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Creating your own D.I.Y. decorations is a fun way to save some money. Plus, you’ll have a stunning, unique backdrop for parties that will make an instant impression on your guests. Follow this step-by-step process to create your own party backdrop trio.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Once you've chosen your pattern, it's time to create a template. Take a 3mm sheet of MDF (approximately 500mm long) and mark your desired pattern on the edge of the sheet. Make adjustments until you're satisfied. Use a jigsaw to cut out the template.
To create consistent backdrops, use your first sheet as a template. Place it on top of your second 1800 x 1200mm MDF sheet, ensuring the top is flush with the bottom. Clamp to secure and use a pencil to trace the design onto the MDF. Once traced, cut out the shape using a jigsaw.
For the 1.5m high backdrop, measure and mark 300mm from the bottom. Draw a line and cut along it. Repeat the tracing and jigsaw cutting process for this section, aligning with the marked measurement.
Now that your trio of backdrops are complete, you’ll need to add support to ensure stability. Remember: you'll still need to weigh down the legs for additional stability during use.
To create the supporting backing rails, you'll need three rectangles made from 700 x 450mm pine, each measuring 80cm in width and approximately 200mm shorter than the height of your backdrops. In our example, we’ve cut vertical lengths at 1.9m, 1.6m, and 1.3m. Connect these lengths using wood adhesive and mending plates. If you don't have a fixing gun, use a hammer and nails instead.
To provide sturdy support for your backdrops, construct legs using framing pine measuring 700 x 450mm. For all backdrops, the flat base should be 450mm long. For the 1.5m and 1.8m backdrops, you'll need four 600mm pine lengths, while two 800mm pine lengths will suffice for the 2.2m backdrop.
To prepare the legs, cut one end of each pine length at a 45-degree angle. This angled cut will be used later to create half of a French cleat. Once cut, attach the vertical length to the leg base. Mark the centre point on each leg base and secure the vertical piece in place using wood glue and 300 x 100 x 50mm angle brackets.
To determine the placement of your 200mm lengths on the backing board, measure from the base of the leg along the vertical to its longest point. Mark this length on the back of your party backdrop, starting from the bottom.
Next, screw your 200mm blocks onto the back of the frame, ensuring that the shortest point of the 45-degree angle aligns with the mark you made. This assembly will create your French cleat, resulting in a neat and polished finish.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
