DIY Invitations

[rubyslippers]

I love the possibilities that exist in making my own invitations. I don't want anything I've seen in the catalogs that have arrived at my house. Has anyone here undertaken this? What are your tips? I'd love to see pictures! Especially from fall brides. On the other site I fell in love with the invites Young Lioness made but since the conversion I haven't been able to find pictures of her actual invite. I'm counting on you ladies to inspire me. :D

[mrsliby2004]

I made my own, but they are not fall themed. They were star themed as well as the rest of my wedding. Here they are:
http://images.snapfish.com/3443552323232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2323%3D578%3D59%3A%3D3 2325784%3A9%3A28nua593fj0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/3443552323232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E232%3A%3D9%3A6%3D%3B38 %3DXROQDF%3E23234875%3A89%3A6ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/3443552323232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2323%3D578%3D59%3A%3D3 2325784%3A9%3A2%3Anua593fj0mrj

[Sazoo]

I made our invites too. Also made STDs & programs. :D

Our invitations were square-shaped. I used a dark purple cardstock with a nice texture to it (which is hard to see in the photos) for the background. I printed on this gorgeous vellum with a pretty silver leafy pattern, & then put a layer of silver paper (Stardream paper) behind the vellum to frame it. I tied the invitation, along with the RSVP postcard & the directions/map & OOT guest info card together with a purple raffia ribbon which I tied in a bow. I strung a small silver tag on the bow that had the names of the guests who were invited (used this instead of having an "inner envelope", so the tags said things like "Mike & Susan").
http://images.snapfish.com/3443598%3B23232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2329%3D%3A%3B9%3D493 %3DXROQDF%3E23235425747%3B3ot1lsi

Picture of the back, where you can see the RSVP postcard & the map/directions:
http://images.snapfish.com/3443598%3B23232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2329%3D%3A%3B9%3D493 %3DXROQDF%3E2323542578437ot1lsi
I mailed them in square silver envelopes.

ETA - I got quite a few compliments on our invitations...in addition to someone who said "You should have called me - I could have made these for a lot cheaper than you must have paid for them!" I took that as a compliment that they looked professionally-made. ;)

As for DIY tips, I was really glad that I had all of my invitation papers cut at a print shop rather than doing it myself with the papercutter at my office. I think that contributed a lot to them looking so nice & clean & professional. Also, I had trouble finding a print shop (Kinko's, etc.) who would print on that patterned vellum paper, so I ended up printing everything myself using a laser printer at work. ;) This was kind of a PITA, but it saved me some $$. And the most important tip - don't necessarily assume that going DIY with your invitations will mean that you spend less $$ on them than if you had them professionally made. You certainly can do it inexpensively if you pick a simple design & use inexpensive supplies, but personally, when all was said & done I definitely spent as much or even slightly more than I would have spent if I'd had my invitations made for me by someone else. :eek: That said...it was really a fun process & I was so proud of my work afterwards, so regardless of the $$ I'm really glad I did them myself.

Good luck!

[granada]

Sazoo ~ Your invites are gorgeous! :) Where did you get your leafy vellum paper and your purple cardstock? I may be making invitations for a friend of mine, and she loves purple, so I'm planning ahead and getting some ideas.

[Sazoo]

Hi Granada - Thanks! :)

The leafy vellum I got from a local paper/invitation store called Merchants Art & Paper (www.merchantsartandpaper.com). I don't know if they sell anything through their website though - I bought the paper from their store here in WA.

The purple cardstock I bought from a few different stores that I found it at because some of the stores didn't have as many sheets as I needed. Found it at Michael's in big sheets, & found smaller sheets at Aaron Brothers Art & Framing. I think I saw it at a few other paper stores too during my paper hunt when I was designing my invitations.

Here is a closer-up picture of a mock-up invite, so that you can see the color & texture of the purple paper better (please excuse the uneven cutting lines - I cut this one by hand when I was playing around with design ideas).
http://images.snapfish.com/3443598%3B23232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2329%3D%3A%3B9%3D493 %3DXROQDF%3E23234%3C%3A%3C%3A%3C997ot1lsi

[granada]

Thanks for the fast response! I might have to find you and ask you more questions when I actually start working on the invites. ;)

[Sazoo]

Thanks for the fast response! I might have to find you and ask you more questions when I actually start working on the invites. ;)
Feel free to ask away - I'm happy to help! :D

[rubyslippers]

Ladies,

BOTH of these are beautiful. You did a great job. I will definately have to give it a shot. ;)

[stochasticgirl]

Not quite fall, but here are the invitations we made for our winter wedding. It was really quite easy, and I think it ended up costing around $1.40 per invitation.

http://members.aol.com/laij2/propics/preceremony/slides/invitations.jpg

Here are the different parts: the invitation, reception card, RSVP card & envelope, website card, and directions card.

http://members.aol.com/stochasticgirl/invitation_gold_1sm.jpg

[maplekitty]

This just goes to show that I have no idea how to use my fancy digital camera! HAH! Sorry if the pics are blurry, I can't for the life of my take a close-up clear picture, it drives me crazy!
However you get the jist of the pictures...

The is the bellyband with the phrase "As unique as a seahell, and as deep as the sea; As eternal as the waves, our love is meant to be"
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid173/pa4801c4e75e569673ff44ba542187afe/f3ab130c.jpg

Curt's job was the spray the vellum with spray adhesive, while I placed them meticulously on the pocket-folds. Unfortunately that spray adhesive is a b*tch to work with and we lost a few vellum sheets.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid173/pc7b7a056d938797cf0dc7b16e8f6fcb3/f3ab286b.jpg

Our swirly vellum on the pocketfolds. Little bits of fuzz kept getting stuck on the underside and we kept getting frustrated saying "who's bright idea was it again, to put clear vellum ona white background"? LOL
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid173/pb507648a576bc94640b76329fae3d505/f3ab2878.jpg


I came home one day from work to find Curt happily tying the direction card and response card with the ribbons, aaawww muffin was so cute!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid173/p632fee6d6a8ffc2038c7f85da64e95b3/f3ab289a.jpg

Here's the response card, front and back. I stamped our seashell and a Love stamp in gold ink.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid173/pc032eb6115ba382d59acdda9f77a1666/f3ab288d.jpg

[maplekitty]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid173/pfdfb3aa005646fb228be2b62055572f5/f3ab287f.jpg

And the direction card Curt so pain-stakingly designed and photo-shopped from mapquest.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid173/p110f1d46c221b88a94633d6e17fa2a57/f3ab2874.jpg

Our invitations, all glued together.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid173/pc416f9f599fb9f1234b2eec638443771/f3ab2882.jpg

We wish for you our family and friends,
To share with us the beauty of this day,
As we joyously unite in marriage

Sarah Louise XXxx
&
Curtis Ronald XXxx

Pledge their love to one another
on
Saturday, the twenty-seventh of August
Two-thousand and five
at
ten o'clock in the morning

Crystal Water Beach
Point Roberts, Washington
United States of America

Brunch reception to follow

The final product, with a pretty peach bow
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid173/p6ae0eed454e61c29948bb43640665f39/f3ab2887.jpg

The envelopes that I hand addressed. I tired calligraphing, but honestly it took forever to do just one sample envelope, so I gave up and decided just to do a nice script. I think they turned out lovely.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid173/p8412deab98cf75f65758b975c68f245d/f3ab289f.jpg

[domesticdreamer]

Here are the invites I made for my SIL's wedding. The cardstock was Stardream in chocolate brown. The rest was a textured ivory topped with ivory vellum. The print was in chocolate, as was the ribbon.

