It’s been 30 years, but I remember when I was in elementary school and my mom and I made candy wreaths for Christmas. I’m not sure where she got the idea, but it was a fun activity we enjoyed together, and I thought those candy wreaths were so cool.
I’ve always remembered that time, but I’ve never duplicated it…until now! I got the supplies and tried my hand at a craft I did decades ago. Turns out it’s easy, fast (only takes about an hour to make an 8″ wreath), and just as much fun as I remembered.
Supplies Needed: TWO 12 oz. bags of candy, curling ribbon, scissors, an 8″ metal hoop (available at craft and fabric stores), and ribbon to make a bow or a pre made bow for decoration. *Note: Make sure the candy is wrapped in the style that has wrapper sticking out on both ends- not all hard candy is wrapped this way.
Directions: Tie the curling ribbon in a knot onto the metal hoop so that an equal amount of ribbon is on either side of the knot. Start tying candy onto the hoop by looping the two strands of curling ribbon into a loose knot, sliding the candy into the loop, then pulling it tight.
Sometimes the two strands of curling ribbon will need to move to the inside or outside of the hoop, and sometimes there will be one strand on either side. Moving the ribbon from side to side helps distribute the candy to the left or right. Tying it in the center causes pieces of candy to stick more straight in the air. As you tie the candy on, you will naturally notice when the strands should move in, out, or in the center of the hoop to fill in the wreath with candy.
I find it easiest to make a loose knot first, then slide the end of the candy into the loop before pulling it tight. Sometimes I slide the end of the candy in from the bottom, and sometimes from the top depending on how I want it to lay in the wreath. Sliding the end through the loop from the bottom tends to make the candy lay flatter.
The piece of ribbon you tie onto the wreath to get started should be about 2 feet long or less. Any longer and it is difficult to handle. When the ribbon runs out, just tie it off. You can clip the ends or curl them. Then cut a new piece of ribbon, tie it onto the hoop with a knot as before and begin again. Push the new candy close to where the other ribbon stopped.
When the entire hoop is filled with candy, tie off the ribbon and cut it. Use pretty ribbon to tie a loop for hanging the wreath. Use the same ribbon to make a bow, or tie on a pre-made bow of any shape, size, or color. Once the wreath is hanging, people can eat the candy by unwrapping the piece they want while leaving the wrapper attached to the wreath. It’s a nice treat to hang in the workplace, but I admit when I hang my wreath at home I’m not letting anyone eat the candy for a while! It’s too pretty to eat!
I used classic peppermints, but there are so many possibilities when it comes to these candy wreaths. Use Jolly Ranchers for a jewel tone wreath, cinnamon candies for a solid red wreath, or even wrapped taffy for a frosted pastel look. They can also be made in different sizes (just get a different sized metal hoop.) The smaller wreaths double as a unique display when placed on the table with a candle in the center.
