enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

Invites1

I was so excited a few weeks ago to remember that hosting Thanksgiving means I get to send out Thanksgiving invitations. We are just celebrating with our immediate families this year (same as two years ago) and so it's only four invites that have to be made and mailed.

Invites3

Four invites is nothing, so I always figure I might as well fancy them up (plus this paper adventure is just for fun, everyone already knows they are coming down to visit). This year I kept the leaf theme (see our 2010 invites here), but decided to paint them on instead of use felt. I stuck with handwriting the text because it's more personal and (more importantly) easier than worrying about formatting on the computer.

Invites2

The paper is some heavy textured cardstock I have had on hand for ages and I used acrylic paint mixed with a bit of water. I practiced a bit to get a look I liked and then painted the leaf shape & added the handwriting then stared at them out of the corner of my eye for about an hour while watching TV before deciding they needed the yellow/orange paint around the border. Because I think the best part of autumn is the "rich" feeling (which I translate to extra layers and texture), I added machine stitching in the shape of the leaf a few times to "fill-out" the sides.

Invites4

For envelopes, I used paper bags! Just flat kraft 5×7 bags that fit the invitations. I painted extra leaves on the front and stitched the flap closed. I was a bit worried about how they'd fare in the mail, but I have heard that each one arrived safe and sound. Sweet.

Next up, planning the decorations (flowers and candles) and finalizing the menu.

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24 responses to “our thanksgiving invitations.”

  1. Jody R. Avatar

    It’s one of my 100×40 goals to host Thanksgiving. Not this year, but soon. I’ll have to pin these because they are adorable.

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  2. Leah Buckley Avatar

    cute cute cute! love the paper bag envelope.

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  3. lisa fine Avatar

    So cute. I love the stitching – great added touch.
    I think a sewing machine will have to become part of my wish list. It’d be fun to try a quilt one day, and I love making simple things like curtains.

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  4. Amanda Avatar

    i think the paper bags as envelopes might be my favourite part!

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  5. rachel swartley Avatar

    I always enjoy stitching on paper — and stitching over painted paper gives it a lovely layered effect. Very nice!

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  6. Jenny Meyerson Avatar

    The paper bag envelope (especially stitched closed) is awesome. Enjoy this holiday season with Paul. Know you are so glad to have him home this year.

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  7. Brittany Avatar

    I never would have thought to send out Thanksgiving invites – love this idea!

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  8. Debie Grace Avatar

    You are so creative!! 😀

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  9. Betsy Avatar
    Betsy

    These are brilliant! Love them.

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  10. susan black Avatar

    very cool invitations Elise. I saw this DIY faceted vase project & thought instantly of you
    http://ohhappyday.com/2012/11/faceted-vase-diy-free-template/

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  11. Susan Avatar

    special touches are sooo nice. awesome job.

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  12. Linda Avatar
    Linda

    So cute–who thinks of invitations at Thanksgiving?? You of course!!!

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  13. Rob Avatar
    Rob

    I got mine!

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  14. Kim Avatar

    So very perfectly Suited for the season!

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  15. Diana Avatar

    These are adorable! And I love the idea of sending invitations for thanksgiving even though everyone already knows they’re coming. It’s always excited to get something pretty in the mail.
    xo
    Diana
    http://unusuallylovely.com

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  16. Skye Avatar

    So cute! I love the stitched details and the paper bag envelope.

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  17. Allie Avatar

    I love the stiched details– and I’m with everyone else– the paper bag might just be my favorite part!

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  18. Natalie W Avatar

    How lovely! I never thought to use invitations for Thanksgiving but you have really inspired me. It’s just our immediate family, too, which makes the project manageable and I know they’ll appreciate it. Thanks!

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  19. Fiona Avatar

    These are so cute! It’s such a great idea to send out invites, and so much fun to get something else than bills in the mailbox 🙂 Makes me wish we celebrated Thanksgiving! I love all the details you put into the cards and the brown paper bag envelopes are just such a great touch.

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  20. Teresa Avatar

    Adorable! Too to adorable.
    So precious that you are making invitations; I guess it’s another thing to be thankful to be – you taking the time to put so much time in caring.
    Love,
    T

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  21. Brianna Avatar
    Brianna

    Love it. It almost makes me wish I had people to host for the holiday.

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  22. Lauren Avatar
    Lauren

    I LOVE the stitching! I’d love to do something like this for the holidays! Do you use a special needle or do anything different when stitching on paper? Or is it just the same as fabric?

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  23. elise blaha Avatar

    I change the needles because they get dull fast with paper, but I do not worry too much about needle size. 🙂

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