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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Dyed Pine Cone Mini Trees

I recently showed you how I dyed pine cones with RIT dye.

You can see how here.

I used some of these pinecones to make some cute little mini trees for Christmas.

These would look great in a vignette....

As a package topper....

Or nestled in the branches of your tree.

They are supper fast and easy.

I added a wooden block to each as a base.

I got a whole bag of these at the flea market this summer.

I think someone's puppy may have played with them before I bought them.

I don't mind...

Adds a little charm...

Just use a hot glue gun to add one little pom pom to each petal of the pine cone.

Add a star to the top.

Mine is a little distressed white tin star.

One of the pinecones was sort of wonky.

He sits a little askew.

The white one could be out all winter...

If you used tacky glue instead of hot glue, this would be kid-friendly.

What a fun little craft.

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Linking up with these great blogs....

Dyeing Pine Cones with RIT Dye

Last year, after Christmas, I bought some cinnamon pinecones at the craft store.

My daughter and husband do not enjoy the super strong cinnamon smell so I stored them in the shed.

I wanted to do some crafts with them.

Recently, I wondered how they would take dye.

I assembled them, some RIT dye (Scarlet) and an ice cream bucket.

I was trying to enjoy the last of the fall weather before the flakes start to fly.

.

I also bought a whole basket of pine cones at the thrift store recently.

Some of them have been sprayed lightly with white paint.

I wanted to try Dark Green Dye as well.

I followed the directions on the dye bottle for mixing.

In to the dye bath they go.

The burlap is another post.

You can read about it here if you missed it...

I left them in the dye for about 30-50 minutes.

At this point, I cannot really see much of a difference.

I added some more to the dye.

I removed them and let them drain in the grass.

Then I put them on a box lid and took them into the house.

I put them next to the wood stove to reopen fully.

It took about a day to fully dry next to the wood stove.

  I have also read that you can bake them at low temperatures in the oven. 

 Or you can wait.

A long time.

I am impatient but cautious so the wood stove seemed the least dangerous and quickest method for me.

Once they opened they have a faint tint. 

Here are the green ones.

 I like it. 

 It is subtle.

I only soaked mine for about 30-50 minutes. 

 For deeper color, I am thinking overnight would work great.

  I am going to have to try it out.

Also keep in mind, someone lightly painted these with white paint before I picked them up at the thrift store.

Here are the red ones.

I think the red ones are my favorites....

I already have an idea of what to do with these....

Soon all of those cinnamon pine cones will be on clearance...

Pick up a bag and have some fun...

Thanks for stopping by...

Linking up with these great blogs....