For part two in our DIY Downton series, I asked my friend Nicole Westerlund to create an invitation suite that could be printed and assembled by a layperson (like myself). Maybe you have a talented, designer-friend like Nicole who can create files for you and some loyal Bridesmaids who can be coaxed into a crafty evening with good friends and a bottle of wine? Nicole created pieces with a deco flare including a silhouette save-the-date, an invitation and an RSVP card. She sent me the files along with detailed instructions on how to choose paper, cut and paste the various elements together. I’ve always thought of myself as a crafty person but this project gave me a tremendous respect for the detail that goes into hand-made invites. The project evolved into something much simpler than Nicole originally intended, but I was still pleased with the end result.

These are the files that Nicole emailed me. They were printed on my HP Photosmart Premium.

The supplies I used were:

1. Four different, but complimentary papers to print the files on. I chose papers with varying degrees of shimmer and different textures to create visual interest.
2. Envelopes for the invitation as well as smaller ones for the RSVP. I selected papers and envelopes from Reid’s on 17th (710 17 Ave SW Calgary, 403-229-4400).
3. A variety of interesting stamps for the envelopes. Check out Send more mail for an eclectic collection of Canadian stamps.
4. Cutting board
5. X-Acto knife and extra blades
6. Paper cutter
7. Glue stick

The paper I chose for the silhouette cut-outs was glittery & gold. The images were printed onto the back of the paper, for ease of printing and to ensure that the lines didn’t show. Once the silhouettes were cut-out using an X-Acto knife, the images were flipped over.

I used a paper cutter to ensure crisp edges…

and a glue stick to paste the various elements together.

My advice is to have realistic expectations for yourself (and your friends) and choose designs that are less complicated. Don’t expect the same level of perfection from yourself if you are not a stationer by day. Nothing can match the quality of an invitation designer if that fits into your budget, but if you are a die-hard DIY-er, go for it!