After coming up with various ways to do a backdrop for my dessert tables, I finally rented a Pipe & Drape system from a local rental company last year for an event. I didn’t do measurements of the ceiling before and when we got it to the house guess what, it was too tall by about one inch. I couldn’t even use it, so had to get clever and pull together something on the fly. Since then I have been wanting to try Chris’ from Celebrations at Home Pipe & Drape system tutorial. Well I finally did! It worked like a charm and only cost me $16 bucks to make. This makes a great portable pipe and drape system. I asked Chris if I could share her tutorial here, along with my commentary (in RED) because I didn’t follow instructions all the way, I had to start over once (not the tutorial’s fault, mine because I didn’t pay full attention)! Here we go!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Three lengths of 1″ pvc pipe – I used two 7 foot pipes(for height) and one 5 foot pipe(for width). They will cut it to size for you at the hardware store.
- Two “T” attachments, and 2 elbow attachments to fit your pipes. (These are very important, especially those “T” attachments)
- Two medium sized buckets or planters
- Quickrete
- For each 7 foot pipe attach 1 “T” and 1 elbow at either end, using super glue if you like. Insert the “T” end into a planter/bucket (make sure if there’s a hole in the bottom of the planter, you cover it).
- Fill the planter/bucket near the top with Quikrete. Do this for both 7 foot poles and attach the 5 foot pole between the 2 using the elbow attachments.
- Begin watering down the Quikrete in the bucket until it puddles on the top, but doesn’t overflow. The water will eventually sink down and you’ll continue to add water every 5-10 minutes until the puddle on top of the Quikrete no longer sinks down (you could also pre-mix the quickrete in a large vessel instead, if you like).
- Let your frame set up overnight and then you are ready to hang your backdrop.
- Notes: Be mindful of your bucket/planter size – too big and it will be too heavy to move around; too small and it will not be stable enough. Mine are about 5 pounds each. { I believe I used one size bigger than Chris, so mine are a good 10 lbs each}
- This system is easily transported or stored, and you can adjust the sizes of your pipes according to your needs. I wanted this to be tall enough to accommodate an adult male in the case of a photo backdrop situation.
- I also created a “sleeve” to cover up the pipes for a more polished presentation. Long strips of fabric cut from a sheet and hot glued together was a quick and easy way to do this. {You can also use witchery stitch as well. I cut up an old sheet and it does make it look very polished.}
- The planters I used are stable enough for indoor use, but outdoors on uneven ground, they are a little rocky. I’d suggest going a little bigger and/or using a wider based bucket/planter. Also, beware of windy days! ; D
Love it!! very creative.
Thanks for sharing! So trying this…and I know I better heed your advice…I am so not good with reading directions all the way through! #guilty!