I love the transformative capabilities of paper, there are just so many incredible possibilities. It’s also a relatively inexpensive resource to create magic and decor for any event or space! This project can be as simple and fast, or complex as you have time for. Don’t have time to spray paint, not a problem! Leave the paper white for a softer, minimal approach. Want this to last longer than just the weekend of your party, use fast tack glue instead of tape.

Materials needed: bond paper rolls (3″ width), scotch tape or fast tack glue, scissors, masking tape, spray paint in your color choice

Step 1: Cut bond paper into strips, these can vary in length. Measure the longest point you want your backdrop to be and start with that measurement, then progressively cut the following pieces shorter.

Step 2: At one end of a paper strip, pull the corners to each other and tack in place with a small piece of scotch tape. If you have more time and would like this to last for longer than a weekend, use fast tack glue and slightly overlap the corners to adhere together. Continue to repeat this step for every paper strip.

Step 3: Lay down a sheet of plastic tarp in a well ventilated area, and spray paint the the front sides of the paper. You likely won’t need to paint the backside if this will hang on a wall, just make sure you spray inside the little cone and around the edge. Tip: We originally used receipt paper, but thermal receipt paper reacts with many spray paint colors and turns black as the paint dries, so make sure you purchase bond paper or non thermal receipt paper!

Step 4: Choose your spot to display your festive backdrop and tape to wall with masking tape. Start with the very bottom piece and layer out and upwards, paying attention to the placement of the strip ends, and slightly staggering the height.

Photography by Laura Sumrak