How to Make Giant Foam Candy Canes

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What a great way to decorate your home for the holidays. Foam candy canes are easy and clever. Since they're waterproof, you can hang a few outdoors to show your holiday spirit. Your neighbors will beg you to tell them how you rocked this DIY project.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Fishing Line

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  1. Red or white is best but any color will do as you can cover them to create the desired effect. This process won't ruin the noodle so they can be reused after the holiday season and thrown back into the pool or lake.
  2. Measure the noodle into three equal parts. Only bend the top third of the noodle. This will create the cane-like shape. You’ll want to keep it in place like this for about 20 minutes. You can do this by simply holding it, sitting on it or placing books on top of it.
    • If you want to save time, simply eyeball the appropriate bend spot and bend according to your preference.
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  3. Tie the fishing line around the two parts of the bend. This will ensure the shape holds.
    • You can always readjust the shape later if you don’t like it.
  4. If the noodle is red, use white electrical tape to create stripes or vice versa. If you’ve chosen another color like purple, you will cover the entire noodle in a solid color of tape first before creating the alternating colored stripes. Diagonally, wind the red or white tape around the noodle and presto! [1] You’ve created a foam candy cane.
    • If you’d like your stripes to be extra precise, measure two to three inches for each stripe (or larger if you prefer giant stripes). Make a small mark with a pencil. When winding the tape around the noodle, let the marks serve as a guide along the way. This will keep your stripes even and a consistent size.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using a PVC Pipe

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  1. Using a sheet of plywood and a garbage can lid (anything round will work), trace a half circle to create an arch.
  2. To keep the PVC from wiggling around when bending, create a channel by placing small pieces of scrap wood along the outline. These should be placed about 4-5 inches apart on either side of the line you’ve drawn. [2]
    • It’s best to drill these in place so they don’t shift.
  3. Place your template on the ground and grab your ½ inch PVC. Measure the noodle into three equal parts. Using a hairdryer, begin to slide the PVC through the channel, heating it along the way so it’s bendable. [3] Only bend the top third of the noodle.
    • If you want to save time, simply eyeball the appropriate bend spot and bend according to your preference.
    • Be careful not to hold the heat source at the same spot for too long as it could melt.
    • This will take several minutes so take your time.
    • Wait until it’s cooled before popping it out of the template.
  4. Depending on the size of your PVC pipe, you may need two noodles.
  5. Cover the seam where the two noodles meet (if applicable) first. Otherwise, go ahead and cover the entire cane with white duct tape.
    • Due to the curves and noodle material, the tape may not lay perfectly flat.
  6. Diagonally, wind the red tape around the noodle. You can further customize the decoration with glitter, bows, etc.
    • If you’d like your stripes to be extra precise, measure two to three inches for each stripe (or larger if you prefer giant stripes). Make a small mark with a pencil. When winding the tape around the noodle, let the marks serve as a guide along the way. This will keep your stripes even and a consistent size.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I secure it in the ground?
    Community Answer
    Hammer a 2-3ft dowel with a diameter smaller than the pvc pipe into ground. Now place the noodle or pvc over the dowel.
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    Not Helpful 14 Helpful 39
  • Question
    Do I take the fish line off it after using the tape or does it have to stay?
    Community Answer
    According to the directions, you keep it on.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 27
  • Question
    How would I stand it in my yard?
    Blaze
    Community Answer
    Dig a hole in the ground and plant it.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Warnings

      • Remove all of the fishing line before swimming season! Someone could get it wrapped around their neck and it could choke them.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Pool noodles. Red or white works best but any color will do
      • White electrical tape
      • Clear fishing line
      • Scissors
      • PVC pipe
      • Plywood and scrap wood pieces
      • Hairdryer
      • Pencil
      • White and red duct tape

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.pinterest.com/pin/345932815101022010/
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urQMSQ9UKf0
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urQMSQ9UKf0

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a giant foam candy cane, you’ll just need a red pool noodle, fishing line, and white electrical tape. First, measure the length of the noodle and divide it into three equal parts. Bend the top third of the noodle down to make a candy-cane shape, then place something heavy on it to hold it in place for about 20 minutes. Next, tie the fishing line between the two ends of the hook on the candy cane so it holds its shape. Mark every 2-3 inches (5-7 ½ cm) along the candy cane with a pencil. Finally, wind the white electrical tape diagonally around the candy cane to make the stripes, using the pencil marks as a guide. To learn how to make a candy cane with a PVC pipe, scroll down!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Patti McCallister

        Jan 27, 2017

        "It showed me different ways I can make the same thing. It also gave me more ideas using the same or similar items. "
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