Besides construction paper and crayons, some of the most inexpensive materials for crafting homemade holiday decor are traditional candy canes. You can purchase a big box of candy canes for a dollar or less at discount stores during the Christmas season and use them to make a variety of holiday-themed decorations from wreaths to tree ornaments. Given that the candy is so cheap, it’s a good idea to pick up a few extra boxes just in case a few break during the construction process.
Here is a kid-friendly candy cane project to get you started on your sweet Christmas ornaments:
Candy Cane Reindeer
Materials:
Hot glue gun
Yarn
1 full-size wrapped candy cane (not the mini ones that come in plastic bags)
1 small pom-pom
2 googly eyes
Brown pipe cleaners
Directions:
Make antlers out of pipe cleaners, and wrap them around the candy cane on the curve. Glue in place.
Glue on eyes and pom-pom for nose.
Add yarn to hang candy cane reindeer on tree.
If you don’t feel comfortable decorating your tree with edible candy canes, then consider making artificial ones with pipe cleaners or felt. Another option is to make a candy cane from yarn. Here’s how:
Materials:
Red yarn
White yarn
Scissors
Red pipe cleaner
8 inches of 1/2″ to 5/8″ ribbon
Directions:
Take one red bunch and one white bunch of yarn and tie them together into a single knot around the end of a pipe cleaner.
To make the stripes, twist the two colors around the pipe cleaner and knot the ends together around the other end.
Trim the yarn at both ends and trim the pipe cleaner.
Bend into the shape of a candy cane and tie a bow in the middle for added decoration.
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Making Edible Garland for Your Christmas Tree