Tutorial: Ombre Paint Stick Backdrop

I've been working a ton of overtime at my "real job", plus training for the Avon Walk in May, so the blog has taken a back seat these past few weeks. Thanks for hanging in there with me. While I was busy wrapping things up at work, my Anthropologie inspired ombre backdrop made it's debut on Bird's Party Magazine Spring/Summer 2012 issue.

For this DIY project, you'll need:
* 32 5 gallon wooden paint stirring sticks -- I scored these for free at my local Sherwin Williams paint store
* Martha Stewart Crafts multi-surface satin acrylic craft paint in Pond, Surf, Summer Haze, and Sea Lavender
* Paint brush
* Painter's tape

Paint 8 sticks (all sides except for the back) with the Pond paint color. Repeat with the Surf, Summer Haze, and Sea Lavender paints.

When the paint has completely dried, place rolled up pieces of painter's tape on the back of each stick. Starting with the Pond colored sticks, adhere them onto the wall side-by-side.

Create a wave-like pattern by varying the height of the sticks. Repeat with the Surf, Summer Haze, and Sea Lavender colored sticks.

To complete the beachy look, sprinkle cupcakes with crushed graham crackers and top with fondant surf boards and mini parasols. For the ombre cupcake wrappers, paint each color on heavy card stock, then trace and cut out the wrappers from a template. Finally, cut out the words "Hang Ten" (how perfect for a 10th birthday party) from kraft paper and string with microfilament.

It's also been way too long since I've teamed up with Heather of Chickabug and blog contributor, Xiaolu of 6 Bittersweets, don't you think? Well, you won't have to wait much longer. Look for our Mother's Day collaboration, with free printables, another Anthro inspired tutorial, and a lemony cake recipe at the end of the month.

Linking up to: Whipperberry / Kojo Designs / Tatertots and Jello