Ribbon Candy

This is such a classic ornament that everybody has a version of it. Martha and BHG both put beads in between each fold, I saw a paper version floating around somewhere this year, I think even the long lamented Carol Duvall show featured a version. Mine keeps it as basic as possible.

I think the big secret in this ornament is the ribbon you pick. It needs to be wired, but also look like the candy. I scored this ribbon on a huge drum from Costco this year. You basically just need a ribbon with some stripes running down the whole length.

Cut a 24″ length of ribbon and fold it every 2″, going back and forth like an accordion.

Cut a length of fishing line to 24″ long and thread it through a sharp needle. Thread a bead all the way to the bottom of the fishing line, then bring the needle around and back through the bead. Pull tight. This will be a stopper to hold the fishing line in place and keep it from pulling all the way through.

Poke the needle through the center of your ribbon stack and pull all the way through. You may have to wrestle with it a little, so that’s why it’s good to use a sharp needle that’s as small as you can use on the fishing line.

Fluff out your layers, shaping the folds around your finger to get that nice round ribbon edge.

When you’ve got your ribbon as fluffed out as you want it, tie a knot in the fishing line snuggled right up next to the ribbon. Cut the remaining fishing line in half to get the needle off, then tie another knot to create your hanger.

It’s a popular one for a reason. Quick, cheap, and so evocative of an old fashioned Christmas.

1 thought on “Ribbon Candy

  1. Once in awhile I see my Grandpa while I’m in bweeetn being awake and sleeping. It’s been since the fourth grade since he’s been gone. He was my best friend and taught me things faster then anyone else could. His math skills were impeccable and his wit just as smooth. His impact on my life was so huge in the little time I knew him. I miss the stories and the crossword puzzles he did in ink. And the constant talking about Notre Dame Football. I think the man did everything. Canned fruit/veggies,made homemade peanut butter,cooked everything,fought in the pacific, worked in a steel mill, worked in a warehouse, told jokes and helped me learn. So he’s here. He’s here somewhere.

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