First Communion Invitation Cards

I've been having all sorts of computer problems lately that I think it’s time for a new one. Hence, I've been unenthusiastic about blogging. However, I can't resist sharing with you the invitation cards I made for my eldest son's First Eucharist (Communion). I am so pleased with how it turned out but I must warn you that I used a retired Stampin' Up! set to achieve what I wanted. Everything else is new especially the gorgeous Designer Series Paper and Labels Framelits from the 2012 Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue.

Don't they look fabulous? I used the Twitterpated DSP which is soft and feminine on one side and geometric and masculine on the other. I only used the Island Indigo and Basic Grey pieces for all the invitations.

 

As you can see, these gatefold invitation cards are interlaced and locked in place with a set of nesting Labels Framelits die cuts so there is no need for ribbons or belly bands to hold them together. I also embossed the top most Labels Framelits die cut with the oval Designer Frames embossing folder - totally love this textured effect. Then, I cut out the dove and popped it on top with dimensionals so that it sits over the larger white frame as a catch to prevent the card popping open too easily. This extra measure is optional because the interlacing Labels die cuts work well in holding the folds together anyway as shown in the inset photo.

Here's what the inside of the invitation looks like. Instead of just stamping the Cross onto the card, I stamped it separately, cut it out and adhered onto the card with dimensionals. The flower on the left was stamped straight onto the card, coloured in with a blender pen and Stampin' Write Markers with Dazzling Diamond centres.

I am so pleased with this design and if you love it too, do leave me your comments. Here's the project recipe.

project recipe
stamps: Special Blessing (retired), flower from Thanks for Caring (retired)

ink: Classic Stampin' Pad - Island Indigo (122937), Basic Grey (109120); Stampin' Write Markers - Island Indigo (123002), Basic Grey (120966)

card stock: Whisper White (106549),Island Indigo (124390), Basic Grey (121689)

dsp: Twitterpated (125406)

tools: Big Shot (113439), Labels Collection Framelits Dies (125598), Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folders Set (123130), Word Window ( 119857)

the added pizzaz: Blender Pen (102845), Dazzling Diamonds (102023)

cardessence tips

• each A4 card stock sheet should give you 2 cards - firstly trim it so that it measures 8" wide then using your Simply Scored Scoring Tool, score at 2" down the longest length, turn it 180 degrees and score again at 2";
• cut the card stock in half at its longest length;
• when you fold your card, ensure that the centre edges are aligned and meet neatly in the middle ie. fold one flap first and force the other to meet up - use your bone folder to press and burnish the folds for a crisp neat fold;
• use your 3 smallest Labels Framelits by nesting them evenly on Whisper White card stock and run it through the Big Shot - this will give you the outer Label frame and the smallest Label piece (top most layer) in a single run through the Big Shot;
• run the card stock piece through the Big Shot with the 2nd smallest die followed by embossing with the oval Designer Frames folder;
• adhere both Label pieces together with dimensionals;
• adhere the frame (Whisper White) piece on the left first, and whilst keeping it in a folded position, adhere the Label piece by sitting it inside the frame piece - this will ensure that both sides are completely aligned;
• lastly, adhere the dove.

happy stamping