Candy Place Cards, Name Tags and More

The greatest thing about some craft projects is that theyre not all that specific. That is, you put the craft together but it doesnt have just one purpose. You can use the finished project in many ways. Some of these projects might be complicated and others super-easy. Such is the case with a very simple craft that has more than one purpose, is really inexpensive to make, and is suitable for adults and kids alike. Make fake candy and youll have place cards, name tags and much more! The fake candy you make is not so convincing as candy; its not supposed to be. Although the candies youll make dont look real they are adorable and really easy to make. Youll need some cardstock to get started. Choose patterns that resemble those you would see on candy wrappers, like red and white stripes, butterscotch-colored and similar designs. Make all the candies the same or purchase assorted cardstock to make different candies.

Cut oval shapes that are three inches long. Cut one for each place card then poke a hole at each end. Now cut ribbon pieces that are each 6" long. Make all the ribbons the same or use assorted ribbon to make various candies. The ribbon should be 1.5" wide. Cut one ribbon for each place card. At each end of the ribbon, fold it in half, then cut from a short ways up on the fold down to the corner of the ribbon. This creates a "v" shape at the ends of the ribbons and makes a more convincing candy image.

Write the guests names on the cards then thread a ribbon through the holes in each oval. Lay the oval on a table with the name facing you. Put the ribbon through the hole on the right side, across the backside of the oval, then back up through the opposite hole. Make sure the ribbon is not twisted in the back. Fluff the ribbon out on the ends to give it a wrapped candy appearance. You can use the same technique to make other things, too. Make the fake candies and use them as name tags for birthdays, Christmas and other occasions. Or, make a larger candy, write a childs name on it, then use double-sided tape to stick it to a bedroom door. Little kids will even wear the fake candy as a necklace. Simply thread a length of stretch cord through the holes, along with the ribbon, and a girl can just slide it on over her head. You can even make the candies with no names, cover the ovals with colored cellophane, then stick them on picture frames, candles, lampshades and more. Its fun to create the candy theme at special occasions for special people!