I created a Backdrop 1 that I now want to flip vertically and save as Backdrop 2 to simulate a scrolling background. How do I get the duplicate to paste into a new blank design area? I have tried all the usual methods I know of. Arrggh!

Just go to the drawing editor of your original backdrop.
Then at the left of the editor you right clicking on the small icon of your original backdrop and you select “duplicate” on the small pop-up menu.
Then you select this new copy to edit it.
The only thing you should do is the following:
1) IF your backdrop is in VECTOR mode, you select everything and group (see small icon at the bottom right on the tool palette) and then you select the “mirror” tool at the top right of the your image.
2) IF your backdrop is in BITMAP mode, just convert it in VECTOR mode and do as explaine din VECTOR mode.