any tips for DIY invites?

andra loves andre

We've encountered on a mission to letterpress our own invitations. We're planning on using an 84lb sheet as the main part of the invitation, on which we will glue panels. The invitation will look like a usual card, the kind that only has a fold in the middle. Once opened, the left part of the invitation will have a pocket for the inserts, and the right side will be where the whole "A&A invite you..." stuff goes. We will be running a ribbon across the cover of the inviation, and a few gemstone embelishments. 

The inserts include: menu (adult menu, and another insert if the couple has kids, so the kids can have their menu, too), ceremony map and raindate, reception map, accommodations, and the RSVPS.

I've made invitations before, but never anything as complex. It will need quite a bit of cutting, folding, gluing, measuring...

Do you ladies have any tips on how to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible? Any stories from your own past experiences?

Thank you!

naomikb

Sounds great!

If you want you can buy pre-made pocketfolds that sound like what you need (only difference is the pocket is on the opposite side): http://www.cardsandpockets.com/signature.aspx

It will save you a lot of work if you buy them premade, but they are certainly achievable to do yourself.  If you do make them yourself make sure to get good glue, the shiny cardstock can be hard to stick to itself to make the pockets!

If you're trying to reduce the amount of paper in them you don't need to include the full menu.  A simple "chicken/beef/vegetarian" checkbox (or a 3-word description of each entree) on the RSVP card is sufficient.

Definitely get yourself a good paper cutter, extra blades, and the plastic creasing blades that make indents so you can fold along the lines neatly.

ETA: Actually these might be closer to what you are looking for, it doesn't have the pointed overlap bit:
http://www.cardsandpockets.com/picollopocketfold4x55.aspx
http://www.cardsandpockets.com/quadratopocketfold7x7.aspx

andra loves andre

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_invites-paper_any-tips-for-diy-invites?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:cd062f89-8272-496a-b0ab-225e1f87acecDiscussion:0c874449-f660-4bd4-ac19-1c0ac94148eaPost:a0481bb8-dd45-4d45-a9ee-2ba7e582d234">Re: any tips for DIY invites?</a>:
[QUOTE]Sounds great! If you want you can buy pre-made pocketfolds that sound like what you need (only difference is the pocket is on the opposite side): <a href="http://www.cardsandpockets.com/signature.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.cardsandpockets.com/signature.aspx</a> It will save you a lot of work if you buy them premade, but they are certainly achievable to do yourself.  If you do make them yourself make sure to get good glue, the shiny cardstock can be hard to stick to itself to make the pockets! If you're trying to reduce the amount of paper in them you don't need to include the full menu.  A simple "chicken/beef/vegetarian" checkbox (or a 3-word description of each entree) on the RSVP card is sufficient. Definitely get yourself a good paper cutter, extra blades, and the plastic creasing blades that make indents so you can fold along the lines neatly.
Posted by naomikb[/QUOTE]

<div>Thanks for the reply, Naomikb!</div><div>
</div><div>I looked at buying premade pocketfolds, but they were quite a bit more expensive (It's only costing us $0.14 to make them!).</div><div>
</div><div>You're right, it might be difficult to glue the papers since the pocketfold part is shiny(ish). It's that pearlized linen paper... if you know what I'm talking about. When I went to a place to check out invitations, I noticed that they glued everthing down with a verrrrry thin line of hot glue. I wonder if that should work... maybe since it's a bit textured it would seep in well and hold it down. Now you have me thinking about glue big time!</div><div>
</div><div>I would have loved to include only a short bit on the RSVPs about the food, but we have lots of people that have allergies, so we wanted to be as descriptive as possible with the food so that they can tell us if they foresee any allergies. Maybe, though, I can put up the full menu on the wedding website and put a "for more info on the menu, please visit..."?</div><div>
</div><div>And I've been looking for the folding tool, but have no idea what to look for! THere are so many shapes and sizes, do you have any recommendations? THanks so much!</div>

jeybey76

I am making our invitations as well.  Good paper cutter is a must!
The folding tool is a bone folder - this is a link to one - http://www.amazon.com/EK-Success-Pink-Bone-Folder/dp/B002PIFUJ6/ref=sr_1_3?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1344898940&sr=1-3&keywords=bone+folder
They can be found online or at just about any Michael's, JoAnn's or Hobby Lobby.  They are generally created equal, but I do prefer the straight bone colored one over this one.  You can search bone folder on Amazon in Arts and Crafts as well.

