Halloween Treat Cup Holders: Easy DIY Candy Party Favors!

Instructions

STEP 1: GET MY FREE HALLOWEEN TREAT CUP HOLDER DESIGNS

First, download my Halloween Treat Cup Holder designs from my free library – look for Design #718. Alternatively, you can use the Save This Project form near the top of this post and the design link will be emailed to you.

In the SVG folder, you’ll find six files for the holder itself: one with score lines and one with dashed lines (with “noscore” in the name) for both 12 oz and 16 oz cups, and one of each size that can be made on the Joy Xtra. There’s also one file with all the embellishments.

There is also a DXF folder with cut files, and a PDF folder with versions you can print and cut by hand.

Upload the files you need to Design Space to get started. I’ll demonstrate with the 16 oz “score” cup holder SVG file and the embellishments SVG file.

TIP: If you’re not sure how to upload, go to jennifermaker.com/svgs to learn how to unzip and upload SVG files.

STEP 2: PREPARE YOUR HALLOWEEN TREAT CUP HOLDER DESIGN

CRICUT DESIGN SPACE

1. Open Cricut Design Space and click “New Project.”
2. Click “Upload” and then “Upload Image.”
3. Click “Browse.”
4. Select the holder SVG file you want.
   NOTE: I’ll demonstrate with the 16 oz "score" file.
5. Click "Open" and then “Continue.”
6. Click "Upload" to add the file to your Canvas.
7. Follow steps 2-6 to upload the embellishments SVG file and add it to the Canvas.
8. Here is what they both look like on the Canvas
   
   NOTE: If you’re using the 12 oz "noscore" file, it will look like this on the Canvas.
   
   
9. Ungroup and spread out the holder pieces.
   
   TIP: If you’re using the version of the file WITHOUT score lines, it’s almost ready to cut, but the "score" version has a few extra steps.
10. The arrows in the Layers Panel mean there are still grouped pieces, so click the top one to see them.
11. In this group, the top layer with just lines is our crease layer. Click just the crease lines layer, then go to the “Operation” drop-down next to the Color Box and set it to “Score.”
    
    
12. Click the group to select both layers, then click “Attach” to keep them together during cutting.
    
    
13. Repeat the process for the other group with score lines.
14. Ungroup the embellishments and delete any you don’t want to use.
    NOTE: I’ll use the cat, hat, web, and spider.
    
    
15. If you’d like to change the color of the holder pieces to match your cardstock, do that now.
16. You can also change the colors for the decorative panels.
    NOTE: I’ll use patterned cardstock on the decorative panels, so I’ll change their color to blue.
    
    
17. Since we attached the score lines to the holder's cut layer, we'll need to expand each group's layers in the Layers Panel first. Then, click just the cut layer before changing the color.
    TIP: I’ll save some paper by picking the same green as the cat’s eyes.
    
18. When you change the color of the other side, be sure to click the same green under “Material Colors” in the color menu so they go on the right mat.
    
    
19. When everything looks the way you’d like, check that the right machine is selected at the top right.
20. Click “Make.”
21. On the Prepare screen, make sure the correct Material Size is selected for your materials.
    NOTE: I’m using all 12” x 12” cardstock.
22. You might be able to save some paper by moving embellishments inside the cup cutouts, so take a look!
    TIP: To move a piece, click it, select the three dots, pick a new mat in the pop-up, then make sure the moved piece doesn’t interfere with anything on the new mat.
    
    
23. If you’re using patterned paper with a directional design, like one with text that needs to face a certain way, make sure to position those pieces so they run from top to bottom.
24. Select the mat you want to cut first, and click “Continue.”
    NOTE: I’ll pick the big holder mat.
    

CUTTING

1. On the Make screen, set the Material for your mats to the “Medium Cardstock - 80 lb (216 gsm)” setting with “More” Pressure.
   
   TIP: If you have any issues cutting your pieces, check out my Intricate Cuts tutorial.
2. If you’re using the “noscore” version, skip ahead to step 3. If you’re using the Scoring Stylus, insert it into the clamp now and update your Tool Options in Design Space. If you’re using the Single Scoring Wheel, insert it into the clamp when prompted.
   NOTE: Make sure the score tool is loaded when cutting the cup holder mats. The score function will complete, and then you can change out the Score Wheel for the Fine-Point Blade if needed.
   
