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inhumaninferno Elite user 452 Posts |
Anyone know of a source to obtain large amounts of quality velvet in lengths sufficient to make backdrops. I'm talking 8 ft. lengths and as wide as possible.
Alternately, if anyone has ideas for an affordable backdrop system....I'm open to suggestions. This would be for presenting a full stage show. Thanks, John |
dearwiseone Inner circle Portland, OR 1143 Posts |
Ebay. Do a search on "velvet" or "crushed velvet." Then narrow your search by searching only under crafts>fabric. You can get it in lengths much greater than 8 ft. I've gotten lots of velvet for less than $3.00/yard.
John, I don't know if you've seen the Spider Backdrop, but I recently invested in one and can tell you it's amazing. The cost is easily paid back with a few shows, even small ones, and the curtains that it comes with are great. I can recommend purchasing the Spider Backdrop. Check the smaller one they have out now, where you can walk through the middle! Best wishes! |
TV Magic Pal New user Dogtown up in the 'Lou 62 Posts |
John,
Your town most likely has a fabric store that carries upholstery fabric and this is where you want to head. I think that 50" to 60" are the most common width range but I am not sure anymore. It has been a long time since I bought mine and a much longer time since I worked in a fabric store! Upholstery velvet is pretty heavy but will be thick enough on its own to use. I actually have a Santa suit made out of upholstery velvet so it isn't like its lead or anything! Lighter velvets (made for clothing) may require an additional layer of fabric is there is going to be any light behind your backdrop. If you line it, consider lining it with a second useful fabric design so you have a reversible backdrop! Enlist someone who really knows how to sew to make your back drop so it will drape in such a way that your seams do not show!
Michael L.
Magic is a lie. It is our job to convince the audience to overlook the lie and our goal to make them embrace it. |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
John,
Over the years, for portable curtains, I've been more satisfied with those made from robe valour better than the velvet ones. They don't wrinkle, are machine washable, and lighter to transport. They look the same! Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
Fitz Elite user Phoenix, AZ 476 Posts |
I have a daily web show all about magic at http://FitzMagic.info
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Autumn Morning Star Grammar Hostess Today, I corrected grammar in 1378 Posts |
Fitz, great link! When I was first starting out I used those tripods in my smaller to mid-sized show. They are easy and convenient. You do have to be careful not to trip over the tripod base and during outside shows they can blow over in a breeze. Otherwise, they are simple, inexpensive and utilitarian.
As for the fabric backdrop, I used long curtains (I made them myself) out of black "lining material". This is the silky stuff you find inside your coat or jacket. You can ask for "lining material" in the fabric store. It's very inexpensive and very lightweight. It is also easy to roll up after a show and it does not wrinkle badly. While the tripods are wonderful, I also must say the Spyder backdrop is my favorite and truly the top of the line, IMHO. Autumn
Wonder is very necessary in life. When we're little kids, we're filled with wonder for the world - it's fascinating and miraculous. A lot of people lose that. They become cynical and jaded, especially in modern day society. Magic renews that wonder.
Doug Henning |
Fitz Elite user Phoenix, AZ 476 Posts |
Good points...
Any backdrop out doors can be tricky, one company I worked for would not allow any drops to be used outside no matter how large the show was. Black velvet call Dondrake 702-258-707X bye, Fitz Posted: Jun 13, 2007 11:43pm Sorry it's Dondrake at 702-258-7071
I have a daily web show all about magic at http://FitzMagic.info
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Kent Wong Inner circle Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 2458 Posts |
I have been using the tripod system for the last 2 years and I love it. It packs small and sets up in minutes. The material I use is called Crushed Panne. It looks like velvet but is much lighter. For a more detailed discussion of this type of backdrop system, check out the following:
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......;start=0 Kent
"Believing is Seeing"
<BR>______________________ <BR> <BR>www.kentwongmagic.com |
KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
Magicbackdrops.com - lousy site, great product. Everything it claims is true. I think it is the best out there - and $600 is a nice price. PM me if you have questions.
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brycol24 New user 26 Posts |
Inhumaninferno:
I made my own backdrop out of PCV Pipe and it works great. It packs small and it was really inexpensive. I have a picture of me performing in front of it if you pm me I will send it to you. The backdrop stand 8 feet high and 10 feet wide. And with a little imagination you can make it look like the pros. I used doubled up flat bed sheets and it works great. You can't even see through it and there are a variety of colors available. So if your thinking cheap and good stop thinking Taco Bell and think PVC Pipe. |
inhumaninferno Elite user 452 Posts |
Thanks for all the replies. Appreciate your input and it will be put to good use.
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inhumaninferno Elite user 452 Posts |
Thanks for all the replies. Appreciate your input and it will be put to good use.
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
I used speaker stands for my tripods, along with a pvc adapter that would join my tripods to the actual curtain rod. It's lightweight and very sturdy.
Regan
Mister Mystery
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