DIY "Once Upon a Time" Storybook Backdrop Tutorial

Introduction

• Welcome back to the channel! For new viewers, don't forget to subscribe for more home, holiday, event, wedding, and DIY decor.
• Today’s tutorial is on creating a magical “Once Upon a Time” storybook backdrop, perfect for weddings or celebrations.
• Apology for the delay due to issues with outsourcing the printing process from an Etsy store located in China.

Materials Needed

• 18 black foam boards (from Dollar Tree): Each foam board is 2.5 x 1 feet and 20 inches, covering a total of 7 feet and 5 inches.
• Black acrylic paint: To paint the borders of the foam boards.
• Seamless paper photography backdrop: Dimensions 53 inches by 16 feet used for creating pages.
• Tea for aging papers: Four bags of 6 oz tea each, sock (or rag) for dabbing.
• Translucent tape: To secure letters without damaging the paper.
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating the Book Covers

1. Foam Boards Preparation: Each side of the cover will be cut to 6 feet. Need three boards for each side, trim one and a half feet off each, resulting in six feet for both sides.
2. Assembly: Glue the boards together and reinforce with transparent tape at the back for additional support.
3. Painting: Use black acrylic paint to paint the borders for a polished look.

Making the Pages of the Book

1. Main Page Preparation: Seamless paper cut slightly smaller (5 feet 8 inches) than the covers for an authentic book look.
2. Creating Additional Pages: Cut strips from leftover paper to simulate additional pages behind the main pages.

Aging the Pages

1. Tea Staining: Dab the tea mixture onto the paper using a sock/rag until the desired vintage look is achieved.
2. Drying and Flattening: Let pages dry for 24 hours, press with books, and iron flat without steam.

Applying the Decal

1. Cutting the Letters: Cut the "Once Upon a Time" letters to be placed on the main pages.
2. Placing the Decal: Use translucent tape to place letters and flatten with a spatula, ensuring they stick well to the paper.

Final Assembly

1. Attaching the Pages: Use hot glue to attach pages to the main structure, maintaining a 2-inch border on the top and bottom.
2. Adding Page Strips: Glue additional paper strips to the corners to simulate more pages.
3. Shaping the Edges: Wet edges for a natural curl, ensuring only the inner pages get flattened for a realistic feel.

Final Thoughts

• The finished product is a dreamy, fairytale-like backdrop perfect for weddings or celebrations.
• Remember to share, like, and comment on the video; connect with other viewers and share the DIY joy.
• Any feedback or requests for future tutorials are welcome. Also, feel free to comment on the stylistic choices (e.g., clip-ins vs. bun hairstyle).

Happy Crafting!