For today's tutorial, we're going to expand on our May 5th product feature and step through a way that you can create fun homemade stationery or party invitations using paper from Cutcardstock!

Lettermint Press was founded on the premise that notes or invitations by mail are far more fun to receive than email. At Lettermint Press, we create fun off-the-shelf or custom invitations, stationery, notecards, etc for all occasions.

For this project you will need:
- Several sheets of kraft paper cardstock (12"x12")
- Several sheets of cardstock in the color of your choice (preferably a lighter color for ease of printing or writing with dark ink) - we're using Basis cardstock from Cutcardstock in the example
- Several additional sheets of paper (lighter weight, not cardstock) to use for envelope liners
- Square 6" kraft paper envelopes from Cutcardstock or other envelopes (we love A1 sized envelopes for thank you notes)
- Ruler and scissors or cutting/scoring tool
- Double stick tape or glue stick
- (Optional) scalloped edge cutting blade (Martha Stewart's line has a good one)


PREPARATION:

First, cut backing layers for your invitation or notecard from the kraft paper cardstock. If you're using a 6" envelope, you will want to cut a square backing layer that is 1/4 inch shorter on each side (cut to 5 3/4" x 5 3/4").



Next, cut invitation (top) layers from your colored cardstock of choice. This layer should again be 1/4 inch shorter than the backing layer, or 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" for the square invites.

Then, cut a rectangular piece from the lighter weight paper to use for the envelope liner. You can use the same color as the invitation layer or use a complementary color. The rectangle should be cut at 5 3/4" wide by approx. 6 1/2" long if using a 6" square envelope.

Finally (optional), using your scalloped blade tool, cut the edges of the invitation layer (and edge of envelope liner if you wish) into the scalloped pattern.



ASSEMBLY:

First, using double stick tape or your glue stick, apply the cut, colored invitation layer to the backing layer.


Next, using double stick tape or your glue stick, apply the envelope liner to the Brown Bag kraft paper envelope, taking care not to cover the envelope closure adhesive.


Voila! You have a beautiful homemade invitation or thank you note. Of course, you can also use this technique on other types of paper/colors/textures for a variety of purposes.


To learn more about our company, visit us at http://www.lettermint.com/!