These paper streamers from Oh Happy Day are so frilly and fun! Check out her tutorial...
DIY Party Backdrop by My Insanity
In recent years the dessert/serving table has become the focal point of parties. It can be so much more visually stunning when placed in front of an eye-catching backdrop. Some of the backdrops used in the professionally designed tables look a bit intimidating to those of us throwing our own parties with a small budget. You might think that the only way to achieve that kind of look is to spend big money, but you would be wrong. Today, I'm sharing my simple secrets about how we created cool backdrops for parties like my son's Robot Design Academy Party...
...for very little money! I have to thank my husband (I call him BSB), for figuring out the construction side of it! We put together a basic backdrop frame that we have used for several parties. At the end of each party we take it apart, so it takes very little space to store.
If you'd like to make your own backdrop frame, you'll need some basic tools and four 1"x2"s--available at most any home improvement store. You can use the least expensive wood they sell. It won't be seen anyway. These are pine and cost about $1.50/each.
You may need to saw them to the desired length. We have a standard folding table we often use for parties that is 6 feet wide, so we cut two of the pieces of wood to 6 ft length (these are the cross pieces). The others (the uprights) are a bit taller, so that the backdrop could be plenty tall.
Layout the wood in the pattern you see in this picture. Attach the cross-pieces on top the uprights, so that they will be away from the wall when you put up your backdrop. We put the bottom cross-piece slightly higher than the height of the table.
You can use your hardware of choice to attach the corners--finishing nails, small screws, etc.
The frame will be a bit wobbly, so you'll likely need two people to move it around or put it in place around. It doesn't need to be any sturdier if you are going to put it against a wall. The table can act as a brace--holding the frame flat against the wall. So what do we use for the fun part of the backdrop? I've had great luck with bed sheets. You could also use tablecloths or big rolls of butcher paper. Maybe even wrapping paper if you were careful to line it up well. I inherited the orange sheet seen here from my sister, so it didn't cost any money to use. It was the perfect punch of color for the robot party. If you want them to look nice, you might want to iron the sheet first. Or you can be like me, and skip that step. :-)
I attach the sheet to the frame with thumbtacks. Pine is fairly soft wood, so this isn't too difficult. You can use a small hammer to get the tacks all the way in, if needed. You might also use a staple gun. I tucked the extra fabric back behind the frame, and used as many tacks as needed to make the sheet taut against the frame.
For my high-tech robot party backdrop, I used double-sided adhesive to attach old cds to ribbon, and then tacked the ribbon to the top of the frame, as well, at the appropriate height.
For the Brooklyn backdrop, I bought the least expensive white sheet I could find from IKEA (it may have been too cheap, because it started to get some tears). I think it cost less than $2.
I taped the sheet to the wall (I had it backed with something so the sharpie wouldn't leak on the wall). We had borrowed a computer projector, so I just projected a photo of the Brooklyn bridge onto the sheet, and used a brown Sharpie marker to trace the outline of the bridge and buildings. Deciding to go for an artsy line-drawing feel, freed me up to not have to make it too perfect. If you look up-close it is far from perfect, but it worked really well as a back drop for our New-York-themed shower.
(photo courtesy of Becky)
We even modified this same basic frame to make this free-standing ice cream stand. But I haven't blogged about it yet, so you'll have just have to check back on my blog if you want the details about this sweet party, and how we made the stand stand, with out being against the wall.
A big "thank you" to UCreate, for letting me share a little of My Insanity with you today! I'd love for you to come and visit me and let me know about any crazy party backdrops you've created!
*****
My name is Kendra and I have been told repeatedly by many people close to me that I am, in fact, insane. I get a little carried away dreaming up parties, decorations for my home, and projects for holidays and every day. My motto is...
There are no days in life so memorable as those which vibrated to some stroke of the imagination. --Ralph Waldo Emerson
I have been blogging about my crazy ideas for more than 3 years now, so if you are looking for ideas for an event or holiday, there is a good chance I've blogged about it. I'd love to have you come and experience MY INSANITY!
Lady Bug Birthday Party
Look at this darling and completely do-able lady bug birthday party from Glorious Treats. Notice how the treats on the table play the leading role? When you have cookies and cupcakes as cute as these, why distract with other decor? :)
St. Patrick's Day Inspiration
I'm curious, do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day? If you do... how? I have always been fascinated by the stories from friends about their "all green" breakfasts while growing up and some even to this day. If you feel like sharing how you party on St. Patty's Day... I'd love to hear about it! If you haven't before, here is some inspiration :) to get you started this year. No time like the present huh?
This fun Luck o' the Irish printable party pack comes from Wants and Wishes. I love, love, love the bright rainbow colors. They have also included some recipes and DIY instructions in a series of posts.. so, don't forget to browse the rest of their blog while you are there!
How yummy do these gold carmel rice krispy treats look?
Modern Farm Party
Kristy from The Diary of Dave's Wife sent me her son's uber cute birthday party! There are lots of darling details on her blog... go... see.. :)
Modern Farm Birthday Party
How cute are these cupcakes?! Thanks for sharing Kristy!!
Tutu and 'Stache Bash
Hi friends!!.. How clever is this Tutu and 'Stache Bash from The Funky Polkadot Giraffe? :). Combining a birthday party is not an easy thing.. let alone when it's for a boy AND a girl. But, I think she pulled this one off.. and not just barely, but FANTASTICALLY!!
DIY Cupcake Stands
I have a friend who is going to throw a super fun party for her girl cousins and their American Girl Dolls. For all of the treats, craft projects and party favors she is making one for the girls AND one miniature of the same for their dolls. She has come up with so many fun ideas...(hopefully she will take some fun pictures I can share with you later...) The other day she asked me if I knew a quick way to make mini cupcake stands. So, in my search I found a few tutorials that I am going to share with her... AND with you :) These tutorials are quick and easy... but by looking at the finish product, you'd never guess!
Cupcake Stand Tutorial from Goldilocks
Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Party
I love the party themes that remind me of when I was a little girl, like this Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Party from Giggles Galore! This isn't just your typical commercial strawberry shortcake party. It's all handmade.. right down to the birthday girl's outfit. (which happens to be my favorite part!)
Baby Shower: Little Pink Birdies
Oh my... when I saw this baby shower from Frog Prince Paperie, I was in L.O.V.E!! Birds and birdcages are so popular and trendy right now... and the decor for this shower was executed perfectly.
Aren't these flowers gorgeous? They are actually headbands and hair clips! Little stroke of creative genius there I think :)
Curious George Birthday Party
I love love love the color scheme for this Curious George party from Ester at My Brides Story via the HWTM! The colors are so bright and bold....and who doesn't love curious george? :) Plus, you will have to read about the inspiration behind this party... it is quite touching.
Valentine's Party Decor
For a shabby chic and french inspired twist on traditional Valentine decor, I created this Amore banner and party flags. Thanks to my talented friend Carlie from Miss Hazel Bloom Photography I get to share them with you! Have a happy, creative weekend! :)
* delicious cupcakes from Dippidee
To print, click on the images below... They print well on paper or fabric! *I printed mine on an adhesive backed twill... which made the flags a breeze and adds to the shabby chic flare. *
Pamper Me Princess Spa Party
I like the sound of the "Pamper Me Princess Spa"! So many great and do-able details too! Check them out at The Sparkle Spot..
The little pom-poms hanging from the painted branches in clear vases..absolutely darling!!
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