They were very cheap and easy to make. Can't find a pic of the RSVP, envelopes, etc.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc20b3127cce9ff7d14d636a00000025138AaNGzJq3ctN

[rubyslippers]

These are all BEAUTIFUL!

[KeliAnn]

... subscribing ...

[mrsliby2004]

jennylou I am so excited to see you!! Ladies, jenny's invites were actually my inspiration!! I owe her all my thanks for the idea!!

[BethElena]

Here is my pic. Bad pic, but they were simple and yet elegant. Nobody had a clue that I printed them on a laser printer!

I really like you other lady's ideas! If I had more time I would have stolen some of those ideas! :) http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid173/pee459149876fc88dbb92c8601c22b317/f3b46a4d.jpg

[jenji]

mine aren't nearly as elegant as most of these posted. You girls have made some truly beautiful invites that are works of art!
this was my first sample, the actual ones were a bit neater
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3cc23b3127cce9b1be0c11a6600000015108AcsWjJy1aNc

our main goal was saving $$. it cost about $40 total to do 200 invites,envelopes and all the fixin's, so mission accomplished

[mrstim]

Here are my invitations:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4cc08b3127cce9d819d6115a200000016108AbtGzJk4Ytf
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4cc08b3127cce9d819d74948700000016108AbtGzJk4Ytf
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4cc08b3127cce9d819d68949b00000025118AbtGzJk4Ytf

:) Not too fancy, but I liked them!

[Twylla]

Young lioness made some incredible invites! I know that she's on CC, I've seen her around on the gardenning forum if you want to try that route (hope you don't mind YL!). Also, Tamara on these boards (she has a journal in the T section) made some beauitful invites that you could tailor to any season, and I know she'd be MORE than happy to share her info.

Other than that, I'd suggest sitting down with a big pile of cardstock in the colours you're thinking of using, some scissors and glue, and start making little sample ideas. I did that until i was blue in the face and dH finally said, "Shouldn't the invitation have a black and white hoto on it?" Sigh. Anyway, after that I was able to come up with something cute using black and white photo booth pics on the front. i don't have any pics, but if you take a ncie afternoon, I'm sure you'll come up with some great ideas. Good luck!

[Darlene&Scott]

I have my DIY pocketfolds in my journal on CC under d if you want.

[Christy]

I need help ladies..... I am DIYing my invites and looking for this font.... does anyone have it or know the name of it?? Once I have my invites complete I will take pictures and share. :D Thanks a bunch!!!! Christy

http://hometown.aol.com/christymw2/beautiful_font.jpg

[MeTheGirlie]

Those look like calligraphy to me, not sure if there *is* a font for it.

[mrspugglesworth]

Try www.dafont.com , they have TONS of script/calligraphy fonts that are free to download.

[Sonicstef]

No such font, thats real calligraphy.

[Squee]

*BUMP* I love all the pretty DIY invites! you girls a soo good at DIY..Will post mine when we have a final result.

[Sunshine]

Here were my DIY.....
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc01b3127cce90096f25daab00000016108AZtWrZm3btQ
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc01b3127cce9009631bda9300000016108AZtWrZm3btQ

I dont have any pics of the actual cards uploaded yet.........

[GeekGirl]

Wow, that last one is awesome...would you mind sharing how you put that together?

[Larissa]

Does anyone mind sharing how much their invite cost per invite to make?

TIA!!

[Sunshine]

Wow, that last one is awesome...would you mind sharing how you put that together?
So sorry it took me so long to get back here. I actually posted a how to on the "other site" so here is a link to that!
How To (http://boards.weddingchannel.com/thread.jspa?threadID=484607&tstart=90)

Does anyone mind sharing how much their invite cost per invite to make?
I really dont know off hand...........Sorry. Around $100 for about 90 invites.....

[lelee17]

Tamara - great job on the invite! How did you get the flap/seal to actually stay down? is that with the ribbon?

I'm making invites for someone. I was originally gonna use temporary glue dots, but I can't seem to find them anywhere.(And the bride does NOT want to use ribbon - she wants to use some type of adhesive.) We're doing a pocketfold for her invites, as well.

Suggestions?

[Sunshine]

Tamara - great job on the invite! How did you get the flap/seal to actually stay down? is that with the ribbon?

I'm making invites for someone. I was originally gonna use temporary glue dots, but I can't seem to find them anywhere.(And the bride does NOT want to use ribbon - she wants to use some type of adhesive.) We're doing a pocketfold for her invites, as well.

Suggestions?

I actually used a cardboard and paper glue... (http://www.saunders-usa.com/images/44000Creativ.jpg) FH really wanted to make it "final" and make each guest feel like they were the first to open it, so yes we glued the monogram shut. I put a small dot of glue on the bottom of the monogra square and a thin line on the top...then just eyeballed it to make it as even as possible.
I just added the ribbon b/c it to me made it look more finished!
If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask! I did them all by myself!

[Sazoo]

Tamara - great job on the invite! How did you get the flap/seal to actually stay down? is that with the ribbon?

I'm making invites for someone. I was originally gonna use temporary glue dots, but I can't seem to find them anywhere.(And the bride does NOT want to use ribbon - she wants to use some type of adhesive.) We're doing a pocketfold for her invites, as well.

Suggestions?

Perhaps spray glue? It's sort of messy, but it doesn't stick super duper well (especially if you get the removable/adjustable kind rather than permanent) so you could maybe spray glue the flap shut lightly enough that guests could pop them open when they get the invitation. Or maybe vellum tape, which comes in a tape runner thingy & is clear...

You should be able to find either of these adhesives at a paper supply store, Michael's, etc. I used both for my invitations.

Good luck!

[Darlene&Scott]

There's double sided non perm and perm types. just roll and press. That's what I'm using to close my pocketfolds

[calliope_muses]

I'm on a roll posting in all the wedding-related threads tonight! Feeling nostalgic, I guess...

