By Noreen Doll.
A scrunched paper Candy Cane is so easy even toddlers can have fun making it.
They’ll love scrunching up the tissue paper squares to be glued on the cardboard.
It’s cheap and easy to make with recycled cereal cardboard and tissue paper.
Older kids can cut out the tissue paper squares ahead of time so you’ll have everything ready when it’s time to begin.
Supplies.
Cereal Box or other cardboard
White Tissue Paper
Red Tissue Paper (or red napkins – which I used because I couldn’t find a pack of red tissue paper.)
Scrap Sheet of Paper for Pattern
Glue
Pencil
Scissors
How to Make a Scrunched Paper Candy Cane.
1. Make a candy cane pattern large enough to fill your cardboard. Cut it out.
My candy cane is about 8 inches wide and 11 1/2 inches high.
2. Draw lines to show where the stripes will be.
I used a Sharpie so the lines would show well in the photo, but a pencil will be less obvious on the finished candy cane.
3. For young children you could use red and white markers or paint for the stripes so they could match the colors.
4. Cut the red and white tissue paper into 2 1/2 inch squares. The size doesn’t need to be exact.
The larger the candy cane, the more squares will be needed.
5. Scrunch the squares into balls. This part is fun for little ones.
6. Cover one of the stripes with glue. Smear it around so the stripe is completely covered.
You can add the glue for a toddler. Older children will prefer to add the glue themselves.
7. Start placing the red balls on the glue until the stripe is covered.
The closer together you put the tissue balls, the fuller the candy cane will look.
8. Cover the next stripe with glue and attach white balls, filling the stripe.
9. Continue alternating color stripes until the candy cane is completely covered with scrunched paper balls.
Let dry.
10. Punch a hole in the top. I put my hole slightly off center so the candy cane would hang at an angle.
Add string or wire to the hole for hanging the candy cane.
11. Attach a bow or other decoration to finish.
Tips
You can make a very large candy cane if you can find a large piece of cardboard.
If you are working with children too young to cut out the tissue paper squares, have everything ready before you start.
Have the candy cane cut out and marked, the glue at hand, and the squares ready for scrunching.
Don’t expect perfection and be prepared to love the result. You never know where crafting with a toddler will take you!
Noreen Doll
Daniela Walsh says
I love these candy canes. My readers would love it!
Take care,
Daniela
Julia says
What a great idea! I should start doing crafts with my youngest. She’s almost 2 now.
Janis Cox says
Thanks for linking to Creative Saturdays. I remember these. So colourful. I will mark this away as another craft for Tadeo Turtle. excellent idea.
Blessings,
Janis Cox
Natalie says
I love the “texture” of this design! Christmas wreathes might be another fun one to do, and snowman. I can see where this could be addictive. Creating with children is a lot of fun! Thank you for sharing!
Chrissy@thepearlblog says
I love this idea. I homeschool 3 four year olds and I am sure they would love this. Thanks for linking up to the all things pretty party.
Dawn @ We Call It Junkin says
I love it, it reminds me the vintage plastic “popcorn” decorations from the 70s, yet you can make it right at home. Thanks for sharing. Take care – Dawn
Sarahs says
This is a cute idea, my toddler would have so much fun scrunching up all the tissue paper. Thanks for sharing. s
Megan @ Our PInteresting Family says
Very cute!
angela says
This is such a perfect kid craft! thanks for sharing 🙂 .
Brenda @ Chatting Over Chocolate says
This is super cute! Pinned 😉 Thanks for sharing!
Kristina & Millie says
Too cute! and great for all skill levels 🙂
Monica@ The Modern Mrs. Blog says
So simply beautiful and easy! Thanks for sharing!
Elisabeth says
These are SO cute! Found you through the Adorned From Above linkup… definitely bookmarking this site. My kids will love this!
Carli says
This is a great idea! I love how simple it is but it looks really nice! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on Family Friday Link Up Party!
Danielle @ Blessed Serendipity says
What a nostalgic and cute idea. I love it.
Danielle
Laughing Kids Learn says
Love this. Would like to feature it on my Share It Saturday round up. 🙂
Kristina & Millie says
Thanks for linking up to Snickerdoodle Sunday. I have plans to make something based on your tutorial before Christmas if I can! Hope you come back and visit us again!
Mrs. Sarah Coller says
That’s cute…Maybe I’ll have my kids make one this week!
Thanks for sharing on Make Bake Create!
Debi and Charly @ Adorned From Above says
Cute Candy Cane. Thanks so much for sharing with Adorned From Above’s Link Party.
Have a great week.
Debi and Charly