OSPY Event Decor Collective

📐SUSPENDED LOAD GUIDE📐

Where do structural calculations in decor start?
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Imagine, we will now discuss figures, but we will not talk about estimates and costs! Sh happens.
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Any calculations start with reference values. Cable cross-section from power, span and load from the cross-section of the truss, load depending on the type of suspension used ...
Here we are. About the latter today - about the load on the suspension.
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How do you usually determine how many kilograms you can hang on a chain? What about thick fishing line? If you even look at the label, then you are already great fellows.
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A small list of suspension options that decorators often use, and the maximum load on them:
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Work load:
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🚩 Steel cable 2 mm - 47 kg
🚩 Steel cable 3 mm - 106 kg
🚩Jute (twine or packing twine) 1.4-1.5 mm - from 12 to 30 kg
🚩Thin fishing line 0.1 mm - up to 1 kg (in a knot)
🚩A fishing line of medium thickness from 0.25 mm - 3-5 kg (in a knot)
🚩 Thick fishing line from 0.5 mm - 12 or more (in a knot)
🚩Nylon thread 1 mm - 20 kg
🚩Nylon thread 2 mm - 80 kg
🚩Chain 1.5-2 mm - from 80 to 120 kg
🚩 Flat sling - from 1 t
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The figures may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but they give a general idea of the load.
In general, these parameters are called reference parameters because they can be easily found on the Internet or on packages of fishing lines, ropes and chains.
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An engineer does not begin with calculations. An engineer begins with the ability to find the information he needs.
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Don't forget to save the helpful help article and hit ❤️. Although we are mostly boys, we also love ❤️ :)

🌼 There is a specific in our work, which fundamentally differentiate us from scene decorators or manufacturers of household furniture. Our structures must be mobile and assembled as quickly as disassembled.
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❗️Decoration requirement: Minimized number of parts❗️
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When elaborating the design set, a number of conditions must be taken into account.

📍The more parts, the more expensive the production. For example, to make a solid frame 2 by 3 meters, it takes about the same time as for a frame 2 by 1.5m. But there are already two such details.
📍The more parts, the more you need to estimate and make joints and connections, and this is also work.
📍The smaller the part, the less load the assembly will bear and the thicker the metal or plank should be used. It is much better for the beam to be solid than divided into 2-3 pieces, because each joint of the joint gives play and can get loosen.
📍 And finally, the fewer parts, the easier and faster the decoration is to assemble and disassemble.
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Therefore, when making a design in the workshop, everything that you can do there - do it there. Accurately and without haste.
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Use lorry/van and make parts sized to fit in a lorry/van, not in the trunk of your sedan.
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Enough pitfalls and problems will show up during installation. Leave time for them instead of spending half a day on something that can be done in advance in the workshop.
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All the best and a wonderful season!
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production production

SIZES 📐✏️
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We're regularly being asked about the supposed sizes of decor pieces: how to make a table, a backdrop, a podium, a rack? Height, length, width, depth.
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So here is a brief fundamental information.
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All sizes can be divided into two types
📌as per ISO, that is, those that are somehow already defined by the state/international standard or Construction Norms & Regulations: step height, dining table height, doorway, etc.
📌as per design - those that are determined by your idea, concept, sketch ...
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And if the first dimensions can be found on the Internet with one simple search: What is the height of a standard step... , then the second ones can be determined solely by you based on the idea, the golden ratio, the rule of third, and so on.
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No one will ever say what size should be the ornament on YOUR backdrop, the garlands in YOUR backlight. This is the work and profession of a decorator - to make it beautiful. The only thing they can answer you is how others have done it. And it's not a fact that it will be correct or along with your design setup.
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As for the ISO sizes, here is a short list (dimensions in mm):
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- Step size (PODIUM/PLATFORM HEIGHT) from 150 to 200 mm (Comfortable leg lift height);
- Dining table height from 720 to 780 mm (ISO 13025.3-85);
- The width of the dining area/ place setting for 1 person is from 600 mm. (This is not about the newlyweds' table, but about the calculation of the number of people at a round or rectangular/round table for a comfortable fit. Minimum 60 cm per person);
- The width of the table for the newlyweds: 1400 is small, 1600 is normal, 1800 is excellent, 2000 - a couple of arrangements will also fit;
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🖤Don't forget to put your like and save the useful article.
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What standard sizes do you use in your work? Let's create a decorator dimensions checklist.

