Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Toolbox of Faith: A Program That Helps Children Discover the Uses of Faith

Handout 1: Cinnamon Heart Ornaments

This recipe makes about ten non-edible Ornaments.

To make Cinnamon Heart Ornaments, you will need:

  • 1 cup of applesauce
  • 1 1/2 cups of cinnamon
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup white school glue
  • A roll of waxed paper
  • A roll of plastic wrap
  • A rolling pin
  • Heart-shaped cookie cutters, or table knives for free-form cutting
  • Straws
  • Paper plates, or a wire rack and paper towels
  • Marker for writing children’s names on paper plates or paper towels

Once ornaments are dry, you will need:

  • Fine-grain sandpaper
  • Dampened cloth
  • Ribbon and scissors

Tear off sheets of waxed paper into squares, one for each ornament maker.

Mix ingredients in a large bowl. Remove the mixture and form a ball, then knead for five to ten minutes, until it is easy to work with and holds together well. If the mixture seems too dry, add more glue.

Wrap the ball of mixture in plastic wrap, and chill it for at least 30 minutes.

When you are ready to form the ornaments, roll out the mixture on a flat surface with a rolling pin, until it is 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Then, cut out heart shapes using the cookie cutter, or free-form with a table knife. Use a straw to poke a hole in each heart (for hanging, when dry.) Don’t punch too close to the edge, or the heart may break.

Place each heart shape on a paper plate to dry, or place them on a wire rack with a paper towel under the ornament.

The drying process may take up to 48 hours. Flip the ornaments occasionally to help them dry flat. When they are dry, sand their rough edges with fine-grain sandpaper. Wipe with a damp cloth to get rid of discoloration.

For each ornament, cut a piece of ribbon to thread through hole. Knot the ribbon to make a loop, and hang the ornament. Smell the cinnamon and keep compassion in your heart!