How to Make New Year's Ring in 2026 Cake Topper DIY

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6:00 AM

How to Make New Year's Ring in 2026 Cake Topper DIY

If you love adding special touches to your party décor, this easy project is such a fun way to dress up a dessert table for New Year’s Eve.

Today I’m sharing how I made a “Ring in 2026” cake topper using simple supplies and a few little details that make it feel extra special.

This project works beautifully for real desserts or fake cakes, and it’s one of those creative ways to make a celebration feel intentional without a ton of effort.

This idea originally started as something small, but it’s the kind of project that fits right into the heart of the internet—simple, shareable, and totally customizable.

Whether you’re decorating birthday cakes, a New Year’s spread, or even turning the pieces into cupcake toppers, this tutorial is easy to adapt.

Let's get started!

This project works beautifully for real desserts or fake cakes, and it’s one of those creative ways to make a celebration feel intentional without a ton of effort. This idea originally started as something small, but it’s the kind of project that fits right into the heart of the internet—simple, shareable, and totally customizable. Whether you’re decorating birthday cakes, a New Year’s spread, or even turning the pieces into cupcake toppers, this tutorial is easy to adapt.

Supplies Needed for New Years Cake Topper:

affiliate links

Optional: wooden skewers, pipe cleaner, or extra twine for variations

Using the best materials you already have on hand makes this project quick and stress-free.

You can even use paper and have your Cricut machine cut all the shapes!

Supplies Needed for New Years Cake Topper: affiliate links Round wood disks with holes Wooden letters spelling “Ring in 2026” Plaid Acrylic Paint Markers (black and gold) Black and white baker’s twine Hot glue gun and glue sticks Black and white paper straws E6000 Glue Optional: wooden skewers, pipe cleaner, or extra twine for variations Using the best materials you already have on hand makes this project quick and stress-free. You can even use paper and have your Cricut machine cut all the shapes!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Paint the Wood Pieces

Start by coloring the round wood disks with black Plaid Acrylic paint markers.

Use gold paint markers to color the wooden letters.

These markers are perfect for clean coverage, even on wood, and they work well for both simple shapes and more intricate designs.

Let everything dry completely before assembling.

I love using acrylic paint markers on wood because it allows some of the wood grain to still peek through.

You can mix and match your colors with your holiday theme!

This cute cake topper can be a generic one that says "Happy Birthday" and you can use it all year long.

I was excited to make something specific to the new year!

Step 2: Attach Letters to Circles

Once the wood pieces are colored to your liking, you can begin attaching them all together.

I glued the letters to the wood circles using E6000 glue, but hot glue would work too!

Just let them dry/cure completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Tie the Disks Together

Once dry, use black and white baker’s twine to string the wood disks together.

This adds movement and a classic New Year’s look.

Adjust spacing so the words can stack nicely.

Step 3: Tie the Disks Together Once dry, use black and white baker’s twine to string the wood disks together. This adds movement and a classic New Year’s look. Adjust spacing so the words can stack nicely.

I just tied each junction with a square knot and cut the ends pretty short so the letters would be readable.

Step 4: Stack and Secure the Words

Arrange the phrase “Ring in 2026” by stacking the words vertically and slightly overlapping the wood disks.

Use a small dot of hot glue to hold everything in place.

This is where the little details really shine—tiny overlaps and spacing make the design feel intentional.

Step 4: Stack and Secure the Words Arrange the phrase “Ring in 2026” by stacking the words vertically and slightly overlapping the wood disks. Use a small dot of hot glue to hold everything in place. This is where the little details really shine—tiny overlaps and spacing make the design feel intentional.

Step 5: Attach the Straws

Flip the topper over and hot glue black and white paper straws to the back.

If you prefer, wooden skewers also work great, especially for taller cakes.

Step 6: Display Your Topper

Stick the finished topper into a white frosted cake.

Mine is one of my standard fake cakes, which makes it perfect for parties, photos, and storing to reuse year after year.

Creative Cake Topper Variations:

Turn each disk into individual cupcake toppers
Swap twine for ribbon or metallic cord
Use a pipe cleaner to add sparkle or shape accents
Resize elements in your own design space if you’re planning a digital version

That's it!

This project proves you don’t need a big blog setup or fancy tools—just thoughtful materials and a little creativity.

From the moment you open menu options on your craft shelf to the final close button on cleanup, it’s a satisfying and festive make.

I love how this topper works for New Year’s Eve, but the concept easily translates to other celebrations too, including birthday cakes and milestone events.

Happy crafting, and here’s to ringing in 2026 with handmade style! 🎉

Like, Pin and Save!

This project proves you don’t need a big blog setup or fancy tools—just thoughtful materials and a little creativity. From the moment you open menu options on your craft shelf to the final close button on cleanup, it’s a satisfying and festive make. I love how this topper works for New Year’s Eve, but the concept easily translates to other celebrations too, including birthday cakes and milestone events. Happy crafting, and here’s to ringing in 2026 with handmade style! 🎉

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