production production

Neon sign substrate artwork ⚡️👩🏻‍🎨
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We take as a basis the sign take made on a sheet of acrylic. This means that we will draw the layout for CNC cutter. On a sheet of plexiglass, we need to cut a groove for laying neon and make a contour trim. The groove should turn out to be blind, not through hole, about 2mm deep.
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The first thing to remember is that the fewer pieces of neon are used in the sign, the easier it is to make it. In the layout from the example, there will be only one single piece at all. Ideal option: you do not need to solder anything, except for the input/output wiring.
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💥The sign itself must be drawn in one line. That is, in most cases they are stylized as handwritten text. If there are cross intersections in the inscription, then the lines do not go cross to cross, but, as it were, by combining two corners at one point. Notice, for example, how the letter O is made in the shape of a heart on the layout. There should be a cross at the bottom. But no, the lines just slightly touch each other.
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💥Second - we must take into account the thickness of the line. The example uses 6mm neon. This means that in the layout drawing the line should be 6mm wide and not cross each other at the points of contact. Otherwise, neon will not fit there. There is no reason to make the line wider, neon is elastic and will stick into the groove with little effort.
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💥Third - consider the step of cutting neon. Our neon has a pitch of 2.5 cm. And the layout before cutting was scaled so that the outline of the inscription along the middle line was clearly a multiple of 2.5 cm.
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You can cut the substrate itself around the sign at your discretion. The more acrylic you leave around the edges, the stronger and more aesthetic the sign will be. We usually leave 5 to 10 centimeters.
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Well, do not forget to determine from which side you will receive power and drill a through hole for the wires there.
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❤️Do not forget to like, it motivates us to continue writing useful articles)
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DOUBLE ADHESIVE TAPES: briefly and to the point.
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They can be divided by base materials and thickness.

Let's go through the subtle ones first:
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📍The cheapest is paper tape. This one is torn by hand and is only suitable for scrapbooking. This doesn't suit us.
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📍Middle class - polypropylene-based tape (usually PP is written in the name). Usually it is white, it is suitable when the load is not heavy.
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📍 And our life-savior is a tissue-based tape. HIPS and other plastics are usually paste with it on horizontal and vertical surfaces. It saves when you need to fix, for example, carpet. There is a reinforced version "for flooring".
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Thick tapes:

📍Foamed on a polypropylene basis. Ideal when the surfaces to be bonded are uneven. Tape slips and clings to bumps. And in general, such adhesive tapes usually have a strong adhesive layer; they are used, for example, to hang mirrors.

📍Professional tapes based on polyester. 3M 9088 for example. Used in the advertising industry and those who do not save on quality. Universal tape for smooth surfaces. LED strips are attached to it.

📍Silicone/ acrylic tape. It is also considered reinforced, as it sticks tightly to surface irregularities and even can seal.

Summary:
- if we paste big sheet flat materials - a wide fabric-based tape to be used.
- if something small, but highly important - foam or acrylic tapes.

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Life hacks when working with the tape:
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💡 When installing floor coverings, it must be used in tandem with masking tape. We apply masking tape on the floor, double tape on it and put carpet or polystyrene on this sandwich.
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💡 Surfaces must be cleaned of dust and moisture before pasting, the tape does not like dusty surfaces. For example, it is better to polish plywood before gluing.
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💡Get spare scissors for the tape. So that each time you do not clean them from glue.
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What did I forget?

How to mount fabric to metal frames?
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There is a metal frame. The shape/form does not matter and we desperately need to fix fabric on it, what should we do?
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Solution options:
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📌1. To wind the frame with ribbon and fix the fabric with the pins. Intuitive "old-school" method :)The ribbon needs to be bond very tightly, otherwise everything may fall apart
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📌2. To glue the fabric to the two-component adhesive. Prior to it wrap the frame with masking tape and fix to it.
"+"
- strong and fast
"-"
- the fabric will be spoiled, and the frame will need abrasive cleaning if not using masking tape.
Well, the cost of glue is to add to the costs.
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📌3. Attach plywood bars or slats to the frame (back side) and "sew" fabric onto the stapler (large banners are mounted to the frames exactly this way)
"+"
- you can pull large pieces of fabric
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- complicated framework of different materials, the fabric will get spoiled if dismantle is rough
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📌4. To Make a hem or casing on the fabric and pull it on the frame.
"+"
- fast
"- "
- proper pulling only "flag" format from top to bottom

📌5. Casing.
"+" quickly and accurately according to the shape of the frame
"-" not reusable, you need to sew from stretch fabric for a specific frame, there will be a hole on one side, it is difficult to “get around” the legs

📌6. Magnets.
"+" fast, reusable
"-" you will have to fork up for a batch of good magnets
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📌7. Double adhesive tape.
"+" not spoil the fabric
"-" the tape must be high quality and expensive, better cloth base. Tape is afraid of the heat. Not suitable for "heavy" fabrics.

