Ice Cream Cone DIY Decorations

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.

Supplies You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these:

• Styrofoam balls 2.3inches (for the “ice cream scoops”)
• Cardstock (for the cones)
• Fabric (for the ruffle detail)
• Hot glue gun + glue sticks
• Ribbon (for hanging)
• Rubber bands (to hold the fabric in place)
• Needle and thread
• Fabric Scissors
• Pinking shears
• Push pins

How to Make Ice Cream Cone DIY Decorations

Step 1: Create Your Cone

Start by rolling your cardstock into a cone shape and securing it with hot glue. This step may take a couple of tries to get just right, I definitely needed a few attempts to find the perfect shape. You’ll want the opening of the cone wide enough so the styrofoam ball can sit slightly inside, while still sticking out enough to look like a scoop of ice cream.

Once I figured out the shape, I used it as a template and was able to trace and fit four cones onto a single 12×12 sheet of cardstock.

For my cones, I used hot glue to hold everything together. I don’t recommend this method because you will burn yourself a time or two. Since I was using glittery paper, this was the best way I could find to hold it together. If you’re working with standard cardstock, I’d recommend trying glue or tape first since it’s easier to handle.

Icing Designs Online provides a template for their cone, which is such a helpful starting point. I chose to freehand mine until I found a shape that worked well, but if you’d prefer a guide, definitely check out their site and use their template to get started.

Step 2: Make the “Ice Cream Scoop”

Wrap your styrofoam ball with fabric, pulling it snug as you go, and secure it underneath with a rubber band. Trim off any excess fabric with scissors. I found the prettiest pastel fabric at Walmart, which matched my party colors perfectly.

Don’t worry about how the bottom looks, this part will be tucked inside the cone, and the added ruffle detail will help everything look clean and seamless.

Step 3: Add the Ruffle Detail

This is what makes these extra cute.

To create the ruffle detail, start by cutting long strips of fabric about 2 inches wide.

Thread a needle and tie a knot at the end, then sew a simple running stitch down the center of the fabric strip, weaving the needle in and out as you go.

Once you reach the end, gently push the fabric down along the thread to gather it, creating that soft, ruffled look. When you’re happy with the fullness, tie off the thread to hold the ruffles in place.

Next, gently twist the fabric along the entire length. This step is what transforms it from a gathered strip into a beautiful ruffle.

Step 4: Assemble

Using your hot glue gun, apply a line of glue along the top inside edge of the cone. Quickly place the ice cream scoop on top, pressing gently to secure it in place.

Next, use hot glue to attach the ruffle around the base of the scoop where it meets the cone, covering the seam and adding that finished look.

Step 5: Add Hanging String

Attach ribbon or string to the top so you can hang them from the ceiling, a light fixture, or even a party backdrop. To do this, take a push pin, line up the two edges of your ribbon on top of the cone (length will depend on how far down you want them to hang) and gently push the pin through them. I was very surprised how well this held and actually kept them up for several weeks.

Final Thoughts

These decorations took a bit of time, but in the end, they were well worth it. They were easily one of my favorite decorations from the party. I loved them so much that I used them again for my other daughters carnival themed birthday party.

If you try these, I’d love to see how they turn out! Tag me or leave a comment with your version, I’m always looking for new color combos and ideas to try.

And if you’re planning a full ice cream party, this is the perfect place to start 🍦