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3da22b3127cce9fb51e3e6f3400000016108AaMmTJw5Zs0

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3da22b3127cce9fb51e3fee0500000016108AaMmTJw5Zs0

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3da22b3127cce9fb51e3c6f3600000016108AaMmTJw5Zs0

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3da22b3127cce9fb51e3dee0700000015108AaMmTJw5Zs0

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3da22b3127cce9fb51e3bee0100000016108AaMmTJw5Zs0

[GeekGirl]

Thank you, Tamara! Those invites are awesome - FH and I just love them!

[zarabunny]

Hi Guys, here are my invites, I was originally going to use a monogram on them but I decided not to use it for this but something else, I really like how they turned out. For those of you who are printing your own invites, especially if they have color in them, how far in advance are you printing and assembling them? Thanks

http://images9.fotki.com/v189/photos/1/133255/2435632/invite-vi.jpg

http://images9.fotki.com/v180/photos/1/133255/2435632/invipic-vi.jpg

[rubyslippers]

These are all BEAUTIFUL! I've got quite a few great ideas. Thanks

[jewamese]

mrstim, your invites are beautiful. Mind sharing how you knotted the ribbon?

[Sunshine]

Thank you, Tamara! Those invites are awesome - FH and I just love them!

AWE! Thank you, and No problem!
I have had SUCH great feedback on them, I hope you do too:D (If you decide to make them :))

[mlfallis]

I decided to make a gate folder invitation after seeing a sample on the other site. Here are my original samples:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d925b3127cce92c45fea958b00000015108AYsXDFmzZOK
Closed Invitation

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d925b3127cce92c45ff314a200000016108AYsXDFmzZOK
Open invitation

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d925b3127cce92c45fff14ae00000015108AYsXDFmzZOK
All the pieces

I have templates for the invites if anyone is interested.

(The background colour is actually cream no yellowy)

[MandyMaloo]

Wow!! You ladies have such beautiful invites!

I was planning on making my own, but since I've started looking into it a little more, it looks like it's almost going to be more expensive to make them! :( I'm trying to make 300 invites, response cards, etc. and I'm trying to not to go broke doing it ;).

I don't want to be nosey, but if anyone feels comfortable giving me a ballpark on how much they paid for materials, etc. that would give me a better idea of what I need to look into.

Thank you in advance to anyone who responds! And your invites are AWESOME!! :) :)

[berry]

Here are the Save the Dates I made for my sister's wedding. Her colors are navy & silver and she is using stars as a theme.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d727b3127cce93b0b24dbf9d00000015108AcOGTFu3Zsw

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5db31b3127cce91da028156e400000026128AcOGTFu3Zsw

[Atlanta_eBride]

Here are mine:

http://www.elephantwedding.com/wc/invite01.jpg
http://www.elephantwedding.com/wc/invite_final01.jpg
http://www.elephantwedding.com/wc/invite_final02.jpg

[berry]

And here is the sample for my sister's invite. She chose this one from several designs. This design is heavily influenced by Sazoo Thanks ;)

I still have to design the rsvp card & map card.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d727b3127cce93b008bcbf3100000016108AcOGTFu3Zsw

The back paper is Stardream Iris Blue and on top of that is Stardream Silver.

[JNN]

Here are my DIY invites.....

Closed invite, with the bellyband with the guests name on it (instead of inner envelope):
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/jennifer000/inviteclosed.jpg

Back of the invite, with a leaf on the bellyband and the lined envelope:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/jennifer000/inviteback.jpg

Open invitation:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/jennifer000/entireinviteweb.jpg

RSVP and Reception card and RSVP envelope:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/jennifer000/rightinserts.jpg


I loved making my invites, and it's so fun to get good feedback on them! :D

It was a lot of work, but so worth it.

[framboise]

*Bump*

I'm still collecting ideas for DIY invitations so if anyone has more pics, please keep posting! The only problem is that with too many good ideas, I may never be able to make a decision! :p

I have what might be a really stupid question: for those of you who have pockets for all your additional information, how did you make the pockets? :confused:

[mlfallis]

I forget about this thread. My MAIN suggestion it to look at the envelopes first. I wanted cream and they were a pain to find, plus if I had changes the size of hte invite it would have been easier.

Good Luck

[tlew12778]

for those of you who have pockets for all your additional information, how did you make the pockets? :confused:
They're not hard to make if you have the time to cut. You basically need to have an extra flap for the pocket with wings to glue it down. Some ppl just do without the wings and use a ribbon to keep the extra flap down and create the pocket. In the end I decided I didn't want to deal with all the cutting involved bc I found pocketfolds for $1.29 each.

[smittee]

You ladies are so talented! I want to try to make my own to. I am going to start working on them this month and see what I come up with. Wish me luck!:o

[luzbel]

This is just a mock up, but I couldn't wait to come in here and posted.
Hand calligraphed by yours truly :) We'll see howthe finished ones come out
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a344/libael/invite.jpg

[Atlanta_eBride]

I have what might be a really stupid question: for those of you who have pockets for all your additional information, how did you make the pockets? :confused:

I purchased mine from Remote Assistance (http://www.remoteassistance.com). This was a former bride from the other site that started her own business about 3 years ago. Not only did I use her to buy my pocketfolds from for my wedding but I buy them from her for my business as well.

[Sazoo]

For all of you DIY brides-to-be who are working on invitations, I thought I'd mention that I got a coupon in the mail today from Paper Zone for 40% off any purchase of one non-sale item. You can use the coupon from 11/3-11/13 on their website (www.paperzone.com) by entering coupon code HOLIDAY during checkout.

There are Paper Zone stores near where I live so I bought almost all of the paper supplies for our STDs & invitations from their stores. They have a great selection of paper, envelopes, etc.

:)

[nuhmah]

Our invites were Christmas themed

the whole ensemble
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4ce05b3127cce9b2d2c37138a00000016108BYt2rVwyau

Threre was a snowflake embossed at the top, on the RSVP cards, and on a vellum overlay
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d633b3127cce9b2d2c557e2400000026108BYt2rVwyau
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d633b3127cce9b2d2c52ff1300000035108BYt2rVwyau

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d633b3127cce9b2d2c537e2200000036108BYt2rVwyau

Belly Band - we printed the names of the guests invited on them
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d601b3127cce9b2d2c5c577000000016108BYt2rVwyau

I took the $$$ I saved, and got all my outer envelopes calligraphied
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4ce23b3127cce9b2d2c4f506c00000016108BYt2rVwyau

[jacaranda]

here's mine:

I'm copying these Jean M invitations
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/_laurii_/invites.jpg

the one I made, the lighting is kind of bad
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/_laurii_/PICT0013.jpg

and the real color of the inner envelopes
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/_laurii_/innerenvelopes.jpg

[tenofcups]

Bumping in case anyone has any new ones to post. All the ones here so far are great! We're about to start figuring out what we want to do so it's great to see more ideas!

JNN--If you're still reading, where did you get the lined envelopes and your brown pockets (would that be the right word?). Love the color and am thinking of using something similar...

