Make This: Cinnamon Stick Christmas Trees

This being the last full week before Christmas, I’ve decided to double up on posts to make sure I get everything in that I want to share before everyone starts going off line the week of Christmas. I’ll still be posting at my regular schedule/ time slot, I’ll just be adding a second post each day this week (for the most part) to make sure I squeeze it all in while you’re still around. Wanted to let you know. And now that that is out of the way, here’s my first post for today…

I love the smell of cinnamon sticks, especially around the holidays. Cinnamon broom, anyone? But, as I may have mentioned once or twice, I don’t cook much. So there aren’t a ton of opportunities for me to use it in recipes, etc. Luckily, the fact that I’m a little challenged in the kitchen won’t stop me from using these fragrant sticks during the holidays…

Make these Christmas tree toppers for cakes, cupcakes, or gifts. They’re so easy to make and will make the whole room smell delicious.

Supplies: 

cinnamon sticks *You can actually buy craft cinnamon sticks at Hobby Lobby WAY cheaper than cinnamon from the grocery store. // scissors // glue gun // lollipop sticks (if you want to make cake toppers)

How To:

1. Cut a long cinnamon stick in half, so that each piece is between 2 and 3 inches long. Then cut each piece in half again, long ways this time, to create skinnier pieces. Two of these pieces will create the sides of the tree and the extra two pieces can be cut up further for the next step.

2. Next, cut a medium size piece for the base of the tree and a small piece for the tree stump.

3. Then assemble the pieces on a flat surface and glue them together with hot glue.

4. (Optional) Attach a lollipop stick to the back of the tree trunk with hot glue to use as a cake or cupcake topper.

Or skip step four and use these little guys as gift toppers. You could also pop them into a bowl with potpourri.

What would you make with these little guys? Do you have any other creative ideas for cinnamon sticks?

photography Sarah Eddy // concept and styling Brittni Mehlhoff

P.S. Be sure to check back around 4pm EST today for another holiday DIY! And also check out these recent giveaways from 24 Merry Days: Danni from Oh Hello Friend is giving away a $150 gift card to Little Low Studio and  Aileen from At Home in Love is giving away a $100 gift certificate to Baba Souk (love this shop).