How to Make Cinnamon Stick Votives

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Christmas is a great time to get kids involved in holiday craft projects. Help them make these inexpensive glass votives decorated as gifts for their teachers. The cinnamon sticks used to decorate the candles fill the home with Christmas cheer.

To make four cinnamon stick votives, gather these supplies:

• Glue gun and glue sticks (optional)

  
  



• 4 plain glass, straight-sided votive holders (1-3/4 inches across the bottom x 2-1/2 inches high)

  
  



• Glue gun with glue sticks

  
  



• Ninety-six 3-inch cinnamon sticks

  
  



• 2 yards thin ribbon (optional)

  
  



• 4 votive candles (cinnamon scented, if you like)

  
  

Then follow these steps:

1. Wash the votive holders inside and out and remove any labels.

   
   



2. Load the glue gun with a glue stick and apply a thin strip of glue to 2 inches of a cinnamon stick, along the seam. Immediately press the stick against the votive, lining up the base of the stick where the glue begins with the bottom of the votive. The rounded side of the cinnamon stick should face out. Hold the cinnamon stick against the votive for a few seconds until the bond is solid. Repeat until you’ve covered the votive all the way around. You will use approximately 24 sticks per votive.

   
   

   You can make the votives without a glue gun. Just make sure to buy a heavy-bodied, clear glue that’s suitable for use with glass.

   
   



3. Cut the ribbon, if you’re using one, into 18-inch lengths and tie the ribbon around the cinnamon sticks, making a small bow. Insert the votive candles.

   
   

   The ribbon you choose can make a big difference here. A gingham pattern gives the votive a country look, while a gold or silver ribbon can look quite elegant.

   
   

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