[tlew12778]

They sell foil lined envelopes on marcopaper.com.

Has anyone seen 7.5"x7.5" foil lined envelopes? I have found every other size but these.

[JNN]

tenofcups: I actually lined the envelopes myself. I made a template by opening up the envelope and cutting it to size. Then I used that to cut the paper (Stardream Metallic Bronze - text weight paper) and used permanent adhesive to attach the lining to the envelope (you only need to adhere it to the flap). Let me know if that makes sense! :)

I also made the chocolate "pockets" myself as well. The chocolate cardstock is the same Stardream Metallics "Bronze" as was used for the lining of the envelopes. I bought the cardstock from www.paper-papers.com. They sell the full size sheets, and you can have them cut the full sheets to size for you. The size of my invites were 7"x15" - so I just had them cut the full sheets to that size. It worked out well. Then I just had to score them and cut the corners off.

I then used the Stardream Metallics "Mars" cardstock for the red bands that the cards slipped in to. I cut thin strips of the red cardstock and glued it to the chocolate cardstock.

Let me know if anyone of that made any sense....I think I'm kind of sleepy!! Also, if you have any other questions just let me know. I LOVED making the invitations and am happy to share any of my lessons learned! :D

[tenofcups]

JNN Thank you! I think I might be able to tackle lining the envelopes myself if I have to (though that still seems like a lot of work!), but I'm pretty sure I want to buy pre-made pocketfolds. LOVE your colors though and it's very helpful to know what that brown is. Thanks again for your help and I might have more questions as I get into it... ;)

[Chicagobride2be]

I did my own 7x7 Pocketfold invites:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5da03b3127cce910ef6aef2b300000016108AcOGbZq3bNk
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5da03b3127cce910eeb0ab28100000016108AcOGbZq3bNk

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5da03b3127cce910ef766b2e300000016108AcOGbZq3bNk
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5da03b3127cce910ee81df20f00000016108AcOGbZq3bNk
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5da00b3127cce91018f45fbf700000026118AcOGbZq3bNk

It was a lot of work. :eek: Did I say a lot of work. But in the end it was worth it. They cost us $2.34 per invite for the material to do them, a lot cheaper then buying

[framboise]

We're narrowing down what we're giong to do for our DIY invitations and I think that we're going to have a vellum top layer. For those of you who had a vellum layer somewhere in your invitations, how did you attach it? I noticed that Maplekitty mentioned that spray adhesive was kind of a pain in the neck. Does anyone else have any recommendations? Or ways to make spray adhesive less of a pain in the neck?

[Sazoo]

I used vellum too. I used 2 different types of adhesive - spray adhesive, & Scotch Vellum Tape (see pic below - I bought it at Michael's). The tape worked better & was a bit less messy, but it kind of showed through the vellum a bit so I ended up using spray glue on some & vellum tape on others. Oh, & it took a LOT of vellum tape - I had to keep going back to the store to buy more rolls! :eek:

http://www.michaels.com/online/images/product/thumb/sb0070.jpg.jpg

Good luck!

[dpangel33]

We're narrowing down what we're giong to do for our DIY invitations and I think that we're going to have a vellum top layer. For those of you who had a vellum layer somewhere in your invitations, how did you attach it? I noticed that Maplekitty mentioned that spray adhesive was kind of a pain in the neck. Does anyone else have any recommendations? Or ways to make spray adhesive less of a pain in the neck?

I had a vellum overlay on my invites as well. I designed them to have a colored backing that then attatched to a pocketfold. I made the vellum 1/4 inch longer at the top so I could fold the flap over and glue/tape it to the back of the backing. I ended up using double sided tape instead of messing with glue.

I have been meaning to take pictures of all my DIY stuff and keep forgetting. Once I get some loaded I'll come back and post pics so you can get a better idea of what I'm talking about.

[maplekitty]

I used white/clear vellum, over white paper. Thus the frenzy of fuzzies being trapped underneath. What colour combo are you going for, because if you're using a darker paper background, I think you'd have less problems.

I don't think there's anyway of getting around the fuzzies, they are just little dust particles in the air, you know?

Some other things to consider when using the spray adhesive:

-put down a layer of plastic on your table. We just layed down newspaper, and the spray got underneath and left a nice layer of adhesive on our coffee table. We also got black ink from the newspaper on our fingers that then got transfered to the corners of the vellum when we picked it up. It was frustrating and after a while we just said F-it and kept on going.

-keep lots of doors and windows open when spraying...it's very stinky!!

-Do a kind of assembly line with a bunch of vellum peices, and then attach to paper backing. Less mess, less trasfer of finger prints, etc

[framboise]

WOW!! You ladies are really quick with the replies! Thanks a lot for sharing your wisdom! Once we get to the assembly stage (still a few months away), I'll have to come back here for a refresher.

Sazoo, your invitations were so beautiful! They are classic but unique at the same time. You did a really great job with them. I might steal the tag in place of the outer envelope idea if you don't mind!

dpangel33, I would love to see pictures if you get them uploaded one of these days! Making the vellum a little larger and attaching it to the back is a really good idea! *Mental note*

maplekitty, the layer below the vellum is most likely going to be a cream or white with a pattern so we'll probably fall into a similar trap that you did. All of your hints are really good though. I'll keep them all in mind.

[tlew12778]

Do you have a picture of what you want to design? Or something similar? It's hard for me to grasp exactly what you have in mind for top layer... other options include an eyelet (or 2 or 4) or corners. Like this:
http://www.eiffelprintdesign.com/Main/GalleryItems/v2Images/invite9b.jpg
http://www.eiffelprintdesign.com/Main/GalleryItems/v2Images/invite13.jpg

[jesseybell]

These are made using Envelopements from MyGatsby.com - The black linen 5x5 envelope and Kimono Red big squares and little squares. I had everything printed and cut at Kinkos using smooth bright white cardstock. The envelopes I ran through my computer.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5db29b3127cce91d63f8bdbd900000016108GcOHDZu2A

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5db29b3127cce91d63c7e9bb500000015108GcOHDZu2A

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf25b3127cce955d370e29be00000016108GcOHDZu2A

[DelSol]

I did my own but bought the invitations with the background all ready printed up, it fit our wedding perfectly:

http://images.snapfish.com/3454362%3B23232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2336%3D%3B3%3C%3D53% 3A%3DXROQDF%3E23236367%3A%3B4%3C6ot1lsi

[framboise]

tlew, our invitations will be similar to the first one you posted as far as the "layers" go:
http://www.eiffelprintdesign.com/Main/GalleryItems/v2Images/invite9b.jpg
The top layer will be vellum with our invitation wording printed on it. The layer below that will have an image (like the beach / palm tree in the one here).

Thanks for mentioning eyelets because I hadn't really thought of that as an "adhesive" option!

