Cupcake Wars Apron with StencilGirl Stencils

Stenciled Cupcake Apron

by June Pfaff Daley

Right now, I’m smack in the middle of planning a Cupcake Wars birthday party for my 10 year old. If you’ve seen the show, you obviously know I am crazy to mix my kitchen, 10-10-year olds and baking supplies. I admit it. At least I’m smart enough to realize all will need aprons for this exciting endeavor.

Whenever I’m planning a party, I calculate time and money. Otherwise my planning would get out-of-control quick. To keep production time in check for these guest gifts, I decided to start with basic white pre-made aprons. A pack of three aprons is relatively inexpensive at $10/pack or $3.33 per apron. Then it gets tricky. Just for amusement sake, I wandered down the iron-on applique aisle of my local craft super store. A single, teeny applique cupcake was priced at $2.49! Packs of iron-on letters for $7.99! I started counting the number of “A’s” in our guest names, did some quick multiplication and figured I’d be buying about 5 packs of letters to get all the vowels I needed. Of course I knew I was being ridiculous to even consider such pricey options. I already had everything I needed except for maybe a little ruffle trim and a yard of cute cupcake fabric.

So just like Dorothy I already had the power: a set of typewriter rubber stamp letters and my Cupcake Sprinkles stencil. I continually realize what a fantastic investment stencils and rubber stamps are. I can’t tell you how many bags, tags, cards, hair accessories, journal entries, paintings, etc. I have used this same stencil and letters for. Not that I have anything against occasional appliques or pre-made letters, but they are one and done. Stencils and stamps are tools you can use again and again in hundreds of different ways.

So here’s how I whipped these up:

SUPPLY LIST:

white apron

Cupcake Sprinkles stencil

letter rubber stamps or stencils

fabric paint and fabric markers

preprinted fabric

ruffle trim

sewing machine

thread

fabric scissors

Plan the apron design. I used rubber stamps to stamp on the name with fabric paint. Next, I centered the stencil under the name and used duct tape to hold it in place. Then, I stenciled the cupcake with fabric paint. I did lift the stencil once so that I could place the cherry lower in the frosting.

After I stenciled, I went back in with a paint brush to tidy up and add a bit of dimension with shading and highlights.

To finish, I used my sewing machine to sew a ruffle the width of the apron. I cut a simple pocket from the cupcake fabric and sewed to apron bottom center. I then sewed the pocket down the middle to make two separate pockets for mixing spoons, whisks or whatever the baker may need.

That’s the recipe for this easy project. Now to make nine more with time and wallet in check!

BONUS MATERIAL: After I wrote this post, I manipulated the photo above of the mess in my studio while I was figuring out how to make the project. It completely represents my brain when I’m creating. A plain white canvas where I. Can. Do. Anything. is completely terrifying whether it’s an actual canvas or a plain white apron. This is the point where projects will get abandoned without ignoring those little voices, “What if I mess it up? What if this isn’t the best solution?” “What if I waste something?’ You have to show those voices who’s boss. Just. Do. Something!

June Pfaff Daley is a mixed media artist who creates with everything from wood to fabric. She enjoys transforming thrift store treasures and favors whimsical motifs. June resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with three fantastic kids, one supportive husband, a darling dog and a charming cat. Visit her website: HERE

Stencils Used:

Cupcake Sprinkles