Cinnamon Stick Nativity Ornaments

 I love these nativities.  I wish I could take the credit for coming up with their design....but I can't.  My mom taught me to make them...and her sister taught her to make them....etc.  But, they are BEAUTIFUL and always a HUGE hit at the annual ornament exchange I attend.  So...I thought I would share the joy and teach y'all how to make them.

Here's what you need:

 5 cinnamon sticks, about 3 inches each
1 whole star anise (find in bulk spice section or latin markets)
2 pieces of star anise
3 whole cloves (just need the little ball part)
1 small piece of cinnamon stick
raffia
glue gun

Step #1

Glue bottom of stable to sides

(leaving a little overhang allows for easier raffia installation)

(also, for this step, I try to find sticks that have a nice definite line down the middle)

Step #2

add two stick of cinnamon for the roof--

one at a time; lined sides facing down
(this is where you can use your cinnamon stick that either
don't have a nice line down them or are twisted)

Step #3

tying the raffia--

what you are looking for is a crisscross in the front
(it's kinda hard to describe exactly how to do it...just play with it until you get it.)

tie in the back and cover the knot with a dab of glue

if it seems to be slipping off...place a small dab of glue on the side to secure it

then, trim the excess raffia
(repeat on all 4 corners)

it should look like this on the back when you are all done with this step

 

Step #4
Glue on the star (anise)

Step #5

putting together Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus

for Joseph-

break down an extra cinnamon stick until thin; glue on a clove ball

For Mary-

look for a taller, thinner piece of star anise (as compared to the baby Jesus)

turn in on it's end; glue on a clove ball 

For baby Jesus-

(I forgot to take a picture)

find a shorter, wider piece of star anise (as compared to Mary); 

turn it on it's side; add a clove ball

This is what they should look like all together-

(keep in mind that they should be both proportionate to one another and also the stable)

Step #6

Glue the Holy Family into the stable

(turn around to the back and secure them by adding more glue 

where it won't be seen from the front)

Step #7

tie a loop of raffia for the ornament hanger; 

glue on the back.

Trim any excess raffia and pull off any hanging glue strings

AND THERE YOU HAVE IT!

(please excuse my ugly tree)

This is a very forgiving craft (which is why I love it).  

They are meant to be a little rustic and so perfectionism is not needed here.

Do what you like...what looks good to you.

They will be beautiful no matter what!

HAVE FUN!