[SweetRed]

Here were our DIY invitations:

http://home.comcast.net/~karen.o/InviteSmallBlur.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~karen.o/RSVPSmallBlur.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~karen.o/PochetteSmall.jpg

We wanted something that looked a bit classy but let people know this would be a fun and quirky, yet meaningful wedding. I found some wording from a bride on the WC, modified it a bit, and here was the invitation that had our guests talking for a while. :D

~ Kay

[Sazoo]

SweetRed, I love the wording on your invitations - that's so fun & creative (even if you did borrow some of the text from another bride!) ;) I love the way it shows your guests what the style of your wedding will be.

[tenofcups]

SweetRed--can you tell me what font you used for your names? I love it!

[ejs]

I don't know if this is too late or not, but for attaching vellum, we used a Hermafix glue dispenser. This was after we tried spray adhesive, glue sticks, vellum tape, and I can't remember what else. It's removable and it didn't show through the vellum. We got it at a scrapbook store.

http://www.scrapjazz.com/reviews/40

Hermafix Permanant/Repostionable Glue Dispenser
Summary: These convenient, easy-to-use, quick application dispensers lay out a series of dots for maximum adhesion to your layouts. Hermafix Glue Dispensers are refillable in both repositionable and permanant. The repositionable dots are removeable with just the rub of your finger.

http://www.scrapjazz.com/reviews/data/7/800hermafix.jpg

[Mrs.Pfeiffer]

Just subscribing. :)

[SweetRed]

Thanks for the compliments Sazoo and tenofcups (LOVE that name BTW...)

The font used for the names is Scriptina, and I downloaded it for free from www.dafont.com. I LOVED this web site while designing my invitations!

~ Kay

[MandyMaloo]

http://www.eiffelprintdesign.com/Main/GalleryItems/v2Images/invite9b.jpg

I am in *LOVE* with this invitation. It is definatly THE one, and I was wondering if anyone knew where I could get the first layer, the envelope thingy. Has anyone else stumbled across this while getting their materials? I've been looking, but apparently I am not looking in the right places :rolleyes: .

TIA for anyone able to help! :)

[tlew12778]

I am in *LOVE* with this invitation. It is definatly THE one, and I was wondering if anyone knew where I could get the first layer, the envelope thingy. Has anyone else stumbled across this while getting their materials? I've been looking, but apparently I am not looking in the right places :rolleyes: .

TIA for anyone able to help! :)
It's called a pocketfold. They sell them all over the internet. I am getting mine from paperpresentation.com but lots and lots of other sites have them as well. Try mygatsby.com as well.

[tenofcups]

Ok, I bought a sample pocketfold, which is 5 x 7. I thought I could put them in A7 envelopes, so I ordered a few samples that I love, but they don't fit in the A7 envelopes!

What size envelopes did you all use? A8? A9? I don't have time to keep getting samples, but also don't want to order another that's too small or end up with something crazy big. Any words of wisdom? Thanks!

[tlew12778]

Are you absolutely sure that your pocketfold is 5x7 and 5 1/4 x 7 1/4? BC that will make the difference. A7 is 5 1/4 x 7 1/4. I think you need at least 1/4" difference to get it to fit.

[tlew12778]

What were the dimensions of your response cards and what envelopes did you use for them? Thanks!

ETA: OK nevermind I think I answered my own question. I'll cut the cardstock to 4.75 x 3.25 and use a #4 Baronial envelope which measures 5.125 x 3.625

Next question: I'm in search of the perfect straight-line arial-ish type font. Right now I have a mock up using MS Reference Sans Serif but I'm not loving it. So for those who did the names in calligraphy, everything else in a straight line font, please post what fonts you used together? A picture would be GREAT too if you haven't already posted one.

This is what it looks like right now (I have no idea why the screen capture came out so fuzzy):
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c142/tlew12778/invitationwording2blankedout.jpg

[Sazoo]

I used Cooperplate Gothic Light for the non-script font on all of my invitation pieces:

http://images.snapfish.com/34552%3A9923232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2329%3D%3A%3B9%3D493 %3DXROQDF%3E2323538%3A8%3C26%3Aot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/34552%3B3523232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2329%3D%3A%3B9%3D493 %3DXROQDF%3E2323538%3A8%3C%3A35ot1lsi

The scripty font is LainieDaySh.

[dpangel33]

I finally took pics of my DIY pocketfolds (picture heavy)

The lapis pocketfold (purchased at mygatsby.com) w/ silver ribbon glued:
http://static.flickr.com/91/234307948_52864fca90.jpg?v=0

Front w/ ribbon:
http://static.flickr.com/98/234307949_ff6bf6ed87.jpg?v=0

Inside w/ cardstock that the vellum invite was glued to:
http://static.flickr.com/84/234308508_971c26852f.jpg?v=0

posting...

[dpangel33]

cont....

Opened w/ DIY embossed invite attatched and inserts:
http://static.flickr.com/92/234307950_f70e9eaa7a.jpg?v=0


Inserts:
http://static.flickr.com/87/234308506_35fd4209d9.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/84/234307954_8d6be54552.jpg?v=0

The RSVP's were custom done so that each guests name was on it with the number of seats we reserved for them, time consuming yes but kept people from bringing additional guests!
http://static.flickr.com/92/234308507_4eb45479f0.jpg?v=0

Final Product w/ "inner envelope" name sticker:
http://static.flickr.com/81/234307953_2d21cd6528.jpg?v=0

[berry]

dpangel33 Those are gorgeous!

[dpangel33]

Thank you, they were one of my many labors of love :)

[Kinetic]

Here are our DIY invitations:

All Together:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc23b3127cce9583ea4eefc100000015108AcNmTZs2aNX
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc23b3127cce9583ea26efa900000016108AcNmTZs2aNX

Here are the inserts:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc23b3127cce9583c0886e2200000026138AcNmTZs2aNX
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc23b3127cce9583c0cdef5700000026108AcNmTZs2aNX
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc23b3127cce9583c0ebef7100000105108AcNmTZs2aNX
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc23b3127cce9583c007ef9d00000046108AcNmTZs2aNX

[Elenna]

Another option for attaching the vellum is to use brads. They come in many shapes (stars, circles, squares, etc) and colors (gold, silver, etc). I used gold circle brads to attach the vellum with my invitations. I used vellum tape to attach the vellum on my RSVPs.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4da00b3127cce9a855b1ccda300000016108AbtnLNyzctU
I had a Star Trek themed wedding.

[MandyMaloo]

Here are my STD cards- and the sticker I made for calendars. I know it's not an invite, but it's a DIY and my invites are going to be the same theme (except with a petal envelope).

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc30b3127cce958c8dedeed100000015108FZN3DNy4o

This was just my test one :) I used a program called Print Master Plus. I got it for $9.99 at Best Buy and it's been AWESOME! I have Publisher as well, but this one just seemed so much easier. I highly recommend it.

