How to Make Matchbook Invitations
If you're designing invitations for your next event with friends and family members, an impressive way to convey party details is through eye-catching matchbook cards. Although the cards are bigger than real matchbooks, they incorporate the folded paper tucked into a narrow strip at the bottom look that guests will recognize. After the guests open the flap to reveal contents like a photo and information about the festivities, they'll definitely anticipate a memorable event.
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Things You'll Need
- 8.5-by-11 cardstock
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors or paper trimmer
- Embellishments
- White glue or glue stick
- Computer and printer or pen
- 4-by-6 photo
- Decorative paper
Instructions
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1
Select a color for your matchbook invitations that coordinate with the party decorations or the theme of the event. Consider a pastel shade for a baby shower, neon colors for a teen's sleepover or black and cream for an elegant dinner.
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2
Create the card base by positioning the cardstock vertically and making a 1-inch fold across the bottom. Grasp the top of the cardstock and guide the edge all the way down until it reaches the fold. Press your finger along the top to make a crisp fold. The card base should now be 5 inches long.
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3
Mark a point 7 inches along the top fold. Use scissors or a paper trimmer to trim at this mark so the card base now measures 5-by-7 inches. Tuck the front of the card into the 1-inch flap at the bottom like a matchbook.
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4
Decorate the flap at the bottom of the card with embellishments like stickers, buttons, paper flowers or plastic gems. Position the accents across the entire flap, in the center or to one side and affix them with glue. Choose an accent to adorn the invitation that corresponds with the party theme. Center and attach the decoration on the front of the card with a glue stick.
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5
Add the party details to the small piece of cardstock that coordinates with the card base. Use a computer and printer or a colorful marker to add specifics like the day, time, date, address, driving directions and RSVP information. Open the card, center the cardstock panel on the bottom half of the card and affix it with a glue stick.
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Tips & Warnings
Personalize the matchbook invitation by matting a photo of the event's guest of honor inside the card. Center the image on the top half of the card and use a glue stick to adhere it. When you're running short on time, buy blank pre-cut and folded matchbook cards to save you the added steps. The specialty cards are available at craft, scrapbook and stationery stores.
