I like to do all my own graphics for my invites if I'm making them. #1: It's nice to put that school stuff to use and #2: I'm a control freak. For Jamie's invites I looked back at some photos I took of The Madonna Inn for inspiration and knew I wanted them to be: pink, green, gold, rosey, striped, tufted and glittery....!
Paper Source is my go-to for invite supplies. They have a wide selection and range of colors for the basics (card-stock, envelopes, etc.) and tons of great roll and single sheet decorative paper to do custom envelope liners. I decided on large bright pink envelopes, blush pink and bright pink cardstock for a two part invite and gold glitter paper to line the envelopes. They will totally oversell you on all the stuff to do these crafty things at home. Let them - the stuff works!
Once I had my supplies I designed the two part invites to fit the cardstock knowing I would embellish them with glitter (because, glitter) and other fun stuff that would embody The Madonna Inn.
I like to use thicker PhotoPaper.....glossy is good. It makes a sturdy finished product, it takes hot glue and Modge Podge (see below) really well and basically creates a good foundation to glue stuff to. Easier to cut as well.
It's very important to have an assistant on hand. even if they just stand around and look cute.
I love these envelope liners from Paper Source....just trace out, cut and then use double-stick tape to secure....
save your scraps for other things...I made gift bag tags and heart cake toppers for the weekend with mine. I try to carry the theme throughout the party.
gold glitter + pink. what is not to love?!
I use glue sticks to secure the invite to cardstock and then wedge the finished dealio under something heavy to get them to stick and dry flat.
Once dry, I used things I picked up from Michael's and just piled it on until it felt Madonna Inny enough.
to finalize them I brushed a layer of Modge Podge (with glitter of course) over the tops. On a side note, I realized that I have "sparkle" Modge Podge and that an "Extreme Glitter" one exists without my knowledge. How I did know this is bizarre. It's been ordered.
Lastly, I always want whomever is opening the invite to have maximum enjoyment (while thinking, Janel is flipping NUTS)....so for these puppies I found a gold striped paper that I cushioned between the two invites and then wrapped each invite with a pretty bow before tucking them away in their hot pink, glitter homes. So it was like a little present to open...!
And there you have it. Fun and festive invites for a beautiful bride-to-be....! If you make your own invites I would love to see them - please share!!
All images by janel holiday interior design - be a doll and ask permssion before using - thank you! xoxo, janel
