Today, I’m going to show you how to make an Alice in Wonderland cards and teapot centerpiece.
During Alice’s trial at the end of the story, the Queen pronounces, “Off with her head!” Alice responds, “Who cares for you? You’re nothing but a pack of cards!”
At that, an entire pack of cards rises into the air, and comes flying down and all around. Alice then awakens to find her head in her sister’s lap, who is brushing dead leaves from her face.
The Alice in Wonderland, Unbirthday Party project was inspired by this scene and a pin found on Pinterest.
But, no matter how much I clicked and searched online, I couldn’t find a how-to or tutorial on creating a cards and teapot centerpiece. So, with a little trial and error, I came up with my own method.
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Teapot Centerpiece Supplies
The rose motif teapot (coffeepot?) came in a box of vintage china (Goodwill). It serves as the base of the cards and teapot centerpiece.
Alice in Wonderland Table Party Favors were created using the bulk of the teacups and saucers. More tea cups hung from the chandelier overhead.
Initially, I thought it would be easy to find vintage-style teapots at resale shops; perhaps with missing lids or chips— not so. I didn’t want to damage any of my own teapots in creating party decorations.
As it turned out, my method for creating a teapot centerpiece is totally reversible. It could be used with any, but perhaps the most cherished of teapots. Just be sure to work carefully.
Materials List:
- Teapot
- Deck of cards
- Floral foam
- Plastic-coated wire
- Clothespins
- Glue gun & plenty of glue sticks
DIY Instructions & Tips
First, here’s a close-up view of the cards and teacup centerpiece when finished.
To take a tour of the entire Wonderland tablescape, see Absolutely Mad, Summer Tea Party Table.
Step 1: Fill Teapot with Floral Foam
Pieces of floral foam were cut and squeezed into the teapot as tightly as possible. I was afraid that once I added the ring of cards, the teapot centerpiece might topple over — it didn’t. My backup plan was to counterbalance the weight by filling the foam-stuffed teapot with water. That wasn’t necessary either.
However, because the size, weight and other characteristics of each teapot and card ring will vary, work with caution. I suggest insuring the teapot is always supported while you work, so as to not topple over. That’s one of the advantages of working with a teapot that is not an heirloom or part of a collection.
Step 2: Insert Coated Wire
I went back and forth, trying to decide what type of wire to support the ring of cards. First, I thought I could use floral wire I already had. It just didn’t seem to be substantial enough to hold the weight of the cards.
A trip to my favorite hardware store, Rollers, resulted in me deciding on plastic-coated, steel wire. It was a $5 expense I hadn’t planned on, thinking my husband would have something in his workbench. But, the 25-pound weight wire was easy to cut and bend, yet firm and strong enough to support the cards ring.
Now, cut and shape a piece of wire in a size appropriate to the dimensions of the teapot you are using as the base. Be careful not to go too big — you don’t want the teapot centerpiece to topple over! Also remember to leave enough extra wire on the two ends to insert deeply into the foam.
Step 3: Attach Cards 
As the Queen of Theme, I just had to have Alice in Wonderland cards in my teapot centerpiece! So, I purchased a pack with vintage illustrations from the classic book.
A worthwhile expense, as I used the cards for several projects; including creating a banner for the mantle and inserting one into each guest’s vintage teacup favor.
It’s also fine to use a regular ‘ol deck of cards you have around the house. Don’t worry if it isn’t a complete deck and missing several cards.
Starting at the base of the wire ring, apply a generous amount of glue along the wire. Be sure to have two cards ready; one each for the front and back sides. Press the front-facing card against the wire. With your free hand, apply more glue around the edges of the card (about 1/4 inch from the edge).
Now, take a second card (with image facing out), and firmly press the two cards together. Hold until the glue begins to set-up. I didn’t precisely line the cards up front to back, leaving them slightly askew. That allowed the red backs of the cards to peek through in places.
Use one or several clothespins to hold each pair of cards together. Work from bottom to top. Let dry overnight.
I elected to leave half of the clothespins in place until setting up for the party — just to be sure the card ring stayed together. Better safe than sorry, right?
Step 4: Don’t Forget the Spout
Insert a second piece of wire down the length of the teapot spout, and snugly into the floral foam.
Attach one or more pairs of cards ‘pouring’ from the spout.
Here’s the finished teapot centerpiece set on a black and white check table runner I also made.
“You’re Nothing But a Pack of Cards!”
The Alice in Wonderland theme decoration was displayed with a few scattered cards around. The teapot lid and matching vintage creamer were placed at its base.
On the backside of the teapot centerpiece, I used mostly black and white illustrated cards from the pack. That’s because the colorful cards were also used in the banner and teacup favors.
Here’s the teacup centerpiece on another Alice in Wonderland tablescape. Creating Alice in Wonderland Character Dolls shows how I made the Alice, Queen of Hearts and Mad Hatter figures that also grace the table.
On either side of the teapot centerpiece are two more decorations made for the party; DIY Vintage China Tier Server Stand for Tea Party.
Another fun project decorating the table are a trio of floating teacups. Learn to make your own in, How to Make a Floating Teacup Centerpiece.
Time for Tea
On the day of the Unbirthday Party, the teapot centerpiece took center stage on the Tea Party Finger Sandwiches & Savories buffet. It was elevated on a small, white bunny cake stand to give it a little more height.
What do you think, is it absolutely mad?
