Candy bar bouquets are uniquely delicious treats that can be made easily by the novice crafter or the seasoned veteran. Fun, simple to assemble, and always one-of-a-kind, the candy bar bouquet makes a great gift for any celebratory occasion where you want to present someone with a sweet, personal present.
If you have never received or seen one of these magnificent creations, picture a floral-like arrangement where Hershey Chocolate Bars, KitKats, and lollipops have replaced tulips, daisies, and baby’s breath. These bouquets have become extremely popular for baby showers, office birthdays, and even as housewarming gifts. When creating a candy bar bouquet, you are only limited by your own imagination and the amount of sweets you want to share with the recipient.
To create a basic candy bar bouquet, start with the following materials.
Container for the bouquet. Flower pot, vase, decorated coffee can, small basket, or large mug work wonderfully as a bouquet base. Choose a container that is a reflection of the occasion or of the recipient’s personality. Dollar stores often have over-sized mugs that make great bases for a candy bar bouquet.
Materials for base of bouquet and for the candy flowers. These materials include floral foam, wire, and tape, which can be found at craft stores or in the craft department at a superstore. Other materials needed are scissors or wire cutters, bamboo skewers, tissue paper and shred, garlands, and curling ribbon. Make sure you have a low-intensity hot glue gun with glue sticks.
Candy. Choosing the variety of candy for your bouquet will depend on the occasion and the personal preferences of the person receiving the bouquet. Choose candy you know they like or will remind them of their childhood but make sure you take into account any allergies. Candy bars that work well include, Butterfinger, KitKat, Mounds Bar, York Peppermint Patty, Mr.Goodbar, Baby Ruth, and Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar. Each of these candies offers the bouquet creator a variety of vibrant colors, unique shapes, and solid bars that make attaching the stem an easy job.
Making a candy bar bouquet can be an economical craft. Bouquet materials, especially the candy, can be purchased at discount stores, in bulk at a wholesale store, on-line, or simply on sale after one of the major candy holidays like Halloween or Easter.
In four simple steps, you can create the candy bar bouquet.
Step 1.
Prepare your container. Cut and fit the floral foam to the inside of the container leaving about a 2-inch space from the top of the foam to the lip of the container.
Step 2.
Create your candy flowers. Wrap a bamboo skewer with floral tape. You will need one wrapped skewer for each candy bar. Lay out each of the candy bars and attach one bamboo skewer to the backside of each bar using the hot glue gun being careful not to melt the candy. If you are concerned about melting, place a slice of floral tape along the back of the candy bar as a barrier before you glue on the skewer. Attach several inches of curling ribbon in contrasting or complimentary colors where the candy bar and the skewer meet. Repeat this process for each candy bar.
Step 3.
Begin arranging the candy bar flowers in the container. This may take a couple of attempts until you decide what looks best for your bouquet. Vary the height of the candy flowers by snipping lengths from the skewers. Vary the position of the differently shaped candy, for example, the round Peppermint Patty may look nice in front of the tall and thinner Butterfinger. Candy bar bouquets are whimsical so it is important to play with your design, relax, and most of all have fun. This is a fun gift and the enjoyment you had creating it will shine through.
Step 4.
Cover the floral foam with sparkly garlands, colorful shreds, or even yards of curling ribbon artfully arranged. For an added whimsy, toss Hershey kisses or pieces of brightly wrapped bubble gum amid the ribbon or shred.
When your candy bar bouquet is complete, you may want to wrap it in a clear cellophane wrap/bag that can be found in stores with craft materials or with gift wrapping supplies. Add a personal card and attach it with curling ribbon for the final touch.
Candy bouquets can be as simple as filling a specially chosen soda-fountain style glass container with individually wrapped and brightly colored chocolate candies. Choose a red and white striped piece of Old Fashioned Stick candy and place it jauntily in the filled glass so it resembles a straw. Curl several yards of different colored curling ribbons and add them to the top of the glass, covering the candies so they “spill” over the edge. This is a very inexpensive and simple to make gift for a teacher, coach, or even your own child.
The candy bouquet, whether elaborate or simple, is always a unique gift that is as fun to make, as it is to give.
