How to make a art deco photographic backdrop? Inexpensively!?

Answer 1

The most inexpensive way really depends upon the dimensions that you need for the backdrop. With the least money and effort, I would appropriate a backdrop from something I found in an era appropriate vintage book or magazine all of which you can find at antique shops. The reason for this is that the images are usually of public domain by now, and no longer hold their copywright.
Next I would go to a service bureau such as Kinko's (although it wouldnt be my first choice) and I would have the image scanned, enlarged and printed on their largest large format printer (hopefully something that could print at least 40 inches wide). Also be sure to have the image printed on matte on non-glossy paper as any direct photo lighting might produce a hot spot. If 40 inches isnt wide enough you can always be creative and tile the image.
As for photographing the image, try not to put any direct hard lighting onto the image itself(i.e., no spot lights), If you do use any direct lighting on the background make sure you use either a large reflector, a softbox, or an umbrella. In terms of camera settings you may want to use a larger aperture, nothing above f 5.6 so as to not make the background sharp as there may be some flaws.
Of course if you are shooting digital or scanning your negatives, the easiest way would be simply to shoot your subjects on a white or black backdrop, then in Photoshop drop out the background and replace it with your art deco backdrop.

Answer 2

mm that a hard one i didn't no about makeing one but you may want to try looking a H&B