How do you make a cupcake stand?

To make a cupcake stand, cut a tiered base and shelves out of MDF, and attach the parts with wood glue and tack nails. This project can be completed in a few hours.

1. Gather the supplies

   From the hardware store, purchase 1/4-inch MDF, fine grit sandpaper, wood glue, 1/2-inch tack nails, paint and a foam paint brush. In order to complete the project, you also need a jig saw with a fine tooth blade, hammer, ruler, compass and triangle.

2. Draw the design

   For the shelves, draw three half circles onto the MDF. The top tier has a 6-inch diameter, the middle tier a 12-inch diameter and the bottom tier an 18-inch diameter. For the base, draw a shape that looks like a tiered wedding cake that measures 18 inches across the bottom. From the bottom, draw a tier that is 4 inches tall with a 3-inch step. Draw two more tiers that are each 4 inches tall with a 3-inch step. For the bracket, draw a staircase shape that measures 12 inches across the bottom and 8 3/4 inches tall. The first step is 2 3/4 inches tall with a 4-inch wide step. The second two steps are 3 inches tall with a 4-inch wide step.

3. Cut and the pieces

   Use the jigsaw to cut out the design, and then sand the edges of the pieces.

4. Paint the MDF

   Apply two coats of paint to all of the pieces. Allow the pieces to dry.

5. Assemble the stand

   With wood glue and tack nails, attach the bracket to the back of the base, and then add each of the shelves.