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I’m sharing how to make a party backdrop with paper window shades. These rosettes are made from temporary pleated paper shades
the kind you get when you move (and you use temporarily) to cover the windows until real blinds get installed. Repurposing paper window shades into something beautiful was pretty easy! To create these x-large paper rosettes see the full tutorial below.
I shop more often at the hardware or dollar store for party decor/supplies then I do at the party store. For this DIY party project, I purchased a box of temporary pleated paper window shades 36-by-72-Inch, 6-Pack from Lowes (home improvement store). These were used to create the stunning party backdrop.
Before you begin, you will need to determine the size of the space you are decorating. One box of six shades decorated this 4′ x 8′ backdrop. The paper window shade is 36″ wide and 72″ long. Each large paper rosette shown is 36″ wide and is made from one window shade. To make the smaller 12″ rosettes, the shades were cut into three 12″ wide pieces at 72″ long. The shades are made of a lightweight white paper that is easy to cut plus they come already pleated.
Steps for the DIY Paper Rosettes Using Paper Window Shades.
Lay the paper shade flat on a surface. Expand the paper shade and extend the top of the shade to touch the bottom of the shade forming a circle (see image). Each window shade comes with an adhesive strip on the top. Peel off the protective backing and adhere the edges of the shade closed. You have now made a round paper rosette!
This rosette is off to a good start but without a little stability it will lose shape. Hot glue a round of poster board to the back.
Next it’s time to consider how to turn this one rosette into a beautiful backdrop. I’ve used polystyrene insulation sheets for craft projects for years. This 1/2″ x 4′ x 8′ sheet of foam was only $7 …perfect for craft and hobby projects. Plus it’s really lightweight so it’s easy to setup without scratching furniture or breaking your back. I used this board to hot glue the paper rosettes. If you need a smaller size to fit your space, polystyrene insulation sheets are easy to trim with a kitchen knife. Or you can purchase a similar product in a smaller size by the name Insulfoam or Expanded Polystyrene Foam Sheet
Spray paint the rosette to match your color scheme. I used glitter and ribbon to jazz up the rosettes and the hot glue gun to attach it to the “polystyrene board”. Scrapbook paper was used to create some of the smaller rosettes.
Here’s the finished product. I think the rosettes add stunning texture and visual appeal. How about you? I’d love to hear how your paper rosettes turn out. Repost from 2012.
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Love this idea! Thank you for sharing!
This is beautiful! What a great idea!
Thank you for such a wonderful idea! I am planning my daughter’s birthday right now and need to cover a window, this will be perfect and the price is right too! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I’m so glad to help Allyson! Send us pictures when you’re done : )
Toni
Love this idea! How did you attach the backdrop? Wel’ll be at a country club so dropping from ceiling is not an option! Thanks!!
Linda,
The backdrop was attached to a counter with duct tape and a flat piece of wood to prop up the foam.
Good luck!
What kind of paint do you use to paint the rosettes??
Kayla,
I used spray paint.The paper shades took it well. I did light coats. The smaller rosettes are scrapbook or wrapping paper.
Enjoy making these!
Toni
Hi there! I think this is a wonderful idea and am trying to do this for my daughte’rs 1st birthday! I bought the 36×72″ inch shades via your link on Amazon. I’ve run into an issue though. When I lay out a single shade to make the large 36″ rosette, I cannot form a circle as their just isn’t enough paper to fan out and get the ends to touch. Am I missing a step? Thank you!
Hi Sana!
Place the long end of the 72″ together – so the TOP and the BOTTOM touch. This is what makes the rosette.