Pipe And Drape System DIY

I'm often asked about creating backdrops for parties, and recently realized I had never shared this tutorial with you here.  This is my DIY pipe and drape system that is perfect for a photo area, or for when you don't have a wall behind a table but you want to create some interest behind it.  Best part is it costs less than $20!

Here's what you'll need:

• Three lengths of 1" pvc pipe - I used two 7 foot pipes(for height) and one 5 foot pipe(for width).  They will cut it to size for you at the hardware store.
• Two "T" attachments, and 2 elbow attachments to fit your pipes.
• Two medium sized buckets or planters
• Quickrete

•For each 7 foot pipe attach 1 “T” and 1 elbow at either end, using super glue if you like. Insert the “T” end into a planter/bucket (make sure if there’s a hole in the bottom of the planter, you cover it).

•Fill the planter/bucket near the top with Quikrete. Do this for both 7 foot poles and attach the 5 foot pole between the 2 using the elbow attachments.

•Begin watering down the Quikrete in the bucket until it puddles on the top, but doesn’t overflow. The water will eventually sink down and you’ll continue to add water every 5-10 minutes until the puddle on top of the Quikrete no longer sinks down (you could also pre-mix the quickrete in a large vessel instead, if you like).

•Let your frame set up overnight and then you are ready to hang your backdrop.

• Notes:  Be mindful of your bucket/planter size - too big and it will be too heavy to move around; too small and it will not be stable enough.  Mine are about 5 pounds each.
• This system is easily transported or stored, and you can adjust the sizes of your pipes according to your needs.  I wanted this to be tall enough to accommodate an adult male in the case of a photo backdrop situation.
• I also created a "sleeve" to cover up the pipes for a more polished presentation.  Long strips of fabric cut from a sheet and hot glued together was a quick and easy way to do this.
• The planters I used are stable enough for indoor use, but outdoors on uneven ground, they are a little rocky.  I'd suggest going a little bigger and/or using a wider based bucket/planter.  Also, beware of windy days!

Trend Alert: Hanging Frames

Have an outdoor soiree in the works?  Try creating a bit of drama with one of these hanging frame ideas.

You can see this idea works great for creating a walkway, a 'wall' or backdrop, or a photo opportunity.   Just gather some old frames from yard sales, and hang them with ribbon or twine, from trees, tent frames, or a diy pole system.   This would be the perfect addition to an engagement party, outdoor wedding, birthday, or family reunion.

Sources:
Top: Snippet & Ink
Middle: Ruffled Blog
Bottom: Jessi Haack Weddings

DIY Photo Booth

This is the most fantastic photo booth from Ruffled blog (found via One Pretty Thing)  Even if you're not a 'handy man/woman' you can put this together with a few materials for about $80.  Basically it involves plywood, wallpaper (or paint if you like), and a frame.  And once you have it built, you could change out the paper or repaint it for any event.  GREAT idea for graduations, birthdays, engagements, weddings...how about for a Family Reunion!  Read the post on Ruffled for a step-by-step how-to.

Trend Alert: Hanging Ribbon Backdrop

I love it when you can take simple, readily available elements, and create something amazing out of them. In this case, that is done with ribbon!

For the simplest project just hang long strands side-by-side to create a fun backdrop for photos or buffets.

Want to get a little fancy? Clip on some family photos, photos of the guest of honor, or postcards.

Last, but not least, add 'paper tiles' to the ribbon to add even more pattern and interest.

Hanging ribbon streamers not only make for an attractive backdrop, but they can also hide an ugly wall or act as a room divider. These would work really well for kid's birthdays, but given the beauty of satin ribbon, you can see it also works great for weddings, and anything in between!

top: The Wedding Co., My Sweet & Saucy

middle: Green Wedding Shoes, Make Merry! Events

bottom: My Sweet & Saucy