For eight years I lived in Chicago, where among many other traditions, Frango mints were a staple, local treat to be given as gifts during the holidays. As Kathy and I were working on today’s candy-inspired craft, she spoke fondly about Frango mints and how they were a local Seattle product. I couldn’t believe anyone would associate Frango with anything other than Marshall Fields on State Street in Chicago! We quickly turned to Wikipedia for answers.
As it turns out Frango mints were originally created for the department store Frederick & Nelson in 1918, which was later acquired by Marshall Field and Co., bringing the chocolate mints to Chicago. Today, the mints are made in both Chicago and Seattle and each city has it’s own special packaging (when I moved to Seattle, I just assumed Frango had issued new packaging, it never occurred to me that it was a regional difference!)
So for day 11 of 25 days of crafts, we present you with a craft that joins a tradition from both our cities into a fun party favor – santa hat poppers!
DIY santa poppers
Allow yourself about 20 minutes to complete this craft.
Materials
- 8.5″ x 11″ colored paper
- Crepe paper
- 7″ x 3″ paper mache craft cone
- Craft glue
- Small pom pom
- Scissors
- Hat template PDF
Step 1
Download and print the cone template. Trace and cut on your colored paper.
Step 2
Cut 4 pieces of crepe paper, 5.5″ long.
Step 3
Chose your favorite candy to fill the cone (preferably something wrapped.) We chose Frangos of course, but anything will do. Fill the cone to the top with candy, but not overflowing.
Step 4
Put a strip of glue on each end of one piece of crepe paper. Place the piece of crepe paper over the open end of the cone.
Step 5
Repeat Step 4, and place another piece of crepe paper over the other in the shape of a plus.
Step 6
Repeat step 4 and 5, but place the crepe paper in the shape of an X. This will cover all opening in the paper mache cone. Set aside and let dry.
Step 7
Take your cut piece of paper and put a strip of glue around the entire edge. Place your cone on one end, and being to roll it.
Step 8
Finish rolling it all the way and let it dry.
Step 9
Once it’s dry, place some glue on the top of the cone and place your pom pom on the top. Hold it to set a bit.
Sweet heaven you just made a santa popper!
Once it’s fully dry it’s ready to be popped! Place them at table settings or hand them out to your guests!
Visit Krafty Kath for more 25 Days of Crafts!
