Make Your Own Paper Cupcake or Muffin Wrappers

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Paper Lace Cupcake Wraps

These lace paper wraps come in many different styles and colors, suitable for any occasion, but they can be quite expensive. Some are sold in a package of 12 for $12.00, making it a dollar for each lace wrapper.

You can get them cheaper at Wal-Mart in the Valentine supply section of the store:  $1.88 per package of 10,  in red, white and pink glossy paper.

Let's suppose, however, that for some reason you cannot find them or afford them, or maybe you do not have the time or the transportation to go shopping. I have created a pattern for you here so that you can make them with any paper and in any style you like. I have two styles here: one is for the cupcake shape and the other is a straight edge type for a small cake that is made usually with a cookie cutter. It is the same size as a cupcake but the sides are straight, like a cake.

All you have to do is copy the pattern on cardstock from your printer (or paste the pattern on heavier paper or cardboard), cut it out, and trace around it on the paper of your choice.

After tracing the outline from the cardboard pattern, use your rubber stamps to decorate the paper, or add stickers to suit the occasion.  Pick papers that suit your taste, from primitive and country, or shabby-chic and elegant. 

Cut around the upper edges of the paper with deckle-edged scissors, for a lacy look.

The two papers that I used here were construction paper, above, and printer paper, below. Scrapbook papers will lend it a more upscale, professional look, so try whatever you have on hand and see what you like best.

Place the wrappers around the cake or cupcake and tape the ends together with clear tape. Paper hole punches or any shaped punches can be used on the edges, as you see on one of these wrappers.

This is a cupcake pan liner, which goes in the cupcake pan. After the cupcake has cooled, do not remove this wrapper. The decorative wrapper which we are making, goes around it.

Cupcake baking pan. Line the little sections with the cupcake liners shown in the previous photo.

Trace and cut out your wrapper. This is the straight-sided one.

Fold the strip of paper in half, and then in half again. Fold it once more if possible.

This is the circular cupcake shaped liner cut from the pattern. Fold it in half, matching the curved edges, and in half again, and maybe once more.

Use the deckle-edge scissors to trim off the top edge, and then cut half hearts into the folded side edges.

Unwrap to see if you like your design. If not, start over with a new piece.

This is how the curved cupcake design looks when unfolded.

Above: the two kinds of muffins: one a cupcake shape, and one made with straight sides with a cookie cutter, in cupcake wrappers.

Muffin and cupcake wrapper pattern.

It would be interesting to see this done in checkered scrapbook papers or gift-wrap paper. The next time you have to get a little treat made quickly and need to make it extra special, try making your own cupcake wrapper for it. If your cakes are not the same size as my pattern, just make your own.  Look here for a google list of cupcake wrappers and templates, and see what others are doing. 

There are some beautiful styles of these wrappers here.

You can make just about anything you want, when you become innovative and resourceful. It is a wonderful way to live because you do not have to wait til you find something or wait til you can afford the little luxuries. This might also be a good enterprise for those who sell paper crafts in their own online stores or from the home.