Hello! How’s all the Christmas stuff going? There just seems to be so much this time of year, crammed into such a short period of time. It can feel so out-of-control. Now, we know we’re a bit biased–but, if the shopping season is starting to feel nuts to you, maybe consider heading into Anoka, and shopping Main Street for a bit. There are so many small, old-time, shops around here–you will find something for everyone on your list; plus, you will find peace-of-mind. (And, your soul won’t feel destroyed after.) The windows on Main Street are fun to look in. The service is friendly. Folks are a bit slower and calmer. And, all of your hard-earned dollars are going to a local business–not a giant, billionaire, CEO who lives somewhere in the middle of California. There’s just something that feels so nostalgic about wandering a little Main Street this time of year–you can, actually, feel the magic that exists during the holidays. :)
With today’s blog, we thought we’d have a little fun with one of the staples of the holiday season–the candy cane. We’ve been busy browsing Pinterest, looking for fun, Christmas candy recipes…and all the candy cane crafts just keep popping up. SO, today, we thought we’d share a few of the favorites that we’ve found. As always with our craft round up blogs, we have a little bit of everything–something to eat, something to not eat, some for the kids, and some to gift. And, as always…if YOU make any of these, and want to show them off–please do! Share here, or over on our Facebook page.
Marble Painted Candy Canes
We’re going to start off with an easy idea for toddlers, to elementary aged kids. It’s simple–all you need is a small marble (or ball), some red paint, a white cut out of a candy cane and a box. (A little car would work too…the kids just might get their hands a little messier while driving it around.) This blog calls for a box with a lid–a regular box, as long as you go slowly, works great too. We made a few candy canes at a time so we could give them away to the grandparents.
http://www.rustandsunshine.com/2012/12/12-days-of-christmas-ornaments-day-1.html
Melted Bead Candy Canes
These are super cute–plus, if you’re working with really little kids, you can work in a lesson about patterns while doing them. Older kids like them too because they look really pretty, and kinda professional, with very little work.
http://onelittleproject.com/melted-bead-candy-canes
Rudolph Candy Canes
Making these is an instant way to add some decoration to your home, as well as make the kids smile. These are also fun if your kids are planning to bring a treat to school for any holiday party they may have.
https://bandbbuildalife.com/2012/12/05/rudolphcandycanetreats
Candy Cane Vase
The blogger here used fake flowers…BUT, our sister store is loaded with real ones that would make an even bigger impression. You can just walk in and buy what you need over there–no need to order a huge arrangement if you just want some red and green flowers to put in a homemade candy cane vase. (Their website, phone number, and address is here: http://mainfloral.net )
http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/2010/12/17/christmas-party-planning-candy-cane-arrangement
Candy Cane, Clear Ornaments
Ya know, some ideas are just so simple–we wonder why we never thought of them ourselves. This is one of those times.
http://foxhollowcottage.com/2013/12/diy-clear-christmas-ornament-candy-canes-in-glass.html
Peppermint Bark, Candy Cane Hearts
These are simple, but still take patience. They make for really pretty, really festive, holiday gift treats. :)
http://www.ohnuts.com/blog/peppermint-bark-candy-cane-hearts
Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes
This one brings us back to, oh, about 1970/80-something when we were little, and making these in school. They’re classic and simple enough for even the littlest of hands. (Hand eye coordination and patterns being reinforced here…it’s perfect. :) )
http://fountainavenuekitchen.com/holiday-crafts
Cotton Ball Candy Canes
This project is great for the really little ones! Paint, and glue, and cotton balls–colorful, messy, and textured. :) The only thing we did differently, when we did this one, is to cut out the candy cane BEFORE doing all the painting–so the little artist could see what he was doing. (After cutting it out–we just put it on a piece of newspaper to keep the table from also turning candy cane red.)
http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2008/12/how-sweet-it-is.html
If you’re looking for other candy cane ideas, about 20 MORE projects can be found here:
http://www.womansday.com/home/crafts-projects/how-to/g1702/candy-cane-crafts/?slide=1