I have been blogging for quite a while, And there seems to be stages to blogging, there is the newbie stage, then toddler and I’ve made it past the awkward blogging adolescence stage. I haven’t quite been blogging long enough to feel like a well seasoned grandparent, but I feel like I know myself as a blogger, I know why I do it and what it pretty much entails overall. So I’m firmly in the parenting stage of blogging. So I thought it would be fun to have some blogging 101 type posts!
Today I want to share my favorite backdrops! I have really focused on my photography this past year. Learning from some of my favorite photographers through out the year. I still have lots to learn but it’s come a long way!
I love the look of wood in my backdrops. BUT while gorgeous real wood backdrops take up a TON of space, space I don’t have. SO when I ound these faux wood vinyl placemats I was THRILLED! If you want them get some NOW before they run out of stock.
I had originally found some faux wood vinyl placemats the year before but only one of each. And while one was okay most of the time there were moments when I wished I had two. So when I found these I bought two in each color (except the cherry wood, I didn’t love the shade although I usually love cherry wood).
Because they are a sealed vinyl top they wash off super easily too (I like pictures with dripping, spilling food so I need something that cleans easily)! My favorite part is that these placemats have texture to the vinyl so when your taking an angled, or side shot you don’t just get a flat/matte picture. There is actually depth this way, a more real look.
And because it looks like wood planks adding two placemats together isn’t very noticeable. Usually all it takes is flipping it around to take it from a clear dark to light area like above. In this case I’d take the one on the left and flip it around and it would be perfect!
Anyway, my first choice is real wood, my last choice is super flat printed image of wood. These are the perfect in-between! I’ll share more of my favorite backdrops throughout the year and more blogging tips! What else would you like to learn?
Rose @ RoseBakes.com
Since I photograph more decorated cakes than recipes, I get into a “rut” using my plain white or black backdrops. But I’m SUPER excited to order these and mix things up when I do things other than cake! Thanks Ashlee!! (And I do have one “real” wood thing that my hubby built for me and it’s gorgeous, but oh yes – it takes up a HUGE amount of space!!)
Ashlee
someday… when I’m not living in my inlaws basement I’ll get a few gorgeous real wood ones, but for now… you could always get 4 of the same color to create a nice floor for a larger cake and change up the look of that a little too!
Linh
Excuse me, may I ask where you guys have ordered these backdrops? I couldn’t find one on the internet! I’m currently living in England. Thanks so much!
Jenn
These are seriously awesome and I need them all. Thank you for sharing, do you by any chance know if they carry them in the stores? These are on my MUST buy this weekend list! Thanks Ashlee!
Ashlee
Go to the website and while your on one of the placemats click “find in store”. Up in Salt Lake the sugarhouse location is the only one that has some in stock still! 3 of the colors are on clearance too, so hurry!
Tara @ Keep Moving Forward With Me
I love these! Thanks for the fabulous idea! Adding a trip to Bed Bath and Beyond to me errand list this week.
Ashlee
make sure to check on the site if they are in the store, would hate for you to have to hit up a few stores before finding them! The sugarhouse location is the only one in SLC that had any last time I checked!
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!
I have been meaning to buy these for a while now. So I just ordered all the ones you have. I agree, that cherry color is kind of ugly. Can’t wait to get them! I have been using plain cardboard for a while now, so it will be nice to have some “wood” texture to my photos. I especially love that they are placemats and don’t take up very much space! Thanks Ashlee!
Ashlee
YAY! so glad you got them and love them! can’t wait to see them on your blog!
aimee @ like mother like daughter
I need to get more of these since they are smaller and portable and look awesome!
Ashlee
totally! three colors are on clearance now, not sure how much longer they’ll last! I’m debating getting 2 more of each to create a larger space just in case…
Jill @ BeingSpiffy
Sometimes I hate how smart you are.
Ashlee
awww you say the nicest things 😉
KC @ The Real Thing with the Coake Family
Neat to see someone else who uses these! I just happened to find some at JCPenney and snatched them up very quickly! My girls thought I was nuts with how giddy I was to find them. I will have to find more now that I know more exist. They are so easy and, like you said, they don’t take up much storage space. Perfection!
Ashlee
Right! I found my first placements at TJmaxx a few years ago and loved it so I was thrilled to find a larger collection to buy! always looking for more shades
Desiree phillips
Hi,I’mfrom Australia. I was wondering where I could order these from. I’m really on need for tbese placemats.It would be great if I could order some. Hopi g to hear from you. Desiree
Ashlee
the store I buy them for doesn’t sell them anymore. Not sure where you can get them anymore, try amazon!
Jarek
Hi there,
Do you know if and where I can gat it from please
That’s really great idea btw
Thanks
Ashlee
I don’t, they aren’t selling them anymore at bed bath and beyond, but if you do a google search you might still find some like here http://americanlinens.com/index.php/kitchen/placemats/wood-placemats.html or here http://amzn.to/1VgqA5O
Kimberly Fritz
This is such a great idea and one I completely forgot about! I am diving into food styling with my new adventure and can’t wait to give this a try!
Ashlee
they are harder to find than they used to be – but usually amazon has something! I still use them all the time!