Cinnamon Elmers Glue Ornaments

I believe I have a re-occurring theme on my blog….easy, simple and fast. At least when it comes to recipes/crafts.

This is one of my all time favorites. The smell of cinnamon and spices just add so much to the holiday spirit. 

First, get ready for your house to smell deliciously like Christmas. 

Second, turn on the Christmas music.

Ok now you are ready (-:

Ingredients:  (not for eating!)

     *  1 1/2 cups (8oz) ground cinnamon (can add dash of nutmeg/cloves –whatever you want!)

     *  1 cup applesauce (store bought works best)

     *  1/3 cup white school glue (Elmer's or other brand)

Simply mix these 3 ingredients together.  (my kids went crazy with wanting to "mix" it with their hands!) After it's mixed plop it down onto wax paper and use extra cinnamon to "flour" working area. Knead the dough a little.

Roll out to 1/4" (this picture is too thin, mine should have been thicker) and use Christmas cookie cutters for your shapes.

Use a straw for poking a hole on the top.

Let them dry for about 4 days turning them over at least once a day.  If you want to speed up the process you can bake for an hour at 200 F and let air dry 24 hours after that.  I did one batch in the oven and the other on a cooling rack.  The air drying on a cooling rack turned out looking more "professional" but if this is just a fun craft for kids who cares.   Actually I just let mine cool after the hour of baking and the kids painted on them right away.  What kid can wait 4 days to finish a project!

Once dry feel free to paint them using puffy paint or glitter paint.  Or make it really easy on yourself and just personalize it with a Sharpie pen! (they have cool silver sharpies that would really look nice!)

Be sure and check out your local dollar store for cheap cinnamon.  Usually you can find a big bottle for a dollar.



Gift tag added to my Apple/Pear butter



They make such great gifts to teachers,friends, relatives because the kids made them.  C'mon, nothing melts a grandparents heart like something hand made by their precious grandchildren!



Made by my daughter for grandma.



Here are a few more ideas using your ornaments:

1.) Use them on top of your presents as a gift tag, just write with a sharpie To: and From:
2.) String them through yarn and put them around the lid of your homemade gift can goods. 
3.) I have heard of people decorating a small tree using only these ornaments and when a guest leaves you give them one to take.

4.) Make a complete garland out of them.



Gift tag added to Apple Cider candle



Remember…

It doesn’t have to be Christmas for you to make these. How about hearts for Valentines Day, or flowers for Mother's Day.

Once again - I hope I got your Creative Juices flowing!