southern fried gal

This is one of my top two ideas to demo at the ladies event last week. How cute is this candy cane vase? It was very simple to make. I started with a plain small mason jar. You definitely need a container that has the same diameter the length of your candy canes. Put two rubber bands around the center of the jar. You want the rubber bands to be snug but allow enough room to tuck the candy canes around. The hardest part of the project is keeping your patience as you tuck in the candy canes. They will try to go every which way but I found it was best to just keep tucking and when you get enough in there to cover the jar they become easier to work with. I chose to turn the crooks out to create added interest for my vase.

When you get your jar completely covered with the candy canes, wrap a ribbon around the rubber bands to conceal them and hot glue in the back. You could also tie a pretty bow instead. I was going for a streamlined look. Then just fill your jar with water and tuck in your favorite greenery and/or flowers. OR for a permanent look, craft a pretty faux arrangement!

To compliment the look, why not make these cute candy cane easels to go with them? Use them to hold your holiday menu or place cards! This is a fun idea from the 2008 Christmas with Southern Living book. One of the girls in my demo said she liked the idea and planned to display picture Christmas cards on her mantle – too cute!

For each easel, hot glue 2 candy canes together side by side (as if making an easel). Break a third candy cane halfway down the stem; hot glue it in place to serve as the back of the easel.