I also used eyelets to get the raffia through the corner of the sticker. I love them! :) Thanks for letting me share!

[maniach]

Where did you get the paper for your invitations cut? I saw someone had mentioned that they got it cut professionally and I wondered where.

Thanks!

[lelee17]

Where did you get the paper for your invitations cut? I saw someone had mentioned that they got it cut professionally and I wondered where.


You can get them cut at their Kinko's or Office Max. I've had many horrible experiences having my paper cut at Kinko's though. They always seem to mess it up. :mad:

[BNZ]

Wow, they all look really great. I'm scouting for ideas for our invitations, which we want to make. Only problem is every picture I see gives me more ideas! Thanks you talented people!

[rubyslippers]

I am having a very hard time getting enough fall patterened paper for our invites. If I had known how hard it would be even online I would have stocked up in the fall! UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SheRa]

To those that had pocketfold invitations (all of which I love!) & made the pocketfold themselves...where did you find paper that was larger than the standard size paper. I really love the 5x7 pocketfold, but I can't seem to figure out how people are finding paper large enough to make it!

[JNN]

To those that had pocketfold invitations (all of which I love!) & made the pocketfold themselves...where did you find paper that was larger than the standard size paper. I really love the 5x7 pocketfold, but I can't seem to figure out how people are finding paper large enough to make it!


I got mine from http://www.paper-papers.com - you can get the 28 x 40 sheets of cardstock from them. I had them cut it down to 15 X 7 for me. It worked out great.

Hope that helps.

[sublime311]

I had a fall wedding, but these are not fallish invites:

My inspiration pic:
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A%3B965923232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2334%3D48%3A%3D425 %3DXROQDF%3E23235728%3A%3C3%3C7ot1lsi

Cover (reads "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine":
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A%3C5%3A6723232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2334%3D48%3A%3D4 25%3DXROQDF%3E2323577%3C79498ot1lsi

The actual invite:
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A%3C5%3A6723232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2334%3D48%3A%3D4 25%3DXROQDF%3E2323577%3C79885ot1lsi

Reception card:
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A%3C5%3A6723232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2334%3D48%3A%3D4 25%3DXROQDF%3E2323577%3C79%3B77ot1lsi

Response card:
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A%3C5%3A6723232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2334%3D48%3A%3D4 25%3DXROQDF%3E2323577%3C79588ot1lsi

Back from the printer (I designed them, but Alphagraphics printed them using black thermography):
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B5943923232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2334%3D48%3A%3D425%3 DXROQDF%3E23235%3A84%3A3282ot1lsi

[sublime311]

Sorry! One more!

My envelopes (printed at home):
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B59%3C6723232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2334%3D48%3A%3D425 %3DXROQDF%3E23235%3A8%3B76384ot1lsi

[SheRa]

Thank you, sublime! your invitations are beautiful! Very simple & elegant. I'm having a fall wedding, too, and I want something real simple, but I keep changing my mind for how I want my invites to look.

This is the look I am going for (posted by another bride on another board):

http://images.snapfish.com/345%3B7859%3B%7Ffp337%3Enu%3D3238%3E893%3E955%3EWS NRCG%3D323349%3A97885%3Bnu0mrj

Except with a different shape of pocketfold. We'll see how successful I am with all this!

[Orange1104]

Here are our DIY invitations:

All Together:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc23b3127cce9583ea4eefc100000015108AcNmTZs2aNX
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc23b3127cce9583ea26efa900000016108AcNmTZs2aNX

Here are the inserts:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc23b3127cce9583c0886e2200000026138AcNmTZs2aNX
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc23b3127cce9583c0cdef5700000026108AcNmTZs2aNX
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc23b3127cce9583c0ebef7100000105108AcNmTZs2aNX
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc23b3127cce9583c007ef9d00000046108AcNmTZs2aNX
Kinetic,

Your invitations are beautiful! I would love to do something similar. How long did it take to make them?

[Tenny]

I just posted an ad in the classified section for 80 brand new 5 X 7 Envelopment Pocketfolds in Metallic. Here is the link:
http://www.constantchatter.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=149&sort=2&cat=last1&page=1

[SheRa]

Aww, man! I just ordered some pocketfolds (5x7, but folded side to side rather than up & down) last night! Otherwise, those pocketfolds would have been absolutely PERFECT!

What a bummer!

[Michelle&Russ]

Here are our DIY invitations! The paper is all linen cardstock I bought locally, I designed the invites, reception cards, response card and maps. We had a local printer print everything but the maps on our paper and cut them and we printed and cut the maps ourselves. We ended up saving a good amt of money by going the DIY route, but it did take a lot of time!

What we got back from the printer
http://images15.fotki.com/v261/photos/1/15572/3085061/dress005vi-vi.jpg

The assembled invites and maps
http://images15.fotki.com/v265/photos/1/15572/3085061/dress008vi-vi.jpg

One of the pages of the map booklets, other pages had hotel info, contact info and written directions
http://images12.fotki.com/v254/photos/1/15572/2722194/dress014-vi.jpg

[littlelove8138]

these are all really great ideas. any others?

[tlew12778]

I can honestly say I hate this project. I don't hate the invites, I just NEVER thought it would be SO much work. I also did not save money, and the time investment was just too much. I am still not done bc more than half of my invitations are in Italian and I have yet to do those. These are the English invitations that went out yesterday.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c142/tlew12778/Invitations/finalfront.jpg http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c142/tlew12778/Invitations/finallong.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c142/tlew12778/Invitations/finalAll.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c142/tlew12778/Invitations/finalvellum.jpg http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c142/tlew12778/Invitations/finalpocket.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c142/tlew12778/Invitations/finalmap.jpg

For some reason I forgot to take a picture of the invitation without the vellum overlay. These were all printed at home, and I did all the cutting with the exception of the vellum and the green backing layer (bc I did not own a paper cutter at that point).

[endymion411]

these were mine (in the last pic, the small ones are the ones we sent to out of country guests who didn't need all the inserts and stuff)...

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5da05b3127cce910415be205800000016108AZN2zFu3cNx

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5da05b3127cce910415bba16d00000016108AZN2zFu3cNx

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5da05b3127cce910415a0204600000016108AZN2zFu3cNx

[brandonsbride]

wow, all of you are so creative! i will post pics of mine when i get a better picture!!

[nicole]

tlew12778 - at least they're beautiful! I can tell you put a lot of work into them.

[sunkiss000]

Here are the pocketfolds I made (I haven't got to the actual printed invite yet)
http://bingweb.binghamton.edu/~gennie/invitationtrial2.JPG
http://bingweb.binghamton.edu/~gennie/invitationtrial5.JPG
http://bingweb.binghamton.edu/~gennie/invitationtrial6.JPG
http://bingweb.binghamton.edu/~gennie/invitationtrial7.JPG
http://bingweb.binghamton.edu/~gennie/invitationtrial8.JPG

I used stardream metallic paper - Lapis for the dark blue and Opal for the creamy white.

