There is something so satisfying about taking a very ordinary grocery-store ingredient and turning it into a decoration that looks thoughtful, warm, and a little bit magical. This project starts with a bundle of cinnamon sticks from the spice aisle and a few simple supplies, and by the time you’re done, you’ll have a sweet little holiday accent that looks right at home on a mantel, entry table, or tucked beside a tray of cookies.
I love projects like this because they feel special without being fussy. If you can cut, drill one hole, and glue in layers, you can make this—and the cinnamon scent is such a cozy bonus while you work. It’s a lovely craft for anyone who enjoys natural holiday decorating, easy handmade gifts, or adding one more handmade touch to the house when the weather turns chilly.
Materials
40 whole cinnamon sticks, about 10 to 11 inches total combined bundle, standard spice-aisle size
Instructions
1. Sort the 40 cinnamon sticks and set aside the straightest, nicest-looking pieces for the outer layers and top of the project, since those will show the most.
2. Cut the cinnamon sticks with pruners into graduated lengths so you can build a full tree shape: 6 pieces at 4 1/2 inches, 8 pieces at 4 inches, 8 pieces at 3 1/2 inches, 8 pieces at 3 inches, 6 pieces at 2 1/2 inches, and 4 pieces at 2 inches.
3. Drill a centered 1/2-inch-deep hole into the wood slice, then test-fit the dowel so it stands straight and snug.
4. Add hot glue into the drilled hole and insert the dowel; hold it upright for a few seconds until firm.
5. Starting 3/4 inch up from the base, hot-glue the longest cinnamon pieces around the dowel in a ring, leaning them outward slightly so the bottom row begins to form a wide evergreen shape.
6. Build the second row just above the first with the 4-inch pieces, staggering them between the lower seams so the tree looks full instead of stripy.
7. Continue gluing the 3 1/2-inch and 3-inch pieces in upward rows, rotating the base as you work and keeping the dowel hidden inside the layers.
8. Add the 2 1/2-inch pieces near the top, then finish with the 2-inch pieces so the tree narrows to a tidy point with no large gaps.
9. Glue one extra small cinnamon fragment vertically at the very top if needed to sharpen the tip and give the silhouette a clean finished look.
10. Tie the jute twine into a tiny bow and glue it near the top front, then glue on the star anise pod or little wooden star as a simple topper.
11. Check the tree from all sides and fill any bare spots with leftover chips or smaller bark pieces from your cuts so it looks lush and evenly covered.
12. If you’d like, brush on a very light coat of matte Mod Podge or clear sealer just on the glued areas to reduce shedding, then let everything cool and set completely before displaying.
Variations & Tips
For a fuller tree: If your cinnamon sticks are on the thin side, cut a few extra filler slivers from the least pretty pieces and tuck them into open spaces as you glue. That little bit of crowding makes the tree look much richer.
For a taller version: Use a 12-inch dowel and a 5- to 6-inch wood slice, then increase your longest cinnamon pieces to about 5 1/2 inches. Keep the same layered approach so the shape still tapers nicely.
For picky decorators: In my house, everyone has opinions about holiday decor just like they do about dinner, so I keep embellishments simple. If you prefer a cleaner look, skip the bow and use only a star anise topper for a more natural finish.
For extra holiday charm: Tuck in tiny clipped bits of faux cedar, preserved moss, or a few red wooden berry picks near the base. Use them sparingly so the cinnamon stays the star.
To make it giftable: Wrap the base in kraft paper, tie on a ribbon, and include a note that says to keep it dry and display it indoors. It makes a lovely host gift during the holiday season.
Gluing tip: Work in short sections of hot glue instead of circling the whole dowel at once. Cinnamon bark is uneven, and smaller glue sections let you adjust the angle before the glue cools.
Storage tip: Pack the tree upright in a small box with tissue around the base, not pressed against the branches. That keeps the layered cinnamon pieces from getting knocked loose between seasons.