Things You'll Need
1 box toothpicks
1 bag gumdrops
Kitchen knife
1 bag licorice
Pastry bag of frosting
If you're looking for something different to do on a rainy day, consider making candy animals. It's easy enough for kids to do. It can be used as a preschool, summer camp or home school activity. You can also decorate birthday cakes with candy animals or give them away as party favors. With a bag of gumdrops and several toothpicks, anyone can make some creative designs. The best part is eating them when you're done.
Step 1
Cut several gumdrops in half, from top to bottom. Any kitchen knife will accomplish this task.
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Step 2
Slide the halved gumdrops onto a toothpick until the toothpick is full. Repeat this process with three other toothpicks. These four toothpicks will be the legs of the animal.
Step 3
Fill one toothpick up with whole sized gumdrops to make the body of the animal.
Step 4
Stick the legs of the animal into the body. Put two legs on one side and two legs on the other side. Prop up the body using the legs.
Step 5
Check to make sure that the ends of the toothpicks are piercing the gumdrops on the body. This will help hold the animal in its proper stance. A bit of water where the toothpick pierces the gumdrop will make the candy sticky and can give it better hold as well.
Step 6
Break a toothpick in half. This will be the neck of the animal. Slide a few halved gumdrops onto this halved toothpick. Slide one whole gumdrop on top to represent the head of the animal.
Step 7
Add a licorice tail by dabbing a bit of frosting to attach the tail to the body of the animal. According to Disney's "Family Fun" website, adding a bit of frosting acts as glue on your candy creations. Add eyes, ears and hair with frosting. Strips can create a zebra, spots can create cows. Be creative and see what you can come up with.
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