Candy Cane Hearts {Tutorial}

Aren't these little heart lollipops adorable?  I saw them last year all over the internet on different blogs around Valentine's Day.  I ran out to the store to see if I could find any left over mini candy canes, but couldn't find any.  I saved the idea, and stocked up on mini candy canes at Christmas time with this craft in mind.  I'm posting this early so that you still have time to hunt down some left over candy canes.

To create this project you'll need:

mini candy canes
4" lollipop ticks (available at big box craft stores in the cake decorating section)
parchement paper
baking sheet
3" x 5" Cellophane Bags (103104)
Rose Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (124322)

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet with parchement paper.  Unwrap your mini candy canes and place them on a baking sheet as shown below.  (Be sure to leave enough room to place your sticks later.) 

Bake them in your oven until they just start to get soft.  They don't need to melt.  I found that they went from just soft enough to overmelted very quickly, so watch them carefully.  I found that it took between 4 and 5 minutes in my oven.  Just after 4 minutes they were perfect.  At 5 minutes, they had melted and flattened out. 

Working quickly, while the candy is still warm, place down your stick and pinch the candy a little to form around the stick.

Once the candy was completely cool,  I wrapped them in Stampin' Up!'s 3" x 5" Cellophane Bags and added a ribbon bow.   I'm sure you'll find lots of sweethearts to share these little valentines with :)

Natasha and I have been pouring over the new Occasions Mini Catologue!  Have you seen it yet?  It's filled with tons of gorgeous new accessories and stamp sets.  If you'd like one of your own, please feel free to email me, I'd be happy to send you off one in the mail (Canadian customers only please).

Tons of fun Valentines projects coming up, so stay tuned!