DIY Invitations

Written by Jen Kiaba Barry Saturday, 20 February 2010 19:09

After a few weeks of dabbling - and managing to not set my house on fire with the candles project - I've decided to take a plunge of sorts. I've decided to walk in the shoes of the DIY Bride and see what kinds of easy and fun crafts can take you from the popping of the question to down the aisle! Not to worry - with me as your trusty guide, you can be assured that none of the crafts presented here will be beyond your skill level (after all, I have to successfully complete them!) and if there ever are any particularly difficult project, I will always suggest easier alternatives!

So let's say that he's popped the question, you've done the whirlwind of engagement parties and finally set the date. Now it's time to let the world know and invite them to your shindig! There are a ton of great resources out there for printing your own invitations, and we may spend a few weeks on a couple of fun variations - from traditional to totally wacky.

The most intriguing that I've found so far is this mini-envelope from I Still Love You. There is a download -able template online that is free for personal use. I love this because it's a fun and unexpected way to send out invitations.

Now this may be a tad informal, but would be great for relaxed wedding or for inviting guests to a Bridal Shower or another related event.

Supplies:

• Fun paper (preferably 8.5"/11") of a sturdy stock
• Scissors
• Glue Stick

See? Simple! (I told you!)

Directions:

Because I was working with paper that was decorated on one side and blank on the other, I had to learn which way to feed the paper into the printer. After a few gos I realized that the decorated side faces up. So try it out with some cheap paper that you've marked with references first so that you don't waste any nice paper. Once you have your template printed out just cut, fold and fill out the fields with your wedding or party information!

Next comes the seal. If you've had a strong desire for a fun paper punch, this would be the time to give in. You local craft store should probably have 1" punches in all kinds of designs. Or you can save some money and just cut out a fun design. But if you're like me, a paper punch will save you a lot of wasted material and mumbled curse words.

Now all the remains is to affix your seal! Fold the corners of your invitation much in the same way you would the flaps of a box so that each flap overlaps the next. This requires a bit of a deft move to tuck the last flap under the first. Once you have it, put a tad of glue stick on the corners of your seal (avoid the middle, otherwise you run the risk of gluing the seal to the exposed bit of the inside of the invitation). Affix and voila! You are all set to drop that baby into a cute envelope and mail it on out.

The Stats:

Cost – Decorative paper varies. You can find it in books, in packs of 10 sheets, or singly. Buying in bulk will usually save you money. I got my book of 50 sheets for about $15.

Difficulty – So easy! Pop a movie in the background, make a cup of tea and have fun!

Time – How many people are coming to your wedding...? Each card took less than five minutes from start to finish. If you are having a small wedding, this could be done during a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Fiance Friendliness – Pop on "Road Warrior" and hand him a pair of scissors!

Jen Kiaba is a photographer and burgeoning crafter who lives in Rhinebeck, NY with her lovely boyfriend, two crazy cats and an adorable basset hound. When her hands aren't covered in tacky glue, she specializes in taking romantic portraits of happy couples in the Hudson Valley!