Determine which items are "hero" props (seen up close) and which are background dressing (filler). Research the Era:

With a solid concept and feedback from the director and production designer, it's time to create the prop. This involves:

Patterns that are too fine can cause "shimmering" on digital sensors. The Aging Process (Distressing)

: Use light watercolor washes (gray or brown), tea staining, or light misting with black spray paint to create a "lived-in" texture. Heineken.com Reference Resources & PDF Guides Designing Graphic Props For Filmmaking - Heineken.com

: While a broader resource, this instructional book provides essential techniques for construction and finishing that apply to physical graphic props.

Fake Love Letters, Forged Telegrams, and Prison Escape Maps: Designing Graphic Props for Filmmaking , serves as the definitive manual. The Blueprint for a Graphic Prop