that was the first thought that came to my mind upon awakening today. Jelly beans yummy, yummy jelly beans which then started me wondering just how jelly beans are made. Perhaps because I was ogling the jelly beans at Hobby Lobby when I was supposed to be searching for craft supplies. One can get so easily side tracked by something so simple! Fortunately for my blood sugar levels, I left them all on the shelf…boo hoo. Still has not stopped me from wondering how those luscious little sugary morsels are made. Leave it to me, I shall get to the bottom of this.
I found how jelly beans were made and got the history of it as well. Turkish candy from Biblical times. It was called Turkish Delight. At that point, the bean was just the soft center portion with a powdery sugar coating. The hard shell was not added until much later. Imagine that. Jelly beans were such a great idea they have lasted centuries upon centuries. Jordan Almond is believed to have been the creator of the hard sugary shell. A formidable notation in jelly bean history relates to William Schrafft, a confectioner in Boston, Massachusetts, who encouraged folks to send jelly beans to the soldiers fighting in the Civil War. By the 1930’s jelly beans were a standard feature in the penny candy stores. It soon became quite the Easter treat presumably because of their egg shape. 
From that point on jelly beans have soared in their sugary delicious reputation with all sorts of new and strange flavorings. Bertie Bott, from Harry Potter, got her jelly wonders recognized with all the delicious or undeliciousness of some wild and crazy flavors. Other specialty companies refined the size, texture, and appearance the the chewy little wonders.
If you are curious on how jelly beans are made just watch this!
https://youtu.be/9mFKvFSKUII
And if that isn’t enough. Just wait till you see what they did to the flavoring of some jelly beans. Beware of the jelly bean! ! ! !
If you are really industrious, try making your own jelly beans . Personally, that is a bit too fussy for me. I rather run down to grocery store. There is a lot of work entailed in that project for minimal beans. I can see my grandchildren eating those in one swoop.
If that isn’t enough information, you will be glad to know there are people who take jelly bean art very seriously. Recreations of the Mona Lisa, Nancy and Ronald Reagan (a jelly bean lover himself), Marilyn Monroe, The Pearl Earring, Mickey Mouse, you name it. 
Of course my favorite painting of Starry Night by Van Gogh. Hours upon hours spent arranging specific colors of jelly beans in the exact order to recreate works or art. Actually, I think that sounds like a lot more fun than making the jelly beans, as I can munch as I work.
If all that isn’t enough, I have found recipes on what to do with leftover jelly beans. First, I can not imagine any leftover jelly beans in this family. Secondly, the array of uses were from old time ‘how many jelly beans in the jug’ game, crafts for kids, cookies and cakes, bracelets or necklaces, bouquets, and even a jelly bean martini straight from Betty Crocker. There isn’t anything you can not do with a jelly bean.
Celebrate National Jelly Bean Day April 22 ! 
The little jelly bean has its own day. So grab a bag or two or three and have yourself a great day celebrating.
“Break the monotony. Do something strange and extravagant!”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
I think jelly bean art would be a good start.