One way to introduce different shapes is to cut shapes from dough using cookie-cutters.
The shapes shown are cut from a spicy dough made by mixing 1-cup of applesauce, 1-cup of cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of white liquid glue (Elmer’s glue).
What to Do
1. Combine the applesauce, cinnamon, and glue in a bowl. Stir the mixture thoroughly. A thick dough will be formed, so you may have to use your hands to complete the mixing.
2. Since the shapes need to be partially dried in the cover, cover a cookie pan with a sheet of aluminum foil.
3. Lay the spicy dough on the aluminum foil, and then using a rolling pin, or with your hands, press the dough so that it is about 1/8th of an inch thick.
Possible Problems
* If the dough is too dry, add small amounts of applesauce until the dough can be easily rolled out.
* If the dough is too wet, add more cinnamon.
* Rolling pin or hands stick to the dough–Sprinkle cinnamon on the rolling pin or your hands.
4. Using cookie cutters, cut out different shapes from the dough. Pull away dough from around the cookie cutters and use this to make other ornaments.
5. Before baking, use a drinking straw to cut a hole in each shape. This is where you can attach a ribbon for hanging.
6. In a preheated oven set at 170 degrees Fahrenheit, bake the shapes for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the shapes from the oven and allow them to cool. The shapes will not be completely dry, but should be firm enough to attach ribbons if you are careful. Hang the shapes and let them air dry. This might take several days, but as they dry the apple-cinnamon smell will waft through the room.
