How to Make Fake Giant Lollipops

Giant props can really make a costume. Whether you're dressing up for a costume party or putting on a show, large props draw attention and can be seen from afar. Giant lollipops, in particular, are a whimsical and eye-catching prop that can accent a baby's costume or be used in shows like "The Wizard of Oz." These props, however, can be quite costly. With a little ingenuity and creativity, you can make your own giant lollipops without emptying your wallet.

Things You'll Need

• Colored cellophane
• Utility knife
• Styrofoam sheet
• Wooden dowel
• Styrofoam-safe paint
• Paintbrush
• Ribbon
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Purchase a 5-foot-by-5-foot sheet of Styrofoam from a local craft or hardware store. The sheet should be about 1 1/2 inches thick.

2. Cut the Styrofoam into a large circle with a utility knife.

3. With a pencil, draw a swirl onto the cut Styrofoam. Start from the center of the circle and work your way out to the edges.

4. With the utility knife, carve into the Styrofoam where you marked with the pencil. This will give the swirl a more three-dimensional look. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the Styrofoam.

5. Paint one side of the Styrofoam with a Styrofoam-safe paint. Water-based acrylic craft paints will work best. You can use as many colors as you like and paint any patterns onto the Styrofoam. Be sure to work the paint into any grooves in the Styrofoam with your paintbrush.

6. Allow the painted side of the Styrofoam to dry. When it's dry, turn it over and paint the other side.

7. Once both sides of the Styrofoam are painted and dry, cut a small hole in the side where you will insert the wooden dowel. The dowel should not be thicker than the Styrofoam.

8. Work the dowel into the hole carefully, making sure not to split the Styrofoam.

9. Cut a sheet of colored cellophane to wrap around the Styrofoam lollipop. The cellophane should be a very light color and nearly transparent. You should be able to see the paint underneath, with the cellophane merely accenting the colors. Light pinks, blues and yellows work well.

10. Cover the Styrofoam and bunch the cellophane around the dowel. Secure the cellophane by tying ribbon around the dowel where the cellophane is bunched. You can use as many pieces of ribbon and colors as you like. You can tie the ribbons in pretty bows or curl them with scissors.

Tips & Warnings

• You should be able to find Styrofoam sheets at Lowe's, Home Depot or Super Wal-Mart.

• Do not use spray paint or any other non-Styrofoam-safe paints, because they will melt the Styrofoam.

Resources

• How to paint Styrofoam