DIY Simple, Cheap & Fun Photo Backgrounds

Ok, this is not about sewing, but I just had to share because I think that anyone could benefit from this idea, especially if you have kids (or just like to take pictures of family & friends).  

Valentine's Day is coming up....why not send out some family photos instead of the same boring cards?  Here is a simple way to create a fun photo background.....you can whip this fun photo backdrop up in about an hour (or less) and all for under $5.00!  

 First head out to the dollar store and pick up a clothesline and 6-8 rolls of crepe streamers.  I purchased 3 packs of 2 (white, pink and red).  This allowed me to make a 5ft wide backdrop. If you plan on having lots of people in the photos, buy some additional streamers. I spent just under $5.00 including tax.

Decide how wide you want your backdrop to be.   Cut your clothes line about 1.5 times the desired width and hang it somewhere across a room so you can work.  

Cut the streamers in 10-14 ft. long strips (10' strips will create a 5' high backdrop which is perfect for children; 14' strips will create a 7' high backdrop good for adults).  One at a time, hang each strip over the clothesline so the ends are even, creating 2 strips hanging down from the line.  Crunch the crepe paper together about 2" down from the line and tape them together (you don't want to tie the paper because it will rip.)  Make sure you leave just enough room so you can slide the paper along the clothesline!  (Sorry I didn't take pictures of this).  

Continue hanging your strips until you get the desired width you want.  Tape or place the string of paper wherever you are going to be taking the photos and shoot away!  Grab some themed props to make it even more fun!

The best part is that you can do this for any holiday or occasion!  How great to do this at a kids birthday party and print out the photos for the parents???  

Have fun!