We're going to show you how to make
a party backdrop for your next party or event.
To begin, you'll need to work out the design look you'd like to create.
You could opt for straight, wavy, or zigzag edges.
We're going for curvy edges.
We're going to make three party backdrops
at three different heights, 2200mm, 1800mm, and 1500mm.
Once you've decided on your pattern, create a template using a piece of 3mm
MDF sheet, approximately 1 metre long.
Then mark out your desired pattern to the edge of the MDF sheet.
You can have a few goes at the shape until you get it right.
Once you're happy, cut out your template using a jigsaw.
We're using MDF as it will give you
a better, more accurate template over cardboard.
Using the template you just created, trace it onto your first 2200mm by 1200mm
by 6mm MDF sheet along the sides and top.
The trick is to start on the top
of the MDF and then work your way down the edges to ensure you have perfect curves.
Once the pattern is traced all the way around, cut out the shape using a jigsaw.
Try to get the curves as accurate as possible, but any rough edges can be
sanded off with an orbital sander for a neat finish.
Make sure you wear a suitable dust mask while sanding.
Using the first sheet as a template,
place it on top of an 1800mm by 1200mm MDF sheet and use a pencil to trace.
Then cut this out with a jigsaw and give it a sand.
To create your 1500mm high backdrop, take another piece of 1800mm
MDF and measure and mark 1500mm down from the top.
Draw a line and then cut it to size.
Then trace and jigsaw, as you've done in the previous step.
To ensure your backdrops are secure
and stable while upright, we're going to add backing support.
You'll need to make three rectangles from your 70mm by 45mm pine.
They will be 800mm wide
and approximately 200mm shorter than the height of your backdrop.
So in our case, we'll cut vertical lengths at 1900mm, 1600mm and 1300mm.
Once lengths have been cut,
attach together using wood adhesive and mending plates.
To ensure your support backings are
square, you'll need to attach a cross brace to each rectangle.
Measure and cut your cross braces,
then adhere with wood glue and screw into place with mending plates.
Now it's time to attach the backing rails to your party backdrops.
Make sure your frame is in the centre
of your party backdrop board and that it is flush with the bottom of the frame,
then adhere and screw into place for extra strength.
Next, you'll need to create the legs for your backdrop to sit on.
You can use using 70mm by 45mm framing pine.
For all three backdrops, the leg base will measure 450mm long.
For the vertical lengths, you will need four verticals,
cut at 600mm for the 1500mm and 1800mm backdrops,
and two lengths at 800mm for your 2200mm backdrop.
Cut one end on a 45-degree angle.
This will become one half of a French cleat in a later step.
Once all pieces have been cut, you can construct the leg base.
Mark out your centre point on the base and attach the vertical piece using wood
adhesive and 300mm by 100mm by 50mm angle brackets.
To create the second half of your French
cleat, cut six lengths of framing pine at approximately 200mm long.
You will need to cut a 45-degree angle on one end of each length.
Now we're going to attach the second half of the French cleat to the backing board.
To do this, measure up from the base
of the leg along the vertical to its longest point
and mark this length on the back of your party backdrop from the bottom.
Screw your 200mm blocks onto the back of the frame with the shortest
point of your 45-degree cut lined up with the mark you just made.
This method creates a split batten, otherwise known as a French cleat,
and is a tidy way to attach your backdrop to its leg support.
To ensure you have an extra secure party backdrop,
measure and cut six lengths of 67mm by 18mm pine and attach to your leg
base, allowing 6mm for the width of your MDF backdrop.
This will stop your backdrop from slipping forwards.
To finish off your party masterpieces,
fill any holes with spakfilla, wait to dry, then sand to a smooth finish.
Then prime and paint your sheets in whatever colours suit your party needs.
And voila, your very own party backdrops.