Christmas candy wraps

Sunset, Dec, 1989

Christmas candy wraps For snoops who like to eye, squeeze, and shake their gifts to guess what's inside, these wraps provide delectable-looking camouflage. Who could fathom a teddy bear, after all, in a giant chocolate kiss? Or a diet book in the deceptive swirls of a mammoth lollipop?

These designs are also welcome coverings for impossible-to-wrap gifts. If desired, let them evolve in a whimsical manner from the shapes of the objects themselves.

Getting inspired

Choose one of the shapes shown here. Or visit a confectioner's shop for ideas, then create a mouth-watering mix to spread beneath your tree.

For the underpinnings, we used corrugated cardboard, mailing tubes, gift boxes, and masking tape. For wraps, try assorted colors of cellophane, foil, and construction, tissue, and wrapping papers. Ribbons and self-adhesive dots add finishing touches. Also have on hand scissors, a craft knife, glue, and transparent tape.

Creating the wraps

With the drawings at right, we give instructions for five candy looks. Here are some ideas for fillings:

Candy cane. Good for a poster, long-handlded kitchen utensil, stuffable scarf or socks, or umbrella.

Lollipo. Think flat--a book, record, tennis racquet (for last, omit mailing tube).

Box of sweets. The base already encloses the gift; for more fun, use golf balls, tennis balls, or tree ornaments for bonbons.

Chocolate kiss. Try any small, compact object, from a stuffed animal to a vase.

Toffee. Use for soft, foldable items--a muff, socks, sweater, or small rug.