DIY Candy Bar Wrappers for a Baby Shower: Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a baby shower? Making candy bar gift bags can be a delightful addition to your celebration, making it both personal and memorable. Learn how to create custom candy bar wrappers using either traditional paper craft techniques or digital design tools. This guide will walk you through the process from selecting the perfect paper to adding colorful labels and themed decorations.

Using Scrapbooking Papern

For those who prefer hands-on crafting, creating candy bar wrappers with scrapbooking paper is a fun and rewarding project. Here's how to do it:

Purchase Scrapbooking Paper: Find paper that complements your baby shower's theme. Whether it's jungle colors, ocean waves, or neutral patterns like stripes and polka dots, choose something that matches your aesthetic. If you're unsure, consider pastel shades like purple or yellow, as they work well for gender-neutral designs.

Measure and Cut the Paper: Carefully remove the foil wrapper from your candy bar and measure its dimensions. If your candy bar has a foil wrapper that's sealed on both ends, cut the paper to about three times the width and slightly shorter than the candy bar. Use a paper cutter or slicer for clean, professional cuts.

Decorate with Colored Foil: Add a touch of elegance by wrapping the chocolate in colored foil paper. This paper is different from regular aluminum foil and is available in craft stores. Place the chocolate face-down on the colored foil, folding the sides and edges over for a neat finish.

Secure the Wrapper with Tape: Position the cut scrapbooking paper on the candy, and apply double-sided tape along the top edge. Carefully wrap the paper around the chocolate, overlapping the edges as needed. Use your fingers to seal the wrapper in place.

Add a Label: Craft homemade labels by using pre-made stickers, printable labels, or even your own handwriting. These labels can be customized with messages, names, or little baby-themed designs like bottles and rattles.

Stickers for Detailing: Enhance your candy bar wrapper with themed stickers. Choose stickers that match the theme of your baby shower, such as baby bottles, rattles, or other decorations. Arrange them on the wrapper for a personalized touch.

Using a Computer

If you're more comfortable with digital tools, designing candy bar wrappers using a computer can be an efficient and elegant solution. Here’s how to do it:

Measure the Wrapper: Carefully remove the paper wrapper from the chocolate bar and measure its dimensions. If the chocolate bar doesn't have a paper wrapper, measure the width and multiply it by three, and then subtract 2 inches. Ensure the final paper is slightly narrower than the candy bar to show the foil ends.

Create a New Document: Open a word processing or image editing program like Microsoft Word or Photoshop, and set the page size to 8.5 by 11 inches. Use the program's tools to create a rectangle that matches the dimensions of your wrapper. Orient the rectangle horizontally to save space.

Add a Background and Design: Insert a background or fill the rectangle with a color or pattern that complements your baby shower's theme. You can also choose clip-art frames or labels for a more polished look. Ensure the design stands out in the background.

Insert Text: Add a text box and write your message, whether it's a name, a simple word, or a personalized note. Choose colors that contrast well with the design to make the text readable.

Copy and Paste the Design: Duplicate your design to fill the entire paper. Leave space between each design for cutting. Print the wrappers using a laser printer for a professional look. If you don't have a laser printer, you can print on regular paper or semi-glossy paper.

Cut the Wrappers: Use a paper cutter or slicer to cut out the designs. Ensure the cuts are clean and precise to avoid any white edges showing.

Finish with Foil Wrapping: Wrap the chocolate in colored foil paper, fold the sides and edges over, and secure them with tape. Ensure the wrapper is snug and doesn't slide off.

In conclusion, whether you prefer the tactile experience of paper or the convenience of digital tools, creating custom candy bar wrappers for a baby shower is a fantastic way to add a personal touch to your celebration. These simple steps will guide you through the process, ensuring you create beautiful, decorated candy bars that guests will love.