Making cinnamon-themed ornaments can be an exciting and imaginative method to add a bit of creativeness for your holiday decorations an original manner. These handcrafted decorations don’t just appear stunning, they can also give your home the sweet, welcoming scent of cinnamon. Whether you’re planning for Christmas, searching for something unique to gift, or want to experiment with an activity that is family-friendly and makes a statement, these cinnamon-scented ornaments are an ideal choice.
In this complete guide, we’ll go over everything you must know about creating cinnamon ornaments, ranging from their origins and benefits to step-by-step instructions, innovative variations, and common mistakes to avoid. Ultimately, you’ll be able to make gorgeous and fragrant decorations for the holiday season and beyond.
What Are Cinnamon Ornaments?
Cinnamon ornaments are unique Christmas decorations made from an easy dough comprised primarily of applesauce and cinnamon powder. Forming festive designs with cookie cutters and drying to keep them in good condition. These ornaments are great for decorating the Christmas tree, wreaths, and gift bags.
They provide a rustic, natural accent to your décor And function as a natural air purifier. The scent of cinnamon sticks for a long time after the holiday season, making your home feel festive for a few weeks.
This contemporary craft is rooted in the practice of using spices for decorations for the holidays. Per Better Homes & Gardens, cinnamon ornaments are an innovative version of traditional traditions that use aromatic materials like dried fruit and spices to decorate homes during the holidays.
Why Make Cinnamon Ornaments at Home?
Making your own cinnamon ornaments comes with numerous advantages:
- Cost-effective: With just a few of pantry items You can create beautiful decorations for half the cost of products that are sold in stores.
- Eco-friendly: The ornaments are made of biodegradable, natural ingredients, which makes them an eco-sustainable option.
- Flexible: You can customize the shape, scent, and decorations to fit your holiday theme.
- Familie Fun activity is simple and safe for children, making it an excellent bonding activity during the holiday season.
- Memorable Presents handmade ornaments add a personal gift that shows thoughtfulness and love.
If you’re searching for alternatives to eco-friendly and low-cost Christmas crafts, you could like The Good Housekeeping’s suggestions to be inspiring.
Essential Ingredients and Tools for Making Cinnamon Ornaments
- Ground Cinnamon Ground Cinnamon is the main ingredient that gives the ornaments structure and scent.
- Applesauce Binder: This binder assists in making a soft dough.
- White Glue: Enhances the durability of ornaments.
- Essential Oils: Increase the aroma with clove, nutmeg, and orange oil.
Tools:
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (stars, hearts, snowflakes, etc. )
- Straws or skewers are used for drilling holes
- Baking sheet, drying rack, or baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Twile, Ribbon, or hooks to hang
The tools you have in your arsenal can make crafting effortless and fun.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Ornaments
Making them is easy and enjoyable. This is a step-by-step guide to ensure your ornaments are perfect.
Mixing the Dough
- Mix 1 cup ground cinnamon with 3/4 cup applesauce in the bowl of a mixer.
- Mix until the mixture is an even dough. If the dough is too sticky and sticky, you can add more cinnamon. If it’s dry, add a tiny portion of applesauce.
Tips: Mix 2-3 spoons of white glue to increase durability. This allows the ornaments to retain their shape over time.
Rolling Out the Dough
- Sprinkle cinnamon lightly on the surface of your work area to avoid sticking.
- The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. More robust ornaments will last longer and dry more quickly.
Cutting Shapes
- Utilize cookie cutters to create festive designs like stars or trees. You can also make gingerbread, guys.
- Remove the extra dough and roll it again to create more ornaments.
Creating Holes
- Utilize a straw or Skewer to make a small hole at the top of each piece. It can be used to string twine or hang ribbons.
Drying the Ornaments
Dry your ornaments by two methods:
- Oven Drying Then, place ornaments on a parchment-lined baking pan and bake at 200 degrees F (93degC) for about 2 hours, turning halfway through.
- The process of air-drying: Allow the ornaments to dry at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours or until they have completely hardened.
Creative Ways to Decorate Cinnamon Ornaments
When your ornaments are dry, it’s time to put your personal finishing on them. Here are some decorating ideas to help you get inspired:
- Paint acrylic paint to create vibrant patterns such as polka dots, stripes, or holiday-themed designs.
- Glitter Paint ornaments using glue and sprinkle glitter to create glittery results.
- Stamped Design: Stamp rubber designs into the dough before drying to create intricate designs.
- Bows, ribbons, and bows Thread beautiful ribbons or even twine them into the hole to give the appearance of polishedness.
Pro Tip: To achieve rustic style, make sure the decor is simple and natural by knotting simple bows with raffia or twine.
The Benefits of Cinnamon Ornaments Beyond Decoration
Cinnamon ornaments don’t just look beautiful; they’re also practical and environmentally friendly. Here are a few other advantages:
- A natural, fresh air freshener with a sour scent makes a warm and inviting ambiance without using candles or artificial fragrances.
- Eco-friendly options are made from biodegradable material and are a renewable alternative to plastic ornaments.
- Unique keepsakes from hand-made objects have sentimental value and will be treasured for many years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cinnamon Ornaments
To make sure you succeed, stay clear of these pitfalls that are common to:
- Overworking the dough: Kneading too hard could make the dough hard and hard to roll.
- Rolling too thin Thin ornaments are more prone to cracking; therefore, aim for an average thickness of 1/8 inch.
- Skip the Sealant: Without an outer coating that protects the ornaments, they could absorb water and lose their shape in time.
- I Instability during the drying process The rush of drying could result in cracked or irregular ornaments.
If you keep these guidelines in mind, you’ll be able to achieve perfect results each time.
