I'm so excited..... I just can't hide it.... (added a finished picture reply #3)

[P]

for those that have never heard of crackers .....they are favors .....you can put whatever you want inside (like the sourcreams ...just a different shape and different closure) traditionally for Christmas...and originaly made so they made a snap or crack when opened...hence the name "cracker"

here are a couple links to help you get the idea
this one has  quite a variety, other holidays  etc:
http://www.crackers.gilliancards.com/Christmas.htm

http://www.robinreedchristmascrackers.com/

http://www.christmas-crackers-usa.com/

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1945742

hope this helps~

[HeidiC]

Hi KittyKandy.   These are just like the Christmas Crackers that come out at Christmas. When you pull them apart (quickly) they give off a loud "snap". (Unfortunately these ones that you make yourself don't give off that snap simply because we can't buy the  little explosive paper that is inside the commercial ones. -- If anyone knows where to buy them ...please let me know  )

To assemble them, just glue the long side first to make a tube, tie one end with ribbon then put your treats on the inside then tie the other end with ribbon. Ta Da...you got a cracker

Paula....LOL we were typing at the same time  but you were faster then me... too cool!

[P]

Heidi ...scroll downto step 2 in this link to see a list of places that sell the cracker snap strips
http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-make-christmas-crackers
or this site has 3 different sizes
http://host2.clickandbuild.com/cnb/shop/crackers?productID=24&op=catalogue-product_info-null&prodCategoryID=7

also ...there is a video for another metod of construction on this site also  for anyone interested

[Julie P (in a pod)]

Really cute, Heidi!  They want a small fortune for these in the stores.  So I usually wait for the half off sale after Christmas and then store them for a year.  Making my own might be a little less trouble.    Plus they'd be fun for birthdays or any other type of dinner occasion.   Thanks!

[speyegull]

Thank you for sharing! These are a tradition for our Christmas celebration!

[HeidiC]

Wow Paula....You just amaze me with your searches...Thank you