Making creative invitations for kids is so easy when you use a few simple supplies and a little ingenuity. In my business I create custom party invitations and make sure each design has a "surprise" element. I've had parents tell me they received a call from every guest because they wanted to know where the invitation was printed! I want you to have that same kind of excitement with your invitations too. So use these instructions to make the most creative invitation for any kid's birthday party!
Supplies Needed:
Color #1 card stock (like Stampin' Up! So Saffron) cut to 4-1/4 x 11", folded to 4-1/4 x 5-1/2" [Card Base]
Color #2 card stock (like Stampin' Up! Regal Rose) cut to 3-3/4 x 5" [Layer #1]
Color #3 Patterned Paper (like Stampin' Up! Designer Series paper Georgia Peach) card stock cut to 3-1/4 x 4-1/2" [Layer #2]
Picture - 2-1/2 x 2-1/2"
Message - 3/4" x 3"
Double-sided tape adhesive (like Stampin' Up! SNAIL Adhesive)
Double-sided adhesive foam dots (like Stampin' Up! Stampin' Dimensionals)
Super Sticky Adhevise - small circle (like Stampin' Up! Mini Glue Dots)
Paper Cutter, Scissors, Bone Folder, Ruler, Pencil
For the Creative Version: Ribbon (like Stampin' Up! 1/4" Grosgrain in Old Olive)
Now the SURPRISE elements!
Take a picture of your child with a big smile on their face and their finger pointing directly at the camera. Crop the picture to 2-1/2 x 2-1/2" then print.
Either on the computer or by hand, write out the message I Want YOU To Come To My Party! on a piece of card stock then trim to 3/4" x 3".
Fold your Color #1 piece in half to make your Card Base (crease with a Bone Folder). You can assemble the card with the fold on the left side (horizontal) or with the fold at the top (vertical). I designed the cards to open this way because it will be 'unexpected' and add an element of fun when they read it!
Now let the CREATIVE PROCESS begin!
I'm using the horizontal orientation for these instructions. Try it this way first (without gluing anything down) to "see" my design then use the same layout with the vertical orientation - pick which one your prefer.
Basic Invitation: Place the Card Base on the table. Use SNAIL to adhere Layer #1 to the top left of the card, top and side edges flush with the Card Base. SNAIL Layer #2 to the bottom left of the card, side and bottom edges flush with the Card Base. Using Stampin' Dimensionals, add the picture 1-1/2" from the left and right edges of the Card Base, 1/2" from the top edge of the Card Base. SNAIL the Message directly below the picture, centered side-to-side.
Creative Invitation: Replace Layer #2 with Patterned Paper; cut a piece of ribbon to 6-1/2" and another to 4". Assemble the Layers as you choose then wrap them with the long piece of ribbon; use the shorter piece for a bow and adhere both with Glue Dots. Back the Picture with a piece of Color #1 Cardstock cut to 2-3/4 x 2-3/4" then place on the Card with Stampin' Dimensionals. Trim the corners of the Message piece and add Brads; adhere to the Card with Stampin' Dimensionals.
In Summary
Now you know just how easy it is to create a party invitation that will surprise and delight all your guests. And with a little imagination, you can take the "basic" design and make it very special! As you can see, it will be lots of fun to make these creative invitations for a kid's birthday party this year!
If you'd like to see my samples of
Creative Invitations for a Kid's Birthday Party just click on the underlined words.
Copyright 2011 Leanne Gorsuch: You may freely republish this article, provided the text, author credit, active links and this copyright notice remain intact.
