Mother's Recipe Mementos: Cupcake Flags

{ pumpkin cupcakes for a baby shower }

I am always on the lookout for ideas on how to decorate cupcakes beautifully. I love the idea of cupcake flags and decided to try my hand at making my own. It's actually quite simple and such an easy way to add a decorative touch to any festivity.

Here's a list of the supplies needed to make 20 flags (available at any craft store like Michael's or AC Moore):

* Cardstock paper - 3 sheets ($14.99 for a pad of 50 sheets - used 50% off Michaels coupon so got a great deal - or you can purchase sheets individually ranging from $.49-$.99/page)
* Decorative stickers - 2 packs ($1.99/each)
* 4" Lollipop sticks - 20 ($2.00 for 50 sticks)
* Decorative paper punch (retails at $14.99 but used coupon, so again, another great deal)
* Glue stick (.$49)

(1) To get started, use the paper punch to punch out shapes in the cardstock paper (I used a 2" scalloped circle paper punch to make flowers). You'll need two pieces of paper punch for each flag so punch out 40 flowers.

(2) Now take the glue stick and glue the back sides of the flower shapes.

(3) Then take a lollipop stick and press it down onto one of the glued sides. If you want taller flags, then just place the stick lower on the paper.

(4) Put the second flower shape on top and then press down on all the sides. Make sure the stick is secure and in place. There may be a slight opening on the top, but don't worry about that. I intentionally left the top unsealed (believe me, no one's going to notice or make a big deal if they do).

(5) Finally, we come to the fun part! Decorate the flags with stickers! I only decorated one side, but if you really want to go all out, you can decorate both.

And voila!