There are so many methods of making a diaper cake…so as promised, here is how I make mine. It involves a lot of rubber bands because I am usually assembling these by myself. If you can acquire an extra pair of hands to hold the diapers in place you may not need as many =)
Materials: Plain size 1 diapers (any size will do honestly)
Rubber bands
A paper towel roll (optional)
Ribbon (coordinate to theme)
Corrugated cake circle or cardboard
Hot glue and gun
Apparently, I have been absent from the diaper scene for a while. White unmarked diapers are ideal for this project. I had no idea that I was buying a brand with bee designs and green lining. *sigh*
Here is how to make a simple diaper cake step by step.
Step 1: Prepare the base and gather materials. Grab a cake base and paper towel roll. Cut notches along one end of the paper towel roll. Fan out the notches. Use a glue stick to attach to cake base. If a cake circle is not available cut to size cardboard works just as well. Again, the the paper towel holder can be omitted-fill space with diapers instead-but it is excellent for extra support while making the cake and during transportation.
Step 2: Roll the diapers. Roll each diaper and wrap with a rubber band. Aim to make each roll similar sized and even. Start at the FOLD of the diaper and work your way to the elastic waist. This will leave an even roll.
The left picture shows the product of starting at the elastic waist, leaving the fold on the outside. Notice how it appears lopsided?
The picture on the right is started from the fold and ends at the waist. Notice how the top and bottom of the roll are even?
The middle picture gives you a visual of left roll vs right roll so that you can see the difference.
Step 3: Assemble tiers. When building these by yourself, rubber bands are your best friend.
See how the rubber band holds the diapers in place so nicely?
Step 4: Add ribbon and other accessories. Hiding the green and bees became the inspiration for my design. Fortunately, I had enough plain white diapers to line the exterior bottom row.
My plan of action was to cover the top tier completely with ribbon. I lifted it up for easy access to the top and bottom of the diaper.
I prefer to use hot glue on the ribbon only and avoid hot glue on the diapers. Pull the ribbon taut as pictured.
As I pull it tight, I pipe a line of hot glue close to where my finger nail is located, shut it then hold it as the glue cools and adheres. Yes, I have burned myself several times. I have done it so many times, it doesn’t even bother me anymore!
I use at least 3 lines of hot glue to make sure that the ribbon will stay tight and secure. Pictured below is line number 2.
Make sure seams are on the same side. We will add something later to disguise them. Next I pushed the top cake tier down and added yellow paper confetti to mask the green.
Add the middle ribbon using the same method, keeping the seams lined up again.
I used only yellow ribbon on the bottom tier because the outside row is plain white diapers. 4 or 5 rows of glue (on the ribbon only) was used to ensure that the ribbon would stay together. The diapers remained glue free!
Next, add the finishing touches and you are done!
I typically make cakes 3 layers high and add other items to the cake (as part of my gift).
Because I am on a budget and wanted to bless as many ladies as possible I chose to make mini diaper cakes.
This diaper cake was made especially for a second time mom named Brittany.
Her theme is yellow and gray/elephants and giraffes.
They make fabulous table centerpieces don’t you think?
A personal gift for the mommy =). See how I made it HERE!
I love how diaper cakes can be customized to match any theme. I am hosting a Calvin and Hobbes theme baby shower in a few months. Stay tuned for pictures and details of that fun theme. What are some of your favorite themes?
