This little project turns ordinary plastic straws into warm, amber-toned harvest ornaments that look surprisingly polished once they come out of the oven. I love a craft like this in the fall because it uses simple supplies, comes together quickly, and gives you something pretty to hang in a window, on a branch display, or even tie onto a wrapped loaf of pumpkin bread for a neighbor.
It’s a great DIY for anyone who likes easy seasonal decorating without a trip to the craft store for specialty supplies. As a mom, I’m always drawn to projects that feel a bit magical but are still straightforward, and these 3-item ornaments fit that perfectly.
Materials
24 plastic drinking straws, clear or lightly tinted amber, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and set the mini muffin tin on a sturdy baking sheet if you want easier handling. Line a nearby counter or tray with parchment paper for the finished ornaments.
2. Cut the plastic straws into even 1/4-inch pieces so they melt at roughly the same rate. You’ll need enough pieces to loosely fill 12 mini muffin cups about three-quarters full.
3. Sprinkle a small pinch of ground cinnamon into each filled muffin cup, then dab in just a tiny drop of vanilla extract. The pantry items add a cozy harvest feel while the pieces bake, which is one of those little touches that makes crafting at home feel extra special.
4. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 8 to 12 minutes, watching closely through the oven window. Remove the tin once the straw pieces have softened and fused into smooth round discs.
5. Let the melted discs cool for 1 to 2 minutes until they are set enough to hold their shape but still slightly soft. Use the wooden skewer to carefully poke a small hole near the top of each ornament for hanging.
6. Allow the ornaments to cool completely in the tin, then gently pop them out and place them on the parchment paper. If any edge feels rough, trim or smooth it carefully once fully cooled.
7. Thread one 3-inch piece of jute twine through each hole and knot the ends to make a hanger. At this point you’ll have simple, glowing harvest ornaments ready to display.
Variations & Tips
For deeper color: Mix in a few darker orange or golden straws with the clear ones before baking. That layered look reminds me of hard candy and really catches the afternoon light.
For a leaf-inspired set: Make some ornaments slightly thinner and some thicker so the collection feels more natural and varied when you hang them together on branches.
For gifting: Tie one ornament onto a loaf of banana bread, muffins, or a jar of spiced nuts. I like projects that can double as a sweet homemade extra when I’m dropping something off for a friend.
For picky decorators: If your family prefers less of a harvest look, skip the cinnamon and use only the vanilla for a softer scent while baking. You’ll still get the same simple ornament with a cleaner, more minimal style.
Best baking tip: Watch the oven closely the first time because different straws melt at different speeds. The moment they fuse into smooth discs, pull them out so they stay clear and nicely shaped.