Christmas Is In The Air!
Christmas is just around the corner, and while it may be a little late to start our Christmas crafts, I just have to share this one with you. Considering that it is a simple project, hopefully you will find the time to fit it into your schedule. It is so much fun. And this might just be a great project for your kids.
I saw this recipe in our local newspaper yesterday. Now it may not be new to you, but it is to me. At least, if I’ve run across it before, I have forgotten it. (Maybe you don’t have that problem.) Anyway, the column was written by Carol Cloud Bailey, known in our paper as “Yard Doc.” The recipe is for dough ornaments which will have your house smelling great for a long time. The ingredients that you will need are:
1 1/2 cups cinnamon
1 cup applesauce
1/4 cup white school glue
If you prefer a different aroma, Carol suggests that you add 1 tsp. to 1 tbsp. each of ground nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
You also will need the following supplies: a bowl, plastic wrap, a drinking straw, and a cookie sheet.
Use a spatula to mix all the ingredients, adding the cinnamon slowly. The dough should be thick like a stiff cookie dough, but not sticky. Knead the dough slightly until smooth and cover with plastic wrap. Then let it sit for at least an hour. Flatten and roll the dough until about 1/4 inch thick. (Thinner dough tends to crack and curl; thicker dough doesn’t dry well in climates such as ours here in Florida.)
Cut into desired shapes using a template and knife or cookie cutters. Use the drinking straw to punch a hole for the ribbon or yarn to hang it.
The ornaments may be placed on a rack to dry, turning every so often; this will take three to five days, or longer if the air is damp. She prefers to put them on cookie sheets in a warm oven, about 170-200 degrees, for about two hours, flipping them several times. When cool, you may decorate them with beads, ribbons, paint, or glitter. Do not cover the entire surface to allow the fragrance to fill your house.
Carol suggests storing them in sealed containers with silicone packets to absorb moisture.
The author of http://www.speakingofcrafts.com has written an excellent article. You have made your point and there is not much to argue about. It is like the following universal truth that you can not argue with: If you take life too seriously, life will start to take you seriously. Thanks for the info.