I used plastic foam/tag board(? I forget the name...it didn't have foam but it could be used in the save manner) to create the backdrop/cupcake stand. Hot glue and triangular supports made from the board reinforced any weak spot, so remember foam board in the future, for affordable stands. They can be painted, cut in myriad shapes...possibilities are endless.

Tip: the more vertical or horizontal cuts that are made through the top layer(don't cut all the way through!) the more curved that piece becomes, for rounded shapes/structures.