DIY Cinnamon Stick Christmas Tree Ornaments: A Scent-sational Craft for All Ages

Step into the festive spirit with this delightful DIY Christmas Tree Ornament craft! Crafted using simple materials like wreath garland, aromatic cinnamon sticks, twine, colorful buttons, fluffy pom-poms, and cheerful jingle bells, these ornaments are a joy to make and behold.

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the magic of December envelops us. For many, this means more time spent indoors, cozying up with loved ones. However, it can also mean hearing the familiar refrain of “I’m bored!” from energetic youngsters. This is precisely why having a repertoire of engaging Christmas crafts for kids is an absolute lifesaver. This DIY Christmas Tree Ornament craft offers the perfect indoor activity, transforming a chilly winter day into an opportunity for creativity, family bonding, and holiday cheer.

What makes this homemade Christmas ornament craft truly special is its universal appeal. It’s wonderfully suited for children of all ages, from toddlers to teens, and even adults will find immense satisfaction in creating these charming decorations. For younger children, a little guidance with forming the garland tree and securing it to the cinnamon stick using twine will be beneficial. Once the basic structure is in place, they can let their imaginations soar, decorating their miniature trees with an array of embellishments. To ensure safety, especially with little hands, craft glue is an excellent alternative to hot glue for the decorating phase.

Why These DIY Ornaments are a Must-Try Holiday Activity

Keeps Kids Engaged for Hours

This particular craft is designed to capture and hold children’s attention for extended periods. The process involves several steps, from cutting and gluing to decorating, each offering a chance for hands-on engagement. While we created five ornaments in our session, the beauty of this craft is its scalability – you can easily make as many as your heart desires, providing ample opportunity for sustained creative play. Another fantastic aspect is the accessibility of materials; many of the supplies can be found at budget-friendly stores like the Dollar Tree, including the fragrant cinnamon sticks, making it an affordable and stress-free project.

Unleash Creativity with Customization

One of the most exciting elements of this DIY Christmas tree ornament is the freedom to customize. While we opted for a festive mix of colored buttons, vibrant pom-poms, and classic jingle bells, your decoration choices are limitless. You could choose to focus on a single type of embellishment for a minimalist look, or explore entirely different materials such as sparkling craft jewels, glitter, sequins, or fun foam stickers. Tiny beads, miniature bows, or even small pieces of colored felt can also add unique touches, allowing each crafter to express their individual style and make their ornament truly one-of-a-kind.

Infuse Your Home with Natural Holiday Scents

Beyond their visual charm, these ornaments offer an additional, often overlooked, benefit: a wonderful sensory experience. The natural cinnamon sticks serve as the trunk of your mini Christmas trees, and in doing so, they release a delightful aroma that will gently permeate your home. This is particularly advantageous if you have an artificial Christmas tree, as it allows you to enjoy the comforting, “Christmassy” scent of cinnamon that real trees often provide. It’s a subtle yet powerful way to enhance the festive atmosphere, evoking warm memories and adding an extra layer of holiday magic to your living space.

A Perfect Classroom Craft or Thoughtful Gift

For educators, this homemade Christmas Tree Ornament craft is an ideal classroom activity. Each child can create their very own ornament to proudly take home and hang on their family Christmas tree. Parents will undoubtedly cherish these handmade creations, recognizing them not just as decorations, but as tangible keepsakes reflecting their child’s effort and creativity. These ornaments also make heartfelt, personalized gifts for grandparents, teachers, or friends, showcasing the thoughtfulness of a handmade present during the holiday season.

