How to Make Beaded Candy Canes

I recently shared how to make simple pipe cleaner candy canes. I shared how I love the look of candy canes, but I don't eat them. So, instead of buying another box of candy canes, I learned how to make pipe cleaner candy canes. But, I wanted to kick them up a notch. So, I figured out how to make beaded candy canes. And, I hope you'll love making this Christmas craft as much as I did.

easy diy beaded pipe cleaner candy canes craft project pin image

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How to Make Beaded Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes

I grew up in the 70s and 80s and remember when Christmas decorations were bright, colorful, and fun. For some reason I also remember we made a lot of beaded Christmas ornaments. I remember making beaded star ornaments that were so colorful and festive. So, that is what inspired me to make these retro colored beaded candy canes. I love how they turned out.

Retro Christmas Colors Beaded Candy Canes

plastic pony beads in cream, light pink, light blue, and light green
green, pink, and blue pipe cleaners
needle-nosed pliers

retro colored beads pipe cleaner candy canes with blue pipe cleaner and blue and cream beads being fed on

Start with a pipe cleaner base that is the same color as the beads you are going to use. I preferred using a colorful pipe cleaner and not a white one. Now, use the pliers to fold over one end of the pipe cleaner. This will create a "knot" that will prevent the first bead from sliding off the end of the pipe cleaner. You can also add a small dot of hot glue to the pipe cleaner, just above the knot you've made and then when you slide on the first bead, the glue will adhere the bead to the pipe cleaner.

pink and white beaded candy cane beside a green pipe cleaner candy cane stick being beaded

Feed the pink and cream beads onto the pipe cleaner until you have about ½ an inch of pipe cleaner left. Again, use the pliers to fold the pipe cleaner, creating a knot at the end of the candy cane. This will secure the end of the candy cane.

woman's hand holding pink and cream pipe cleaner candy cane

What do you think? What colors would you use for your candy canes?

3 retro Christmas color pipe cleaner beaded candy canes - pink, green and white

Classic Beaded Candy Cane Craft

plastic beads in white, red, and green
red pipe cleaners
needle-nosed pliers

two pipe cleaners with candy cane colored beads on them

You really can't go wrong with embracing the traditional red, green, and white colors of Christmas. I had fun making these classic Christmas color candy canes. I had fun creating the red, white, and green patterns. When I buy real candy canes, I try to find the traditional red, green, and white patterned ones. They are getting harder and harder to find.

Begin with a red pipe cleaner as your base. Then, use the pliers to fold over one end of the pipe cleaner. Create a "knot" in the wire that will prevent the first bead from sliding off the end of the pipe cleaner. Again, you can add a small dot of hot glue to the pipe cleaner, just above the knot you've made, and when you slide on the first bead, the glue will adhere the bead to the pipe cleaner.

2 beaded pipe cleaner candy canes in traditional candy cane Christmas colors with pile of beads beside

Now, it's time to create the pattern. Feed the red, green, and white beads onto the pipe cleaner until you have about ½ an inch of pipe cleaner left. Again, use the pliers to fold the pipe cleaner, creating a knot at the end of the candy cane. This will secure the end of the candy cane.

How to Use Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes

5 pipe cleaner beaded candy canes in different color combinations on table

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.