Crafting doesn't always have to involve glue, scissors and paint. Visit the local craft store and you'll find a section dedicated to do-it-yourself food projects, such as cake decorating, and, my favorite, candy melts.

Candy melts come in all kinds of colors, and you can add whatever embellishments you wish, including edible glitter, sprinkles, favor bags or coloring. I went with silicone snowflake molds and crushed candy canes. These wintry treats are perfect for parties or gifts or just to keep the holiday spirit bubbling in your house.

PEPPERMINT SNOWFLAKE BARK

SUPPLIES

6 candy canes

2 resealable sandwich bags

Mallet or coffee cup

1 bag of white candy melts

Microwave-safe bowl

Mixing spoon

Silicone snowflake molds

DIRECTIONS

Open the candy canes and put them in a resealable bag, and then put that bag inside another. Seal it closed. Crunch candy canes down to small pieces with a mallet or coffee cup.

Pour the bag of candy melts in the bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one.

When melts are soft and creamy (think cake batter), pour the mixture into the molds, evenly distributing throughout all of them.

Lightly lift and drop each mold tray on the counter so the candy gets into all the grooves. Sprinkle a generous amount of candy cane dust on each one. Let cool for an hour, and then carefully peel them out of the molds.

Variations: For thick snowflakes, add another layer of melted candy on top of the candy cane dust. For thinner, waferlike snowflakes, use half the bag of melts.

Kathy Cano-Murillo is a freelance craft designer and author. Send questions or ideas to www.kathycraftychica.com or visit her Web site, www.craftychica.com.

Make a difference. Donate to The Advertiser Christmas Fund.