Seattle-based event designer Matthew Parker (206.218.7969, matthewparkerevents.com) specializes in using paper to create custom, site-specific props and decor, like this paper-airplane installation designed for HeARTbeat, a fund-raiser for the Artfund Associates in June at the EMP Museum in Seattle. Inspired by Boeing, one of the nonprofit’s largest supporters, Parker strung 1,000 paper airplanes crafted from old Artfund newsletters from the venue’s ceiling. “When designing for large spaces on a tight budget, it’s important to think big and in multiples,” Parker said. “I like using paper decor at events because it’s cheap and versatile.” In addition to intricately cut and folded paper, Parker’s installations have also incorporated coffee filters, paper snow cone cups, and cardboard.
Photo: Jena Lacomis Garcia
Liven up in-office celebrations with the Tangram Printable Party DĂ©cor set from Melangerie Inc. The PDF file, $12, includes instructions for printing, cutting, and assembling signage, place cards, mobiles, table runners, and more.
Photo: Jen Huang Photography
Zipper 8 Lighting (zipper8lighting.etsy.com) offers pendant lamps, from $65 each, created using pages from novels, sheet music, and phone books.
Photo: Courtesy of Zipper 8 Lighting
Custom paper flower displays, like these designed by Ara Farnam of Rock Paper Scissors Events in New York, can replace pricier fresh flower centerpieces.
Photo: Lauren Gabrielle Photography
Ceci New York’s intricate lasercut paper placemats, $25.95 for four, and place cards, $12.95 for eight, are available in a variety of coordinating patterns and shapes.
Photo: Courtesy of Ceci New York
D. Sharp’s (studiodsharp.com) hand-drawn Letterpress Boomboxes, $12 each, slide open so they can hold small favors.
Photo: Courtesy of D. Sharp
Adorn cocktails and desserts with Sweet Déjà Vu’s (sweet dejavu.etsy.com) edible pieces of rice paper, from $3 for 30, in the shape of snowflakes, flowers, leaves, and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Sweet DĂ©jĂ Vu
Luna Bazaar’s (800.223.1106, lunabazaar.com) White Pizelle Designer Paper Lantern collection, from $28 each for orders of 12 or more, offers eight lacy design options.
Photo: Courtesy of Luna Bazaar
Floral and event designer Natasha Lisitsa of Waterlily Pond used extra-large paper flowers, two for $19.99, from Mexevents (888.722.4264, mexevents.com) to decorate an entryway at an event in San Francisco.
Photo: Erin Beach Photography
Artist Julene Harrison (madebyjulene.com) creates custom, hand-cut table numbers, from about $50 each, with discounts for orders of 10 or more. Her designs can be modern or intricate, and are easily slipped into acrylic photo frames for display.
Photo: Courtesy of Julene Harrison
The Chanel Flower Screen, available to rent through Ruth Fischl, $700 per panel, can function as a room divider, back-bar display, or arrivals backdrop.
Photo: Courtesy of Ruth Rischl
