The central idea for this invitation was the mother-to-be. Catherine has always been called Cat. Her mom, Liz, ordered the invitations from me, "design something, I trust you" Eeks. Design: what color? what interest? what theme? Her first grandchild was going to be a girl. And it had to have a cat.
So here's what I created.
I had just watched my Team Leader, my Upline in Stampin' Up! Karen Titus, demonstrate an Envelope Card, and I knew this was the design to use.
I looked through my Designer Papers and cardstock. Five pink shades? Pick one - Blushing Bride with a Slate Grey layer, and a kitten for Cat!
Envelope card, embossed with Cane Weave Embossing Folder; Cheerful Bucket cat; Rain or Shine Designer paper, variety of Designer papers for the envelope flap.
You may be reading this after April 2023, when the papers I used are no longer available. You'll be able to use this pattern for any printed paper, cardstock colors, stamps or embossing folder.
Use a card base in Blushing Bride cardstock. 5 1/4 x 4".
Emboss the front. I used the cane weave folder - doesn't it look realistic?
To make the envelope flap, cut a 5 1/4" Wide x 4" piece of coordinating Designer Paper, making sure that the underside of the print will not be upside down when you lift it up at the point. You'll find the center on the 5 1/4" side, which is 2 7/8". Make a tick mark. Fold the left and right corners in to the center so that they create a point.
There will be 1 inch remaining on the opposite side of the point. This will be glued to the back of the back piece (hope that makes sense.) At first I was scoring this before I glued it on, but while assembling the 40 invitations, I realized it was easier to fold as needed because the point didn't always end up perfectly together, leaving that 1" flap a little off center. But no worries, because this piece is glued to the back and then glued to the grey base.
After its glued fold the point piece down over the front and use your bone folder to firmly crease the fold.
Now glue the back to the grey base.
Cut a 2 1/2" circle with a punch or die for the center piece on the front. I used Rain or Shine paper because it has rain drops. You could also use the rain drops embossing folder for this circle. This card will open with the fold on the bottom, the envelope flap point on top. This point will be tucked behind the 2 1/2" circle.
BEFORE you attach the circle to the front, position it near the bottom, then tuck the point of the envelope piece under it. This will help you position the double sided tape to the lower 1/3 of the circle so the point doesn't get stuck in the tape behind the circle. Once you do that, add the double sided tape and stick the circle on.
Cut an umbrella from the Rain or Shine paper; or stamp it from this stamp set.
Stamp and die cut the cat.
When you glue it on to the circle, make sure to leave the head unattached so you can slide the handle of the umbrella slightly behind the head, then glue it down. I added mini dimensionals to the umbrella so it stands out a little.
Stamp an appropriate sentiment and add somewhere to the front. I used this Pick A Punch to put a fancy edge on each end.
I also used the Stampin' Up! Note Cards and created simple notecards, with many pink patterned designer papers for the front, a thank you sentiment and a sprig of coordinating pink ribbon.
You could stamp a cute image on the lower left corner of the envelope or the back flap.
There are lots of ideas on Pinterest for baby shower invitations, themes, decorations, games. My suggestion is make the invitations and thank you notes, and don't go overboard. Plan a light lunch, and put your focus on the mother-to-be and her baby.
And don't forget the grandmother - especially if its her first grandchild!
I had so much fun making these invitations for Cat's baby shower. Liz order 15 more "because every one loves them and wants one." I had just enough pink papers to make 15 more, plus that's 15 more Thank You Notes too. I delivered them a day early, and with the power of texting, in a few seconds, Cat had cheered for her baby shower invitations, and Gramma Liz was a happy lady.
Paper crafting is a 3-fold hobby for me: first, I get to be creative and so enjoy the many many options for designs. Next I get to send a message of joy or care to others. Thirdly, its so rewarding to hear the response from the receiver of the card. And round it goes. I love caring for others, and paper crafting - they're kind of interchangeable.
I'm an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and I love to share this craft. If you'd like to paper craft and get a discount, I'd love to tell you about it.
Thanks for reading. Check out my Face Book page and projects with the links to the right of this post.
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