Things You'll Need
Wooden dowel
Styrofoam ball
Wrapped candies
Straight pins
Curling ribbon
Plaster of Paris
Colored pebbles or Easter grass
Flower pot, coffee cup or other container
Bowl or pot
Spoon or spatula
Acrylic paints (optional)
A candy topiary tree can be created using a variety of candies. They can be made for any occasion or holiday and offer a special focus as a dinner table centerpiece or a themed party decoration. They also make great gifts. Unlike flowers, they won't wither away. In fact, the best part of a candy tree topiary is that not only does it look attractive, you can eat it.
Step 1
Center the end of the wooden dowel at one end of the Styrofoam ball. Push the dowel into the ball firmly. Do not push it all the way through, however push it far enough so that the weight of the candy on the ball later will not cause it to fall off the dowel. You can also put some craft glue on the end of the dowel to ensure it stays in the Styrofoam ball.
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Step 2
Mix the plaster of Paris according to package directions in the bowl. Pour the mixed wet plaster into the flower pot or cup you are using for your topiary. It should come almost to the top but not quite. Take the end of the wooden dowel that does not have the ball on it and push it into the wet plaster. Be sure it is straight and let the plaster dry.
Step 3
Place a piece of wrapped candy against the Styrofoam ball and pin it to the ball with a straight pin. If you prefer to use glue, place a small spot of glue on the ball in the desired place and push candy onto it. Hold in place a few minutes until it dries. Continue with each piece of candy until the ball is covered in the desired design. A popular method is to start placing the candy at one end and work your way down, but you can put the candy on in any way you like.
Step 4
Fill in any gaps on the dowel or in between the candy with curling ribbon. You can also fill in gaps between the candy with more candy or smaller candies if you are making a topiary tree with different kinds of treats.
Step 5
Fill the rest of the flower pot or cup with colored pebbles or Easter grass to cover the plaster of Paris. If you like, use acrylic paints to paint a design on your cup or flower pot as a finishing touch.
Tip
Instead of pebbles or Easter grass, fill the pot with more candy to hide the plaster of Paris. If using unwrapped candy, hold it in place with icing instead of glue or pins. You can use a hot glue gun on a low setting to attach the candy to the Styrofoam ball.
Warning
Never use clear craft glue to hold the candy. It will dissolve the Styrofoam.
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