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Mark Edmondson from Capo Beach Church in Dana Point, CA brings us this cool string-ray-looking design.

They wanted to come up with a modern, but simple design for a series they were doing called “I Love My Church”. They had some unused flagging tape rolls laying around from a previous set design and decided to use it as their main material for this set. They sketched out some designs for the flagging tape and settled on this.

They also used foam core boards cut into 6″X6″ pieces and strung them with fishing line down the middle to fill in some empty spots directly behind the stage. They up-lit the foam to create some cool shadows.

They finished off by branding their series name by having some custom made decals made. They placed them on their drum shield as the center focal point of the design.

They already had the 16 LED lights it took to light this design. Overall it cost them 125 dollars to do this set and about 3 full days to install and focus lighting.

Design Inspiration and Process

The creative team at Capo Beach Church wanted to craft a visual experience that would resonate with their congregation during the “I Love My Church” sermon series. The goal was to create something that felt contemporary and artistic while remaining approachable and warm. The stingray-inspired pattern emerged from brainstorming sessions where the team explored organic shapes that could be created using linear materials.

Flagging tape, typically used for surveying and construction marking, proved to be an ideal medium for this project. Its lightweight nature allowed for easy manipulation, while the bright orange color provided excellent visibility and visual impact. The material’s affordability meant the team could experiment with different configurations without worrying about costly mistakes.

The installation process required careful planning and precise execution. Each strip of flagging tape needed to be measured, cut, and anchored at specific points to achieve the desired radiating pattern. The team worked systematically from the center outward, ensuring symmetry and balance in the final composition. The foam core elements added depth and dimension, creating layers that caught light differently throughout the service.

Lighting Considerations

The success of this design heavily depended on strategic lighting choices. The 16 LED fixtures were positioned to maximize the dramatic effect of the flagging tape’s reflective surface. Up-lighting played a crucial role in creating the shadow patterns that added visual interest to the foam core squares. The lighting team programmed different scenes to complement various moments in the worship experience, from high-energy songs to more contemplative prayer times.

Color temperature adjustments allowed the design to transform throughout the service. Warmer tones created an intimate atmosphere during message delivery, while cooler hues energized the space during musical worship. The versatility of LED technology meant these transitions could happen seamlessly without distracting from the flow of the service.

Related Designs

Explore these other creative stage designs that use similar linear elements and innovative materials:

• Interlocking Lines – A geometric board design with horizontal and vertical elements that creates stunning visual texture
• Lines of Color – Polyethylene tubing arranged in vibrant vertical lines for a bold, modern look
• The Weave Love – An intricate woven pattern using corrugated plastic sheets for dimensional depth
• Criss Cross – Twisted fabric panels that create dynamic diagonal lines across the stage
• Echo Lines – Creative use of fluorescent tubes suspended with fishing line for a minimalist aesthetic

Pro Tips for Similar Designs

1. Plan Your Anchor Points Carefully
Before installing any hanging elements, map out your anchor points on the ceiling or truss system. Use a laser level to ensure your lines will hang straight and create the intended pattern. Test the weight capacity of your mounting hardware—flagging tape is light, but multiple strands can add up.

2. Layer Your Lighting
Don’t rely on a single lighting angle. Combine up-lighting, down-lighting, and side-lighting to reveal different textures and create visual interest. LED fixtures with color-changing capabilities will give you the most flexibility for different service moods and themes.

3. Budget for Extras

When working with inexpensive materials like flagging tape, buy 20-30% more than your calculations suggest. Having extra material on hand allows for mistakes, adjustments, and last-minute creative additions. The low cost of these materials makes overbuying a smart insurance policy.

4. Consider Movement and Flow

Think about how your design will look from different angles in the room. Walk the space during installation to ensure the design reads well from the back rows, side sections, and stage level. Small adjustments to line angles can dramatically improve the overall visual impact.

Related: Words with Friends – Uses foam materials – similar construction techniques.