Candy Huggers: A Sweet DIY Gift for Animal Lovers

Instructions

STEP 1: GET MY FREE CANDY HUGGER DESIGNS

First, download my Valentine Candy Hugger SVG/PDF/DXF files from my free library -- look for Design #713. Alternatively, you can use the Save This Project form near the top of this post and the design link will be emailed to you.

There are four designs in the folder: a bunny, an elephant, a fox, and a hedgehog, which is the only hugger with two layers. There is also a DXF folder with cut files, and a PDF folder with versions you can print and cut by hand.

In this tutorial, I will show you how to prepare and assemble the hedgehog, but you can also follow these steps to make the other designs.

TIP: If you’re not sure how to upload, go to jennifermaker.com/svgs to learn how to unzip and upload SVG files.

STEP 2: PREPARE AND CUT YOUR CANDY HUGGER DESIGN

CRICUT DESIGN SPACE

1. In Cricut Design Space, open a blank Canvas.
   NOTE: If you’re new to using Cricut Design Space, go to cricutkickoff.com for my introductory tutorial on Design Space basics.
2. Click “Upload” and then “Upload Image.”
3. Click “Browse.”
4. Select the SVG file.
5. Click “Open,” and then “Continue.”
6. Click “Upload” to add the design to your Canvas.
   
7. Click “Save” and give your project a name.
8. I don't recommend resizing the candy huggers, unless you want to test other sizes to fit other candies.
9. If you want to change a layer's color to match your materials, "Ungroup" the design to select the piece in the Layers Panel, then use the Color Box near the Operation menu to pick a new one.
   
10. Make sure the correct machine is selected in the top right.
11. Click “Make.”
12. If prompted, click "On Mat," choose your mat size, and click “Confirm.”
13. On the Prepare Screen, you should have two mats for the hedgehog, or one for the other animals.
    
14. If needed, change the Material Size to match each paper you’re using.
15. Select the first mat again so it will cut first and click “Continue.”

CUTTING

1. On the Make Screen, click “Browse All Materials.”
2. Search for and select the settings needed for the materials you’re using. I used 65 lb. cardstock with the “Medium Cardstock - 80 lb (216 gsm)” Setting with More Pressure. If you're using the same material for both pieces, check the "Remember material settings" box to save time.
   
3. Place your first color of cardstock face up on a green StandardGrip machine mat and use a brayer to make sure it’s fully adhered. 
   
4. Check that your Fine-Point Blade is clean and in the clamp.
5. Press the flashing button to load the prepared mat into your Cricut. 
6. Press the flashing middle “Go” button to begin cutting.
7. When it has finished cutting, don't unload it right away. Carefully lift a corner of the cardstock to make sure the cuts went all the way through. If not, press the middle button again to run the same cuts again.
8. When the cuts are complete, unload the mat, flip it over onto your work surface, and roll it back to release the cardstock.
9. Use a spatula to help lift delicate sections and a weeding tool to pop out any stuck cutouts.
   TIP: Use your scraper tool to gently remove small cutouts stuck to the mat so they don't impact your next cut.
10. Follow Steps 3-9 to cut your other mat.

STEP 3: ASSEMBLE YOUR CANDY HUGGERS

1. Place your pieces face up.
   NOTE: The animals will all hug the candy well no matter which side is up. The hedgehog's spikes aren't symmetrical, so they will look a little different if they're not face up, but it won't be very noticeable.
   
2. If you're making the hedgehog, place the body face down and add thin lines of craft glue to the ears, face, and body but don't go on to the arms or legs at all.
   NOTE: If you're making the other animals, skip to Step 4.
   
3. Flip the body glue side down and position it over the spikes so the ears fill the solid gaps at the top and there are a few spike cutouts between the legs, then press it in place.
   
4. One at a time, put your finger on the animal's body right inside where an arm meets the middle, and gently use your other hand to fold the arm up to shape it. You don't need a sharp crease, just a fold that will let the arm hold the candy.
   
5. Repeat Step 4 to fold the other arm up so the paws can slightly overlap at the middle in an arc.
6. Place a Zot glue dot on the back of a Hug candy right at the seam, then remove the backing piece.
   
7. Put the candy sticky side down at an angle below the animal's face. The slight angle makes it easier to shape the arms around the candy.
   
8. Pick an arm to be on the bottom and gently bring it above the candy so you can add just a dot of craft glue to the back.
   
9. Gently bring the other arm over so its paw end touches the glue and press it in place to set.
   
10. Your candy hugger is complete!

STEP 4: SHOW IT OFF!

Make a set or focus on your favorite!