A DIY Beach Ball Backdrop that will definitely make a major statement at all of your summer get-togethers!
Are you looking to create a whimsical and eye-catching backdrop for your next beach themed party? Look no further!
When our friend Beth over at The Manor asked if we wanted to be a part of her 60’s summer soiree inspired launch party, we just HAD to make something out of beach balls.
Because nothing screams summertime fun like beach balls, right?!? Plus, we wanted to create something that wasn’t too kitschy and too typical for a beach party.
We’ve constructed quite a few backdrops before like this paper flower backdrop. And we did a long enough stint working at Smilebooth to know a shiny backdrop is a big no, no when it comes to photography 101.
So regular beach balls were out! And now instead, we made this DIY Beach Ball Backdrop of paper lanterns. Grab your sunscreen and let’s get started on this exciting project!
Materials and Tools Needed to Make a DIY Beach Ball Backdrop
Paper lanterns in various sizes — We used mostly 10″ lanterns.
Spray paint in your colors of choice
Fishing line
White backdrop cloth (or plain white curtain panel)
Needle and heavy thread
Yarn/sturdy string and tape — For creating a clothesline-ish way to let them dry!
How to Make a DIY Beach Ball Backdrop
1 — Assemble all of your paper lanterns with the metal rim inside.
2 — Place a strip of painter’s tape along every seam. They should be visible through the rice paper. This will mark where to spray paint.
3 — Before spray painting, set up a little place for each lantern to dry by stringing a piece of yarn or sturdy string across a room or corner, and sturdily tying or taping each end tightly to hold the weight of them.
4 — Once taped, spray every other section a color of your choice.
We tried to spray as best as we could within each section without getting excess spray paint on the white. But I ended up kind of liking the overspray ombre look a bit!
5 — Let them dry, and then peel away the painters tape.
How to Assemble a Photo Backdrop
Now all you have to do is assemble your white backdrop and stand, and then string the paper lantern beach balls from the top into place with needle and thread.
You’ll basically be layering them into place (think shingles on a roof), starting at the top.
You can actually hide the thread behind the lantern just above it.
Carrie of Wear Where Well was the host of the The Manor soiree, and we couldn’t help by snap photo of her and her awesome flamingo dress.
If you couldn’t tell already by our DIY Flamingo Ring Toss Game that we created (and has been a huge online hit), we are obsessed with flamingos.
Last, but not least, are you all familiar with any awesome flamingo jokes or one-liners? We’ve been trying to think of a catchy phrase for this giant flamingo for days!
Nothing rhymes with flamingo…
Why Should You Avoid Using Real Beach Balls as a Backdrop?
Beach balls are plastic and typically made out of PVC. Thus, the plastic will have a shine to it which is not ideal for photographing.
Shiny objects are reflective and will produce a glare. All things that you want to avoid in your background photo.
Creative Ways to Use a Beach Ball Backdrop
This backdrop can be used in a photo booth, party, or convention. These easy-to-set-up decorations work great with photos and create a fun atmosphere for any event!
There are many different ways you can use your beach ball backdrop to make your local events more lively and entertaining:
For a photo booth:
You can use your backdrop to take your own props for your photo booth. You can also give party-goers the ability to be creative and have fun by allowing them to draw on their backdrop!
For a beach themed party:
And of course, you could just have a blast with this beach-themed decoration yourself!
Because we strung up the balloons versus gluing or pinning them in place, it made for a very sturdy and durable backdrop that’s perfect for a summer birthday, summer bridal shower, baby shower, summer beach wedding or even just a pool party.
For a dessert table:
Use this beach idea as a background wall for a fun dessert table. Sprinkle in some tropical beach decor.
More DIY Backdrops Idea
- Floral Embroidery Ring Backdrop
- Gold Leaf Photo Backdrop
- Paper Flower Backdrop
- Pampas Grass DIY Photo Backdrop
- Hanging Diamond Decor
DIY Beach Backdrop
Equipment
- Needle and heavy thread
- String
- Tape
Materials
- 30-35 paper lanterns in various sizes
- Spray paint any colors of choice
- Backdrop stand
- White backdrop cloth or plain white curtain panel
- Fishing line
Notes
Instructions
How to create the paper beach balls:
- Assemble all of your paper lanterns per the package instructions with the metal rim inside.
- Place a strip of painter’s tape along every seam. They should be visible through the rice paper. This will mark where to spray paint.
- Before spray painting, set up a little place for each lantern to dry by stringing a piece of yarn or sturdy string across a room or corner, and sturdily tying or taping each end tightly to hold the weight of them.
- Once taped, spray every other section a color of your choice.
- Let them dry, and then peel away the painters tape.
How to assemble the balls:
- String the paper lantern beach balls from the top into place with needle and thread.
- Layer the balls into place (think shingles on a roof), starting at the top. Hide the thread behind the lantern just above it.
What a fun idea! Thanks for sharing!
I love this idea! It’s so cute!
tonixox.blogspot.com
Love this post! Where did you get your black and white dress?
Oh no! Why are shiny backdrops a bad idea. I have one waiting for my daughter’s birthday, but I’d love some tips if I shouldn’t use it! I want pictures to be fun and turn out well!
Wow! Love everything in this set + and the colors… perfect!
Oh my, not only is this an adorable backdrop, but I LOVE your dress!!! Where is it from?
Ashley
SOUTHbySOHO
Beautyfull, amazing, and love this dress!!!
Everything about this is / was awesome! You guys rock. :)
Carrie
http://www.wearwherewell.com
Wow this is a really cute backdrop!
tiffanyima.com
LOVE your dress!
PERFECTION AT ITS BEST
This is the most gorgeous post of all time. I will be sharing it all over the universe. You’ve been warned. :)
Super cute!!
adorable! and love your dress!
You are amazing. I love these! I’m trying to figure out a colorful confetti-ish backdrop for a birthday party and may adapt this idea with the paper lanterns.
I love this! Such cute photos.
I love it! I’m obsessed with that flamingo dress.