New Backdrops!

I love creating backdrops for my photoshoots. It allows me to create what I have envisioned for a particular photoshoot.

Making these backdrops are time-consuming, so I do need to plan my shoots ahead of time. I can then make more than one at a time.

Visit my "Making My Own Backgrounds" post for more information on how I made them.

To give you a quick breakdown of how I made the backdrops below.

Materials you will need primer, brush, hardboard (size 24x32), joint compound, putty knife, stencils, scrapbook paper, paint, and sealer.

Step 1 Prime the textured side of the hardboard because everything sticks to it better. Step 2 Apply joint compound. I like to make this layer as smooth as I can so my stencil designs show up better. It has to dry overnight before your next step. Step 3 I use modge podge to adhere the damask scrapbook paper. Allow drying for 2-3 hours. Step 4 At this point, I add a joint compound to the edges of the damask scrapbook paper and allow it to dry overnight. Step 5 This is where you can get as creative as you want. Add your stencil design using the joint compound, being careful not to apply it too thick. And if you don't like it, take your putty knife and wipe it away. You will need to let this dry overnight. Note, with each layer of joint compound used, allow it to dry overnight. Step 6 Once the joint compound has dried, then it's time to paint. I chose black, white, and red for my colors. I brush on the paint mixing the colors as I go doing a small section at a time. Then I take a lightly dampened cotton rag and rub/roll it gently over the painted area to blend and smooth out the brush strokes. I will continue this process over the entire board, being careful not to cover my damask scrapbook paper too much. You can use baby wipes to remove excess paint. If you do multiple layers, allow them to dry before the next one could be half a day or overnight. Once your done painting, allow it to dry overnight. Note: Paint is wet and, the wetness from the paint and damp rag will cause the joint compound to soften, which can be good or bad. Good, because it will soften rough edges, bad because it could ruin the stencils/design you created. Step 7 With the backdrops below for my final step, I used FolkArt Home Decor Wax. I used clear wax mixed with a bit of antique brown wax. I applied this with a cotton cloth and being careful not to lay it on too thick. Allow this to dry overnight.

These backdrops are fun to make. They will look great in your photograph but remember they are durable but also fragile. Your stencil work could get damaged if you bump it.

As a side note, these backdrops take time to make. Depending on how many layers you use, it could take up to a week to complete one. They are great fun to make and, you will develop your style.

I created these backdrops to work with my photo project from the illustrated workshop I took earlier this year. Visit my "Three Keys" post to learn more about the workshop.

I wanted the feel of an old plaster wall that was dark and vintage. I wanted to use black, gray, and red for my color theme which, worked out well with the photo shoot I had planned.

The backdrop above here I didn't use any scrapbook paper. Just mixed and matched my stencils.

Stay tuned for my next post "Love Working With Ranunculus."

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See you next time.