How To Make Vintage Gumdrop Trees
How To Make Vintage Gumdrop Trees! This is a perfect Christmas Craft for a Craft Day with friends, children, or for a Christmas movie watch project!
Originally Published: December 2019 | Updated: November 22
How To Make Vintage Gumdrop Trees
The History of The Gum Drop
Gumdrops first appeared in the 19th century as early as 1801 and referred to as small sweets. In 1859 the name gumdrop was put into print in an advertisement in the Illinois State Chronicles for a candy shop owned by George Julier. They have stood the test of time and are still today a popular treat during the holidays on gingerbread houses.
How Do Gumdrops Taste?
Each gumdrop color has a different flavor and sometimes two. Purple gumdrops are usually grape or peppermint, while white could be licorice or clove. Black are always licorice and orange is sometimes anise or orange. Yellow is lemon or allspice and green is mint or apple.
What are Gumdrops Made of?
Gumdrops are brightly colored gummy candy made from gelatin or pectin and dusted with a light coating of sugar.
How To Decorate with Gumdrop Trees
Gumdrop trees add charm to your holiday decor. Below are five places to use them in your home.
- Fireplace Hearth
- Buffet
- Centerpiece
- Window Seal
- Bedroom Dresser
Vintage Gumdrop Tree
Supplies
- gum drops
- styrofoam tree forms: 12 X 4
- toothpicks
- glue gun
- glue sticks
- ribbon
Instructions
Break toothpicks into halves.
Starting at the point of the styrofoam tree working around the tree, insert a toothpick, add a drop of hot glue at the base of the toothpick, slide on a gumdrop gently pressing into the glue.
Repeat working to the bottom of the tree.
Have Fun!
How Do You Store Vintage Gumdrop Trees For Next year?
I have great news! You can keep gumdrop trees for at least 12 years. I am on twelve and counting. Let me add that we have had 12 military moves and they have been moved six times now and endured different temperatures crossing the country.
- Wrap the trees in three layers of acid free white tissue paper.
- Wrap them in a double layer of bubble wrap and secure with a piece of masking tape.
- Store them in a plastic container with an airtight lid.
