Instructions

1. Choose colors to go with your frosting color. Use colors of an opposite value (i.e., dark for light and light for dark), and of a complementary or similar color. Avoid colors too similar in shade and value, as these may not show up against the frosting.

2. Frost the cupcakes once they are cool. Prepare to add the sprinkles immediately, while the frosting is still wet. If you have a lot of cupcakes, or if frosting them takes a lot of time, spray the frosting with an atomizer to re-moisten it for the sprinkles.

3. Measure the sprinkles. If you use the same amount on each cupcake, they will have a consistent appearance. Either measure about a teaspoon of sprinkles each, or divide the sprinkles you have into even portions depending on the number of cupcakes you have.

4. Apply the sprinkles. Take a small pinch at a time and sprinkle them from a distance of about three inches above the cupcakes; this will help randomize their placement. Move your hand in a circular motion over the cupcake as you drop the sprinkles. Continue adding pinches of sprinkles in this way until you've used up the entire portion for that cupcake.

5. Sprinkle all other cupcakes in the same manner.