How to Make Christmas Candy Gifts

Gift giving at Christmas time does not always have to be stressful, or expensive. Christmas candy gifts have always been a nice way to show your appreciation to a colleague, or affection for a loved one. A Christmas candy wreath makes a wonderful gift, and is as beautiful as it is tasty.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wire wreath form
• Wrapped hard candy
• Scissors
• Ribbon
• Christmas bow

1. Start with a circle. You can purchase a pre-formed circle wreath made of wire, or simply bend a wire coat hanger into the shape of a circle. The circle will serve as the structure for the wreath, and its size will determine how much wrapped candy you will need.

2. Purchase wrapped hard candy. The red and white Starlite candies make a spectacular Christmas candy wreath, but you can feel free to use any wrapped hard candy and color scheme you choose. Keep in mind that for an 8-inch wreath you will need approximately four pounds of candy.

3. Begin the wreath by cutting a piece of ribbon about six inches in length. Results will vary depending on the thickness of your wreath base, and you can alter this measurement if necessary.

4. Wrap one end of the ribbon around a piece of hard candy. Most hard candy wrappers have an extended end at either side, pick one and tie a tight loop around the end with the ribbon, to secure it. Do not tie a knot, otherwise the candy will be difficult to remove from the wreath for eating.

5. Attach the other end of the ribbon to the wreath, by wrapping it around the wire structure, and securing it with a knot.

6. Continue the process of tying the candy with the ribbon attached to the wreath, until you have covered the wreath in its entirety. You may want to press the tied candies together as you continue to add more to the wreath. Keeping the candy tightly compacted on the wreath will give a fuller appearance.

7. Affix a Christmas bow to the top of the wreath.

Tips & Warnings

• The project is less tedious if you prepare your hard candies, by attaching the ribbon to them, beforehand.
• Besides hard candies, you can also use lollipops, or other wrapped gums and candies.
• Cutting your ribbon beforehand also cuts down on the wreath making time frame.
• Be sure not to attach the ribbon to the hard candies too tightly. You want to make it easy to detach a piece, but not make it too loose that it will fall off on its own.

[sandhillkar]

on 12/4/2008 This is an incredible gift! So pretty! I know the person receiving this present will be delighted - like a KID IN A CANDY STORE!! 5 STARS!!