Disclosure: I received discounted product. Post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase, I may earn commission. Opinions shared are mine.

Whether you’re a blogger or just enjoy posting on social media, you may come across the need for a pretty background at some point. Last month, I shared my favorite new photo help — SnapIt Boards — but I realize that not everyone is ready to invest in a more expensive item like this. For around $10 – $20, you can easily create your own portable backdrop with a few simple materials. Here’s a hint: peel-and-stick paper is your friend!

For this project, you’ll need a roll of self-adhesive paper. You can purchase this at the DollarTree, Target, Walmart, or on Amazon. I chose a roll that has a faux wood look. The wood’s lines and imperfections cover any mistakes I make while cutting. You can find this paper in just about any design you want — brick, tile, stone, marble, whatever!

Find a flat surface that you can use for the backdrop. This can be something you just have sitting around your house — like a clean cardboard box! You can purchase a foam board or even a trifold board (like the kind used for science fair projects) at DollarTree. I used the back of a SnapIt Board.

Also grab a good pair of scissors.

I didn’t measure the board or anything. Like I said, this is supposed to be an easy project. I just rolled the paper out to the edge of the board and folded it where I needed to cut it. There are lines to help with that. The edges aren’t perfect, but I don’t usually photograph the edge of the board anyway. If you’re a perfectionist, feel free to measure out to your heart’s content.

Peel back the paper on the top edge and align it to your backdrop’s surface. Slowly pull the paper down the backdrop, smoothing it as you go. Try to keep the edges lined up as best you can.

Repeat as necessary to cover the entire surface. I overlapped the paper instead of cutting it down to size. This also helped to cover up my board’s logo which showed through the first layer of paper.

It’s THAT easy! This project took less than 10 minutes.

Now you’re ready to post food pictures, bookstagram, or just have a pretty place to backdrop your cat photos.