Time: 45 minutes + dry time
Materials: birch plywood, wood stain, brush, polyurethane spray, foam board, glue
When taking photos, either for this blog or my Etsy shop, I like to keep my background as simple as possible. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely went through a polka dot phase, but overtime I’ve learn that my projects do better when the focus is on the work and not the surrounding area. Some items don’t pop as much on plain white poster board, so I decided to make this wooden backdrop for when I want to add a bit of color and texture to my photos.
*Pictured above is E-6000 glue. It doesn’t work as well as I thought; hot glue did the trick though. You should be able to find all the supplies needed for this project at your local craft & hobby store. I found the birch plywood at Michaels.
Stain wood to your desired color.
After letting stain sit for 2-3 minutes, wipe (in the direction of the grain) with an old rag. When dry, spray with polyurethane to seal. This may take 2-3 coats with up to an hour dry time in between.
Once your wood is completely dry, hot glue the pieces to a foam board. You’re free to use another method for securing the pieces together, but I found that using foam board allows for easy storage. Once secure, your backdrop is ready to use! Mine measures 36″L x 24″W and is 1/4″ thick.
Aren’t these flowers absolutely stunning?! Farmgirl kindly sent them to me for this post and they may just be the prettiest flowers I’ve ever received. If you live in SF, be sure to check them out!
I’ve been wanting to create something like this. I don’t know if I’m going to use real wood or a faux wood look.
Yours is lovely!
Aww thanks Katie!
You could make a backdrop that’s double sided. Use real wood, then on the back maybe use a faux wood contact paper or something? Can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Such pretty flowers! And a great idea. I need some new backdrops!
Thanks Aileen! I feel like I go through a poster board every other shoot. Hopefully this one will last a bit longer :)
Great idea! I’m always looking for photo inspiration and love this natural look.
Thank you so much Maria!
OOOO yes yes yes I NEED to make one of these! I love using white backgrounds but they can be so difficult to shoot sometimes depending on the subject. I’ve been meaning to get more into creating different backgrounds. Thank you for this, Rachel!!!
Yay, so happy you found this useful Amy! I know exactly what you mean, especially if the item itself is white to begin with. Excited to see what you come up with!
Gorgeous photos!
Thanks Alexis! I think the wood helps the flowers really pop :)
LOVE this. I purchased a distressed table for pics for my Etsy shop but love love love this idea for blog posts. (This would have been less expensive but obviously I needed to justify my table purchase) I might “borrow” this genius idea! :)
Girl you keep that table, your mugs looks great on it! It can’t hurt to have multiple tones and textures of wood, right? Borrow away!
Great idea. I need to make one of these too. I’ve been looking for a wood background but this will be easier. Thanks!
Thanks girl! And it’s so easy! The storage is the same as if you use poster board or something. I just tuck mine behind my record player stand when I’m done shooting :)
What a simple cute idea, and how very helpful. Love the flowers..
MAYA
http://nordeasthome.blogspot.com/
Oh yay, so happy you found this helpful! And aren’t those flowers stunning?! I wish I had them around for every photo shoot!
How clever! I definitely need to make one of these for my projects. Thanks for sharing!
OMG! Why haven’t I ever thought of this! Perfect!
just stumbled on your blog, i want to make it all! the inspiration is real :)