Do it yourself wedding invitations are a great way to put a personal stamp on your wedding and save money at the same time.
With the rising cost of weddings rising every year, do it yourself wedding invitations can save you a significant amount that you can use for the actual ceremony or reception, where it will be much more memorable. Of course, you want your wedding invitations to be lovely and professional looking and with today's many on-line sources of paper, accessories, and trimmings, you can make your own invites that look wonderful.
The most important element to professional looking results when you are making your own invitations is not skimping on the materials. In fact, you can find wonderful suppliers on the Internet that have the card stock, trims, and inks that you will need to create gorgeous invitations at home that will be uniquely yours.
Card stock is the foundation for the entire wedding invitation. Be sure you purchase a high quality card stock that is not flimsy. You can find wonderful card stocks that are pre-creased in a variety of folds, including gate folds, traditional folds and tri folds, so that you can create a style that reflects the level of formality of your wedding.
Colors will range from the more traditional whites and creams to rich jewel tones and glimmering metallics. You can either print your invitations directly on the card stock or use these as the base and overlay them with vellum or parchment paper that is printed with your words, using the colored card stock as the background.
Vellum or parchment is thinner than card stock, but should still be substantial enough that it will not tear easily and will stand up to a run through your printer. There are endless varieties of these papers. Some are hand made papers, and feature tiny bits of flower petals or leaves or confetti for a romantic look and feel, while others feature pale pastel tints and sheer look so that they can be used as an overlay.
Ribbon trim is one of the most popular embellishments used on do it yourself wedding invitations. The endless varieties available will allow you to personalize your invitations to match your wedding theme by threading a bit of ribbon through the top, bottom, or side of each invitation and tying in a simple knot or an intricate bow. Grosgrain ribbon or raffia are casual, while silks and satins are more luxurious. Are your bridesmaids wearing silver gowns with the groomsmen in basic black? If so, then consider trimming your invitations in black ribbon edged in silver.
Rubber stamps and seals make it easy to add decorative touches to your do it yourself wedding invitations. Shop on-line or visit a scrap booking store, where you will find elaborate stamps featuring scroll work, flowers, bells, and other motifs appropriate for weddings. You might want to choose the initials for you and your fiance and stamp and interlocking monogram at the top of your invitations in colored ink or an unusual pattern to use as a border around the edges of your invitations. You can repeat the same pattern on your reply cards and envelopes for a truly customized look.
Embossers and paper punches can also be bought at scrap booking and craft supply stores. These small, hand held devices either punch decorative patterns through paper or create a raised, embossed pattern in the paper. Both are a lovely way to give your invitations a lovely hand made look and feel. Try punching a decorative heart in one corner of a sheer vellum sheet to allow the darker card stock underneath show through for a nice accent. You can even emboss your envelopes.
Printer ink will need to be ordered in plentiful amounts, because today's computer printers can print in almost any color imaginable, but it will make short work of your ink cartridges, particularly if you are making quite a few. You can either order several spare cartridges in the colors you will need or you can take your invitations to a copier store and ask them to do the printing for you, although you will be paying more there and may be limited on the colors and fonts you can use.
Author Resource: Victor Epand is an expert consultant for personalized gifts, invitations, and fine jewelry. Find the best shopping for personalized gifts, invitations for wedding, and fine jewelry. Article From Article Directory Online: Free Online Article Submission
view entry | permalink
by Christine Perry
The unique qualities of clear acrylic stamps make them a perfect choice for scrapbooking. Stamping on scrapbook pages has always been a challenge. Placing the stamp and avoiding excess ink are a few of the concerns that keep most scrapbookers from trying stamping techniques on their page layouts, but now with the availability of clear acrylic stamps, anyone can get fantastic results from stamps on their scrapbooking pages.
Clear acrylic stamps, also called polymer stamps, are different from traditional wood block or foam backed rubber stamps. They are more economical because they are not pre mounted. Clear stamps are naturally tacky and stick to an acrylic block. They are easily removed allowing you to reuse the block again and again. You simply purchase unmounted clear stamps from any manufacturer, and these work with any clear acrylic mount. Buy a larger mount first that can be used with both small and large stamps. These stamps are also much easier to store, and because they are acrylic, they are lightweight and easy to transport to scrapbooking crops or classes.
