Crafting A Wedding Cake Stand: Round And Regal

A wedding cake stand is a great DIY project that can be made using a variety of materials such as wood, glass, metal, and porcelain. The stand can be customised to fit the theme of the wedding, with options for rustic, vintage, and modern styles. The process of making a round wedding cake stand typically involves assembling and decorating a base, a pedestal, and a top plate. The base can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, glass, or metal, and it is often the most decorative part of the stand. The pedestal is usually a simple structure that elevates the cake, and it can be made from materials like wood or glass. The top plate, which holds the cake, is typically a round wooden or porcelain plaque.

Sourcing materials for your stand

The materials you will need for your stand will depend on the type of stand you want to make. For a simple wooden stand, you will need an unpainted wooden candlestick (4.5–10 inches), two small unpainted wooden plaques (one 4-inch base and one 5-inch base), one large round wood plaque for the top (8–12 inches), wooden beads, white paint or stain and a paintbrush, wood glue, and a polycrylic protective finish.

If you want a more decorative stand, you can add beading or a glass dome. You can also mix and match materials, such as using a whitewash candle holder as the base and an unpainted Baltic Birch cake circle for the top.

For a mixed media stand, you will need an unfinished wood circle plaque (around 10 inches), wood stain, a unique pencil cup/utensil holder/small pedestal, craft glue, foam brushes, plastic gloves, a plastic garbage bag, an old clean cloth rag, and a water-based/oil-modified polyurethane sealant.

You can find these materials at local craft stores or online. When choosing a wooden plaque, look for one with a nice wood grain face and consider the size of the cake you will be displaying. For the base, get creative and look for vintage coffee cups, small circular vases, or geometric shapes at local thrift stores or craft stores.

Preparing your work area

Clear a spacious work area: Choose a workspace that provides ample room for assembling your cake stand. A large table or a clear countertop will do. Make sure you have enough space to lay out all your materials and tools, as well as room to manoeuvre the pieces as you work.

Cover your work surface: As you will be working with wood, paint, and glue, it is important to protect your work surface from stains and damage. Cover your table or countertop with a plastic drop cloth or a large piece of cardboard. This will create a barrier and make cleanup easier.

Gather all the necessary materials and tools: Before you begin, ensure that you have all the required materials and tools within reach. This includes the wooden plaques or circles, candlesticks or other bases, wood glue or strong adhesive, paint or stain, paintbrushes, beads or other decorative elements, and any protective finish you plan to use.

Read and follow safety instructions: Some of the materials you will be using may have specific safety guidelines. For example, wood stain can be messy and require proper ventilation during use. Read the instructions and safety guidelines on all your products before you start.

Wear protective gear: As you will be working with paint, stain, and glue, it is important to protect your skin and clothing. Put on a pair of plastic gloves to keep your hands clean and free from chemicals. Consider wearing an apron or old clothing to prevent stains on your clothes.

Prepare your tools: If using paintbrushes, make sure they are clean and ready for use. Have a small bowl of water nearby to rinse your brushes between colours or when switching from paint to stain. If using power tools such as a drill, ensure they are charged or plugged into a power outlet.

By following these steps, you will have a clean, organised, and safe work area that is ready for the assembly of your round wedding cake stand.

Staining the wood

Sanding and Preparation:

Before you begin staining, it's crucial to prepare the wood surface. Use sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections and create a uniform finish. Start with a lower grit, such as 80-grit, for unfinished wood, and then move to a finer grit, like 120-grit, for a smoother finish. Wipe away any dust or residue with a clean cloth. If your wood has any holes or divets, use wood putty to fill them and then sand the area until it's level and smooth.

Choosing the Right Stain:

The type of stain you choose will depend on the look you want to achieve and the type of wood you're working with. If you're going for a darker, richer colour, consider using an oil-based stain, especially if you're working on a large piece like a cake stand. Water-based stains are more environmentally friendly and perfect for smaller projects, but they may raise the grain of the wood. Gel-based stains offer better colour control but can be messier.

Testing and Application:

Before applying the stain to your cake stand, test it on a scrap piece of wood to ensure you're happy with the colour. Stir the stain thoroughly, and then, using a clean rag or a foam brush, start applying it to the wood in horizontal strokes, following the direction of the wood grain. Work in a well-ventilated area, and be mindful that stain can be messy and can permanently stain other surfaces.

Wiping and Drying:

After applying the stain, you can let it sit for 5-10 minutes to achieve a darker colour, or wipe it off immediately for a lighter shade. Use a clean rag to wipe off the excess stain, always following the direction of the wood grain. Allow the stain to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Sealant:

Once the stain is dry, you can apply a sealant to protect the finish and prevent scratches and fading. Choose a sealant that matches your desired level of sheen, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. Typically, you'll need to apply at least two coats and let the sealant dry for about two hours between coats.

Final Drying:

After applying the sealant, let your wedding cake stand dry for at least 24 hours before use. This will ensure that the finish is completely set and ready for display.

Remember, it's always a good idea to practice on a small piece of wood first to get a feel for the process and achieve the desired colour. With these steps, you'll be able to create a beautifully stained wedding cake stand that will impress your guests and become a cherished keepsake.

Gluing the pieces together

Now that you have gathered all your materials and stacked the pieces of your cake stand, it is time to glue them together.

First, take your wood glue and apply a generous amount to the top of the 5" piece. Then, place the candlestick on top, ensuring it is centred and right-side up. Hold the two pieces together for a few seconds to allow the glue to set. Next, apply glue to the top of the candlestick and attach the 4" piece, which should be upside down. Again, hold the pieces together briefly before moving on to the final piece. Finally, glue the top wood circle (8"-12") to the 4" piece and hold until the glue sets.

Once all the pieces are glued together, you can further secure the joints with wooden beads. Apply wood glue to the inside of a bead and press it onto the joint between the 5" piece and the candlestick. Repeat this process until the joint is covered with beads. You can also add beads to the other joints for a more uniform look.

After the glue has dried, your cake stand should be ready to paint. However, if you plan to use the stand for food, it is important to let the wood finish cure for at least 30 days before use.

Finishing and curing the stand

Once you have assembled your wooden cake stand, it is important to finish and cure it properly to ensure it is food-safe and long-lasting. Here is a step-by-step guide to finishing and curing your stand:

Sanding and Smoothing

Before applying any finish to your cake stand, it is important to sand and smooth the wood to create an even and aesthetically pleasing surface. Use varying grits of sandpaper, starting with a lower grit and working your way up to a higher grit for a smooth finish. Remove any dust or debris from the stand after sanding.

Staining

If you wish to stain your cake stand, now is the time to do so. Choose a wood stain in your desired colour and carefully apply it to the stand, following the grain of the wood. Allow the stain to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions before moving on to the next step.

Sealing and Protecting

To protect your cake stand and make it food-safe, you will need to apply a sealant or finish. You can use a water-based or oil-modified polyurethane sealant, following the manufacturer's instructions for application. Alternatively, you can use a food-safe mineral oil, walnut oil, or linseed oil. These natural options are safe but may need to be reapplied more frequently. Another option is to melt beeswax and mineral oil together and apply it to the stand.

Curing

Allow your cake stand to cure for a sufficient period. The cure time will vary depending on the finish you have used, but it is generally recommended to wait at least 30 days before using the stand for food. This ensures that all chemicals in the finish are fully released, and your stand is safe for contact with food.

Final Touches

Once your cake stand is fully cured, it is ready to be used and displayed. You can add further decorations or embellishments if desired, such as beading or paint, following the specific instructions for those additions. Enjoy your handmade cake stand, perfect for weddings or any special occasion!

Frequently asked questions