How to Make a Crepe Paper Streamer Backdrop

Add an extra layer of fun to your next party buffet with this crepe paper streamer backdrop. I love this idea. Seriously it is so cheap and easy. And depending on what you have around the house, it may be even cheaper than you first thought!

I recently created this particular backdrop for a unicorn Birthday party. My favourite thing about this project was that I threw it all together and made a couple of mistakes (I prefer to think of them as creative redirections). Despite this, it still wasn't a headache, it was so easy and turned out really well. My other favourite thing about it is that it's pink with some shine, of course.

Check out the video below or keep scrolling for images and full instructions.

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SUPPLIES YOU'LL NEED FOR YOUR PARTY BACKDROP

• Crepe paper streamers (see below for quantity)
• Gold curling ribbon
• 1.5 – 2m dowel* or similar rod from a hardware store (I got mine from Bunnings)
• 2 Removable hooks
• 2 small zip/cable ties
• Scissors

*I used a dowel rod that I had laying around the house. Depending on how long you need it, you can find them for as little as $2 from your hardware store. You could also use something like an aluminium curtain/shower rod. If you don't have a large (heavier) backdrop to make you could also use rope or fishing line.

The number of streamers and length of dowel you require will depend on how long you need your backdrop to be. I set up the buffet up on my sideboard, making the backdrop about 1.5 metres (4.92 ft).

The streamers came in a pack of 4 different colours so I bought two packs. But I only used about 5 rolls so if you have fewer colours you won't necessarily need 8 of them like me.

CREPE PAPER STREAMER BACKDROP DIY: LET'S DO THIS…

STEP #1 | Place removable hooks on your wall

Okay. So I have terribly cracked cornices, but it's not a priority with the landlord. Let's move on…

Although I was tempted to get out a ruler and pencil to accurately measure both hooks, the idea is to make this quick and easy! So I reluctantly measured by eye (insert shocked emoji).

I lined them up roughly with the edges of my buffet. There's actually no need to be too fussy with aligning the hooks at the exact height since you'll be able to rectify that later with the zip ties.

STEP #2 | Hanging your rod

Loop your zip ties together with as much room in the loop that will allow. Place each one on a hook and insert the dowel into the loops. See… my eye measuring really wasn't bad, even with the slightly bowed dowel!

However, stand back and check to see if your rod is lopsided. If it is you can tighten the zip ties bit by bit until you've lifted the rod and balanced it out.

STEP #3 | Time for the streamers

Woah! How are we even already here?! Crepe paper streamers are so light when it comes to hanging them I simply looped them over the rod. This way you get double the length with less work too!

I found that starting by using just one colour and spacing them out was a good way to go. I then added the other colours and went back and forth, spacing them randomly with what I liked.

When it comes to cutting your streamers you can simply cut them all straight along or just below the tabletop. I preferred to create an arc in the middle as I wanted to make sure the items on the buffet didn't get lost in all those colours. When cutting the arc I wasn't too particular, just leaving a little more length if I was unsure.

Swing crepe paper streamers over rod.

STEP #4 | Add some metallic shine

Let's not forget that I whipped up this crepe paper streamer backdrop for a unicorn party and it's not unicorn if it doesn't shine. Trying to keep things on the cheap I bought a spool of gold curling ribbon from a discount store. The fact that it's called curling ribbon should've been the first clue that it was going to spring up in curls! Facepalm! I wasn't expecting it.

But the thing I love most about creating is just rolling with the unexpected and “mistakes”. Hang the curling ribbon as you did the streamers, make sure you leave plenty of length as it'll bounce right up!

I prefer the look of sprinkling a little of the gold and when wrapping them around I kept them at different lengths. Turns out I like the curls! I think it adds more interest and texture.

STEP #5 | Trim the ends of your paper streamers & time for the finishing touches

Uh oh! By now you've probably noticed that my arc is way off-centre. Time to stand back and trim these streamers until I'm happy with the curve.

Once you've finished all of that, stand back and have another look at the level of your backdrop. If you need to, adjust the zip ties again to get the rod as straight as possible.

Sit back & enjoy your streamer backdrop handy work

That's it! Done. The last thing you want to be doing when planning a party is spending too much time decorating on the day. This can be done weeks in advance if you're really that keen!

Here are some of the pictures I took with the buffet all dressed up and on display. You check out more of the pics in my Enchanting Unicorn Birthday Party article. You can also download the free unicorn party kit printables that you see in the photos.

I threw this DIY together but I find these ones often turn out the best! Let me know in the comments below if you have a project that took plenty of twists and turns only to end up being one of your best.

I'd love to see your crepe paper streamer backdrop in action! Please share with us all via Instagram (use #avmdiy) or by tagging @avisualmerriment on Facebook.

Other Resources You May Like:

FREE PRINTABLE: “Happy Birthday” Pink or Purple Banner
FREE PRINTABLE: Happy Birthday Puzzle + Coloring Activity Mat
ARTICLE: Enchanting Unicorn Birthday Party & Free Printable Kit
ARTICLE: Easy Paper Plate Party Backdrop: Lego Theme
SHOP: Printable Party Decor + Activities