Chi-O Cookies 2011 Part III: DIY Cupcake Stands

Literally made these the day of Chi-O Cookies.  Since we were short on time and tight on budget, my goal was to create centerpieces that doubled as dessert stands.  Presenting Candy Land Cupcake Stands made straight from the game board!  This project was super easy and inexpensive.  The board games are from thrift stores, wine glasses from the dollar tree, and one dollar movie-sized candy boxes from Target.

Candy Lands as far as the eye can see...

Attach wine glasses to board with a really strong glue.

Fill glasses with colorful candy of choice.

Cut another game board in half, finish off edges with black paint, and glue to wine glass rims.  Finish off with the little gingerbread playing pieces!  See Part II for more decor ideas.

Chi-O Cookies 2011 Part II: The Decor

Grande iced latte in hand and absolutely no sleep the night before, my amazing Philanthropy Committee and I turned our whole sorority house into a Candyland of desserts.  It was a true all-you-can-eat dessert buffet.  From homemade apple pies to oreo cake pops, vegan peanut butter fudge and almond rocha, my XΩ sisters really outdid themselves!  For DIY cupcake stand instructions, see Part III.   

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Started with a quick sketch...

...and had it turned into this AMAZING logo!  These were our shirts :)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Bunting is all the rage these days, check out this one at The Pretty Blog.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The results of the Candy Land cupcake centerpieces made from a total of 8 games!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Placecards for the desserts, especially for the gluten-free, vegan, allergy-specific etc, all made from elements of the board game.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Giant lollipops with a sprinkle of vintage Candy Land cards.

Chi-O Cookies Part 2, the Decorations

Is it too late to declare a major in Party Planning, with a minor in Centerpiece Crafting?  Because that is exactly what I want to do.  I'm super passionate about good design and making everything look aesthetically pleasing.  Color-coordinated papers, ribbons, flowers, buttons--you name it, I love it, and I'll create something with it.

My living room was an explosion of pink for the past month as I created placecards, cake stands, candy holders, and banners for Chi-O Cookies (see Part 1).  With a little bit of mod podge and a hot glue gun, the room was transformed into a colorful candyland of desserts. A big thank you to all my sorority sisters--you girls were such a tremendous help!  Shout-out to my mom, The TomKat Studio, Hostess with the Mostess, and Cupcakes Take The Cake for their wonderful inspiration!

 The hot pink, robin's egg, and chocolate brown color scheme just happens to be my favorite colors, what a coincidence :)

 

Pinwheel idea courtesy of the Paper Source blog

 

I was thrilled when I found this 3-tiered cupcake stand at the thrift store downtown for $4!  Not that I needed another one, but it was so pretty and vintage and I just couldn't leave without buying it.

 

Inspiration for the Chi-O Cookies banner from Design*Sponge

 

  

After reading a post about making your own cake stands (also from Design*Sponge) I knew I had to try it!

  

 

LOVE the idea of painting and mod podging terra cotta pots and saucers! (idea from Once Wed)

So Much Better

"But I am seriously in love with you!" exclaims the bubbly heroine in Legally Blonde.  And what better way to forget about the Warners of the world than with something pink?

Two different swirls topped with a candy heart!

 

This gorgeous laundry line art piece is courtesy of Design*Sponge.  I'm going to use it as my inspiration when decorating for my sorority's upcoming philanthropy event!