Nutrition and Servings for Cinnamon Ornaments
Servings
This recipe makes about 10-15 ornaments based on the dimensions of the designs you cut. The number of ornaments you get will vary when you use larger cookie cutters or roll the dough into a thicker layer.
Nutrition Information
Although cinnamon ornaments aren’t edible, Here’s a rough nutrition breakdown in case anyone is interested in the ingredients:
NutrientAmount (Per Ornament)
- Calories 10-15 (from applesauce and cinnamon)
- Total Fat 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Total Carbohydrates 3-5g
- Sugars 2-3g
- Protein 0g
Important Note
Cinnamon-based ornaments aren’t designed for consumption due to the large amount of cinnamon and the optional addition of glue. They are made solely for decoration and must be kept out of kitchens to avoid confusion.
How to Adjust for Larger Batches
If you want to create more ornaments, double or triple the recipe using the proportions of the same ingredients. Make sure you have plenty of space for drying and a workspace to accommodate large batches. The cutting and rolling times can be adjusted according to the amount of dough used.
FAQs About Cinnamon Ornaments
Why Add Glue to Cinnamon Ornaments?
Adding a tiny quantity of white glue (about 3-4 teaspoons) to the cinnamon dough can increase its durability. Glue is a binding agent, assisting the ornaments to hold their shape while drying and making them less susceptible to cracking with time.
Can You Use Other Spices Instead of Cinnamon?
Yes! Although it is one of the more popular options, you can also play around with other spices, such as:
- Nutmeg: For a warm, slightly sweet aroma.
- Cloves: Adds a deep, spicy scent.
- Allspice offers an earthy, complex scent.
- Mixing these spices with cinnamon could create a unique scent that is festive and festive.
Why Are My Cinnamon Ornaments Falling Apart?
Cinnamon ornaments can be damaged due to several reasons:
- The dough is too dry. Add additional applesauce or a splash of water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Rolled too thin. Ensure your dough is at least 1/4 inch thick to avoid cracking.
- Not enough glue: Using white glue can add durability and strength.
How Long Do Cinnamon Ornaments Last?
If properly cared for, the cinnamon ornaments will last long. To extend their lives:
- Save them in an airtight container in a cool, dry area.
- Do not expose them to humidity, as this can cause them to degrade.
When the aroma fades, make sure to refresh the scent by adding some drops of cinnamon essential oil.
Can You Paint Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments?
It is possible to paint after they’ve completely dry. Paint with acrylic paint to get the most effective results. Before painting, you must seal the surface using a clear spray to stop the paint from soaking into your ornament. After finishing the decoration of the ornament, a coat of sealant protects the paint and helps preserve the ornament.
Are Cinnamon Ornaments Safe for Pets or Kids?
Cinnamon decorations are safe for children and safe to craft with children. However, they aren’t food-safe due to their large amount of cinnamon and glue (if included). Ensure they are out of reach of pets and small children who may mistake them for cookies.
How to Make Cinnamon Stick Ornaments?
Cinnamon stick ornaments can be an alternative to decorations made of dough. Here’s how you can make these:
- Take cinnamon sticks and hot glue them in designs like snowflakes or stars.
- Decorate your ribbons with small ornaments as well as beads.
- Use Ribbon or twine to hang.
- The ornaments can be simple and add an authentic look to your home decor.
How Do You Preserve the Scent of Cinnamon Ornaments?
As time passes, the scent will disappear. To revive their scent:
- Add some drops of cinnamon essential oil onto the ornament’s surface.
- Keep the contents in containers along with dried cloves or cinnamon sticks in the off-season.
This will ensure that they smell festive all the time.
Do Cinnamon Ornaments Go Bad?
Cinnamon ornaments rarely go bad because they’re made of dried ingredients. However:
- If exposed to water, the cells may swell or change shape.
- Keep them in a dry, airtight storage container to stop their degradation.
Can I Use Powdered Cinnamon Instead of a Stick?
Yes! The powdered cinnamon is crucial to creating dough-based decorations since it can be easily mixed with applesauce and formed into the dough. Cinnamon sticks can be used to decorate things, such as making rustic ornaments or smelling them in storage bins.
Creative Uses for Cinnamon Ornaments
Cinnamon ornaments are highly adaptable. Here are some creative ways to make use of cinnamon ornaments:
- Tags for Gifts The gift tag should be written with the recipient’s name on the ornament and then attached to a gift wrap.
- Garlands: Connect multiple ornaments to create an attractive and fragrant garland.
- Table Decoration Table Decor: Put an ornament on each table place setting to give a thoughtful party favor.
- Hang them in your closet or car all year round to create a natural air purifier.
Explore the history of natural holiday decorations and their cultural significance
Cinnamon Ornament Ideas for Every Occasion
Although cinnamon ornaments are usually thought of as Christmas-related, they can be adapted to suit any event:
- V Valentine’s Day The heart-shaped ornaments are decorated with pink or red decorations.
- Easter Easter Egg and bunny shapes with pastel shades.
- Fall leaves and pumpkins in earthy, warm tones.
Conclusion: Why Cinnamon Ornaments Are a Holiday Must-Have
Cinnamon ornaments blend creativity, traditionality, style, and functionality with a delightful craft. Their rustic beauty and festive scent make them a favorite for Christmas, and their versatility allows you to utilize them in many ways. When you’re creating with your family, decorating your holiday tree, or giving thoughtful presents, these ornaments will add warmth and joy to the holiday season.
Why not give them a go? Take your ingredients, roll out the dough, and then make an assortment that will give your home the warm scent and the holiday spirit. This easy yet meaningful activity will be a lasting tradition for many years.
Explore more exciting recipes and crafts at Harmony Meal to make your holidays truly special.