This edible jewelry craft is a natural fit when hosting a princess, dress-up or tea party theme for girls. But why should the girls have all the fun…how about making superhero bullet proof wrist bands with red, yellow or blue candy or a lucky bracelet at a St. Patrick ’s Day party with a variety of green candy? There are lots of possibilities and best of all it’s a pretty easy project to prepare! Have fun and feel free to send in pictures of your edible jewelry creations to share.

Craft Materials:

• Curling ribbon or shoestring licorice
• Clean kitchen scissors
• Plastic food prep gloves (optional)
• Ice pick or knitting needle (optional, see below)
• Bowls or paper plates for candy
• Fruit Roll up for bead stopper (for use with shoestring licorice method)
• Edible beads such as: Gummy lifesavers,jelly rings, sour peach rings, Lifesavers candy, Twizzlers fruit twists, Fruit Loops, Apple Jacks or Cheerios cereal, Starburst, Tootsie rolls, Pretzels

Before the Party:

1. Determine whether you want to use the ribbon or shoestring licorice as you beading string. I prefer the ribbon because it eliminates a step, it’s not as sticky to wear and easy to tie when you are busy at the party. That being said, many kids prefer the licorice method.
2. Measure and cut the pieces of ribbon or licorice. It’s always a good idea to make an example and then use that piece to measure your other pieces.
3. Cut and prepare the candy for beading. For example, cut Twizzler pieces into one inch pieces or smaller and if you’ve selected candy without holes such as Tootsie rolls or Starburst you’ll need to make holes using the knitting needle or ice pick. Wear plastic gloves for this step to avoid handling the candy.
4. Store the candy in sealed containers or plastic bags.

Party Time

1. Place the candy beads into bowls or on paper plates.
2. Give each child a knotted ribbon. Or help the children wrap a small piece of Fruit Roll-up around the end of their licorice strings to make bead stoppers.
   
3. Now it’s time to thread the strings with candy , leaving enough room to tie the ends.
   
4. Tie the two ends together or wrap them together with another piece of fruit roll-up.
   Look at the fun design you can make with a larger candy as a pendant!