DIY Cinnamon Stick Christmas Tree Ornament Craft Supplies

Gathering your materials is the first step to a successful and fun crafting session. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:

5 Cinnamon Sticks (these form the aromatic tree trunk)
Plastic Christmas Wreath Garland (look for a mini garland with a wire core for easy shaping)
Jute / Twine (for creating the hanger)
Assorted Buttons (various colors and sizes add visual interest)
Small Jingle Bells (for a touch of festive sound)
Assorted Small Pom-Poms (soft and colorful additions)
Hot Glue Gun (for quick, strong bonds, use with adult supervision) or craft glue (safer for younger children, requires drying time)
Scissors (for cutting garland and twine)

DIY Christmas Tree Ornament Craft Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to create your charming cinnamon stick Christmas tree ornaments:

1. Prepare Your Garland Branches: For each ornament you wish to make, carefully cut three pieces of the plastic wreath garland. You will need one piece that is 1 ½ inches long, one piece that is 2 inches long, and one piece that is 2 ½ inches long. The varying lengths will create the classic tiered Christmas tree shape. If you’re making multiple ornaments, repeat this cutting process for each cinnamon stick.

2. Assemble the Tree Structure: Now, take one cinnamon stick and begin attaching your garland pieces. Start by gluing the 1 ½-inch piece (the shortest) at the very top of the cinnamon stick, ensuring it’s centered. Next, glue the 2-inch piece in the middle, positioning it just below the first piece so they lightly touch or overlap slightly. Finally, attach the 2 ½-inch piece (the longest) below the middle piece. The goal is for all three garland pieces to be in close proximity, forming a compact tree shape, while leaving a small portion of the cinnamon stick visible at the bottom to resemble a tree trunk. Secure each piece firmly with a dot of hot glue or a generous amount of craft glue.

3. Add the Hanger: To transform your tree into a hangable ornament, cut a piece of jute twine approximately 6-8 inches long. Fold the piece of twine in half, bringing the two open ends together. Apply a small dab of glue to the back of the cinnamon stick, near the top, and firmly press the open ends of the folded twine into the glue. Hold in place until set. The loop created by the folded twine will serve as the hanger for your beautiful new ornament.

4. Decorate Your Masterpiece: This is where the real fun begins! Once the glue holding your garland branches and hanger is dry (especially if using craft glue), it’s time to adorn your mini Christmas trees. Use your hot glue gun (with adult supervision) or craft glue to attach the pom-poms, buttons, and jingle bells. Experiment with different colors and arrangements. You can add a single button at the top like a star, sprinkle pom-poms like snow, or hang jingle bells from the garland branches. Let your creativity guide you! Allow ample drying time for all decorations to ensure they are securely attached.

Tips for a Smooth Crafting Experience:

Preparation is Key: Lay out all your supplies before you begin. This makes the process smoother, especially when crafting with children.
Protect Your Workspace: Cover your table with newspaper or a craft mat to catch any glue spills or stray glitter.
Safety First: If using a hot glue gun, ensure there is always adult supervision, particularly with younger crafters. Craft glue is a safe and effective alternative.
Encourage Individuality: Remind children that there’s no “right” way to decorate. Every ornament will be unique and special.
Drying Time: Be patient, especially if using craft glue. Allow ornaments to dry completely before handling or hanging them to prevent decorations from falling off.

Beyond the Tree: Creative Uses for Your Cinnamon Stick Ornaments

While these ornaments are perfect for adorning your Christmas tree, their charm extends to many other festive applications:

Gift Toppers: Tie one onto a wrapped present for an extra personal touch.
Window Decorations: Hang a few from your window frames to spread cheer both inside and out.
Garlands: String several ornaments together to create a unique and aromatic holiday garland.
Party Favors: Give them as small, memorable gifts to guests at a holiday party.
Place Settings: Use them as charming accents at each plate for your Christmas dinner.

We truly hope you find joy and inspiration in creating these fun and festive DIY Cinnamon Stick Christmas Tree Ornaments. They’re more than just decorations; they’re tiny bundles of holiday cheer, handmade memories, and delightful scents that will make your season brighter. Happy crafting and happy holidays to you and yours!

Shop DIY Christmas Tree Ornament Supplies

Christmas Artificial Pine GarlandCinnamon SticksQuick Dry Tacky GlueHot Glue GunSet of 3 Christmas Jute Twine Rolls1000 Pom Poms600 Buttons200 Christmas Jingle Bells

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