Easy Pipe Cleaner Candy Cane Craft

I have a confession to make: I don't really like the taste of candy canes. But, I do love how candy canes look. I usually end up buying candy canes for how they look and then have a huge pile of uneaten candy canes in January. So, I thought I'd try making my own pipe cleaner candy canes this year, and they turned out so super cute. These are a simple Christmas craft to make with the kids or on your own.

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The thing I love about candy canes is the simple pattern of the classic red and white. Over the years, candy canes have become much more colorful. As the flavors change, so do the colors. And, I love all the fun color combinations. I thought I could probably come up with a way to make all kinds of super cute candy canes.

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Easy Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes
Fun Red, White, and Green Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes
How to Use Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes

Easy Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes

red and white pipe cleaners
scissors

image of pile of red pipe cleaners and white pipe cleaners with a red and white pipe cleaner being twisted together

For the absolute most basic pipe cleaner candy canes, start with a white pipe cleaner and a red pipe cleaner. Line them up, side-by-side, and twist them together to create a pattern that you like.

white and red pipe cleaners twisted together to make a candy cane stick

Once you have the pattern twisted, it's time to turn the top of the candy cane hook. And, your pipe cleaner candy cane is done.

red and white pipe cleaner candy cane with scissors trimming the long end to make a mini pipe cleaner candy cane

I also made some shorter, mini candy canes. I liked the look of a shorter cane. What size do you like?

5 small and large diy pipe cleaner candy canes in red and white

Fun Red, White, and Green Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes

red, white, and green pipe cleaners
scissors

We all know that sometimes candy canes have that little stripe of green. So, while I love a super basic red and white candy cane craft, I thought it would be fun to add a touch of green to some candy canes.

red, green, and white pipe cleaner on table

To make the tri-colored candy cane, you start by winding the red and white pipe cleaners together to make in essence, a single pipe cleaner.

red and white pipe cleaners twisted together with a green pipe cleaner being twisted onto them

Now wind the green pipe cleaner around the red and white pipe cleaner. Try and stay consistent with your placement of the green candy cane. I kept my green pipe cleaner close to the red pipe cleaner.

green, white, and red pipe cleaners twisted into one pipe cleaner

Once you have created the combined color pipe cleaner candy cane, simply bend the arch of the candy cane and trim as you like. I trimmed the end off because it was a little messy at the very beginning of the winding. Trim to whatever length you like.

red, white, and green pipe cleaners shaped into candy cane with pair of scissors

How to Use Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes

I love the beaded candy canes and pipe cleaner candy canes that I've made. I am going to make a big pile of them and use them to top all the gifts that I give this year. I'm also thinking about turning them into the cutest little candy cane garland. And, of course I will add a few to the Christmas tree.