As the season changes to spring, Ohio welcomes in some much needed sunshine. I wanted to capitalize on these rays by creating an awesome craft project for kids. That’s when the stained glass candy suncatchers idea was born.
Dum-Dums Stained Glass Candy Suncatchers Craft
The Spangler Candy Company (yay- Ohio based!) challenged me to come up with a creative Dum- Dums springtime craft. Something about a broken Dum-Dum lollipop instantly brought back memories of making suncatchers (think of the Shrinky-Dink era)
Do you remember getting those kits with the chips of colored plastic that melted into a metal frame (a unicorn or hot air ballon for me usually). As I started to break up the candy, it was like a flashback to these suncatcher kits.
Let me tell you, when these were baking, it filled the house with such a sweet scent! A perfect way to welcome Spring!
How to Make Stained Glass Candy Suncatchers
1. Unwrap, Cut Sticks and Crush the Dum-Dums
Have the kids unwrap the Dum-Dums (yes I gave them each one eat as we worked– they were just too tempting) and organize by color. I asked them to be careful with the wrappers- I knew those could become another craft too! (post coming soon!)
I then cut off each stick (definitely a parents job- with some strong scissors) and placed them in baggies by color.
Using a ice cream scoop (we didn’t have a meat tenderizer, that would have been better), I cracked each one to start. Then I let the kids crush away! I would say it’s best not to pulverize it- leave a few chucks they add some depth when melting.
2. Arrange on Foil Lined Baking Sheet
Spray foil with some cooking spray. After cutting them, I realized the sticks would make great lead caming for the shapes too. So I used them to create the outline for the sun catchers. You can bend them to make a rounder shape as well.
Decide a pattern and then fill in the shape with the crushed Dum-Dums. (Pick out the leftover little pieces of stick as you go).
3. Bake at 175 degrees Until Just Melted
Just so you know- I keep it real! My first attempt was a major fail! You definitely want to go low and slow on the oven with these. My kids were so sad I burnt the cross. (I am sure there is a good sermon illustration here somewhere.) And, I did promise them we would make another.
You also cannot set and forget on this part. Watch the candy as it starts to melt. I thought it was a nice “3D” effect that some of the larger chunks didn’t melt all the way- so keep an eye on it (and the kids liked to watch anyway).
4. Cool and Add Hanger
Allow the pieces to cool completely before handling. In the end, I decided to leave the sticks on some and take it off (very carefully) of the circle. I was able to find a small hole to thread some fishing line through to hang on my suction cups. But next time I am going try melting the fishing line right into the candy in the oven (for a more secure hold).
For you visuals, I have also created a little video of the process too.
I do have to say, I had had to tell the kiddos not to lick the finished product! 😉
So what do you think? Pretty sweet right! 😉
Be sure to also follow Dum Dums on social media. As I can attest; they love to connect!
I am always excited to work with Ohio based companies. This is a sponsored post for The Spangler Company. All opinions are my own.
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