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  • 23 Comments
Joined 4 months ago
Cake day: July 31st, 2025
  • Tangerine Twist@scribe.disroot.orgtoAsk Lemmy@lemmy.world•possible to clean the backing fabric of this art?
    8·
    2 months ago

    Have you tried taking it to the dry cleaners? I’ve had some success in the past with textile arts using the solution inside the Dryel dry cleaning kit; it required plenty of blotting and patience. FYI: If you go to the cleaners, they will ask what made the stain (e.g., oil, dust, ink, etc.) and some knowledgeable ones will recommend how to clean it or refer you to someone who does.

    You’re correct about the backing (hardboard) in that it must not get wet – I could be wrong but it looks like MDF (medium density fiberboard). They will swell up upon contact with water. Good luck.

    EDIT: Just wanted to say that you have a lovely piece of folkart.

  • Tangerine Twist@scribe.disroot.orgtoPhotography@lemmy.ml•Studio backdrops; advice
    5·
    2 months ago

    I have a combination of:

    • (borrowed) softbox lighting kit by Torjim: the portable and lightweight one, for when I need to move around depending on what I’m taking a photo of (my uncle is the real photographer, I’m just a hobbyist).

    • all my lighting is from Ikea: the backlight is a reading lamp (i think), same with the other two lamps (swivel). I chose them because of the base (tripod, adjustable) and weight.

    -my old foam core is from Staples and when JoAnn was closing their stores, I bought more foam core there

    • umbrella is from goodwill

    • the white paper from my light box came from Ikea (kids’ drawing paper roll)

    • translucent plastic sheet, plexiglass from hardware store

    • all of my equipment is DIY that I learned from school or my uncle.

    • we also used a lot of clamps, clamp lights and binder clips, foil sheets from craft store (only if it’s on sale) and my uncle cut up a car sunshade once for his soft box

    • cardboard from grocery store and liquor stores (free)

    • my uncle has used a combo of white bowls, milk glass, cookie sheets as a reflector piece; my mom’s silicone funnel as a flash diffuser (she’s still mad at him) which is better than paper

    • if you can get your hands on vellum, they’re quite useful, too

    We try to be frugal so we can spend the money on lenses.

  • Tangerine Twist@scribe.disroot.orgtoPhotography@lemmy.ml•Studio backdrops; advice
    4·
    2 months ago

    All of my props and backdrops came from thrift shops, close-out sales. Most of them are unique and intricate fabrics or bedsheets; the plain white is my go-to for people or objects (it still has the mark from an old hospital that closed down).

    • I hung a bedsheet over paracord tied to two coat racks. This works very well but the challenge is keeping the sheets wrinkle-free. Enter iron.

    • folding screen that I got at thrift store was reproduced by a friend using louvered closet doors she purchased at a hardware store.

    • I also used the biggest 3M reusable wall hook and used a cheap tension rod to hold a bedsheet.

    • have a look at an Ikea catalog for ideas as well. I purchased their big aluminum (i think) hooks and screwed them on the wall to hang seasonal props and bunting.

    EDIT: Craft and Fabric stores are always advertising sales. If you have time, check out their fabric-by-the yard sale or pre-primed canvas. The canvas can be double purpose: backdrop and create artwork. I have several: propped on an easel, leaning on a wall, etc. It’s lightweight enough to be portable if you don’t frame it. Have fun!