How to Make a Rustic Clamp Candy Cane
This Rustic Candy Cane made with clamps is a fun Christmas project using some non-conventional craft items – clamps! This is a pretty cheap project to make and perfect for anyone who loves that rustic, industrial look.

The Christmas season is just around the corner, and what better way to infuse your home with warmth and cheer than by crafting your own festive decorations? Today, we’re diving into a delightful DIY project that will add rustic charm to your decor: creating candy cane art using plumbing clamps. Yes, you read that right! This DIY project is not only fun and creative but also surprisingly easy.
This is a fun project and it’s an easy one too!
Rustic Clamp Candy Cane Supplies
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- miter saw
- drill
- clamps: These will be the backbone of your candy cane art.
- red acrylic paint To bring the candy cane colors to life.
- white acrylic paint To bring the candy cane colors to life.
- small screws
- foam brushes
- stain
- Wood or a Canvas: The base for your creation.
Painting the Clamps:

I painted 10 clamps with white paint and 10 with red paint. I painted it with a dry brush method, using just a little bit of paint (I wanted the metal to show through). I did 2 coats of each color – mainly to get the red paint deep enough. If you prefer, you could use spray paint instead.

Cut, Sand, and Stain
Once dry I laid them out of a piece of plywood, then cut it down to the size I wanted. Gave the wood I light sanding, then the plywood was stained with Early American stain.
Attaching the Clamps
I marked the holes with a sharpie once I had the clamps laid out… since I knew I’d be bumping them while trying to screw them in.

Once you get everything all screwed in you have your Rustic Candy Cane with Clamps.

Such a fun project! It’s a great gift for anyone who likes the rustic, industrial vibe.

I love how it turned out… always nice when what you dream up works out in reality! I also made a Christmas Wreath with clamps!
Now make sure to check out all the other amazing Christmas Projects made with power tools!

What size are the clamps?
1-inch clamps, but you could use whatever size you want and just adjust the board size.
Hi. I absolutely love this – a definite must try this holiday season! I was curious on what size clamps you used as well as the size of your plywood? Thank you so much for this idea – it is going to be so much fun to make!
1-inch clamps, but you could use whatever size you want and just adjust the board size. The board was about 9″x12″
Maryann, thank you so so much for my rustic candy cane. I was so excited when I opened the package as it was my favorite project of the whole bunch! Merry Christmas!
Tami Michel
I love, love, love this candy cane! What a clever use of those clamps! Thanks for sharing at my Creative Ways Link Party! Hope you’ll be back to share more at tonight’s party! Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Blessings,
Nici
I live this idea. I do think I would take a small paint brush and cover the nail holes.
This is adorable!!
I love this. I am a fan of any type of rustic decor and this looks like it takes no time to make. I’m sure it would be super easy to spray paint as well…and the color options and designs are endless.
How very clever Maryanne and right up my alley, love it Pinning for sure!
How clever! I would have never thought of using clamps! Love it!
What a great project! I really want to make one after seeing how cute yours is.
What a novel idea! It looks so cool, great job.
How clever is that MaryAnn – LOVE your clamp candy cane! That would definitely make one-of-a-kind conversation piece during the holidays.
What a great idea! The clamps are a great touch… The candy cane is awesome!
This is so creative. I had no idea they were metal clamps! Love it!
Loving your clamp candy cane! Such a fun idea, I need to make one for our house too. It would be prferct in a vintage vignettes with upcycled items:)