Pearlized linen paper can be tricky, but a good double sided tape adhesive will work, just make sure to apply pressure once you adhesive things together.  Or you can use a fine line glue pen (ek success makes a decent one)

We also have a lot of people with allergies and are simply asking them to specify them on the RSVP card and then turning the list over to our venue - it's thier job to deal with it.  But if you want to share the menu - use the website!  Saves you time from cutting all that and postage too!

andra loves andre

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_invites-paper_any-tips-for-diy-invites?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:cd062f89-8272-496a-b0ab-225e1f87acecDiscussion:0c874449-f660-4bd4-ac19-1c0ac94148eaPost:6a0d6a88-9084-4a86-b373-fb541d983def">Re: any tips for DIY invites?</a>:
[QUOTE]I am making our invitations as well.  Good paper cutter is a must! The folding tool is a bone folder - this is a link to one - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/EK-Success-Pink-Bone-Folder/dp/B002PIFUJ6/ref=sr_1_3?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1344898940&sr=1-3&keywords=bone+folder" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/EK-Success-Pink-Bone-Folder/dp/B002PIFUJ6/ref=sr_1_3?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1344898940&sr=1-3&keywords=bone+folder</a> They can be found online or at just about any Michael's, JoAnn's or Hobby Lobby.  They are generally created equal, but I do prefer the straight bone colored one over this one.  You can search bone folder on Amazon in Arts and Crafts as well. Pearlized linen paper can be tricky, but a good double sided tape adhesive will work, just make sure to apply pressure once you adhesive things together.  Or you can use a fine line glue pen (ek success makes a decent one) We also have a lot of people with allergies and are simply asking them to specify them on the RSVP card and then turning the list over to our venue - it's thier job to deal with it.  But if you want to share the menu - use the website!  Saves you time from cutting all that and postage too! :)
Posted by jeybey76[/QUOTE]

<div>wow, thanks for all the information! </div><div>I guess my mission is to find that bone folder, and that glue pen. What kind of glue does the pen use? do you think it'll glue the pearlized paper?</div>

deviousmuse

You can also consider zip strips. I found them at Michaels and used them when I was testing out my pocketfold invite samples.

jeybey76

The glue pen is a liquid/gel clear glue - this is a good one - http://www.amazon.com/EK-Success-Squeeze-Roll-2-Way/dp/B000A86FZQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1344971715&sr=1-5&keywords=glue+pen
You can also find it at most craft type stores. Double sided tape found in the scrapbooking section works really well too - best way to save money on all this is to take advantage of those mailer coupons.

(Glad I can help!  Avid stamper and crafter that hates to pay full price or spend money on products I don't like )

naomikb

Re: the menu, I would just put a "Please list any dietary restrictions" line where they can say "I'm allergic to shellfish and pineapples".  It is way easier than you trying to list every single ingredient in the dishes and counting on the venue to make exactly what they tell you months in advance.  People with allergies are used to dealing with it and will double-check at the table before eating something if the allergy is severe. 

A link to the website for the menu is fine too.  But honestly I think you're overthinking it.  Adults with allergies know how to deal with them.

I have a paper cutter like this, and you can trade out the cutting blade for a plastic blade that just does creasing/scoring.  The guide (and lines) ensure you get straight lines every time.  They sell them at Michaels, take your 40% off coupon with you:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Recollections-Paper-Score-and-Trimmer-12-/230675127166

LeiselEB

I'd skip the menu.

Double stick tape will work VERY well on that type of paper. RIght when you press it down, it won't stick firmly, but the adhesive settles and after a few hours it's not going to budge at all. Plus, it won't warp the paper like glue can, and it lays flatter than most other adhesives. 

Measure your paper well before cutting, and make sure you're getting the most "pieces" out of one sheet of paper. There are different ways to cut in order to make the most of the paper. 

jma202

I just thought I would throw this out there, we made our own pocket invitations and they came out lovely. Until I started stuffing them in the envelopes and noticed that the pocket was no longer adhered. Major frustration ensued. Originally I had used the Zots brand permanent adhesive strips. I have never had a problem with them before, but a good bit of our invitation pockets came "unglued". So we're trying to figure out what to do with them now. Just wanted to give a heads up about the Zots strips, just in case!

andra loves andre

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_invites-paper_any-tips-for-diy-invites?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:cd062f89-8272-496a-b0ab-225e1f87acecDiscussion:0c874449-f660-4bd4-ac19-1c0ac94148eaPost:06acc4ab-714d-4c77-b906-0637658b67d8">Re: any tips for DIY invites?</a>:
[QUOTE]The glue pen is a liquid/gel clear glue - this is a good one - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/EK-Success-Squeeze-Roll-2-Way/dp/B000A86FZQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1344971715&sr=1-5&keywords=glue+pen" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/EK-Success-Squeeze-Roll-2-Way/dp/B000A86FZQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1344971715&sr=1-5&keywords=glue+pen</a> You can also find it at most craft type stores. Double sided tape found in the scrapbooking section works really well too - best way to save money on all this is to take advantage of those mailer coupons. (Glad I can help!  Avid stamper and crafter that hates to pay full price or spend money on products I don't like :))
Posted by jeybey76[/QUOTE]

