How to Make A Marble Tile Look Backdrop

This is a super simple backdrop that can be made very inexpensively! 

Here is what you will need:

Please note that all measurements for this tutorial are for the 30" x 20" poster board. 

-2 Poster boards (one for background and then one for the 'ground')(Mine is the Elmer's brand one and is 30"x20")

-Marble contact/shelf paper (I used this kind)

-Scissors

-Pen or pencil

-Ruler

-Paper trimmer (this is optional, but it helps to get the tiles straight)

1. Start off by deciding what kind of pattern you want. (Here are some ideas.) I wanted a classic subway tile look. A typical subway tile is 3"x6", so I knew I needed to cut my tiles close to that size. 

2. Since I need my tiles to fit the background and also have room for spacing between them, I had to cut the tiles to just under 6" wide. So I cut mine to 5 3/4" x 3".

I cut: 

27 - 5 3/4" x 3"

6 - 2 3/4" x 3" tiles (for every other line)

5 - 5 3/4" x 1" tiles.

3. Now you are ready to start applying your tiles to the poster board. We are going to use the 5 3/4" x 3" tiles first. Lay the poster board lengthwise in front of you, and, starting at the top left corner, adhere the first tile to the board by lining it up along the edge. Continue adhering your tiles to the board, being sure to leave about a 1/8" space between each tile. Your first row should look like this:

I just guesstimated on it. If you are really concerned about it being perfect you can use a ruler and mark where each tile needs to be placed, but guessing will look just fine. I promise no one will be looking that closely!

4. For your second row, you need to start with one of the 5 3/4" x 2 3/4" tiles. This tile needs to be placed about 1/8" below the tile above it, and lined up along the left edge.

 Your second row should look like this:

5. Continue placing your tiles, being sure to alternate between starting each row with the 5 3/4" and the 2 3/4" tiles until you have 6 rows. Your board should end up looking like this:

6. Now you can finish the last row with the 5 3/4" x 1" tiles.

Your finished board should look like this:

7. With your second piece of poster board, cut a piece of contact paper 30" wide and adhere to the board. It helps if you only peel off part of the backing, adhere the contact paper to the edge of the board, and remove the remaining backing as you go.  

And there you have it! Super simple and easy to set up near a window  for some natural light or wherever else you like to take pictures!