How to Make Inexpensive Easter Backdrops

Design a festive backdrop for your Easter holiday photograph.

To capture special occasions and holidays, some families hire a professional photographer. Although the ability of the photographer determines the quality of photograph, the backdrop can add to the photograph. You don't have to spend money on an expensive photography session, however; you can easily make a backdrop. For the next Easter holiday, consider creating an inexpensive Easter-themed backdrop for your family photographs.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Sketching pencil
• Coloring pencils
• White muslin, 4 to 5 feet in length and 5 feet wide
• Dye
• Rubber gloves
• Large bucket
• Hot water
• Ironing board and iron
• Scissors
• Yard ruler
• Construction paper
• Paint
• Paint brushes
• Glue
• Backdrop pole

Instructions

Prepare the Design

1. Decide how you want to design the backdrop. Think of common Easter themes, such as eggs, baskets and Easter bunnies, and include them in your design.

2. Take a piece of paper and sketch your design---sketch lightly enough to erase if necessary. Draw all of the images on the paper and write the colors down.

3. Color the sketch in after you decide on the final design.

Create the Backdrop

1. Mix dye with hot water in a large bucket. Follow the instructions on the dye packet to dye the muslin material. Wash and dry the material to get rid of residual dye.

2. Lay the muslin on a flat surface and cut the edges as straight as possible. Using the ruler, make a 1/2-inch line on each side of the muslin. Cut the muslin on the marked lines.

3. Place double-sided tape along the edges of the muslin and fold the material in half. Iron the material.

Design the Backdrop

1. Refer to the design created in section 1. Draw the images on construction paper and scale them to the size of the muslin material. Cut and paint the images and allow them to dry.

2. Glue the construction paper to the muslin. Leave about five inches at the top of the backdrop. Place it in a well ventilated area to dry.

3. Fold the top five inches of the muslin backward and tape it down to create a loop. Place the backdrop on the backdrop pole.

References

• Better Photo: How to Make Your Own Backdrop; Denise Miotke; 2002