Craft Primitive Christmas Candy Cane Ornies Using a Mattress Pad

I picked up a couple of twin-size mattress pads at a yard sale and I do not have one twin bed in my house. Like most things I pick up secondhand, I have a crafty alternative for their use. I saw the mattress pad as cheap quilted fabric with lots of potential.

I used the mattress pad to make primitive candy cane ornies for Christmas. One twin-size mattress pad produced about 40 candy cane ornies. They will become small inexpensive gifts for family and friends, and a new item for Christmas craft shows.

This project is very simple to craft and fast to complete. The longest process is the drying time in the oven, but if you make them all up at once, they can all be drying at the same time. I do not recommend this craft for children, as it uses a hot glue gun. After completing this project, I do not think I have any fingerprints left on my fingers. Keep a bowl of ice water nearby to instantly stop the burn.

Materials:
17-guage craft wire
Wire cutters
Measuring tape
Scissors
Mattress pad
Hot glue gun
Hot tea
Sponge brush
Cinnamon
Oven
Paintbrush
Craft glue
Clear crystal glitter

Step 1
Cut an 18-inch length of 17-guage or heavy craft wire. Pre-cut floral stem wire also works well.

Step 2
Fold the wire in half. Your wire will be 2-ply and 9 inches long. Form the wire into a candy cane shape.

Step 3
Cut off the elastic edging on the mattress pad. My mattress pad had mesh sides with elastic attached. I cut away the mesh sides.

Step 4
The width of my mattress pad top was 36 inches wide. I cut a 2-inch wide strip by the width of my mattress pad. It was too long for the candy cane ornie, but I would rather cut off excess than not have enough. Once you make one primitive candy cane ornie you will be better able to judge the length you will need.

Step 5
Hot glue the strip angled off the curved top end of the candy cane wire. Fold the strip back on itself. Wrap the strip around the wire, slightly overlapping each wrap. Continue to the bottom end of the Christmas candy cane. Wrap the bottom tight, cut off the excess and hot glue the end to secure.

Step 6
Rip a 1-inch wide strip of red Christmas-print fabric the width of the fabric. Fold the strip in half with the long edges matching. Press with your fingers to hold the fold. Hot glue one end of the strip to the curved end of the candy cane. Wrap the rest of the strip around the length of the candy cane, allowing a small amount of the white mattress pad to show between each wrap. Cut the excess strip from the end of the candy cane and hot glue to secure.

Step 7
Brew a strong cup of hot tea. Use a sponge brush to paint the tea over the candy cane surface. Sprinkle the wet fabric with cinnamon and rub it in with your fingers. Place the primitive candy cane in a 150 degree oven for a couple of hours to dry. You do not need a pan, just place it on the rack.

Step 8
Lightly and randomly paint the surface of the primitive Christmas candy cane ornie with craft glue. Sprinkle the candy cane with clear crystal glitter and allow to dry.