[Cr8nme]

THis is not really wedding related but I would love to make something like this and was wondering if anyone knew what type of paper I could use for this and where I can find the paper unfolded it is 5 x 13

http://www.dawnbartondesigns.com/images/HL20_inside_bday.jpg

[nicole]

Cr8nme - I went to the website and they said the folded size is 5 X 3.25. Since there are 5 sections, I'm figuring that to be 5 x 16.25 flat.

You can try for 11 x 17 paper which is a fairly standard size, or large flat sheets of paper are available from art supply stores or places like Paper Source (http://paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/paper/ps_collection_flat.html). How they are being printed will make a difference on what you can use.

[Cr8nme]

Nicole~ Thanks!! I saw the same auction on Ebay and it said the flat size was 5x13 which was waht I was going off of...I should have known to do the math :rolleyes: I LOVE paper source but I guess what I am wondering is can any paper be printed on with a picture like that? Do I need super glossy or photo cardstock??

[tlew12778]

That picture is BW so any flat cardstock with a photo printer should work IMO. But you will want to buy a few sheets and test it out for yourself first. The pink layer is an overlay I think.

[Cr8nme]

tlew~thankyou! I am going to check with kinkos and see what they can do for me!

[tlew12778]

Kinkos won't print that quality. I asked them when I was doing my own invites and they told me they use 600 dpi. My photo printer, which was $100, prints 9400 dpi for photos. It's a canon pixma 4200.

[nicole]

Here's a similar idea with a different method from Martha Stewart. I think I scanned it from a magazine. If anyone's interested, I can see if I can find the directions.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c256/goddessnike13/Stationery/thankyoubooksmall.jpg

[caseybear]

Everyone's invitations look great! Mine are pretty simple, but they got the job done :)

http://static.flickr.com/64/172930693_e8d51e3b21.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/52/172930694_9c92ce0a78.jpg?v=0

[nicole]

My invitations are almost ready (mailing date is this weekend!) so I thought I'd post

We are having 2 receptions, so there are a LOT of components. Some people are invited to the 1st reception, some only to the 2nd, and some are invited to both. The colors are cream and dark red, though the pictures sometimes make the cream look peach or pink. Sorry there are so many pics!

Top row: 1) This is the wedding invitation envelope as it will arrive in the mailbox (we need to add a stamp). 2) The back of the envelope with the return address (envelopes are roughly 7.5" square)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c256/goddessnike13/Stationery/ensemblered1.jpg
Bottom row: 1) Pulled out of the envelope. 2) Other side with the "Seal." Some people (those with children too young to receive their own invite or those people who we're allowing to bring a guest) will have their names on a smaller piece of cardstock on the seal, but we haven't finished those yet.

Top row: 1) Opened up. 2) With the enclosures removed
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c256/goddessnike13/Stationery/ensemblered2.jpg
Bottom row: 1) Enclosures for reception #1. 2) Reception #1 directions

Top row: 1) Reception #1 RSVP. 2) Both RSVP
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c256/goddessnike13/Stationery/ensemblered3.jpg
Bottom row: 1) Enclosure inviting people who are invited to both receptions to reception #2. 2) RSVP envelope

And here are the invites for people who are only invited to reception #2 (these are done in cream and black and the corners are all rounded.)

Top row: 1) The envelope as it will arrive to reception #2 guests (we'll need to add a stamp of course) 2) As it's opened.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c256/goddessnike13/Stationery/ensemblespokane1.jpg
Bottom row: 1) The back of the envelope (these are 5x7) 2) All the stuff out of the envelope.

Top row: 1) Reception #2 invite 2) Reception #2 enclosures
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c256/goddessnike13/Stationery/ensemblespokane2.jpg
Bottom row: 1) Reception #2 directions 2) Reception #2 RSVP

[raven077]

Forgive me if you've seen these before. I did have them on the other site as well.

I used Stardream Metallic in Quartz and Bronze, 80# text weight. Printed on a Canon color laser printer at my work, assembled with glue dots and 1/8" wide double-sided adhesive tape. Vellum was laser jet compatible. I also did matching programs with copper eyelets (grommets?) which were a pain in the butt, but looked really cool!

http://homepage.mac.com/karen077/Sites/WebImages/Wedding/Invite_Detail6_3up.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/karen077/Sites/WebImages/Wedding/Invite_Detail4_MapDirections.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/karen077/Sites/WebImages/Wedding/InviteSpread_3up.jpg

[snowzilla]

Raven, your invites are INCREDIBLE. They're so unique. I love them, and I bet your guests did too!

[raven077]

snowzilla, thank you so much! They were a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but I was really pleased with the result. The only thing I might have done differently had I wanted to spend a little bit more, would've been to get outter envelopes. As it was, I closed the pocket folder with clear circle stickers in three places and addressed the backs. It worked fine, but it might've been nice for people to have another piece to open.

[Kellie]

raven077: Those invites are absolutely gorgeous! Did you make the folders or did you buy them somewhere?

[raven077]

Kellie, thank you! I bought them from http://paperpresentation.com (http://paperpresentation.com/)

I did a lot of research on similar styles and I liked this style the best. They also had really good prices which went down the more you bought. I think I bought 11-12 packs of 10 and the price went down starting at 11 packs.

[SheRa]

Raven & nicole -- do you mind telling me (if you remember) what the scripty font you used was? I know you both had different ones, but I am in the process of designing my invites & I can't find a scripty font/normal font combination that I like!
Thanks in advance! :)

[raven077]

SheRa, I used a font called Bickham that I purchased from here (http://www.linotype.com/57322/bickhamscript-family.html?CMP=NjR8Mjkz). I only used the regular version, not the semi- or bold so it was only $35. But that link shows you a close-up of the font.. you might be able to find a free knock-off if you dig online... Good luck!

ETA: I also used Arrus for my body copy. This one I had access to from work but you can also find it here (http://www.philsfonts.com/showing.html?sku=BT000411X1P1&start=1). It's a little more pricey but you get a whole family of fonts. Not that you'll need them for anything later, like I do. Again, maybe seeing the detail can help you find something similar for free online.

[lelee17]

raven - beautiful job on your invitations. Would you mind telling me what program you used to make your maps?

[nicole]

Both Bickham and Sloop script fonts look good with Copperplate Gothic, an all-caps serif font IMO. :)

I used High Tower Text (already on most computers) and Passions Conflict, available here (http://www.specialtyfonts.com/pers3/fontsO-P.htm). There are actually lots of pretty fonts on that site. Also try the script fonts at dafont.com and just experiment with different text fonts.

