DIY Beach Ball Backdrop

A DIY Beach Ball Backdrop that will definitely make a major statement at all of your summer get-togethers!

DIY beach ball back drop | sugar & cloth

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!

DIY beach ball back drop | sugar & cloth

Materials and Tools Needed to Make a DIY Beach Ball Backdrop

Paper lanterns in various sizes —  We used mostly 10″ lanterns.

Painter’s tape

Spray paint in your colors of choice

Fishing line

Backdrop stand

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!

 

DIY beach ball back drop | sugar & cloth

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.

DIY beach ball back drop | sugar & cloth

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.

DIY beach ball back drop | sugar & cloth

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.

DIY beach ball back drop | sugar & cloth

DIY beach ball back drop | sugar & cloth

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. 

DIY beach ball back drop | sugar & cloth

You can actually hide the thread behind the lantern just above it.

DIY beach ball back drop | sugar & cloth

 

DIY beach ball back drop | sugar & cloth

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…

DIY beach ball back drop | sugar & cloth

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.

DIY beach ball back drop | sugar & cloth

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 showerbaby 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.

DIY beach ball back drop | sugar & cloth

More DIY Backdrops Idea

DIY beach ball back drop | sugar & cloth

DIY beach ball back drop | sugar & cloth

DIY Beach Backdrop

Print
5 from 17 votes
A DIY Beach Ball Backdrop that will definitely make a major statement at all of your summer get-togethers!
Prep Time2 hours
Dry Time:2 hours
Total Time4 hours
Course How-To
Category Party

Equipment

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

Estimated project price includes the cost of a curtain backdrop and backdrop. Price will vary depending on the size of the backdrop, size of the beach balls and number of beach balls.

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.
Cost: $120
KEYWORD: beach ball backdrop

More Ideas for Hosting a Summer Party

Please note that we may earn a commission for some of the above affiliate links. However, products featured are independently selected and personally well-loved by us!

17 thoughts on “DIY Beach Ball Backdrop”

  1. 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!5 stars

    Reply
  2. 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.5 stars

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Leave a Rating: