Paper doily backdrop

It was definitely the Law of Attraction. I was just thinking about how to maximise the use of doilies and perhaps contribute to my brother's ROM (registration of marriage) ceremony when I saw this display in one of the shops while window-shopping:

the shop display in one of the malls

I discreetly took a photo on my handphone before going closer to take in the details of how it was done. I liked the concept of it but the paper doilies were arranged too closely together, kind of suffocating the whole look. It literally "cramp the style".

Some of the considerations I had for the paper doily backdrop:

1. the length of the strands;
2. something to weigh the strands down so it does not entangle;
3. how to hold the strands together; and
4. how to keep the individual doily in its place.

In the end, I opted for the strand to be 1.5 metres in length since I only needed it as a backdrop and did not require it to reach the ground.  I also contemplated using small tumbled pebbles as weights at the end of the strand but changed my mind when I saw how appropriate and cheap those heart-shaped plastic beads were selling at Elsie's.

These clear, plastic beads were selling at SGD1.80 for 7 pieces
measures about 2cm

I started on it by taping both ends of the fishing line to the sides of my bookshelf. It was hard to keep the doily pom-poms in its place and eventually, I figured a way to do just that. I tied a knot before I stapled the pom-poms on the line, ensuring that one of the staples is ABOVE the knot to keep it from slipping down.

Finished product for the backdrop.

I stapled seven pieces of doilies together in the centre and I started to scrunch them up one by one, leaving the one in the centre untouched. The first and the last piece got scrunched the most. I alternated the length of the strands so that it looked more interesting. I finished off by tying a plastic heart-shaped bead at the end of each strand.

I started out using three pieces of doily paper, followed by five, and I found out that using seven pieces of doily paper gave the best effect. It makes the pom-pom looks rounder and does not easily separate itself into half as can be seen in some of the pom-poms in the photo. If not for the time constrain and tiredness (I just finished my French proficiency test and had yet to pack for Munich), I would have glued the inner part of the centre pieces of the pom-poms together so that they would not separate.

Anyway, it turned out very well as a backdrop, especially against the lush greenery:

It can make for some nice photos too:

My brother getting ready for his ROM ceremony

Himself and I using it as a background for our photo

This was certainly not the best and it could be done better with more practice and time. It was a good attempt nonetheless and I will work on it further for my wedding if it is in a garden setting. The only concern about this DIY project is that although it works nicely outdoors, it will not survive a rainy day.

Another lightbulb moment:

Besides pom-poms, the paper doilies can be made into bluebell or morning glory flowers. Simply make a knot on the fishing line and poke two pieces of doily paper right through from the top. Scrunch the top part of the paper doily and let the detailed and scalloped part of the doily fold naturally to the scrunch.

An alternative to paper doily: paper cupcake holders. Do the same as the paper doilies, and the good thing is, it already comes with folds. Also, there are more colour and design options when it comes to cupcake holders, hence a more colourful and fun backdrop. ;)

I hope that this has been useful. Feel free to share your ideas if you have any to make it better or more interesting!