[raven077]

That Passions Conflict is a really nice find! :) Copperplate (http://www.linotype.com/288/copperplategothic-family.html), for those interested in seeing what it looks like.

As for a map program, lelee17, I'm on a Mac and used Adobe Illustrator to trace over a Google Map... but on the other boards, girls were talking about a program for PC's called Microsoft "Visio". I had my DH download the trial for me on his PC and I played around with it. Fairly simple to use and pretty clean, but for me, I could do more with Illustrator. Sorry I couldn't be more help...

[lelee17]

Thanks raven! I didn't even think about using Visio - I have it on my work laptop. Good tip! :) I'm gonna have to look into Illustrator as well. Your map looks soo professional. :)

[raven077]

lelee, glad I could remind you about Visio. :) The only problem I forsee with Illustrator is the price. I'm looking up and you can get a free 30 day trial of Freehand (https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/tdrc/index.cfm?product=freehand) (similar program, different company), or here's a page with all of Adobe's programs with free trials (http://www.adobe.com/downloads). It's under Illustrator CS2, or it also comes bundled in the Creative Suite. I don't know what any limitations would be with a free trial of either program (watermarks, maybe?) but hopefully you'd be able to whip out a clean map before the 30 days were up. :)

[CLW4KU]

*Bump*
I'm looking at doing plain fall-themed invites. I don't need the pockets, but there will be a RSVP card. Any ideas?

[SheRa]

http://images1.snapfish.com/347875748%7Ffp355%3Enu%3D3238%3E893%3E955%3EWSNRCG %3D3233%3A5%3A5474%3B7nu0mrj

Those were ours. Yeah, they're pockets, but you could EASILY do them not as pockets. Basically it was just the red pocket, bronze metallic background paper, and ivory cardstock (which we bought at an office store for $7.99/250 sheets or something insanely cheap like that). Then I just stamped and embossed the leaves on all of them. It was a labor of love, for sure!! But we've gotten great responses!

[lilcapeanut]

I am having a horrible time with invites I'm making for my brother's wedding. I bought some nice cards and tried to print them at home and I think the paper's too think and won't feed into my printer. I tried taping a card on a regular sheet of printer paper and that didn't work either.

How are you ladies printing your DIY cards? Should I just take them into a Kinko's or something??

[tlew12778]

I didn't have prefolded cards. I used regular 8.5x11 65# cardstock for the inner layers, then my outer pocketfold was 80# cover.

Try putting less paper in the printer. Sometimes the printer cannot pick up one sheet if it's too full. Also, what type of printer are you using? I used a Canon photo printer which is made to pick up photo paper (obviously) so I knew it was capable of working with cardstock. I actually went out and bought a printer specifically for my invitations.

[dpangel33]

If your printer has a vertical paper tray it feeds from I can see a thicker cardstock having trouble feeding through.

Some printers have the option of removing the paper tray where you can feed the paper through completely horizontal from the back. If your printer can do this it might be able to feed the thicker cardstock through.

If your printer insn't versatile then I would say Kinko's may be the place to go, or you might price out a little mom and pop print/stationary shop and compare prices.

Good Luck!!

[akacharlotte]

I don't need wedding invites as we are doing a destination wedding with a max of 10 people, all family. I do however want to send announcements to friends and family with a wedding picture or two. Any ideas? TIA!

[DelSol]

Here's my destination wedding announcement:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid222/pb523eccee7688885e8f984c684bcd45b/eb1c13e8.jpg

[Rippy1010]

I did a portfolio-style invite:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid224/p173539d8675dc23d552aa3eb903fc349/eac368df.jpg

[jennylou]

I posted earlier, but the link was from shutterfly, so I thought I'd delete the old message and add them back in. :)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/225/446447765_dd712a038b.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/167/446447741_0f0553032b.jpg?v=0

My sister designed them and had them all ready for me to put together. :)

[Natasha]

What kind of adhesive are you all using to hold your invites to the cardstock? I am making my own, but the first glue I used warped the invite.

[Rippy1010]

What kind of adhesive are you all using to hold your invites to the cardstock? I am making my own, but the first glue I used warped the invite.

I'm not sure what you call it. It was in the scrapbooking section. It was a tacky adhesive that came off a roller.

I also used "vellum tape" for part of mine.

[framboise]

We had a vellum top layer & used spray glue for that. We also had a card stock backing layer & used a roller glue-type thing for that. Especially with the spray glue, we had to be careful to keep it light in order to avoid the wrinkles. Like lighter than you'd expect to need. Maybe that will help?

[Natasha]

Thanks! I'll check out the craft store this week and experiment. Thanks!

[raven077]

I used little glue dots called Zots and über-thin double-sided tape-type stuff. Both available in scrapbooking sections. I used the Zots behind the opaque paper and the double-sided tape behind the vellum. Worked really well for me. I was too concerned with warping to use spray adhesive.

[tlew12778]

Roller glue in dots = glue dots. There are 2 types - really big ones and really tiny ones. I tried the really tiny one behind vellum but you can still see them if you look closely. This is not an issue with cardstock but the replacement rollers are damn expensive.

I used double faced tape. It was a pain to peel off the back layer but I didn't want to shell out the money for the gun that does it for you. It probably would have saved a lot of time though.

[Natasha]

Hmmm, I like the idea of double sided tape, too. Thanks for the suggestions!

[Natasha]

WooHoo, I can finally post my invitations!

The ensemble:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l258/Natasha1018_1982/019.jpg

RSVP card:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l258/Natasha1018_1982/024.jpg

invitation:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l258/Natasha1018_1982/023.jpg

Everything in the inner envelope:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l258/Natasha1018_1982/027.jpg

Custom stamp:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l258/Natasha1018_1982/021.jpg

[skyblu]

Natasha, those are beautiful! I love the "bling" on them, very cute!

Do you mind sharing where you got your supplies?

Thanks!

[Natasha]

I didn't see this till just now! I got the stardream cardstock from cutcardstock.com and the sparklies and glue from Joann's. The bride and groom cards are from papyrus. HTH!

[skyblu]

I didn't see this till just now! I got the stardream cardstock from cutcardstock.com and the sparklies and glue from Joann's. The bride and groom cards are from papyrus. HTH!

Thanks!

[pewee9196]

Any tips on printing on 6 x 6 Card Stock? I have not tried. I am actually making Birthday Invites but wanted to be inspired by all of your gorgeous invites! I am so impressed.

[Jewelz]

Natasha those are soo pretty, love the little red stones :)

[Jewelz]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/2320519960_bbce412335.jpg?v=1205040946

With reply card:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2225/2319708629_64408b94c5.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2187/2320520284_0d608df7f9.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2305/2320520370_cff0ce02b4.jpg?v=0

[asksmd94]

For any one that has used the envelope liners, how did you attach them to the envelope? I, of course, don't want to use anything that will make the envelope bubble up or whatever.