How to make creative party invitations

Tired of those boring, store-bought invitations? Here's a few tips to get your party started off right. Invite your friends and family with these bright and creative invitation alternatives.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sharp scissors
• Textured paper (different colors and textures)
• Glue sticks
• Hot glue gun & glue
• Beads, trinkets, old costume jewelry, lace, glitter, paint, and STUFF

1. PARTY PLANNING - What kind of party are you going to throw? Is it a wild, vivacious adult party with cocktails and a nightlife-style atmosphere? Are you throwing a surprise baby shower for your sister? The party invitations should reflect the spirit of your party.

2. THINK OUTSIDE THE ENVELOPE - Why use a boring old, four-corner envelope, when there are so many alternatives? Here are some bright suggestions for party envelopes:
   
   
   ADULT PARTY: Print your invitations on light paper, and roll them very tight. Stuff them into an unlubricated condom, and tie the top with neon ribbon.
   
   
   KIDS PARTY: Buy a box of inexpensive crayons, and stuff your invite inside. Use bubble-letters and outlined drawings, and let them RSVP with a work of art!
   
   BABY SHOWER: Try a clean diaper, a folded baby towel or roll up your invite and drop it into a baby bottle. Have fun!
   
   
   OTHER PARTIES: Try folding different types of origami! Origami is a fun and relaxing way to get really creative.

3. GLUE IT ON! - You've got your envelope, and you've thought it through...now what? Grab that glue! You can get crazy with just a little glue and a sense of adventure. Try gluing sequins,decorative beads, cloth or paper cutouts, glitter, and so much more! Surround your invite with "STUFF"! Here are some other inspirational glue-on ideas:
   
   
   ADULT PARTY: Glue on fake cigars, racy lace or questionable cutouts from your favorite nudie magazines!
   
   
   KIDS PARTY: Go wild with animal cutouts,comic book cutouts, letters, numbers and of course...glitter! Throw in some nutritious fruitsnacks as well for a fun treat.
   
   
   OTHER PARTIES: Try searching the scrapbooking section of your favorite art & crafts supply store for more ideas!

4. STUFF IT! - Now that your envelope is created and your invite is decked out in glamor, time to stuff it! Slip that baby in and pop on a fun postage stamp. Your partygoers will be impressed with your creativity and you're sure to get tons of replies.
   
   
   Have fun, and always party safely!

Tips & Warnings

• Check that junk drawer! Office party invites can be slathered with paperclips, post-its, stamps and more!
• Try to stick to a theme...an overly creative invite can get confusing.