How to Make Candy Clay Hydrangeas

Mix Candy Clay

• 1). Melt candy bits in a double boiler over low or medium heat. Stir the candy frequently until it is evenly melted and reaches a smooth consistency.
  
  
• 2). Add 1/3 cup corn syrup and stir to incorporate.
  
  
• 3). Place a sheet of wax paper on a cookie sheet.
  
  
• 4). Pour the candy onto the wax paper and set it aside to cool at room temperature.
  
  
• 5). Fold the wax paper over to fold the cooled candy in half. Unfold the wax paper and fold the cooled candy in half again with the wax paper to form a flat candy rod.
  
  
• 6). Cut the candy rod into thirds and wrap the pieces in plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight.
  
  
• 7). Sprinkle cornstarch over your workspace and hands and remove one section of candy clay from the refrigerator.
  
  
• 8). Knead and press the clay to make it pliable.
  
  

Making Flower Components

• 1). Place the dowels parallel on either side of your workspace. Place the rolling pin perpendicular to the dowels so that the ends of the rolling pin rest on the dowels; this will keep the rolling pin 1/8 inch above your workspace.
  
  
• 2). Press the candy onto the lightly corn starched work surface and then roll the clay into a 1/8-inch-thick sheet.
  
  
• 3). Make two dozen 1-inch tin foil balls. Spread the balls on two cookie sheets leaving 1 to 2 inches between each row of balls. Drape a sheet of plastic wrap over the balls.
  
  
• 4). Use the cookie cutter to cut out whole flowers, pairs of petals and individual petals. Drape the whole flower pieces over the foil balls to shape them; lay the individual petals flat on the plastic wrap. The side of the flower against the ball is the front. Refrigerate the flowers and petals for 15 to 20 minutes.
  
  
• 5). Insert a toothpick into the center of each whole flower so that 1/8 inch of wood fully penetrates the petals. Wrap a small strip of clay around the base of the toothpick on the back of the flower to keep the pieces together. Refrigerate overnight.
  
  

Assembly

• 1). Use a toothpick to poke a hole in the base of a foam ball.
  
  
• 2). Insert a real hydrangea stem or thick faux flower stem into the hole. Use a drop of icing or glue to secure the stem in place.
  
  
• 3). Fill a vase with 1/2 cup of water.
  
  
• 4). Place the ball into the mouth of the jar so that the stems are in the water. Use icing or glue to secure the ball to the vase, if desired.
  
  
• 5). Insert the whole flowers on toothpicks into the foam ball, creating three tiers.
  
  
• 6). Fill the gaps with individual petals. Use frosting to glue individual petals to the underside of the whole flowers. Glue additional petals around the mouth of the jar to make it seem as if the spherical bottom of the blossom is within the mouth of the jar.
  
  
• 7). Wrap the wide ribbon around the neck of the vase. Glue it in place and tie a large bow to hide the foam ball and create the illusion that the hydrangea blossom is attached to the stem.
  
  
• 8). Refrigerate until needed.