How to Make a Gumdrop Tree

Use this Gumdrop Tree to decorate your table, Mantel or Buffet! The kids can help make them too!

These Gumdrop Christmas Trees are easy to put together, although they do take a little time, but I think the end result is definitely worth it. The kids can also help with most of the assembly of the Gumdrop Trees.

Whether you are hosting a Christmas brunch, lunch or dinner, I think these Gumdrop Trees make great table decorations. I think they would also be cute for a birthday party or other occasion with other candy decorations.

How to make a Gumdrop Tree

Supplies:

• Gumdrops – we used spice drops – the size of your cone will determine how many bags you need. I would suggest buying extra because each bag does not have the same number of spice drops
• Cone shaped Styrofoam
• Toothpicks
• Red paper – for the bottom, optional
• Small vase or clear container – the ones we used are from the Dollar Tree Store
• Epsom salt or other filler
• Styrofoam for container
• Small Foam Paintbrush or dowel rod
• Straw to cover the paintbrush handle or you could paint it

Tools:

• Wire cutters or heavy, sharp scissors to cut the toothpicks
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Glue or glue dots

Instructions:

1. Prepare all the gumdrops. Add a small amount (10-15) toothpicks to a resealable bag, then use the wire cutters to cut the toothpicks INSIDE the bag. By doing it this way, the toothpicks won’t fly all over when cut. Then add the cut toothpick to the spice drop. We found it easiest to make piles of matching colors so you can easily grab them in order. Then begin on the bottom of the cone and add each of the spice drops, adding a row at a time, making your way to the top.
2. Using the Styrofoam cone as a template, cut circles for the bottom of the cones.
3. To add the gumdrop trees to the container, we used a small foam paintbrush and remove the sponge, then unscrewed the plastic end. (not shown) You can also use a dowel rod instead of a paintbrush handle.
4. Cover the paintbrush handle with a straw and insert it into the bottom of the cone AFTER the gumdrops have been inserted. Then glue the circle in place on the bottom of the cone.

Now it’s time to add the Gumdrop Christmas Trees to the container. Here are a few tips we found helpful –

• Be sure the container you choose is proportionate to the size of the cone
• After putting together the trees, we discovered that they were quite heavy. We used a 10 inch cone. Keep in mind – the larger the cone, the more gumdrops you will need to cover it.
• To secure the Gumdrop Trees into the containers, use a small piece of Styrofoam glued to the bottom.
• Then fill around the edges of the Stryofoam with Epsom Salt
• Push the Gumdrop Tree into the center of the Styrofoam

And if you are looking for another fun idea to use Gumdrops, this Candy Land inspired Kitchen Christmas Tree is so whimsical and fun!

Looking for more Christmas Crafts? You may like these –

Click on the photo for directions