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DIY Autumn Barn Wedding Invitation

A few weeks ago I was freaking out over my wedding invitations. They look (and were) fairly simple but it seems like they took forever! There were (conservatively) 1 million steps. In the end I made 51 invitations and 51 reply cards.

It all started when we were looking at invitations and realized that for 51 (it was originally 55 but some people got the ax) we would need to by 75 OR 100 invitations because the ones we liked only came in increments of 25. Also, they are super expensive! Even basic printed ones would have cost a couple hundred dollars.

I bought most of the stuff for the invitations at Michael’s, a few things came from Hobby Lobby. I spent less than $125 on everything (plus $45 for stamps) and I ended up with some fun gadgets I can reuse later.

I used:

Flat 5*7 Cards with envelopes in Shimmer Brown (invitations)
Small Flat cards and envelopes in Red
4*6 Cream Cardstock
Martha Stewart Around the Page Punch set (Eyelet Lace)
Tree Stamps (from Michael’s, I lost the packaging sorry!)
Embossing Ink
Carnelian Embossing Powder
Embossing Gun
Antique Copper brads
Small hole punch
Glue Dots

I started by setting up the text in Word.
I changed the page size and set the margins to leave room for the punch and the stamp.
I used the font Parisian for both the invitation and reply card. I selected a dark red ink.

I started by punching the bottom right corner. I used the edge punch to go across the bottom and up the right side.

Next was the stamping. It was my first time using a clear stamp. I really liked how easy it was to line things up when you could see through the stamp, plus the blocks I used had grid lines.

I used a clear embossing ink pad. I originally bought a bingo-dabber style one but I couldn’t get it to work. If you haven’t used an embossing gun before watch out because it’s hot and it gets hot quickly! It’s fun to watch the powder melt but pay attention and don’t heat too much or it will go past shiny to flat matte and boring.

I used a small brad to attach the card stock to the lager card. I made a template so the brad would more or less be in the same place on all of the cards (for when people get together to compare invitations) and used a small hole punch to make the hole. I printed out directions and glue-doted them to the front of the brown card off to the side so it was easily accessible but not immediately visible.

I did most of it myself because I’m a control freak but it could easily be made a group project. Change to colors, the stamp and the edge punch and you can adapt this design for just about anything.
For the RSVP cards:

I printed out the info on the cream card stock two to a page.
I took them to work and cut them with a giant paper cutter.
I used a small leaf punch on the top left and bottom right of each card.

I used a tree stamp and Copper embossing powder on the back of the red card.

After I heated the powder I attached the cream card to the red with a glue dot.

They had fewer steps but I think I love them more than the invites!

Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer

Tuesday 28th of August 2012

Totally beautiful, I love everything about them and love that punch a very pretty design. Everything about wedding is so expensive - they've got you. Glad to see you surely came up with something more beautiful, because it was made with your imagination and love. Very pretty! Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration with Sunday’s Best – you helped make the party a success!

Hubba

Monday 27th of August 2012

These are amazing! I love that punch to make the cute designs! www.iheartpears.blogspot.com

Karri Reiser

Monday 27th of August 2012

Absolutely beautiful and so much more personal than the stuffy professional ones. Your's show an amazing amount of love. Thank you for sharing at my Our Favorite Things Link Party.

Katherines Corner

Sunday 26th of August 2012

These are lovely! Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Hop xo

Katie Drane

Sunday 26th of August 2012

I'm so glad I'm following you! Your work on the invitations was amazing. Great job and thanks for sharing on the tt&j link party:)

Katiewww.funhomethings.com