File puptcrit/puptcrit.0808, message 259


From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?Mathieu_Ren=E9?= <creaturiste-AT-primus.ca>
To: <puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org>
Date: Sat, 23 Aug 2008 22:34:16 -0400
Subject: [Puptcrit] Tip: Easy removable Theater Curtains



I was just about ready to start my puppeteer promo videos today, when I 
decided that the gray bed sheet wouldn't do for the background. So I got 
some real theatrical curtain fabric, the kind that is used in all Theatres 
I've seen locally. It's very heavy, 100% cotton, velvet finish on one side, 
totally opaque). It was surprisingly affordable for the quantity I needed. I 
also got a special deal from the owner, who knows I'm a regular customer. 
Either it's the magical Frog Hat influence again, or it's the puppets I 
bring there when I need to finish or dress them.

I was supposed to make the curtains as a temporary thing I would only 
install when needed (taking photos, webcam sessions, promo videos), but then 
I realized I also would prefer my appartment curtains to be the same black.
So I took the old curtains as perfect measurements, and remade the new ones 
in the same style.

I hemed all sides.
I made sure I oriented the curtains so that the fuzz's direction would point 
down, to facilitate brushing when lint and dust have to be removed. The 
orientation of the texture is not visible, but you can feel it by hand.

I added nylon webbing straps (backpack straps, 2 inch wide) by sewing them 
to the top of the curtains, in the back.

All this is extremely simple, but it takes a long time to do properly, as 
the fabric is heavy and the pieces very large.
I roll the rest of the fabric when I need to sew it on the side, it gets 
more compact and easier to handle.

As a fixation system, I installed "L brackets" (shelf support) on the wall 
above the window, on both side and in the middle. A broomstick on each side 
holds each one panel of the curtain. A piece of metal pipe is permanently 
secured on one broomstick, with duct tape. The other broomstick will be 
inserted into the pipe when installed (without any need for tape, it is 
carved tapered for a tighter fit).  Once the curtains are slipped on each 
broomstick, a few turns of duct tape to increase thickness will stop the 
curtains from sliding off. All one needs to do now is to put the ends of the 
broomsticks on the wall, held up there by the "L brackets".

As for the second place where the curtain needs to go (closer to my computer 
and webcam), I just installed some very long screws in the wall (left, 
center, and right) at an angle (pointing up).

I'm very happy to have a proper background finally, after years of fiddling 
around with whatever found or donated piece of black fabric, clothing or 
paper I had. Nothing beats the pure black velvety backdrop!

My portfolio photos will benefit greatly from this, and now my videos will 
look much better.
See it soon, when I make my first puppeteer video.


EXTRA TIPS:
-the fuzz and dusts are easily removed with a lint brush called 'Magic 
Brush".
It's a simple plastic handle with a red fabric covering on  its head, and 
some models have a reversible option. Follow the direction indicated on the 
head, to pick up lint and stuff, and go the opposite way on another piece of 
fabri to clean the brush itself.

-When I'm in a Rush
And Can't Find my Magic Brush
A piece of Packing tape
Prevents me From Goin' Ape...

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