How to Create a Colorful Candy Lei in 5 Easy Steps

Leis are an iconic symbol of Hawaiian culture, and candy leis are a fun and tasty twist on this traditional adornment. Making a candy lei is a unique and creative way to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, graduations, or just for fun! With just a few materials and a little patience, you can create a beautiful candy lei that will brighten up any celebration.

To make a candy lei, you will need to gather some basic supplies such as candy, string or ribbon, and scissors. You can choose any type of candy that you like, but it’s best to use candies that come in individual wrappers to make the process easier. You can also mix and match candies to create a colorful and unique design. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to create a simple candy lei that you can customize to fit your personal style. So, grab your candy and let’s get crafting!

Materials Needed for Making a Candy Lei

If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to make a festive lei, then a candy lei is perfect for you! It’s affordable, easy to make, and customizable with your favorite candies. The best part? You can eat it after wearing it!

Before you get started, it’s important to make sure you have all the materials that you need. Here are the items needed to make a candy lei:

1. Candy

The first and most crucial item is candy! You’ll need a variety of bite-sized candies such as Skittles, Starburst, Jolly Ranchers, or other candies of your preference. Make sure to purchase enough to cover the length of the lei you wish to create.

2. Ribbon

You can use any type of ribbon for this project, but thin colorful ribbons work best for a candy lei. You can find ribbon in any craft store in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes.

3. Scissors

You will need a pair of scissors to cut the ribbon to the desired length and to open candy wrappers.

4. Beading Needle

A beading needle helps you string the candies onto the ribbon. It’s thin and long, making it easy to thread through the small holes in the candy wrappers.

5. Tape

Clear tape is helpful to secure the ends of the ribbon while you’re threading the candies. It also ensures that the ribbons don’t come apart once you finish the lei.

6. Optional: Lei Flowers

If you want to add flowers to your candy lei, you can use silk flowers that match your desired candy color scheme. Simply glue flowers onto the ribbon between the candies.

7. Optional: Personalized Items

To add a personalized touch, you can add non-candy items such as beads, mini toys, and stickers to your lei.

8. A Flat Surface

You’ll need a flat surface to lay out your ribbon and candies while making your lei. This surface should be cleared of any clutter and have enough space to accommodate your candy lei.

9. Patience and Creativity

Making a candy lei can be a fun and enjoyable activity. Take your time and be creative while making the lei. The end result will be worth it.

10. A Sweet Tooth

Lastly, it’s essential to have a sweet tooth! You will need to resist the temptation to snack on your candy while making your lei. But don’t worry, once you finished creating your lei, you can eat to your heart’s content!

Now that you have your materials, you’re ready to start making your candy lei. Next, we’ll get into the steps for creating a beautiful and tasty candy lei.

What You’ll Need

Making your own candy lei may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and supplies, it can be a fun and enjoyable activity. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

1. Candy – You’ll need lots of it! Choose colorful and shaped candies to add variety and interest to your lei. You can use gummy bears, fruit snacks, lollipops, sour candies, chocolate, and so much more.

2. String – Some people prefer to use ribbon or yarn to make their candy leis, but we recommend using clear fishing line or dental floss. These materials are strong enough to hold the weight of the candies and won’t distract from the candy display.

3. Scissors – You’ll need a sharp pair of scissors to cut the string and candy wrappers.

4. Tape – Clear tape or washi tape will help keep the candy in place as you string them onto the lei.

5. Needle – While a needle isn’t necessary, it can be useful to thread the string through smaller candies or to make a knot at the end of the lei.

6. Beads – For added decoration, you can include beads in your candy lei. Choose beads that match the color scheme of your candy or ones that add contrast.

7. Charms – Adding a charm to the end of your candy lei can give it a personalized touch. Choose a charm that relates to the occasion or the person who will be wearing the lei.

8. Bow – A colorful bow can tie the entire look of the candy lei together. Choose a ribbon that matches the color scheme of your candies.

9. Table or Workspace – To make your candy lei, you’ll need a flat surface to work on. Find a table or desk that is comfortable to sit at for an extended period.

10. Time – Making a candy lei may take some time, especially if you have a lot of candies to string. Be patient, take breaks if necessary, and have fun with the process.

Making a Candy Lei: Gathering Supplies

Now that you have a general idea on how to make a candy lei, it’s time to gather all of the necessary supplies. Here are the things you’ll need:

Choosing Your Candy

When it comes to choosing the candy, the possibilities are endless. However, some candy may work better than others for your candy lei.

Chewy candies like Skittles, Starburst, or sweet tarts work exceptionally well. These candies can be easily strung and come in a variety of colors. Avoid using anything that’s too heavy or hard, as this will make it hard to balance the lei.

Picking the Perfect Ribbon

For your ribbon, choose a sturdy ribbon that is easy to work with. Look for ribbon that will complement the color of your candy. You can use a single strand of ribbon, or mix and match different ribbons to add color, texture, and depth.

Measuring Your Ribbon

To determine the length of the ribbon, measure how long you’d like the finished lei to be. Add 12-14 inches to this length to accommodate for knotting and tying the ends. Cut the ribbon to length, leaving room for the knot at the end.

Tying it All Together

Once you have all your supplies, it’s time to tie everything together. Start by tying a small knot at one end of the ribbon. This will help keep the candy from sliding off. Then, string the candy onto the ribbon in any pattern you like. Once you have strung all of your candy, tie a knot at the other end of the ribbon to secure everything in place.

To finish off your candy lei, tie a bow or knot at both ends of the ribbon. Be sure to trim any excess ribbon or thread. Your candy lei is now ready to wear or give as a gift!

Time to Sweeten Up the Day!

That’s it, guys! You can now create your candy lei using the instructions we’ve prepared for you. We hope that you had fun following this easy tutorial. Don’t forget to show off your masterpiece to your loved ones and share the sweetness with them. Thank you for taking the time to read our article, and we wish to see you again soon for more creative DIY ideas!