Saturday, July 4, 2009

My DIY escort cards

Ever since I laid eyes on Manzanita tree escort card holders, I knew I had to have one. I don't know if you've ever priced Manzanita branch centerpieces at a florist, but they are EXPENSIVE! Technically, I could buy branches online at $4+ a piece, but luckily, a friend cut me 3 nice branches that he had, so I'm good. I'll post that project closer to my wedding date because I don't want to have to find room for a gigantic assembled tree / stand for 11 months right now.

Anyway, I couldn't decide if I wanted to make just escort cards or place cards so I made something I could use as either (and I'll decide later.) If I make them as escort cards, I'll hang them from the manzanita branch project.

Here's what you need:

  • Glue - fiance already had it for his minuature models so "free."
  • Colored cardstock - used leftover scrap pieces from making my save the dates - the package of cardstock cost me $4.36 at Jo-Ann's Fabric.
  • Fancy punch - $11.19 at Michael's craft store, on sale for 30% off.
  • Scissors - already had them so "free."
  • Pen - already had it so "free."
Not pictured (because I'm not going to do that until I know how many people are coming):
  • Ribbon /raffia - something to hang it on the manzanita tree. - already have it so "free."
  • Felt tip / calligraphy pen - to write names - already have it so "free."
What to do:
  • Bear with me, I took the pictures after I had already made a few escort cards so that's why they're not taken in exact order.
  • First, cut a size that you like from scrap paper, punch it, and glue on another scrap piece to the edge (optional)
  • Use this as your template to measure your cardstock to cut more paper.
As you can see, I'm using super advanced tools. ;-)
  • If you mess up on your punches (I like to have four at the end) just cut off the messed up piece and glue it to another piece of scrap paper.
  • Cut out one of the tiny cuts into a square. (We didn't pay $8.00 for that glue.)
  • Glue square to the underside of card so it sticks out like a pull (you could use these in guest books or whatever.)
  • If you're going to use these on a hanging tree, you can punch a hole in the opposite end and thread ribbon or raffia through it to hang. Finish it off by writing the guest's name on the card.
It was pretty easy and used just scrap paper that was otherwise going to go into the trash. The only thing I bought specifically for this project was the paper punch. I'll use it for more wedding related projects though!

More to come,
Ciao,
Bella

2 comments:

  1. Hi Bella, I am glad that you won my Giveaway- There are so many possibilities with these scratch cards for your wedding (if that is what you are planning them for) but anyway- enough about that- I read this blog and was reminded of my wedding planning 5 years ago... When I was planning our wedding I came across a magazine article talking about naming your tables after places that you had been(rather than boring table numbers) , or your favorite cities. I read that you are having a Spanish Flamenco theme- maybe you could come up with something for that theme to name all of your tables after...I used our favorite European Cities. We lived in Germany for 5 + 6 years before we got married and were able to do A LOT of traveling together! I loved this idea and it was a hit at out wedding, I thought I would share it! Good Luck with your little budget wedding planning-- Just let me know if I can be of any help! Karen

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  2. thanks for voting me :), this is great tips.

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