Michele Made Me

One birdie's attempt to figure things out. Oh, and crafts.

Series 4 – The Candy Wrapper Chain #1

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Welcome to a new crafty series, Series 4 – The Candy Wrapper Chain #1!
Let me begin by saying this:
I lead a sheltered existence.
See, until last Friday, I hadn’t yet heard of the allegedly famous candy wrapper chain. It was only when my artist and blogger friend Cathie a.k.a. Clevelandgirlie was kind enough to enlighten me on the subject, that my whole world opened up to the enormity of these alluring little chains.
You, of course, already know about the chains. And obviously, you know about this guy, Gary Dushl. Of course. He’s the guy who has single-handedly built the longest candy wrapper chain in existence. I would wager it’s the longest handmade THING in existence made by a single human. More than likely, right? I mean, he started in 1965, and he’s still going strong 46 years later, so… yes, probabl-ee. Isn’t that something? Isn’t that 12 and a half miles or roughly 20 km of something? Holy mackerel, I wasn’t even alive when he started. Like, holy mackerel, eh?

And also, you already know how to make the candy wrapper chain. It’s not like it’s new or anything. Right? But just in case you – like me – are also 46 YEARS behind the times, here is a video tutorial that shows you how to make them.

So, I’ve spent a little time since Friday playing catch up. I know. Kinda late. Nevertheless, I’m happy to report that I’ve learned how to make the chains! Yessirree! Except I made mine out of the telephone book because I used up all of my candy wrappers making these.
And, I love them… They are so pretty and useful!
For example, my chains have already doubled as ribbon!
And I’ve made this eclectic flower bow by simply coiling the chain around itself many times…
It looks sort of like an artichoke, or something mildly vegetable-y, don’t you think?
There are people out in the world making wondrous things like bracelets and bags and baskets, and probably intergalactic space vehicles as well, all out of candy wrapper chains. Just google candy wrapper chains, or gum wrapper chains. You’ll see. It’s pretty amazing stuff!
Thank you Cathie for catching me up with the times. Is there anything else I should be aware of? Anything? No flying cars, or household robots that make bread? If, so, I’d love to hear about them!
Oh, and, by the way, I’m not done. You haven’t seen the last of the candy wrapper chains here, no no. No no. This is just the beginning, see. Series 4: to be continued here!
Now have yourself a fabulous day, and I’ll see you again soon!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. Michelle L. says

    Hooray! A new series from Michele!!! The flower is amazing amazing amazing and it's so gorgeous on that box. Can't wait to see the rest. You need to eat candy, quick, so you can post soon.

    Wait, you haven't heard of the household robot that makes flying cars? Mine is named Walter, pronounced Valter, and he is working on my custom Mini Cooper with Pegasus Wings.

  6. Poppyprint says

    You mean I actually knew something you DIDN'T (until a few days ago, that is??). Did you never go to a Girl Guide camp? That is where we converted our smuggled wrigley's double-mint wrappers into chain bracelets and flaunted them in front of our leaders. Hmmm, wonder where all of those gum wrappers came from, girls??? I am very happy for your new-found knowledge Michele. The artichoke is just the tip of your paper chain iceberg, of that I am sure.

  7. Cathie says

    hahahahhahaha! You're funny! I love that flower – too cool. And to think this started with a memory of my gumwrapper chain hanging from the mirror in my Datsun B210 Hatchback when I was 16.

  8. PEACHES says

    Nifty stuff! There is a fancy shop aroudn teh corner that sells little clutch purses out of these chains, but I never knew what to call it or how to approach it. Now I know! Thanks Michele!!!

  9. Maria says

    I must behind on the times as well lol! Thanks for sharing, I'm going to check out the video now and catch up as well ;)*love the "artichoke"!*

    xoxo Maria

  12. Anji* says

    Well, I never heard of them either! Yours look cool made from the telephone directory, and, yes, definitely – artichoke! Love it 🙂

  13. CREATIVE MIND says

    Hey dear,i know about it…you know in my country in one province some people of a village are having this business,they make rugs & decoration stuff with this technique.& the material they use is leaves of dates..really interesting stuff..

  14. Chris says

    How fun! I remember making something similar with gum wrappers as a child. I love that you make it all grown up and lovely.

  16. jengd says

    Cute! I had a gum wrapper chain when I was a kid that was about 30ft. long. It was a wonderful mix of colors. Unfortunately, it's LONG gone. I may have to make a new one to give your wrapper-flower a try on a card.

  17. Teddie Seeley says

    This candy wrapper chain brought back some wonderful memories. My girlfriend nicknamed Angel (Nancy) and I had one made out of gum wrappers, and I can't remember how many times it wrapped around our dorm room at college.
    Thank you,
    teddie

  19. Cathy says

    Part 2
    I just read your original post and started to watch the Guiness record holder. If you look closely at his first picture he's actually using Doublemint Gum wrappers. What a hoot?!?
    One last comment, my Mom passed away recently and when I went through her cedar chest I found my chain.
    Cathy
    camikula@bell.net

  22. Melissa Kojima says

    Okay, maybe, I'm sheltered too, but I didn't know about the candy wrapper chain guy. In any case, I love what you did with your paper chain. Such a lovely bow.