Hobby hack

Here’s a quick hobby hack for all of you modelers out there.  I know when I started trying to take better pictures of my minis, the first step was setting up some sort of light box, but the next step was finding appropriate backdrops for the photos.  After some searching I found a very cheap and easily accessible solution.  Use scrapbooking paper for your backdrop.  I discovered this use when my wife was cleaning out a bunch of old papers she no longer wanted.  I went through the pile and picked out some promising patterns and colours.  It worked like a charm!  All of my recent pictures here on the blog have used scrapbooking paper as backdrops.

Scrapbooking paper is 12”x12”, so will fit most light boxes set up for photographing miniatures.  I have trimmed some of mine to fit into the 10” width of my Foldio.  Scrapbooking paper comes in a dizzying  array of colours and patterns.  This explains why my wife can spend countless hours in Michael’s looking at paper while I wander around looking like a vagrant looking for a place to spend the night.  Most patterns are unsuitable for using as a photo backdrop, but some are just right.  Scrapbooking paper is often two sided, so when you are shopping, make sure you check both sides.  I found that there is usually a bold print on one side and the other will have a more muted pattern of colours in the same palette.  Finally, scrapbooking paper can be found at your local Michael’s or scrapbooking store.  Prices vary from around $2 per page to under $1.  If you are looking for cheaper stuff, look in the clearance areas.  These are full of papers that are discontinued or out of style in the scrapbooking world.  They are often still good enough for what we’re looking for. 

So, the next time that your significant other drags you to the scrapbooking store, don’t sit in the car and sulk, get in there and look for a deal.  Don’t let her know that you will enjoy your visit though, you don’t need to go that often.

Disclaimer:  The author in no way recommends or authorizes you, the reader to raid your lady friend’s paper stash.  Any actions taken in a woman’s craft room can and will end in sorrow and severe repercussions for the transgressor.  Scrapbookers have an unhealthy attachment to those piles of paper.  You have been warned!