   
3. Make sure your tools are clean and in the right spots.
4. Place your first mat’s cardstock face up on a green StandardGrip machine mat.
   NOTE: If you’re using a Cricut Joy Xtra with the Joy Xtra version of the file and 8.5” x 11” materials, place your mat’s material in the top left corner of the mat, just like you would with a 12” x 12” mat.
5. Use a brayer to make sure it’s fully adhered.
6. Check that your Premium Fine-Point Blade is clean and in the clamp.
7. Press the flashing “Load/Unload” button to load the prepared mat into your Cricut.
8. Press the flashing “Go” button to begin cutting.
9. When it has finished cutting, unload the mat, flip it over onto your work surface, and roll it back to release the paper. Lay the cut pieces right side up on your work surface.
   TIP: Use the spatula to help lift delicate parts and the weeding tool to poke out small bits of cardstock that may have been left behind. If you have any issues with your cuts, go to jennifermaker.com/cleaner-cuts. Use a scraper tool to remove the small bits left on your mat after you remove the cut pieces.
   
   
10. Follow the steps to continue cutting the rest of your cardstock mats.
    TIP: Be sure to place the right material on each mat.
11. Here are what my cut pieces look like. There are four pieces with cup-shaped cutouts. One is a large piece that makes up the bottom and front of the holder, one is a large piece that is the back of the holder, and two are smaller pieces that are accent panels.
    
    
12. You don’t want to mix them up, so sort the fun embellishment layers into piles for each design, then layer them in the same order they appear on your screen in Cricut Design Space.
    
    
13. The embellishments assemble from least-detailed being the bottom layer to most-detailed being the top layer.
    
    

STEP 3: ASSEMBLE YOUR TREAT CUP HOLDER

CUP HOLDER

NOTE: Follow these steps for the regular cup holder assembly. For the Joy Xtra version assembly instructions, skip down to the section titled “Joy Xtra Version.”

1. Apply craft glue to the back of one smaller accent panel, avoiding the cutouts.
2. Line up the cutouts over a large piece and press down to attach.
   TIP: Use a brayer to ensure the layers are adhered evenly and completely.
   
   
3. Repeat steps 1-2 with the other small accent panel, attaching it to the remaining large piece.
4. Flip the pieces over so the accent panels are face down on your work surface.
   
   NOTE: If you used a scoring tool, crease lines will look like indented lines. If you used the "noscore" design, the crease lines will look like dashed cut lines. I'll just refer to both as crease lines for the rest of the tutorial.
   
   
5. On the larger piece, fold the large C-shaped tabs up on the crease lines closest to the main part of the piece.
   
   
6. On the smaller piece, fold up on the crease line to form a rectangular area at the bottom.
   
   
7. Apply craft glue to the back of the smaller piece’s rectangular area.
8. Using the crease lines as guides, attach the rectangular area of the smaller piece to the rectangular area on the larger piece to form the base of the cup holder.
   
   TIP: Use a brayer to ensure the layers are adhered evenly and completely.
9. Fold up on the rest of the crease lines on both C-shaped pieces.
   
   
10. Bend one of the C-shaped pieces over so the tabs are touching the rectangular base of the cup holder.
    
    
11. Add craft glue to the bottom of the folded tabs underneath, then press them down onto the base rectangle to adhere. Be sure to keep the edges of the folded C-shaped piece parallel with the edges of the base.
    TIP: I found it easiest to glue down one tab at a time.
    
    
12. Repeat steps 10-11 with the C-shaped piece on the other side. When glued, it should resemble a box with a circle cutout in the center.
    
    TIP: Try to make the edges of each side match up and almost touch in the center, rather than overlap.
13. Add craft glue to the sides of the attached C-shaped pieces.
    
    
14. Fold up the sides of the holder and press with your fingers to attach them to the sides of the glued C-shaped base pieces.
    
    TIP: You can also pinch them together from inside the circle cutout.
    

