Emma’s wedding is going to have a rustic theme, which really makes it easy for decorating.  And because I have this creative-need-to-be-unique-on-a-budget thing in me, I figured I’d make the invitations.  So instead of spending a lot of money, I spent a lot of time, but it was a labor of love that I think does reflect her personality.

I bought a roll of brown package paper at WalMart to line the back of the papers  to give it a contrast of color, texture and thickness. This was less than $5.  The problem was that it curled, so I ironed them flat after I cut a bunch of rectangles that gave me an inch or so of play on each side.

I printed out the invitations formatting two columns using Word with a pretty font, then used a brown ink to match the invites. These were printed on ivory linen paper, also found at WalMart. This gives a beautiful texture, just be sure you have the texture side up, because the other side in flat.   The paper was less than $10, you can print two per page when you place your settings on landscape and format two columns.

I did the same thing with the RSVP cards. I chose not to add a stamped envelope to replies. Instead I printed the date to RSVP by and three ways they can reply, at the website, e-mail or phone.

I punched holes in the RSVP cards and added a piece of twine.

On the left of this picture you see some beautiful motif pockets that we bought dirt cheap on clearance, these were bought when the colors were going to be grey and pink…then she changed her mind. So I (and any other family member I could snag) used a brown permanent marker to color the silver to brown. Then I cut the silver backs off and cut the motif in sections so I could get two out of one and  they could be glued to the invitation. I used a regular glue stick glue them on.

I bought the  ivory colored Social Envelopes at WalMart that matched the paper almost perfectly. The boxes of envelopes were $6 each.

I made 125 invitations. There were lots of laughs and conversation while these were made, almost everyone in the house had to pitch in and help some…and they all had a comment or two … but it was fun, and that will be remembered.

• Paper – $10
• Roll of brown paper – $5
• Envelopes -$18, with some left over
• Motifs $20, with 2 boxes left over I hope to sell
• Markers –  $5
• Glue Sticks -$1
• Twine – I already had

TOTAL: $39

To order invitations would have been about $130-150.

Stamps: $55

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Kathy

writer, video producer, wife and mother at Teaching Good Things

Titus 2:3 says that we are to be "...teachers of good things...". We believe that part of these good things are practical skills that we all need in every day life to care for our family and neighbors. One of our primary responsibilities as parents is equip our children with the skills and tools to one day be productive, well rounded adults. Children need to be exposed to many different areas of work. Not only should they know how to work, but they should want to work. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17

Latest posts by Kathy (see all)

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