What methods do you use?

You can ask your questions in DM.

PODIUM FOR PASTING/ STAND-ALONE
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In the previous article about podiums, we figured out that wooden podiums can be conditionally divided according to the type and method of the material application. ⠀
Stand-alone is suitable for installation without coating, if there is no budget for this at all. Or for finishing with polystyrene pasting.
⠀ ⠀ 🍳 The recipe for such a podium is quite simple:
⠀- plywood from 10 to 15mm
⠀- bar 40-40mm or 50-50mm
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⠀ 📍 A frame is made of a timber bar, to which legs with jibs are attached with the screws.
Leg braces are needed so that the legs do not buckle during a side push.
⠀ 📍 Plywood is screwed on top of the frame on the same screws.
⠀ 📍 Next, the podium must be thoroughly sanded and, if it is used without facing, cover with primer and paint.
That's all the story.
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The most difficult thing is to choose the step-lag for the size of the podium section so that it does not break under the onslaught of temperamental dances.
The general recommendation is this: if the plywood is 10mm, then the step is no more than 40 cm, if 12 - then up to 80cm, if 15, then 100-120cm.
We most often use 12mm plywood and 50-50 bar.
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Polystyrene on such a podium is to attach to a double fabric adhesive tape. A thin plastic corner is glued to the corners with glue or narrow double tape to hide the unevenness of the polystyrene sheets joint lines.

⠀ 💫Next time we'll tell you about the design of the podium for finishing with a banner or PVC stretch.
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🖤Don't forget to like and save the useful article!
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There are at least three technologies for fabricating signs from flexible LED neon (do not confuse it with phosphor glass tubes!)
✅The simplest and cheapest is on a rigid opaque plywood base. In this case, a special fastening profile is used to fasten the neon. You can use thick and bright neon, it is rigidly attached to the profile grooves and keeps its shape in the bends.
✅The most expensive one is on a transparent base made of plexiglass or polycarbonate. When a kind of "cloud"-form base is cut out, in which the lettering or a design from flexible neon is laid out on glue. Neon itself has to be taken the thinnest and least bright because it needs to be glued to the base which is itself thick and expensive for large designs.
✅And the golden mean is to bend the base from metal or die-cut it out of plywood. We most often use the latter method. Firstly, CNC is normally easy to get. Secondly, the frame turns out to be rigid and light, and thirdly, the assembly is greatly simplified.
Do you want a master class on making a neon sign?
Put your comments and if there is interest - we will make a video in the near future.

Like in the process of cooking or when you do home renovation, and in any other craft, in order to get a good result, you need to start with buying good products or good materials.
In the wooden decorations fabrication, even the simplest frames, the biggest problem for us can be a not very straight/ even bar. In general, the main disadvantage of wood as a material is its non-resistance to variable humidity and temperature. For example, the sections of frames you made after storing for the winter in an unheated warehouse can deform very badly and they will end up to be used for firewood.
So how do you choose the smoothest bar without resorting to the use of measuring instruments? To do this, it is enough for us to take the bar in our hands and look at it from the end, as if it's a gun sight. In this perspective, any minor flaw will become visible. In the photo there is a bar that we "shot through" from the end and it became clearly visible that it bends significantly to the left. Such a bar does not suit us at all.

Let's start with the fact that podiums, like backdrops, are recommended to be fabricated in sections. So they are easier to transport and you can, like construction blocks, assemble any size variations.
We use podiums 1 by 1.5 or 1.5 by 1.5 meters. This primarily allows you to assemble structures of different sizes in increments of 0.5 meters. Plus, it is convenient in terms of plywood consumption. One of the most common sizes of plywood sheet fits perfectly to such podium: it is 1.5 by 1.5 meters.
Well, not quite perfect, in reality it is 1.525 by 1.525 and will need to be trimmed a little.

The height of the podium is determined based on your task, podiums with a height of one step are used as standard, and this is from 14 to 21 cm according to most ISO. We use podiums with an average of 16 cm.
Simple podiums made of wood can be divided into two types:
- For stand-alone installation or for knurling,
- For upholstering with fabrics and linens.
Read more about the process of manufacturing different types of podiums in the following posts)