says
From one terrible towel holder to another–Have a wonderful Christmas!
learningandyearning says
Awww. Kindred spirits! HaHa. Merry Christmas to you!
Tamara says
Love the Okra Santas. Do you have step-by-step instructions. I would love to make and share with my family and friends.
Susan says
Hmmm. Well, I just dried the okra by hanging it, and then painted each one with acrylic paint. I added some sand to some white paint to give the beard texture. That’s really about it. Hope they turn out great for you!
Yvette says
I over grew okra this year on purpose to do Santas, snowmen and angels. I will let you know how they turn out. Thanks for posting this.
Susan Vinskofski says
Enjoy!
Lauren says
Hi! About how long does it take to dry? Thanks!
Susan Vinskofski says
Depending on your climate, it could take 5 – 8 days to air dry.