Using clear stamps with scrapbooking couldn t be easier. Choose from words, designs and image clear stamps, and peel and stick them to an acrylic block. Now you re ready to start stamping. Because the block and stamp are transparent, you can see exactly where you want to place the imprint. No more misaligned prints! You will have precise placement every time and no more guesswork or stamping mistakes.
Another unique feature of clear acrylic stamps is the ability to mix and match them. With wood and rubber stamps you have to realign your stamps to use more than one stamp together. It takes at least 2 stamping imprints to achieve the same results with one acrylic block. While you can use your clear art stamps individually, the ability to peel and stick to a large acrylic block makes it easy to stamp entire phrases or scenes with one stamp. Just choose your stamps and arrange them all on one clear mount. They can even be from different stamp manufacturers. It s even possible to cut portions of one stamp apart and arrange them in a different pattern for stamping or use only a part of the stamp. Clear art stamps offer much more versatility and functionality than rubber stamps.
Because new stamps tend to resist ink, many scrapbookers recommend conditioning your clear stamps before you use them the first time. Some use a fine grit sandpaper and others prefer a pink eraser. Simply, scuff the surface of a brand new stamp. This will help it to hold ink more effectively. After stamping with ink, clean it with mild soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Avoid oil based cleaners, acetone and bleach because these can damage and break down your stamp. Some scrapbookers have difficulty getting a crisp image from clear polymer stamps. To improve the quality of the ink impression, try using a cushioned surface under your scrapbooking paper. A soft mouse pad works well for this purpose. Using this cushioning effect may take a bit of practice, but the results will be worth it.
Be sure to store your clear stamps in a dark place away from sunlight or indoor lighting. Light can discolor and harden them prematurely. Some inks can stain them, but this won t affect their use. Because they are polymer based, one downside is that they do not last as long as rubber stamps will, but with proper care and storage, you will get years of scrapbooking with quality images from your clear stamps.
Author Resource: Christine Perry is an avid scrapbooker and has over 10 years of scrapbooking experience. Her favorite photography and scrapbooking subjects are her reluctant teenagers. She invites you to her website, http://www.intoscrapbooking.com for more scrapbooking ideas and tips. Article From Article Directory Online: Free Online Article Submission
view entry | permalink
by Nupur Das
For those who are not familiar with the term, paper embroidery seems strange. Most people will think that it is rather strange idea that instead of fabric, you will be embroidering on paper. However, you should know that this kind of embroidery has been in practice for many decades now. Only, it was not that popular since very few people have shown interest on it.
But, if you get the hang of it, you will surely love this embroidery craft. You will be amazed at just how paper embroidery can be so much fun. This basically involves stitching designs to paper or thin card. And did you know that this craft is excellent in decorating nondescript items such as bookmarks, table decors, materials in scrapbooking and greeting cards. And even as beginner, you can surprisingly produce great items using paper embroidery.
History of Paper Embroidery
In the 1970s, string art pictures were popular. Many believed that paper embroidery has been strongly influenced by this string art pictures. However, paper embroidery started in Holland in the 1990s when a Dutch designer named Erica Fortgens wrote books containing instructions for stitching cards and making patterns for them.
The designer said that she started designing patterns when she made dinner cards with gold embroidery; the cards became very popular. Also in the 1990s, a wool manufacturer, Madeira, started manufacturing embroidery paper kits which were sold under the name Pickpoints. Only few kits were produced though.
In 1998, Card Inspirations which is an English craft company launched stitching cards. These were named Form-A-Lines which were first designed by Anne Harding and Linda Jefferson. Then, David Jefferson designed a computer drawing program which was used to convert the cards into patterns. These became the first two Form-A-Lines kits which became very popular; thus, the evolution of paper embroidery begun.
Application of Paper Embroidery
So where and when can you make paper embroidery useful? Well, in many occasions and many ways. The following are uses of paper embroidery;
- Greeting cards stitching cards are becoming very popular nowadays especially for people who want personalized greeting cards.
- Scrapbooking instead of using colored scrapbooking papers, you can add life to your scrapbooks by using embroidered paper.
- Table decors you can make embroidered decorations for your tables
- Bookmarks or notebook covers instead of frowning over a plain bookmark or notebook, you can lighten it up by adding embroidery on them.
- Tags you may also embroider gift tags or name tags should you like a personalized touch
If you are planning to do paper embroidery, there are several things that you need to consider. And among the most important are the materials that you will need. First, you need to decide on the type of paper you will be using. Be sure to choose papers which can hold the threads. It should also be fibrous and can allow you to push the needles through it.
