DIY Backdrop for Those "Rustic" Photos

As a crafter or artisan, probably sometime along the way you've had something on your list that you didn't have, that you wanted to use in your small hobby business. When just starting out we sometimes don't want to spend our hard earned cash for expensive supplies. This was the case which made me come up for making my own backsplash to use when taking photo's of products to sell. Today I'll take you through the simple steps to make your own backsplash that works well to use with any small items that you need to take photo's of.

~ Table Saw

~ Skill Saw

~ Planer or drum sander

~ 8' long 2x4

~ Wood glue

~ Propane torch

~ Steel wool

You won't need the full 2 inch thickness of the 2x4 so using a table saw to slice the thickness in half will give you twice the amount of wood to use. Measure the accurate thickness of the wood and set the blade to its maximum cutting height. Run the board so that it is cutting it so that it gives you two equal slabs just under 4 inches wide. (You may need to flip the board around and run it through twice depending on the cutting height of your saw.)

Running the cut boards through a planer or drum sander can get rid of any saw marks.

Using the skill saw you will need to cut

5 ~ 18" long pieces

4 ~ 17.5" long pieces

1 ~ 10.5" long piece

(Measurements may vary slightly on some of them depending on the "actual" width of your 2x4

Cut one of the 17.5" and the 10.5" piece each through lengthwise with the table saw so you have two pieces just under 2" wide.

Background:

Place the 5 18" pieces side by side on a flat table with some old newspaper underneath to catch any spill of excess glue.

Taking one of the 17.5 " (the ones cut in half width) pieces apply glue and place it crosswise to the 5 18" pieces. (See pictures if you are unsure) Repeat with the second piece at the other end.

Do the same with the 10.5" pieces on the 3 17.5" pieces.

(Note: If you have clamps then they could be of use to hold things in place till the glue is dry.)

Allow the glue to dry for several hours. ( I did overnight)

After the glue is dry you will have a piece for the front base and the background. I left mine this way in two pieces but if you decide you want it fastened together into one piece now would be the time to do it.

On to the next step!

PLAYING WITH FIRE 😉

Take your pieces to an open spot outside.(Unless you deem it safe using a torch for burning wood in the shop 😔)

Using your propane torch go with the grain and scorch the wood to bring out the grain. You may want to try this technique on a scrap leftover first. It works best to travel past the end without stopping so you get more an even colour. Keep torching until the desired look is reached.

If you get spots a little darker than planned use a piece of steel wood and it will take some of the black off. (see the difference in the two photos)

Now you have a beautiful, rustic background that contrasts well with small craft projects. If you have questions, or if you try doing this, leave a comment in the comment section below.