EMBELLISHMENTS

1. Flip one of the stacked embellishments over so it’s face down on your work surface.
2. Flip the bottom layer over so it’s right side up, and carefully apply glue to the back of the next layer, making sure to get the thinnest bits, too.
   
   
3. Turn the glued piece over so it’s glue side down, and place it onto the bottom layer, carefully lining up the edges before it dries.
   TIP: You can use a paper towel to clean up any excess glue.
4. Press gently to adhere.
   
   
5. Repeat this process to finish the layers.
   NOTE: I’ll attach the hat to the cat so his ears still peek out!
6. Then assemble the rest of your embellishments the same way.
7. Once your embellishments are assembled and dry, apply craft glue to the back of each one and adhere them to the outside of the holder, wherever you like.
   
   TIP: Don’t place them past the bottom edge, or your holder may not stand correctly.
   

STEP 4: FINISHING TOUCHES

1. Cut a 24" piece of ribbon.
2. Insert an end through each of the two small holes on the back layer of the assembled holder, and pull them all the way through the front layer of the holder so they’re even on both sides and the paper layers come together.
3. Tie the ribbon in a bow at the front, then trim the ends as needed.
   
   
4. Open the cup and fill it with treats.
   NOTE: Really mound them on top so they fill the dome! They’re pretty strong, and should be able to hold a few pounds if you have small, heavy items.
5. Put on the lid, then slide the cup in through the back of the holder, inserting the bottom into the circular cutout in the base.
   
   

STEP 5: SHOW IT OFF!

Here is my finished Halloween treat cup holder!

JOY XTRA VERSION

1. To work with the Joy Xtra, all the pieces need to fit on 8.5” x 11” paper, so I designed the holder in three pieces to fit the smaller paper.
   
   
2. Ungroup them in Cricut Design Space to see the pieces. Since the Joy Xtra doesn’t have a score tool, we’ll use dashed cut lines for the creases.
3. Add and choose your embellishments, and change any colors following the steps in the main tutorial. Just make sure all four pieces for the holder are the same color so the transitions will be less noticeable later.
4. Set the decorative panels to a new color so they get their own mat.
5. Check that your Joy Xtra is selected at the top right, then click “Make.”
6. Check that your material sizes are set correctly, and adjust them if needed using the dropdown menus on the Prepare Screen.
   TIP: Remember, keep the pieces’ orientation in mind if you’ll use patterned paper!
7. The cutting process is the same as I showed you before. Place your mat’s material in the top left corner of the mat, and follow the prompts in Design Space.
   
   
8. The Joy Xtra files will have four pieces to form the holder: the front piece, back piece, and two side pieces that fold up to form the box area.
   
   
9. Glue an accent panel onto one of the large pieces.
10. Secure it with your brayer.
11. Repeat for the other accent panel and large piece.
    
    
12. Then flip one piece over face down, and leave the other face up.
13. Apply glue to the rectangular area on the face down piece.
14. Add a C-shaped piece on top of the large flipped-over piece, aligning the rectangles. Press down to adhere.
    
    
15. Glue the other piece with the C-shaped tab on its rectangle.
16. Apply it on top of the others, lining up the rectangles, but pointing in the opposite direction. Press it down to adhere it well.
    
    
17. Take the last large piece with the accent and apply glue to the rectangle on the back.
    
    
18. Align it under the other pieces and press to adhere. Be sure to line up the rectangles so the paper can bend on the dashed cut lines.
    
    
19. Use your brayer to secure the layered pieces.
20. Fold up on the rest of the dashed cut lines on and around both of the C-shaped pieces.
21. Fold one of the C-shaped pieces over on the crease lines so the tabs touch the rectangular base, forming a three-dimensional pocket.
    
    
22. Add craft glue to the bottom of one tab on the pocket.
23. Press it down straight onto the base to secure it.
    
    
24. Repeat with the other tab on the pocket.
    TIP: Try to keep the edges of the pocket parallel with the edges of the base.
25. Repeat with the other C-shaped piece on the other side.
    TIP: Try to make the edges of each side match up and almost touch in the center, rather than overlap.
    
    
26. Add some craft glue along the long, thin sides of the base box.
27. Fold up the holder’s sides to meet the glue.
28. Use your fingers to press them in place until they dry.