With our DIY heavy wedding, Mr. Sea Monkey and I decided that we would go the same route for our invites. We knew we only had a handful to send out, and while it would be a major task to take on, it would be worth it in the end. I was pretty excited to begin figuring out how to make them.
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We decided that not only did we want to make our own invitations, but we wanted them to be pocketfolds. I had never really even heard of them until I started looking for inspiration for my invitations.
Pocketfold envelope by Cards and Pockets
Mr. Sea Monkey and I picked various shades of blue and brown paper from Cards and Pockets and ordered a bunch of samples. We ended up going with Peacock Teal for the pocketfolds. We also chose Bronze for the mats for the invitations and the inserts, and Sand for the stationery.
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The first thing Mr. Sea Monkey and I made were the pocketfold envelopes. This takes a bit of time and a lot of cutting. I did so many a day so that I didn’t get burnt out and make silly mistakes. The card stock comes in packs of 25, so I had plenty of practice before starting on the ones we would send out.
First, I cut out the pocket part. That had to be the toughest, because if you don’t get the measurements perfect, it messes the whole thing up. You have to leave the one-inch cut above the first flap on the pocket. There were a few times that I messed it up and it ripped the paper.
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I decided to make the V-shape in the pockets to add a little flair. I just thought it looked a little more fun than just leaving them straight across. It’s really a design choice.
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After the pocket was done, I scored all the folds with a bone folder. A bone folder is just a tool that helps make a crease, so the paper folds nicely without wrinkling and ripping. I was using a butter knife, but I actually went out and bought one, since I will get plenty of use out of it.
I also decided to cut the front flap into the traditional envelope flap shape.
Personal photo
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I decided to add ribbon and a shell in lieu of a belly band. I just hot glued the ribbon on. I’m so amazed that I created these, and they weren’t as hard as I imagined they would be.
Personal photo
Anyone else doing their own invites? I would love to see them!
Miss Sea Monkey
- Location:
- Sunny Isles Beach
- Occupation:
- Preschool Teacher
- Wedding Date:
- June 2015
- Venue:
- Solè on the Ocean
