DIY Network

Safari Party: Safari Mural From "Weekend Entertaining" episode WKE-313

In this segment host Jeanne Benedict shows how to create a life size mural as a backdrop for the safari themed party.

This party is rated 4 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult, and is geared toward the skills of a frequent entertainer.

Hourly Breakdown

Safari Mural -- 5 hours

Total Prep Time -- 18 hours

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Host Jeanne Benedict demonstrates how to can create this magnificent mural.

Materials --

Flat sheet (size should fit space in which it will hang)
Large plastic drop cloth
Primer
Black latex paint
Red latex paint
Yellow latex paint
Paint mixing buckets
Water
Paint sticks
Paint trays
Paint rollers with extensions
Paper towels
Overhead projector
Mounting tape
Stencils of elephant and tree
Pencil
1" paintbrushes
Scissors
Tape measure
Grommet setting kit and grommets
Hammer
Removable adhesive hooks
1/2" dowel rods (should have enough to equal the width of the sheet)

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Safari Mural

1. Lay out the sheet on top of the plastic drop cloth in a large, open space. The top hem of the sheet should be the bottom of your mural.

   Note: The sheet size should be determined by the dimensions of the party area.

2. In a bucket mix one part primer with one part water, stirring carefully to mix well. Pour mixture into a paint tray. Roll the primer mixture onto the sheet, covering completely. Allow to dry.

3. In separate buckets mix one part yellow with one part water and one part red with one part water. Mix well. Pour mixtures into separate paint trays.

4. Begin rolling on the red paint at the top of the sheet to about half way down. Roll the yellow paint on and begin toward the bottom of the sheet (figure A). Blend the paint upwards into the red paint to create an even blend of yellow to orange to red creating the look of a sunset.

   Expert Tip: If you are painting a mural, it is a good idea to use a half size paint roller to lay in the base colors.

5. Blend the colors together by rubbing them with a paper towel (figure B).

   Note: Attach a paper towel to the end of a pole to blend the hard to reach areas.

6. Roll the undiluted black paint onto the bottom of the sheet, creating about 15 to 20" horizon along the bottom (figure C). Allow all paint to dry for approximately three hours.

7. Make a mark at each top corner of the sheet and every 12" between. Cut a small "X" at each mark. To set the grommet, place the male half of the grommet through the hole from back to front, resting the grommet on the base plate. Place the female half of the grommet over the hole and insert the grommet setting tool. Hammer the tool to secure the grommet onto the sheet. Repeat for the remaining holes.

8. Hang the removable adhesive hooks on the wall to align with the grommets on the sheet.

9. Cut slits in the hem of the sheet to open the hem into a casing. Insert dowel rods into the casing to keep the sheet straight along the bottom. Hang the mural on the hooks.

10. Set the overhead projector on a table in front of the mural. Place the picture of the elephant onto the projector glass and adjust the image and the size to fit onto the mural. Be sure that the elephant's feet are touching the horizon.

11. Use a pencil to lightly draw around the elephant's shape (figure D). Repeat for the tree.

    Expert Tip: It is very important to use some masking tape to mask off the area you have put the projector. In case you have to move the projector while you are working on the mural you can put it back in the same exact spot.

12. Fill in the elephant and tree with undiluted black paint (figure E).

    Note: This may be easier if you take the mural off of the hooks and place back down onto the drop cloth.

13. Allow the paint to dry.

14. Use mounting tape to attach the banner to the brick wall.

Tip from Jeanne:

• A mural is a great backdrop for a party because it really gets your theme across. That is important -- especially when you have something as atmospheric as a Safari Party. A fun activity for your party is to set up an archery station in a safe place. Guests can try their hand at an activity that they might not normally be exposed to.

RESOURCES :

Create for Less
Website: www.createforless.com

All Occasions Party Rentals
Website: www.alloccasionspartyrentals.com

Earth Fare
Website: www.earthfare.com

Zwilling Cutlery
J.A. Henckels, Inc.
Website: www.jahenckels.com

Carolina Pottery
Website: www.carolinapotteryusa.com

Uncommon Goods
303 W. 10th St. 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10014
Toll-free: 888-365-0056
E-mail: help@uncommongoods.com
Website: www.uncommongoods.com

GUESTS :

Ellen Allan
Craft Expert
We apologize no contact information is available.

Debbie Lee
Culinary Expert
President
Paragon Events and Catering
1620 Broadway #H
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone: 310-453-8023
E-mail: debbielee@paragoncatering.com

Pam Roberts
Fashion Expert
Pitch Press
9515 Cresta Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90035
Phone: 310-559-8228
E-mail: pam@pitchpress.com
Website: www.PitchPress.com

Stephanie Barnard
Scrapbooking Expert
PaperKuts Scrapbooking Magazine
We apologize no contact information is available.

Melanie Barsuk
Culinary Expert
Simple Gourmet
PO Box 1217
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Phone: 310-318-6484
E-mail: mbarsuk@simple-gourmet.com
Website: www.simple-gourmet.com