DIY Christmas Character Candy / Sweet Dome Holders | Festive Craft Tutorial

Step 1: Designing Your Christmas Characters in Canva

First, create your character designs in Canva. Popular choices include Santa, reindeer, and snowmen, but feel free to get creative! Canva offers simple shapes that can be layered and customised to bring each character to life.

• Open Canva, and search their elements for characters that can easily be made with multi-layers of cardstock.
• You can even create your own by using Canva’s shape tools
• You will need to add a circle to the body of your design that is a few millimetres smaller than your bauble dome.
• Once you’re happy with the design, export the file as a png or jpg

Step 2: Importing and Editing the Design in Silhouette Studio

Now, import your Canva design into the Silhouette Cameo software. 

You will need a front with all of the elements that bring your character to life, and a back. The back will only contain a perforated circle that can be torn to access the sweets.

Trace the front of your character, playing with the silhouette cameo settings until you have all the character elements, including the circle where the dome will go.

Duplicate this and remove all of the elements except the dome circle. On the line panel change the line circle to dashed, then group. This is your sweet holder backing.

From the character front group all elements that are to be cut from the same colour cardstock.

Step 3: Cutting the Cardstock and Glitter Card Using the Silhouette Cameo

Adjust your settings based on the type of cardstock or glitter card you’re using to ensure clean cuts. These are the settings I use, but your machine may be different

• Glitter Cardstock - Blade Depth 6, Force 33, Speed 3, Passes 2, Overcut on
• 160gsm Cardstock - Blade Depth 2, Force 27, Speed 4, Overcut on, Passes 2
• Load the cardstock or glitter card onto the Cameo’s cutting mat.
• Start the cutting process and carefully remove each piece once finished.

Step 4: Assembling the Candy Dome Characters

With your character pieces cut out, it’s time to assemble the candy domes. 

• Use a glue-stick to assemble the character details on the front of the design.
• Fill the bauble with sweets, and place the backing on top before carefully flipping the dome and making sure it is positioned correctly over the dashed circle.
• Then apply double-sided tape a few millimetres away from the edge of the dome, all around to keep it in place.
• Add double-sided tape to the rest of the character and peel off the protective layer from the foam tape.
• Carefully position the front of the design over the bauble dome and press down firmly to secure in place.

Step 5: Final Touches and Adding Candy

Once assembled, it’s time for the finishing touches! You can fill the candy domes with small treats, chocolates, or mints to make them extra festive.

• Snap the two halves of the bauble together once filled.
• Add a small bow or name tag to make each candy holder more personal.
• Display these adorable characters around your home or gift them to loved ones!

Tips for Customizing Your Candy Domes

• Experiment with Colors: Feel free to use non-traditional holiday colours for a unique twist!
• Add Accessories: Small embellishments like tiny hats or scarves can give your characters extra charm.
• Personalize: Add a small name tag for a thoughtful touch if you’re giving these as gifts.

These DIY Christmas character candy dome holders are sure to add some holiday cheer to your celebrations! They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for gifting. Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media, and check out my YouTube tutorial for a visual guide.

Happy crafting, and may your holidays be filled with creativity! 🎄