Applesauce ornaments are a fun and fragrant craft, especially for the holiday season. They are made using simple ingredients and can be customized with shapes and decorations. Here’s how to make them:
Materials Needed
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 ½ cups ground cinnamon
- Optional: ground cloves, nutmeg, or allspice (for added scent)
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (holiday shapes work great)
- Drinking straw or skewer (to make holes for hanging)
- String, ribbon, or twine
- Wax paper
- Baking sheet or flat drying surface
Instructions
1. Mix the Dough
- In a bowl, combine the applesauce and cinnamon (plus any additional spices) to form a dough.
- Knead the mixture until it’s smooth and pliable. If it’s too sticky, add more cinnamon; if it’s too dry, add a little more applesauce.
2. Roll Out the Dough
- Place the dough between two sheets of wax paper.
- Roll it out to about ¼-inch thick.
3. Cut Out Shapes
- Use cookie cutters to cut shapes from the dough.
- Transfer the cut shapes onto a baking sheet or drying surface lined with wax paper.
4. Create Holes for Hanging
- Use a straw or skewer to make a small hole near the top of each ornament.
5. Dry the Ornaments
You have two options:
- Air Drying: Let the ornaments dry at room temperature for 24-48 hours, flipping them occasionally to ensure even drying.
- Baking: Bake the ornaments at 200°F (93°C) for 1-2 hours. Check periodically to prevent cracking.
6. Decorate (Optional)
- Leave them as-is for a natural look, or decorate with acrylic paints, glitter, or fabric paint once dry.
7. String and Hang
Thread ribbon or twine through the holes and tie a knot to create a loop for hanging.