The type of needles that you are going to use should be very thin and sharp. Many recommend that a paper embroiderer use 75/11 needle size. The threads that you will be using are the next thing to consider. You can actually use any kind of threads you prefer. But make sure that it will perfectly fit he needle as well as suit the paper you are using on your project.
There is not much you need in order to start your project. You just have to keep in mind that in paper embroidery, creativity is also the best factor to consider.
Nupur Das, an ardent writer is a Masters in English.She has many short stories to her credit and now given her attention to article writing.Please visit my blog http://ethnic-embroidery.blogspot.com for more information. Article Source: Free Articles ArticleSnatch Article Directory
view entry | permalink
by LynnM
You don't need to spend a lot of money on craft equipment for your kids. Sure, you can if you wish go to the toy store and buy those overpackaged, overpriced kits. However, a little bit of thought and you can not only do crafts on the cheap, but you and your kids can have a lot of fun doing them as well.
Think before you throw out things. Pictures from old magazines can be cut out and used for projects such as collage. Greetings cards can also be used in this way, or the cut-outs used to make new cards. Newspapers can be turned into papier mache.
Raid your sewing box for old buttons, pieces of wool or scrap material. Again, these can be used for collage or cards, and for making bangles, necklaces, or even dolls clothes.
A store cupboard item you can use for crafting with young children is dried pasta such as penne. Help them thread it onto string to make a long necklace.
Make your own playdough. Put 1 cup water, 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt, 2 teaspoons cooking oil and 2 teaspoons cream of tartar in a pan. Add a little food coloring and cook gently for a few minutes until the mixture forms a ball. Store in a plastic container.
Lolly or popsicle sticks, washed and dried, can be made into many interesting objects such as doll's furniture.
Paper plates make great masks. Cut out holes for the eyes and attach a piece of elastic once the plates are painted or drawn on. Halve the plates to make carnival eye masks and attach a popsicle stick as a handle.
A great place to find free craft materials is outdoors. Nature provides us with a wealth of ideas. In the woods, gather leaves, twigs or bark. An imaginative child will find plenty to do with them. While you're there, give your kids paper and crayons to make tree bark rubbings. See what patterns different trees make.
Flowers can be picked for pressing. You don't need an expensive flower press, just gently wrap the blooms in kitchen roll and place between the pages of an old book. Put it in a warm place such as an airing cupboard, weighted down if it's a paperback, and wait a few days until the flowers are completely dry.
The beach is another good place to gather materials. Small shells can be glued onto plain trinket boxes or picture frames to make highly individual gifts. Collect large stones and paint them. Make an interesting texture on paper by spreading glue over and sprinkling on sand.
Explore charity shops. Buy cheap glassware and crockery to paint on. Old wallpaper rolls are great for scrap paper and cutting out. You may even find books on crafts.
I'm sure that you'll come up with even more ideas for inexpensive craft ideas for your kids. Remember to be safety conscious with materials. And don't forget, have fun!
LynnM is a work-from-home mom. Read more about kids at her website Family Den. Article Source: Free Articles ArticleSnatch Article Directory
view entry | permalink
by David H. Urmann
Craft ideas are very helpful for the kids. They may discover their talents in creativeness once they try this out.
Craft projects are one of the most fun and enjoyable activities that kids look forward to in school. Crafts boost a child's creativity and inventiveness. It is also a good way to improve their motor skills while having fun at the same time. It also promotes a sense of discipline, teamwork, patience, cooperation and ingenuity.
One of the popular craft project in school is making Salt Dough Buddy Pens. These are simple and easy to make. It requires only a bit of imagination and patience because the dough should be dried overnight.
The basic materials needed to make salt dough buddy pens are the following: 1 cup water, 1 cup salt, bowl, toothpick, 2 cups flour, waxed paper, paintbrushes, acrylic craft paint, plastic wrap, ballpoint pen, cookie sheet or cutting board, Acrylic sealer spray (matte or gloss), and modeling clay.
As you go along the project, you could inject your own modifications to make it more beautiful and interesting. As the ideas come pouring in, you might need additional materials and you can procure it along the way. It is a good thing when you deviate a bit from the set procedure and give it a personal touch. It showcases uniqueness and a sense of individuality.
The first thing to do is to mix the flour, salt, and water together in a bowl. Add more flour if dough is too gluey and blend until it becomes better. It should not dry that much or else it will break.
