Cinnamon Stick Tree Topper

Time to share another ornament.

Are you creating as I am sharing?

If you are, you will be ready December 2015 with lots of ornaments for your tree or gift giving.

Today is a bit different.

This is a tree topper.

I could not reach the top of my little outdoor tree so I took pictures among the branches, but it is a tree topper.

This star is made from cinnamon sticks, raffia, some wire and a pinecone.

You will also need a hot glue gun, glue sticks, and a hot glue mat.

Arrange your cinnamon sticks in your desired pattern on your hot glue mat.

I used a variety of lengths.

Once you like the pattern, add hot glue to the center.

I added lots so it got a little messy.

Before the glue cools, add your pine cone to the front.

This helps camouflage the glue and makes a pretty and natural center.

I almost forgot...

Add a long piece of heavy wire to the bottom of the star before the glue hardens.

You can bend it around a cylinder or cone shape first.

If you forget, it can be done after but it is more difficult.

 Let the glue cool and harden completely.

I usually wait at least 30 minutes.

Peel it off the mat.

To cover some of the messy glue, I wrapped raffia around the center.

I used several strands and left the ends long.

 

I just tied the ends in a knot to secure.

It has such a great natural look to it.

I think these would be fun on small outdoor trees as well.

Imagine trees decorated for the birds with these on top....

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Bleached pinecones

I am certainly not the first to bleach pinecones.

Nor will I be the last...

In fact, I encourage you to give it a go yourself.

All you need are

Pinecones

bleach

water

a bucket

The first time I tried this, my bleach mixture was too weak.

I added about 1 cup to the gallon bucket of water and let them soak overnight

When they opened and dried, they were just a bit lighter.

So I tried it again with about a gallon of water and half a bottle of bleach.

I also let them soak several days.

I just dump mine out in the rocks next to our sidewalk. 

 I don't mind if it kills anything growing there.

Then I let them drain a bit.

I take them in the house on a tray or plastic box lid and put them in our sun room with the woodstove.

Because they were completely saturated, they took a couple days to fully open and dry.

But once open, they were lovely.

My favorite beauty is natural beauty.

The natural symmetry of nature is fascinating...

These pine cones will be perfect for some upcoming projects...

Some of these had a light  coating of white spary paint before I started.

The next time I make these, I will probably do a much stonger bleach solution.

I think they will bleach faster and whiter that way.

I can't wait to show you what I use them for.

In the background you can see my Chalkboard Tote from this summer is ready for the Holly-days...

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