Tuesday, December 16, 2008

The most beautiful ornament on our tree


Isn't it just exquisite?! My sister made this for us. It is by far my favorite ornament. I asked her to share her recipe. She noted that you could also make these with kids using simple cookie cutter shapes and decorating just like cookies. She did this the next year with her four year old and the results were precious. So... here's the scoop:

1 c. cinnamon
1/4 c. applesauce
1/2 c. craft glue

mix cinnamon and applesauce then stir in glue. Toss dough over and over until consistency is smooth and dry. Let stand 1 hour. Turn out one quarter of dough onto cool, flat surface. Flatten with hands and roll out to 1/4/ inch thickness with rolling pin. spritz with water if becomes too dry. If it sticks, sprinkle pin or surface with cinnamon. Cut with cookie cutter of choice. For Birds, I actually photo copied different bird templates and traced onto cardboard. (the templates were given in the magazine and I am happy to share them with you). If you use a homemade template, you will need to cut them out with a utility knife. With drinking straw poke hole in dough at top of ornament. Lay flat on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining 3 quarters of dough. Preheat oven to 200 and bake until dry. approx 2 hours, flipping once . Or you can let them air dry on wire rack lined with paper towels for 24 hours, turning them over every 6 hours. The biggest issue is turning them so they dry flat...they tend to curl up.

To decorate, use white craft clue over areas you want to decorate and pick fun tiny craft beads of choice. Tap off excess and wait for area to dry before doing next color. When completely dry string ribbon through hole.

She is so talented and creative. If you have other great ornament ideas I'd love to see them. Have fun!


2 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is a beautiful ornament. Thanks for sharing the secret of how to make them.

cathleen said...

That little birdie is surely a very sweet tweet. Also, I really like your bags and the fabric you are using...they coordinate so nicely.