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.
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.
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.
For envelopes, I used paper bags! Just flat kraft 5x7 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.