<div>I think that glue pen might be our best bet! We've used the zip (zap?) tape that was also suggested, and it held papers and such fine, I'm just unsure of how well it would hold if we stuff the flap with 4 inserts or so! </div><div>
</div><div>I think I still have some of that tape, and I can always compare that to the pen to see which holds better. Might be my best bet!</div><div>
</div><div>I'm glad that you have experience in crafting. I don't have much, though I have tried a few projects. Almost burned through my coffee table once! 0.o</div>

andra loves andre

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_invites-paper_any-tips-for-diy-invites?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:cd062f89-8272-496a-b0ab-225e1f87acecDiscussion:0c874449-f660-4bd4-ac19-1c0ac94148eaPost:c0f16ec2-b041-4be7-b0a6-37d69ff50c92">Re: any tips for DIY invites?</a>:
[QUOTE]You can also consider zip strips. I found them at Michaels and used them when I was testing out my pocketfold invite samples.
Posted by deviousmuse[/QUOTE]

<div>did the strips hold well when the pcoketfolds were stuffed? I have about 4 inserts or so that need to go in mine.</div>

andra loves andre

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_invites-paper_any-tips-for-diy-invites?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:cd062f89-8272-496a-b0ab-225e1f87acecDiscussion:0c874449-f660-4bd4-ac19-1c0ac94148eaPost:5182c47e-d320-4732-9ec8-d9646d31b8fe">Re: any tips for DIY invites?</a>:
[QUOTE]Re: the menu, I would just put a "Please list any dietary restrictions" line where they can say "I'm allergic to shellfish and pineapples".  It is way easier than you trying to list every single ingredient in the dishes and counting on the venue to make exactly what they tell you months in advance.  People with allergies are used to dealing with it and will double-check at the table before eating something if the allergy is severe.  A link to the website for the menu is fine too.  But honestly I think you're overthinking it.  Adults with allergies know how to deal with them. I have a paper cutter like this, and you can trade out the cutting blade for a plastic blade that just does creasing/scoring.  The guide (and lines) ensure you get straight lines every time.  They sell them at Michaels, take your 40% off coupon with you: <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Recollections-Paper-Score-and-Trimmer-12-/230675127166" rel="nofollow">http://www.ebay.com/itm/Recollections-Paper-Score-and-Trimmer-12-/230675127166</a>
Posted by naomikb[/QUOTE]

<div>you're probably right and i am likely overthinking it! I like your suggestion with the paper cutter scorer... we have a paper cutter and fh just checked the website for it, and they have tons of accessories for it, including the scoring one! We have already ordered it! thanks!</div>

andra loves andre

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_invites-paper_any-tips-for-diy-invites?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:cd062f89-8272-496a-b0ab-225e1f87acecDiscussion:0c874449-f660-4bd4-ac19-1c0ac94148eaPost:6a6b5367-e86d-459c-83ec-bc677891f41b">Re: any tips for DIY invites?</a>:
[QUOTE]I'd skip the menu. Double stick tape will work VERY well on that type of paper. RIght when you press it down, it won't stick firmly, but the adhesive settles and after a few hours it's not going to budge at all. Plus, it won't warp the paper like glue can, and it lays flatter than most other adhesives.  Measure your paper well before cutting, and make sure you're getting the most "pieces" out of one sheet of paper. There are different ways to cut in order to make the most of the paper. 
Posted by LeiselEB[/QUOTE]

<div>That is true, it does lay flatter. If it holds (we're hoping to test it out over the next couple of days), then it sounds like the least messy and easiest option!</div>

andra loves andre

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_invites-paper_any-tips-for-diy-invites?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:cd062f89-8272-496a-b0ab-225e1f87acecDiscussion:0c874449-f660-4bd4-ac19-1c0ac94148eaPost:b09533df-ef0b-4ec8-9770-133cf4b75ecf">Re: any tips for DIY invites?</a>:
[QUOTE]I just thought I would throw this out there, we made our own pocket invitations and they came out lovely. U<strong>ntil I started stuffing them in the envelopes and noticed that the pocket was no longer adhered.</strong> Major frustration ensued. Originally I had used the Zots brand permanent adhesive strips. I have never had a problem with them before, but a good bit of our invitation pockets came "unglued". So we're trying to figure out what to do with them now. Just wanted to give a heads up about the Zots strips, just in case!
Posted by jma202[/QUOTE]

<div>uhoh, this was a fear of mine! I'll test this out with the paper and the tape I have soon. I really hope it won't be an issue because tape is so much easier to work with than glue, at least for how uncoordinated I am!</div>