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....

Thanks for stopping by....

Linking up with these great blogs...

15 Handmade Gifts for Under $10

I create all year but some projects are just perfect this time of year...

So I wanted to do a round up of great handmade gift ideas that can be made for under $10.

Some are actually under $5.

Get Ready...

Get Set...

Go!

  First up, is a Shabby Chic Wind Chime from goodies you already have laying about...

Tutorial here.

Transform a candlestick into this great girly accent for your favorite girl.

Tutorial here.

My daughter and I spent about a month making mosaics.

Her coasters are easy and inexpensive to make for gifts.

I covered recycled bottles to make neat garden accents.

I had the marbles on hand but you can use whatever you have a bunch of.

Tutorials here, here, and here.

An old glass bowl and vase become a crystal mushroom for the garden is mere minutes.

Tutorial here.

 Strips from an old sheet become a shabby chic bracelet in minutes...

Tutorial here.

A cardboard cone from the craft store and a pack of coffee filters become this fun Christmas tree decoration.

Tutorial here.

Another cone gets a makeover with a burlap sack...

Tutorial here.

These Rose Bangles actually started as white sheets that we dyed beachy colors.

You could make your own with any fabric you have on hand.

Tutorial here.

Some coffee filters and sheets torn into strips become a shabby banner.

Tutorial here.

Transform plastic bangles into chic accessories in minutes with washi tape.

 Tutorial here.

Transform coffee filters into chic home decor....

You can use coffee to dye them.

Or coffee and RIT dye to achieve the look you want.

An old book and one coffee filter rose makes a beautiful gift that will be perfect for someone on your gift list.

 Tutorial here.

 Use some old sheet music and some scraps to make a cute banner as a gift.

Nestle it all in a mason jar and you are ready to go.

Tutorial here.

Speaking of Mason jars...

This simple craft comes together in minutes.

 Tutorial here.

Have a roll of burlap ribbon left over from a project?

Use it to create these fabulous burlap roses in a mason jar.

Tutorial here.

Last but not least, use a few cinnamon sticks and some twine to create some sweet Christmas tree ornaments or package toppers.

Tutorial here.

I hope you found a couple of ideas you can try for handmade gifts this Christmas.

Thanks for stopping by...

Linking up with these great blogs...