Although the cards and teacup centerpiece sold almost immediately in my Etsy shop, DebbeesBuzzBoutique. But, several other party decorations are still available, including; the matching card banner, Queen of Hearts, Fanciful Wonderland Wreath, and one remaining floating teacup centerpiece.
Bee sure to explore more posts on the party, including the DIY Wonderland Invitation, Tea Party Menu: Finger Sandwiches & Savories, and Playing Flamingo Croquet.
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Loved the centerpiece!
Thanks Karen. I was really pleased how it turned out, except now I realize it’s a coffee not a teapot LOL!
Thank you for sharing, I love your Alice In Wonderland center piece. Now I will be looking out for other center piece ideals for any party theme. The was very helpful.
Hi Connie, glad you enjoyed the centerpiece. I’ve also posted about three other themes you might want to check out; bee, peacock (birds of a feather gather together, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
What an amazing tablescape!! Love it! what really caught my eye is your incredible find of vintage Moss Rose dishes!! I collect them and have my Dining Room Hutch filled with them!! Along with a few ruby red pieces too!!
Debbie, I can’t thank you enough for identifying the china pattern! There’s no marking on the back. You collect them? Are you in need of any more pieces? Because I have a number of cup and saucers left, the teapot (I checked and now I realize its a coffee pot!), and the creamer. Would love for them to go to a good home other than Replacements, Inc.
Brilliantly cute!
Debbee, your dinning room is well decorated, and ideas are wonderful. Still love the peacock table setting. Each post you do is really superb. Will be back for more designs.
I had to smile when I saw the “Moss Rose” pattern; I have been collecting it for a few years with the intention of having a tea party. I love Alice, too so I thought this was a great project!
So you collect the pattern too? Until a couple of days ago, I didn’t even know it was Moss Rose. I have a few pieces leftover from the party, including the creamer, but am resisting starting another collection — no room at the inn! Hope you do host a tea party, so much fun!
Bring on more Alice posts, I love seeing all your amazing ideas since I’m an Alice fan. The centerpiece was very creative, I’m sure I can use the “ring” concept in other ways. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Leanne. Don’t want anyone going mad over too many Alice posts!
Hi there! When Pinterest and Google fail you, it’s time to dig deep and become the innovator! You did it!!! Great solution to create a fun centerpiece without ruining the pretty china. It’s interesting that you chose that particular scene from “Alice” and were able to come up with such a cool representation. That’s the detailing I love so much!
Hi there Alycia, hope you are having a good summer and feeling ever better? Once I put together the vintage china teacup party favors, I just went to Pinterest to find other ways to use the rest of the deck.
Well, you scored BIG!!! I’m not sure my brain would’ve gone on such a creative bent. My engineering skills aren’t quite that in tune!
I AM feeling considerably better, thank you! Working out daily, eating better, still not getting enough sleep…you know the routine! Sleep is often elusive to us creative types! Have a fabulous weekend!!!
The Mad Hatter will surely approve! Over-the-top fun!
Thanks Sandra, I’m pretty mad myself LOL!
What a cute idea and you came up with a great way to create it. I never would’ve thought of using the wire as framework. I just initially imagined the pieces being glued together but the wire made for a good structure. Very creative!
Thanks Liz, I guess being married to an engineer all these years has rubbed off a little, LOL!
So cute and creative. too–leave it to you to figure out how to make the explosion of cards.
Hi Bobbi. I can’t take credit for the creative, I just figured out a way to copycat the concept.
What a cute card display design and table. So cute!
Thanks Kim, it was fun to create.
so very whimsical and clever!
This is so creative, I just love it! I threw my sister in law an Alice in Wonderland themed bridal shower and this would have been perfect as a center piece! I just love your idea!
Welcome Loni, it’s nice to “hear” from you. I’m so glad you enjoyed the cards and teapot centerpiece. Maybe you’ll host a tea or other party and can make one yourself sometime?
Wow! That’s awesome! Great inspiration. And I had to buy that pack of cards immediately. My little daughter is the greatest fan of Alice. Lucie
Hi Lucie! I just recently sold the finished teapot overflowing with cards via my Etsy shop. Are you going to try to construct your own? If so, I’d love to hear how it turns out. There are numerous Wonderland party theme features and DIY tutorials on my blog. For instance, How to Make Whimsical Teacup Fascinators. You might also enjoy, Creating Alice in Wonderland Character Dolls.
Wow! This is amazing! I’ve also tried to do a Mad Hatter themed tea party but yours takes the cake! I’m pinning the card arrangement to my Mad Hatter board. Going to look for those Alice playing cards. Great find! Thanks for sharing.
Glad you like the project so much Aura! Links on Amazon for the cards are at the end of the post. I ended up selling the finished tea pot in my Etsy shop (DebbeesBuzzBoutique), along with a few other Wonderland wreaths and decorations I made for the party. If you are partial to the Mad Hatter, definitely check out Creating Alice in Wonderland Character Dolls. Would love to hear what you think of him.
This is brilliant, well done. I love it. Pinned
Thanks so much Anita! Most of the decorations I created came from inspiration found on Pinterest. You might enjoy a few other related posts — DIY Vintage China Tier Server Stand for Tea Party, DIY Alice in Wonderland Invitation: My Favorite Things Party and Queen of Hearts Roses and Teacup Grapevine Wreath. Most of the party decor incorporated vintage china.
Thanks for the tips on the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party decor. I’m an old guy putting on a party for my daughter. Your site is a godsend. Thank you so much. Chris
Glad you found the series of posts on the Wonderland party helpful Chris. I’m sure you daughter will be absolutely delighted!