If you are thinking to yourself, does Art Bar really have any more cardboard ideas in her? The answer is always YES!! We made these cardboard cupcakes inspired by Wayne Thiebaud a few years ago but I never got around to writing about them until now. We did a smaller version in art class, but these big ones were from a birthday party. Aren’t they so colorful and amazing?
These cupcakes are loosely based on Thiebaud’s cakes and sweets series. Usually when we do an artist study, we spend some time looking at and talking about their work. But since this was a birthday party, we skipped that part and I just put out materials that I thought would evoke the feeling of Thiebaud: colorful and playful.
I was also inspired by this post from first grade art teacher Jennifer Bartolazzi, whose students used paint and torn paper to create their Thiebaud inspired cupcakes.
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Supplies for Cardboard Cupcakes:
~ Cardboard
~ Paper templates for top and bottom of cupcake
~ Good, sturdy scissors
~ Glue gun
~ Collage material (we used pom-poms, string, colored paper shapes made with paper punches, cut up painted coffee filters, cut up cupcake liners, neon stickers)
~ Glue
How to set up Cardboard Cupcakes:
1. First, cut out the cupcakes from cardboard. I decided to cut the top and bottom separately, then hot glue gun them together. My thought behind this was so that the children could clearly identify that there were two parts, without me having to explain. At birthday parties, I usually let the children explore without much instruction. I cut out templates from paper first, then traced them onto the cardboard. I glued the tops and bottoms together with hot glue.
2. I set out everything on the table. I did not put out a sample. I did encourage them to start with the oil pastels, but it’s ok if they don’t. There aren’t many rules at a birthday party, the point is for them to have fun and feel successful.
That’s really it! There is some prep involved, but after that it’s a really simple and fun birthday party or classroom idea. I wish I could have kept even just one of these! I love them all together, and they definitely have a Wayne Thiebauld feel to them… pure deliciousness.
xo, Bar
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Did you like this post? Here are more sweet-tooth art ideas!
Oil Pastel Cupcakes (a smaller version of this post)
For the past two years I have had “Birthday Party” themed dramatic play in January, and plan my lessons around the theme for a couple of weeks as well. This would be a fun activity in the art center during choice time.
I LOVE these cardboard cupcakes! What a clever, fun idea for kids– any time of the year but a great birthday party activity! Your cardboard creations continue to inspire me, my kids, and now my grandchildren! How did I get my kids raised without your artistic help?! So glad my grandkids can participate in your creations in their homes. Thank you!
thank you so much, Sharlene!!! your kind words have put a smile on my face 🙂 THANK YOU for buying my book and for following along!!! xx Bar
What would you suggest for cutting cardboard? I teach preschool art classes and spend a lot of time cutting out cardboard which ends with me getting blisters.
Thanks!!!
hi Mary, I use the Klever Kutter (from Amazon) for cutting straight lines. and I just bought Fiskars PowerCut 8inch shears which are made to cut bulkier things. I love them! hope this helps! xx Bar
am i missing the template for the cupcakes? Thanks!
Hi Melissa, I did not provide templates, just draw the bottom first on a big pieces of paper. Use that to draw the “frosting” top so that it’s the same diameter. Then use the paper templates to trace onto the cardboard. You can also skip the template part if you are just making one! Have fun! ~ Bar