How to Make a Candy Halloween Wreath

Candy Halloween wreaths are the perfect way to give a home-made, crafty Halloween treat without fearing it will suffer the same fate as home-made cookies, popcorn balls and brownies. Unfortunately, many parents and teachers can't allow children to eat homemade treats and must insist on commercially packaged products. Candy wreaths use individually wrapped commercial candies, so parents know they're safe, but allow you to add your creative, crafty flair.

Start with a piece of sturdy cardboard. Cut a circle the desired width of your wreath. Cut a smaller circle out of the center. For large, door wreaths, aim for a 2-foot diameter with a 9-inch center hole. Or make smaller, personal wreaths with 6-inch diameters and 2-inch centers.

Paint the wreath base glossy black, or another Halloween color. Glue individually wrapped Halloween candy around the wreath. Start with inexpensive, hard candies. Glue two rows of Lifesavers, Werther's Originals or Jolly Ranchers around the center of the wreath. Begin building sloping height on the wreath with smaller, cheap candies. Build up the curve along the front of the wreath with Tootsie Rolls, taffy and Mary Janes.

Finally, add larger, individually wrapped candy bars strategically around the wreath. Add five or six larger, signature pieces of Halloween candy, like full-size candy bars, Reese's cups, or themed lollipops, on top of the candy wreath. Tie a bow from candy necklaces and glue them in the front. Secure a hanger to the back of the wreath until it's ready for hanging.

Make a larger wreath for your front door to greet Halloween trick-or-treaters. Use the large wreath as a Halloween party decoration and give it away in a raffle or allow guests to pick candy off it all night.

Make smaller wreaths for your children to give to teachers, friends and family members during the Halloween season. Wrap candy wreaths in colored cellophane wrap; Saran Wrap produces holiday colors each season.

Make tiny candy wreaths and hang one on each of your co-worker's doors or cubicle entrances. Arrange three small candy wreaths on a wide, orange ribbon and hang them vertically for a trendy, designer look.

After Halloween, show your children how to make candy wreaths to use up extra Halloween candy. Take the wreaths to children's hospitals or shelters to share with others. Or choose the candy with non-Halloween wrappers and make generic wreaths. Keep them to give as birthday presents, Valentines gifts or welcome presents to new friends and co-workers. Just add a themed-ribbon and decorative cut-outs to spice up the generic wreath for your occasion.