How to Make a Fake Cupcake

One of my favourite ornaments I made on our candy land-themed Christmas tree is the cupcake. The icing looks real and the cupcake adds playful charm to our Christmas tree.

In this blog post, I will show you how I made it, from the cupcake liner, adding icing and decorating it, and tips on how to store them so that you can reuse them year after year, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective option. The tutorial is also posted on our YouTube channel if you prefer to watch it.

Materials You’ll Need

Before diving into the steps, gather the following materials:

• 12 x 12 glittered cardstock
• Scoring tool
• Insulating spray foam
• Spackling (pink or add acrylic paint)
• Piping bag with a large icing tip
• Colorful beads and glitter
• Hot glue gun
• Two circles (one larger, one smaller)
• Solid cylinder (a glass or similar object)
• Styrofoam (optional for height adjustment)

Step 1: Crafting the Cupcake Liner

The first step is creating the cupcake liner, which provides the foundation for your fake cupcake.

1. Cut the Cardstock: Start with a 12 x 12 glittered cardstock. Cut it into two 3 x 12-inch strips.
2. Score the Cardstock: Use a scoring tool to create evenly spaced lines on the strips. For a classic look, space the lines one inch apart. Alternatively, for a more detailed design, space them half an inch apart.
3. Fold the Strips: Fold the scored cardstock in an accordion style. Then, connect the two strips using hot glue to form a cylinder with an accordion pattern.
4. Shape the Liner: Insert the accordion-shaped cardstock into a solid cylinder (such as a glass) to help shape it. Glue the bottom edge to a larger circle cut from the same glittered cardstock, ensuring the circle’s diameter matches the cylinder’s opening. Finally, attach a smaller circle to the bottom for added stability.

Step 2: Creating the Cupcake Base

Now that the liner is ready, it’s time to create the cupcake base.

1. Fill with Foam: Pump insulating spray foam into the liner. Be sure to leave some space at the top for the icing.
2. Allow to Dry: Let the foam expand and dry completely. This step may take several hours, so be patient.

Step 3: Adding the Icing

The icing is the most fun and creative part of the process.

1. Prepare the Spackling: If desired, mix a small amount of baby pink acrylic paint into the spackling. Alternatively, use pink spackling as-is for a subtle, washed-out pink hue once it dries.
2. Pipe the Icing: Transfer the spackling into a piping bag fitted with a large icing tip. Pipe the spackling onto the foam base in a swirling motion to mimic real cupcake frosting. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert—imperfections add charm!

Step 4: Decorating the Cupcake

Once the icing is piped, it’s time to decorate your fake cupcake.

1. Add Beads and Glitter: While the spackling is still wet, sprinkle colorful beads and glitter over the surface. Use a toothpick to press the beads gently into place, ensuring they adhere securely.
2. Let It Dry: Allow the cupcake to dry overnight. This will ensure the icing hardens and the decorations stay in place.

Step 5: The Final Touch

After the cupcake has dried completely, it’s ready to display! You can attach a small loop or hook to the top if you’d like to hang it as an ornament. Alternatively, arrange several cupcakes in a decorative bowl or on a cake stand for a festive centerpiece.

Tips for Long-Lasting Ornaments

• Store your fake cupcakes in a cool, dry place to prevent damage.
• Handle them gently to avoid chipping the spackling or dislodging decorations.
• Add a clear sealant for extra durability if desired.

Conclusion

DIY fake cupcake ornaments are a delightful and customizable craft project that adds a touch of sweetness to your holiday decor. You can hang it on Christmas tree for a fun look, use it for any occassions, or even display it in your store for your sweet delight business.

Also, if you are interested here’s a related DIY you might be interested in making – How to Make Fake Popsicles.

So gather your supplies, unleash your creativity, and start crafting!

If you found this tutorial helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. And be sure to visit our socials, Ey to Zee Creative, for more fun DIY projects. Happy crafting!