This is perhaps the cutest way to combine a photo booth, guest register and seating chart! As long as everyone cooperates, that is.
Photo by Sarah Rhoads Photographers.
Paper Chains
7 Jun by 1 Comment
Paper chains: they’re a classic kid’s craft that has been gaining in popularity at parties and events recently. After seeing so many colorful images on Pinterest and around the Web, I was inspired to make a paper chain ceiling installation in my son’s room. All you need is paper, scissors, a stapler and thumbtacks, and you could do the same. Best of all, it’s quite inexpensive, especially if you use paper you already have around the house (newspaper, maps, music sheets, etc.).
My inspiration came from these delightful images:
Above: Snippet and Ink
Above: SweetBee Photography (left), Style Me Pretty (right)
Above: Michelle March Photography
Above: MEF Photography
This last photo shares a clever way to do a guestbook, too! Guests wrote words of wisdom on slips of paper then added them to the chain, so it grew in length as the night progressed.
Paper Tube Wall Art
21 May by 4 Comments
This beautiful wall art tutorial comes to us from Naturally Yours Events, an event planner based in Chicago, Illinois. Not only could you make a beautiful photo booth backdrop that later will function as an interesting art piece in your home, but you can make pretty much any shape you want using these steps. I simply must make a handlebar mustache!
Total cost: Less than $20
Total time: 4 hours
Materials
– 100+ paper tubes
– Paints and brushes
– Tissue paper
– Scissors
– Clear tacky glue
– Mod Podge glue
Instructions
If you choose to use packing tubes, make sure to cut them down to the size you want with a knife or small hand saw.
1. Take the tissue paper and cut out your desired shape. A heart shape was created for this project. It may help to draw your shape before cutting. After cutting, lay your shape on a flat surface.
2. Make sure the paper tubes are free of any left over paper, then paint them, if desired. Only a handful of the tubes were painted in this tutorial for more of a mixed look.
3. Place your tubes around the perimeter of your cutout shape.
4. Using tacky glue, begin to glue the tubes to one another. Pinch them together and hold for a few seconds to allow the glue to set.
5. Continue to layer rows of tubes until you have reached your desired thickness and shape, gluing as you go.
6. After the tacky glue has hardened begin to reinforce your tubes by painting the perimeter with Mod Podge glue. Don’t worry, it will go on white, but it does dry clear.
Additional tips:
– Ask your friends and family to help you collect paper towel rolls, toilet paper rolls, wrapping paper rolls and shipping tubes for this project. If you work in an office environment, ask the janitorial company if they could save rolls for you.
– Use rolls and tubes in a variety of sizes!
– Be eco-friendly! Use non-toxic, water-based paints.
Much thanks to Carlene from Naturally Yours Events for this tutorial. Photos by Shane Welch Photography. If you create paper roll wall art of your own, please share your photos by clicking on the “Submit Photos” link at the top of the page.
Kid-sized photo booth!
17 May by Leave a Comment
This kid-sized photo booth is ideal for a little one’s birthday party! It’s also easily customizable by using theme-appropriate paper to match your party.
Total cost: $10
Total time: 1 hour
Materials
– Project display board
– Wrapping paper
– 8×10″ frame
– Spray paint
– Glue gun
I was able to find the display board (for science fair projects) and frame at my local dollar store. I bought the heavy-weight wrapping paper and white Krylon Short Cuts spray paint from a craft store.
Instructions
1. Remove the glass and backing from the frame so you are left with just the 8×10″ decorative frame. In a well-ventilated area (I recommend the outdoors!), coat the frame with the can of spray paint.
2. After the paint has dried (approximately 30 minutes), position the frame on the project display board where you would like it. Then trace around the frame, marking the board. Using a scissors, blade or box cutter, remove the rectangular box that you just marked.
3. Unroll the wrapping paper and cut to size, allowing at least one inch of excess all around the board. Fold the paper around the board and tape into place. Be sure to use a lot of tape around the creases.
4. Through the hole cut in the board, trim the paper, allowing approximately one inch of excess. Wrap the paper through the hole and tape securely into place. You’ll want to use a lot of tape around this area, as it will get the most use.
5. Fit your frame into position within the hole and allow about 1/8″ to stick through the back. Then use your glue gun and glue around the edges of the frame, mounting it to the board.
You’re all done! Just place the photo booth where the kids can reach it. After the party, just fold it up and tuck it away – it takes up very little space!
Additional ideas:
– For extra strength, use fabric instead of wrapping paper. You’ll want to use a spray adhesive for the fabric, instead of tape.
– To accommodate bigger kids, use a larger frame. But just keep in mind that you’ll be limited to the size of the project display board.
Much thanks to Susan from Rivers Photography for helping with the kiddo portraits. Green mustache prop by Whisker Works.
