The Crafting Table
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Simple Shenanigans Saint Patrick’s Day Wreath
Saturday, December 5, 2020
Long-Lasting, Easy Giant Candy Décor
Hello friends in the bloggersphere and beyond!
Don’t you just love a great Candyland theme during Christmas? I know I do! So. Much. Fun.
The easiest way to create a whimsical Candyland theme is to add giant candies, of course! I have seen methods on Pinterest to make giant lollies by using painted paper plates and dowels as sticks...very clever. However, paper is flimsy; I would imagine that over time, these would not hold up unless you are extremely careful when using and/or storing them. The tutorial I am sharing today is of giant lollipops and peppermint candies that are a little more substantial. These will definitely hold up over time, and can be used year after year. These were also very inexpensive to make!
To make your giant candies, you will need:
White duct tapeRed duct tape
Pool noodles (one for each lollipop you want to make)
Large beach balls (one for each lollipop you want to make)
Wooden dowels
Clear cellophane wrapping
Decorative ribbon
Industrial-strength hot glue gun and glue sticks
Cardboard tubing
Flat cardboard
Peppermint-printed wrapping paper
Small-gauge floral wire
For the Giant Lollies:
If you look at the picture above, you will note that I was initially going to wrap the noodle in ribbon. It didn’t look good to me; it was very difficult to line up the ribbon just right to emulate candy, so this is the method I used instead. Begin by completely wrapping your pool noodle in red duct tape.
Begin by completely covering your beach ball with white duct tape. No need to worry about making it perfect, you will be unable to see any flaws once the completed peppermint ball is wrapped in cellophane.
Next, you will use the red duct tape to create the red stripes of the peppermint ball. Cut away where needed before pressing down, creating a sort of swirled-stripe detail.
Begin with a cardboard tube, and cut it to size of the desired candy stick. If you are making more than one, measure to ensure symmetry.
Draw a template onto the flat cardboard for each side of the peppermint sticks. Draw two for each peppermint stick, for as many as you intend to make.
Friday, October 30, 2020
Simple Halloween Garland
Hello there!! I hope all is well for you and yours out there in the bloggersphere and beyond!! All of my Halloween decorating was completed a few weeks ago, however, today I thought I would share a last-minute tutorial of the super simple garland I made this year.
This is really a variation of the same method I used to make my Fall Harvest Runner years ago. You may view that tutorial in the archives here.
To create this garland, you will need:
Crafting mesh
Faux white pumpkins (or in my case, faux pumpkins that have been spray painted white)
Spooky elements like spiders, bats, skulls, et cetera
Ribbon
Faux black flowers and/or foliage
Paper clips
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Scissors
I began by layering my ribbon over the mesh.
Flip over and glue into place sporadically down the length of the mesh, approximately every two inches or so.
In the exact middle of the garland (or where it will center over my doors) is where I placed the most detail. It is also where I began to add the faux foliage elements. Place the larger floral stems onto the ribbon,
and use extra ribbon to reinforce. I love this sparkly, glittery option. Hot glue to hold together.
Add the larger elements here as well. Hello, Mr. Spider!!
For the addition of the skulls, I used paper clips.
Cut standard paper clips into thirds, which will make them into small hooks.
Gently push the paper clip portion into your skulls.
Glue into place.
You may now thread the foliage stems through the hanger you have just created and add to your garland, reinforcing with ribbon where needed.
For the addition of the pumpkins, I had to spray paint these little blue pumpkins because all of the white ones were sold out at the 99 Cent Store. Luckily, I already had some paint on-hand. I began by removing the tops of the pumpkins and then painting. Allow for dry time.
To create anchoring hooks for the pumpkins, this time I used medium gauge wire I had leftover from another project.
I simply cut it into sections, folded each section into little loops, and gently pushed it into the tops of my pumpkins. I then replaced the stems. You may also opt to add additional hot glue to reinforce if you prefer.
Finally, add your elements down the length of your garland, and hang in place. Viola!!
More shots of the detail.
Stay safe, take care, and Happy Halloween!!
Where to buy:
Ribbon, skulls, bats, clip-on spiders, large spider, black roses, and pumpkins, all, The 99 Cent Store
Crafting mesh, The Dollar Tree
Black dahlias and faux berry sprays, Hobby Lobby