Custom birthday parties are getting easier and easier to create with the growing popularity of “printable” parties. And I’m happy for it—it keeps me in party supplies! With the printable invitation, there is so much more you can do than just print, cut and send. Readily available scrapbook paper, sparkles and ribbon can turn an already great invitation into a truly spectacular one. Here are a few ideas on how to really punch up the pizazz for your next gathering!
Layers. The simplest way to add polish to your printables is to layer them. Either cut down your invitation by 1/4 inch or print them at 95% scale or so (choose this option from the print menu). Glue or tape a sheet of card stock the original size of your invitation to the back. Your invitation will look crisp, clean and professional.
Envelopments. To make this particular envelopment, all I did was create a little folder for my invitation. The original invitation was 5×7, so I cut a sheet of scrapbook paper 10×7 and folded it in half, and then taped down the layered invitation to the inside. You can use solid or patterned paper here.
To further embellish my envelopment, I created a band by taping a piece of ribbon around the outside and added a layered 2″ circle. Paper bands would work well here, too. The overall effect makes a really unique presentation and an invitation you’ll get many compliments on.
Sparkles and banding. If you’re not someone who really gets into cutting and taping, you can very simply add some style to your printable invitations by adding some gemstones. I prefer the very small ones that come with adhesive already on the back—you can pick these up at any craft store.
Another simple effort to give your printable some style is to tie a simple ribbon around the middle in a complementary color. It’s always the little touches that make things look special!
Vellum. Another favorite dress-up-my-printables trick of mine is to use vellum overlays. The paper has a nice feel to it and always looks a little luxurious. Just cut the vellum to the exact size of your invitation and lay it over the invite before you place it in the envelope. If you want to go a step further, add a paper belly band (a strip of paper that wraps all the way around your invitation).
Those are just a few tricks I use to add some sprinkles on top of an already good thing!
Comments
Jess (The Cozy Reader)
Way to tell me this now! I JUST mailed out my printable invitations for my sons birthday party and I should have done the layer and the folder idea above!!! :(
Oh well. Now I know what to do for my daughters party in July!
Rachel - Haute Chocolate
Love these tips! These ideas work well not only with invitations, but with other printable items such as cupcake toppers & food labels. By adding embellishments such as ribbon & rhinestones you can create something really special. Thanks for sharing!
Chin
Didn’t know the thin strip of paper used to wrap around the invite is called a belly band! Now I know.
Carla
Great tips Paula! :)
Thank you for sharing!
Zsa Zsa
The velum makes the invitations look elegant and luxurious! Good idea.