In the spirit of homemade gifts and festive crafts, creating your own cinnamon ornaments is a delightful way to spend an afternoon, especially during the holiday season. Not only do these ornaments add a rustic charm to your Christmas tree or home decor, but they also fill your space with the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon. This guide outlines 5 easy steps to DIY your cinnamon ornaments, ensuring a fun and fragrant crafting experience. Here's how you can create these aromatic decorations:
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
- 1 cup ground cinnamon
- 1 cup applesauce
- 2 tablespoons white glue
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Parchment paper or wax paper
- Straw or skewer
- String or ribbon
- Baking sheets
- Oven or alternative drying method (like a dehydrator or air-drying)
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Mix the cinnamon, applesauce, and glue in a large bowl. Stir until you have a consistency similar to clay or playdough. If the mixture is too dry, add a bit more applesauce; if it’s too wet, sprinkle in some additional cinnamon. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and pliable.
Step 3: Roll and Cut Your Shapes
On a sheet of parchment or wax paper, roll out your dough to about 1⁄4 inch thickness. Here’s where you can get creative:
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes like stars, angels, hearts, or traditional Christmas figures.
- Press patterns into the dough if desired, using the blunt end of a skewer or a patterned rolling pin.
- Ensure to use a straw or skewer to punch a hole near the top of each ornament for hanging.
🔹 Note: Make sure your dough isn't too thin; ornaments that are less than 1/4 inch thick might crack while drying.
Step 4: Dry Your Ornaments
There are several methods to dry your cinnamon ornaments:
- Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Place your shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 2-3 hours, turning them over halfway through to ensure even drying.
- Air Dry: If you prefer to air dry, place the ornaments on a cooling rack or cookie sheet in a warm, dry place for 3-5 days, turning occasionally.
- Dehydrator: If you have a food dehydrator, this is a perfect alternative to oven drying. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for time and temperature.
Make sure your ornaments are completely dry to prevent mold. You might notice they darken slightly as they dry.
Step 5: Decorate and Display
Once your ornaments are dry and cool:
- Thread a string or ribbon through the hole for hanging. Use small pliers or a needle if the hole has closed up.
- Optionally, you can enhance your ornaments with additional decorations like:
- A drop of clear varnish for a glossy finish.
- Add glitter for some sparkle, but be mindful that this can reduce the cinnamon scent.
Hang your ornaments on your tree, along garlands, or in places where their scent can enhance your holiday atmosphere. They not only look beautiful but also bring a subtle, natural fragrance to your home.
This DIY project is not just about crafting; it's about creating memorable moments and adding a personal touch to your holiday decorations. Whether you're making them for your own home, as gifts, or for a festive party activity, cinnamon ornaments are a charming, sensory experience. Let the crafting begin, and enjoy the warmth and scent they bring to your festive celebrations!
How long do cinnamon ornaments last?
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If stored in an airtight container or sealed bag, cinnamon ornaments can last for several years, retaining their scent for about a year before it starts to fade.
Can I use other spices with cinnamon?
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Yes, you can experiment with other spices like ginger, nutmeg, or allspice. Just ensure the dough remains pliable by adjusting the spice-to-applesauce ratio.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
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If your dough feels sticky, add more cinnamon or even flour, a little at a time, until it’s easier to work with. Avoid overdoing it to keep the dough’s scent strong.
