Cupcake Stand

My daughter had her 4th birthday today; and in true British style it rained, heavily! I had this idyllic image that we could put up the bell tent in the field, and allow Ruby plus 17 more screaming kids to play freely in the field kicking a football, bouncing on the trampoline and playing with the bubble machine. I had no back up plan and even suggested to Ruby and her sister that we postponed the party! This was met with a barrage of insults. So I moved the party inside pushed all the furniture against the walls and braced myself for the carnage!

Whilst picturing a 'Darling Buds Of May' style party with kids playfully blowing bubbles and sitting crossed legged scoffing home made cupcakes I gave some thought to Ruby's cake. I wanted to make cupcakes as her favourite bit of any cake is definitely the icing and seldomly did she even get the sponge part. I also wanted to present the cupcakes on a pretty vintage stand. I could have easily borrowed one from a friend but whilst mooching through Pinterest I came across a lot of home made ones and in true style I decided to have a go!

The main aim was to make one for less that I could find one in the shops. I managed to do this and although I had a few of the bits I needed I spend less than £8 on the rest.

So here goes.....

I started by buying 3 of those cake plates that you can pick up for around a £1 from any kitchen shop. I had some decoupage paper and glue already that I bought earlier in the year from The Country Living Fair from these guys - http://www.thedecopatchplace.co.uk however you don't need to buy specialist paper or glue - you can use all different kinds of papers or even paper napkins cut up. The glue is very similar to PVA and can work as an alternative although you may need to water it down a little.

I I cut up my sheets of paper and simply glued them on both sides of my cake plates and also added glue to the top this acts as a varnish and dries very hard.

To create the central column I did have to rack my brains - I wanted something decorative and not to thick - I came up with the idea of a spindle from a staircase, costing me £3 from B&Q (I did ask a carpenter to cut it for me into 4 inch lengths). 

I painted the columns and wooden door knobs with a brown paint first - I chose an oil paint as I found some  in the kids art drawer. After it dried I added 2 coats of a white emulsion and rubbed it back with some course sandpaper.

I used small tacks and hammered it together - where I couldn't do that I used strong all purpose glue - 

and Voila .... 

I'm pretty sure Ruby enjoyed her party...and cupcake!
And the great thing is it can be used time and time again and in the mean time look pretty sitting on my sideboard!

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