How to make cupcake toppers – a photo tutorial
August 3, 2010 · Posted under party decor, tips & resources
Since I offer DIY cupcake topper designs in my shop, I thought it would be pretty handy to have a tutorial that shows how to make a cupcake topper! It’s an easy project and it’s actually a lot of fun. (You have to love a project that doesn’t cost too much, doesn’t take too long, and has extremely cute results!) : )
{Step one} Gather your supplies
Here’s what’s shown:
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- 2″ craft punch (I have the Fiskars X-Large Round ‘n Round)
- Printable cupcake topper designs (the designs shown here are my Sweet Shoppe set)
- Wire cutters
- Stir sticks from Starbucks
Yes! You read that right. Stir sticks from Starbucks. They make the best cupcake topper sticks ever! I found that out after hunting in every craft store on the planet for cute little popsicle sticks. I couldn’t find any, and then there they were – in my coffee! They’re just the right size, they are super-duper-thin, and best of all, they are FREE! Or maybe I should say, free with any purchase! ; )
(Disclaimer: Please don’t sue me, Starbucks! I love you and I give you five dollars a day!)
The mat shown underneath my supplies is a self-healing Xacto cutting mat, but it’s not necessary for this project. It’s just my little home base for all DIY craftiness.
{Step two} Cut your popsicle sticks in half
The sticks are too long as-is, so you need to cut them in half to make them the right length. I use a pair of wire cutters to get the job done. It works great!
{Step three} Cut your printable circles into strips
Cut just underneath each row of circles to create horizontal strips of paper.
{Step four} Punch out your circles
To me, this is the most fun part! Align each design within the viewing area of the craft punch, and punch away!
{Step five} Glue the popsicle stick to the back of a printable circle
Put a printable circle face down, so that the blank side is facing you. Use your glue stick to put a little glue on the top half-inch or so of the popsicle stick (make sure you glue the side that’s been cut – that way, the cute rounded end will be the one left showing). Press the glued area of the stick firmly against the back of the printable circle.
{Step six} Add a second printable circle
Put another printable circle face down and cover the entire surface with glue. Line up this circle with the bottom circle, and gently press down to adhere the circles around the popsicle stick. And you’re done – already! I told ya – easy as can be! : )
• • •
DIY cupcake topper sets of all sorts – with matching cupcake wraps! – are available at www.chickabug.com.
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I’m Heather, designer and founder of the Chickabug shop. I blog about all things party, from decor to food to DIY projects and more. I'm glad you're here!
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Melissa says:
Thank you for this post and the great tip on the sticks :)
Talesandtrials says:
I had to giggle when you said you used sticks from Starbucks. That's too funny. Thanks for the tip though and this fab tutorial! ;)
Mytweetp says:
I total "scraplift" sticks from Starbucks too...Maybe we should check at COSTCO?
: )
Your Blog is beautifully done. I have visited everyday since I discovered it. THank you.
Heather - Chickabug says:
Hee! : ) They really are so handy. I really did look everywhere for
something like them - I looked at craft stores and even at
kitchen/office supply stores! Nothing like them anywhere!
Thanks so much for following my blog!! What a great compliment! : )
Polka Dot Market says:
Very sneaky and savvy! Shared at www.facebook.com/polkadotmarket :)
Heather - Chickabug says:
That's so great, thank you!! : )
Marie says:
Super cute! And I love that circle cutter. I'm gonna have to find one of those!! Thanks for sharing.
Tricia Ann says:
Great idea- couldn't you simply print the circle sheet on sticker paper and then not have to use glue- little more expesive for sure but super easy!
Heather - Chickabug says:
Absolutely!! That's a great way to make them, as well -- but as you can tell by my stir-sticks-from-Starbucks method, cost-effectiveness is definitely in mind for this particular tutorial... : )
Pamela Ahtchi says:
This is an adorable idea for customizing themed cupcakes! Just love the DIY!
Many thanks from Cookie Wishes!
jrl says:
What about using the sticks they use for waxing your brows? They look very similar to the Starbucks ones.
Alyssa says:
Amazing! I actually just bought the round and round puncher just for this!
Alyssa
http://cupcakeapothecary.blogspot.com/
Heather - Chickabug says:
You mean you've lived without one until now?! ; ) I'm so glad the tutorial helped! And you'll never regret buying that puncher, believe me!
Kristinaugle says:
What program do you use to design the printables?
Heather - Chickabug says:
Adobe Illustrator
Jeannie says:
Thanks for this tutorial. I was wondering which size to use as I really need to get this to start making them.
jackie campanelli says:
I saw the Irish theme (St Patricks) package How do I order it? From "How does she" or Chickabug? I am not quite sure how this works to order items Thankyou for your help Jackie
Heather says:
Hi Jackie! To get the free St. Patrick's Day printables, check out this page for instructions: http://www.howdoesshe.com/freebies
Heidi says:
Thanks for the quick tutorial. Since I've never done paper crafts I've never heard of the circle punch you used. I think I'll cut squares with sissors, since I don't have time (or money) to run to Joann's before I get these done. I need to figure out a way to get 50 sticks (need 100 toppers) from Starbucks.
Heather says:
For a huge quantity I'd recommend asking a Barista if it's ok to take them - I personally collect 2 extra sticks each time I buy a coffee and it adds up, but if you need them all at once, it might be good to ask. That way you don't get 'caught' making off with a giant handful of sticks. ; ) I'm sure they'd be cool with it! Or you can buy popsicle sticks at a craft store, many people use popsicle sticks instead of small wooden sticks.
Debbie @ Deliciously Inspired says:
Love this idea - you are very talented.
Heather says:
Thank you so much, Debbie! : )
Jessi says:
What is the diameter of your cupcake topper?
Heather says:
2". :)
Aly says:
So, what is the final length of those Statbucks sticks, once you've trimmed them down? I found wooden coffee stir sticks on Amazon that I'd like to try.
Heather says:
Hi Aly! I'd say about 3.5" long. : )