Red velvet cake, whose namesake hue is provided by food coloring, is a favorite dessert in the South, but its exact origins are unknown. No matter where it comes from, we are celebrating its merits -- deep crimson color and rich, cocoa-tinged taste. 

And red velvet, it seems, is not just for eating. Taking inspiration from the old-fashioned dessert, we are also celebrating velvety craft projects and decorative accents in every shade. Now you can have your cake and craft -- and decorate with it, too.

Food historians may differ about the origin of red velvet cake, but one thing is certain: It's gained widespread popularity in recent years in cupcake form.

This take on the traditional Southern cake uses a seven-minute frosting.

Hidden beneath the swooping white frosting of this tiered dessert are stunning scarlet layers infused with buttermilk and cocoa.

This tall cake gets its extra height from stacking two 10-inch wedding cake tiers, which are then covered in a single layer of fondant. Each tier itself has five layers of red velvet cake with white buttercream in between.

These stylish branches and flowers are beautiful enough to have come from nature. And they're so easy to make: Just attach pom-poms to twigs or sew on velvet petals to make dahlias.

Set an elegant and opulent table with this easy velvet trivet.

A paper mailing tube cut to fit within your jewelry box and covered with velvet makes it easy to store link and charm bracelets.

The frames of these rectangular mirrors are smartly outfitted in midnight-blue velvet ribbon. Lined up next to one another and hung above a buffet, they add sophistication and catch the light in the room.

Embellish a keepsake box or family album with a bespoke velvet ribbon.

These slim velvet sacks are sure to make a good impression -- they're imprinted with delicate patterns from evergreen sprigs. Easily sewn from ribbon and thread, they're perfect for glasses, knitting needles, or a camera.

A group of dishes, compotes, pitchers, or any other small treasures you've acquired over the years needn't be set behind glass panels or hidden behind sideboard and hutch doors. Given an open platform -- such as a bookshelf -- these pretty wares can serve as a decorative focal point in a room. Here, Martha's collection of Paris porcelain is simultaneously shown off and protected by velvet-covered shelves, whose deep color sets off the silhouettes of the pieces.

Slip your shoes into something comfortable while protecting them from scuffs: Store them in homemade velvet shoe bags.

Tuck a single blossom through a slit in a wide velvet ribbon to create an elegant wrist corsage for any special occasion.

Boxes covered in dusty velvets evoke the delicate, ladylike aesthetics of the Victorian era.

Refurbished and hung in the bedroom, an old wooden cabinet -- found at a flea market or yard sale -- is just the right size to stash jewelry, perfume, and other accoutrements. We lined this mirror-fronted chest with pink velvet and added dowels and decorative hardware.

Embossed velvet leaves, made with a rubber stamp and an iron, dress up a silk ring pillow.

Add a luxurious touch to any winter outfit with a belt of velvet ribbon.

A novice sewer can easily stitch up this pumpkin patch, rendered in matte and lustrous linen, silk, and velvet.

Try heat-stamping numbers on velvet ribbons to create a lovely and practical table-number centerpiece.

Find more inspiration with our homemade ideas:

• Cozy Decorating Ideas
• Our Favorite Cupcake Recipes
• Fun Felt Crafts