How to Make "Dipped" Deer Cupcake Toppers

Delight small holiday guests with easy-to-create (and oh-so-cute!) "dipped" deer figurines. Sealed with food-safe shellac, these cupcake toppers can be used again and again.
Dipped reindeer cupcake decoration

How to Make "Dipped" Deer Cupcake Toppers

Delight small holiday guests with easy-to-create (and oh-so-cute!) "dipped" deer figurines. Sealed with food-safe shellac, these cupcake toppers can be used again and again.

By: Erika Snayd

Materials Needed:

  • plastic deer figurines
  • spray primer
  • gold acrylic paint
  • red acrylic paint
  • food-safe spray shellac
  • small paintbrush
  • hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • 12" wooden skewers

Prime Deer

On a protected surface, evenly coat deer figurines with white spray primer.

Spray priming deer figures

Prime Deer

On a protected surface, evenly coat deer figurines with white spray primer.

Paint Gold Legs

Once primer has dried, use a brush to coat deer's legs with gold paint (Image 1). With a steady hand, paint a straight horizontal line around the deer's middle to create the illusion that the deer have been dipped into gold paint (Image 2). Set aside and allow paint to thoroughly dry.

Final Touches

Once gold paint has dried, add a small dot of red acrylic paint to tip of deer's nose. Spray entire figurine with food-safe shellac and allow to dry. Cut skewers into three equal pieces, each measuring approximately four inches in length. Add a small dab of hot glue to skewer's tip and immediately press onto the deer's belly. Allow glue to set then insert dowel into cupcake.

Reindeer cupcake toppers

Final Touches to Reindeer Cupcake Toppers

Once gold paint has dried, add a small dot of red acrylic paint to tip of deer's nose. Spray entire figurine with food-safe shellac and allow to dry. Cut skewers into three equal pieces, each measuring approximately four inches in length. Add a small dab of hot glue to skewer's tip and immediately press onto the deer's belly. Allow glue to set then insert dowel into cupcake.

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