DIY: Decorative Cakes! {For Birthdays, Weddings, Baby Showers or Centerpieces}

I've made decorative/keepsake cakes for:

Birthday Gifts

Birthday Centerpieces

Baby Shower Centerpieces

Birthday Favors 

Wedding Centerpieces

Bridal Boutique Displays

Dining Room Centerpieces

Once you have a faux cake, you will find yourself using it time and time again! Nothing says, "Celebrate!" like a beautiful cake. These decorative cakes also look lovely as centerpieces on your dining table or displayed in a hutch.

I made these mini cakes and cake stands for favors at my sister's surprise birthday lunch. You can see pictures from the party here.

Here's what you need:

1. Paper mache boxes in varying sizes - I used round, but square would also work well.

2. White (or desired color) craft paint & paint brush. (Sponge brushes work well. The picture below shows the boxes after the first coat of paint. They'll need two or three coats, based on the look you like.)

3. Embellishments to decorate your cake and a hot glue gun to affix them. (For embellishments, I have used everything from french cut lace to handmade sheet music flowers. If you want to give lace or flowers a deeper or aged hue, don't be afraid to dip them in coffee or tea… just make sure to let them dry completely before attaching them to your cake! ;-)

Here's what you do:

Take the lids off the boxes and paint each box and lid separately (only the outsides). 

Once paint has dried, arrange the boxes and lids to form a cake (Begin with larger lid on bottom, face down, follow with larger box, face down. Then smaller lid, face down, follow with smaller box face down, etc.).

Use a small amount of hot glue along the narrow bottom ridge of each box and lid to hold the layers together. 

Now use hot glue to affix your embellishments and decorate your cake! 

(This is the fun part!) 

A tip: ribbon or cut fabric along the bottom of the layers makes for a realistic-looking cake and also hides any excess hot glue from gluing the layers together.

Voila!

I made my own cake stands by turning glass chandelier bulb holders upside down for the base. (I've also used candle holders or vases for the base.) I permanently affixed vintage glass dessert plates to the top. (I've also used china plates.) Use a permanent glue, such as liquid nails, marine glue, etc.

I used Jane Austen silhouettes on the cake above for my Mom's Jane Austen-themed birthday dinner.

Will you try making a decorative cake? For a special occasion or as a centerpiece? I'd love to hear!

xo