Roll the pens in two layers of plastic wraps. Start just below the tip of the pen and work your way downwards. Jab the point of the pen into some modeling clay where the plastic wrap starts. The hole will serve as the base where the pen will stand once the project is finished.
Next, roll the dough with your palms until it becomes flexible and fully covered. Wrap the pen in plastic wrapper. Mold the salt dough and shape it like a carrot. Basically use your palms, fingers and a hard surface for molding. As you go along, you will discover your own technique in shaping the doughs.
Complete the face of the characters by making small molds to the take the form of eyes, nose, ears, hair and other accessories. Continue this by rolling the small amounts of dough into circles or lines and push them on the body. Use a small amount of water to stick them to the dough in case problem occurs. Molding small shapes can be a bit trickier. You can use pencils, barbecue sticks or the like to help give shape to your dough.
You could also use a toothpick to form freckles, eyelashes and eyebrows. It can also be used to dig small holes in the middle of the eyes to form irises. Next, attach 3 bits of chenille stems to put hairs. Just jab feathers into salt dough at any place. Be creative. You can also bundle up some strings or cotton to form the hair.
Place the finished character on a waxing paper. Then put it on a cookie sheet or cutting board. Leave it overnight to dry. Next, paint them with acrylic craft paint. Dry up one side before turning it over and painting the other side.
Next, scatter the area with two coats of acrylic sealer spray. Spraying will desiccate the two coats. Lastly, take out the pen from the modeling clay and clean the tip.
For more information on Halloween craft ideas and craft ideas for baby shower please visit our website.
view entry | permalink
by Sarah Jones
We all love crafts! They are a great way for kids to learn fine motor skills, and express themselves creatively, but being crafty can put a strain on your pocketbook at times. Going to the store to buy supplies for each and every craft project, just isn't practical. Which is why, it's important to learn how to come up with kids craft ideas on a budget. Consider using items and supplies that you already have on hand, for fun and simple impromptu projects.
There are so many items that often get overlooked when it comes to crafting. Think back to your own childhood. The days of toilet paper roll projects and egg cartons, should come rolling back. Remember how fun it was to create something beautiful out of something so plain? Help your kids relieve that same joy and pride with these simple tips and craft projects.
Recycle and Re-Use
Teaching your kids about recycling is a really good life lesson, so why not integrate craft time and science by re-using common household items? Paper bags, egg cartons and other goodies get a second life when they are forever treasured in the form of a craft project. Encourage your kids to come up with other household items that can be used for craft projects, you may be surprised at the things that they come up with!
Here are just a few of the materials that you can recycle, discover, or re-use for your own craft projects:
-Egg Cartons
-Grocery Bags (paper or plastic)
-Cardboard inserts from packaging and boxes
-CD's
-Old denim or fabric swatches
-T-shirts that no longer fit
-Used birthday cards or bags
-Wrapping paper
-Toilet paper and paper towel rolls
-Plastic soda bottles
-Cans (use caution with sharp edges)
-Things found in nature: A rock, leaves, sticks, etc.
Gravel Art
Here is a great little project that uses items that you should have lying around! Enjoy!
Materials Needed:
-Large Cardboard Box
-Small pieces of gravel (You will need quite a bit)
-String or Yarn
-Pencil
-Simple Coloring Book or personal drawing
-White glue in squeeze bottle
-Scissors
-Crayons (optional)
Instructions
1.Wash and rinse the gravel in a kitchen strainer. Spread out on towels to dry.
2.On your cardboard, use the pencil to make an outline of a simple drawing.
3.With the glue, trace over the outline.
4.Press string or yard onto the glue lines, cutting where necessary to form corners and angles.
5.Glue gravel onto the picture filling the spaces. You can use all one color, or use different colors for different areas.
6.If you wish to have a background, use crayons to draw and color one in.
Use Your Imagination
Once you get the hang of coming up with kids craft ideas, you will never go back to the store bought kits. There is so much more creativity and freedom that goes along with recycling and re-using common household items.
Sarah Jones loves teaching. When she isn't homeschooling her own children, she is busy sharing her love of education with others. Find a wide assortment of Lesson Plans, crafts for kids, and homeschooling tips at her site, http://www.KnowMore.com.
Article Source: Free Articles ArticleSnatch Article Directory
view entry | permalink
Search 
